Procharger Vs. Supercharger - What’s The Difference?

The procharger is a powerful way to boost your vehicle's power. There are some benefits to each, but also some drawbacks. So what’s the difference between a supercharger and a procharger?

To increase the pressure in the intake, superchargers employ mesh lobes. The procharger, on the other hand is a centrifugal Supercharger which provides an uninterrupted stream of air. However, this model will cost more. 

We will be discussing the key differences between the Supercharger and Procharger in this guide. You will learn the pros and cons for each, as well as which one is better. 

What's a Procharger?

Procharger Superchargers are actually called prochargers. Prochargers are often associated with turbines driven by belts. There are many solutions for the problems caused by the standard supercharger. The procharger gives the engine a constant air flow. The procharger looks like a turbocharger with the same turbine, but it’s driven by a belt instead of the exhaust gases.

The centrifugal Supercharger is a spinning impeller that draws air into it and redirects it out. This creates a circular motion. The air is converted to high pressure and then driven into the engine by the procharger, which provides a constant amount of power. With the constant flow of air, there’s no lag or waiting around for power. 

Additionally, it can be connected directly to your engine. It’s compact, so there’s no need for additional modifications with most cars. The procharger also won’t produce an excessive amount of power, unlike the supercharger. The unique design of the procharger does however increase its price. Additionally, the sound of the procharger may be louder that a standard supercharger. It can also make the engine whine when it revs. Some people aren’t fond of this sound that’s created. 

What's a Supercharger?

The supercharger is a low-cost option to increase the power output of your engine. You have many options when it comes to superchargers. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. With a few of the superchargers, you might need to make modifications to the hood, so that’s something to be aware of.

Roots superchargers are the best and most basic choice. This supercharger is installed under most cars' hoods, and connected to the intake system. To build pressure in the intake manifold, air is moved back and forth through the mesh lobes. The engine receives short bursts in air, giving it power surges. 

You could also opt for a twin-screw Supercharger. It uses long screws that rotate and draw in air to hold the pressure. These are smaller than the roots supercharger, so there isn’t as much room needed. This type, however, is more loud and requires sound suppression. 

While the supercharger is going to give you plenty of quick power, it doesn’t come in continuous bursts. This is the most common complaint. While the lag isn’t as noticeable as with a turbocharger, there will be some that you might deal with. 

READ MORE: Supercharger and Turbocharger Differences (Which one is better?)

What is the difference between a Supercharger and a Procharger?

1. Performance improvements

You are looking for more power in your engine, no matter if you use a procharger or supercharger. What one do you prefer? They both will bring you some results, though in different ways. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your performance goals before you move on.

You might get more power from your engine with a supercharger than you would with a standard procharger. However, the power will come in bursts, so it’s not continual. The amount of lag is barely noticeable to some people and far less than what’s found with a turbocharger, which is why these cost more than a standard turbo.

While the procharger delivers a faster stream of power than the Supercharger, they are not always as efficient. While you aren’t going to wait at all, you might not get everything you want out of a procharger, especially if you are looking for maximum gains. Still, most prochargers won’t require big modifications to the car, while the supercharger might. This is something else to consider when deciding what’s important. 

2. Maintenance

The supercharger can put some strain on your car's engine. This means that you will need to monitor your oil level more closely than with standard engines. It may be necessary to improve the quality of your fuel.

You will make your engine last longer if you switch to premium fuel. You should be aware that not all vehicles need premium fuel. It is important to investigate this before changing.

You should also keep an eye on your automatic transmission. You should be able counteract the extra stress that superchargers can cause by regular maintenance.

The drive belts for both superchargers and prochargers will also be provided. It is important to maintain the belt regularly in order for it to work properly. The majority of drive belts need to be replaced every 50k-70k miles. 

3. Pricing

There’s a lot of excitement in adding power to your car, but it comes at a cost. In return, the car’s value will go up, but not enough to justify what you spend. It is important to choose the best option for your budget. The turbocharger will be the most cost-effective solution, however, we're only focusing on the procharger.

You might be able to find something at a lower price, such as $2,500, but it is important that you are careful about quality. Price is directly related to the power and durability of your product. That’s why with either a supercharger or procharger is going to provide you with what you pay for. 

The basic model is not enough if you need a durable and reliable unit. You might find a decent unit with a supercharger from the roots for as low as $2,500-$3,000.

With the supercharger though, you don’t want to buy something if you can’t take it to the extreme. In some regions, it’s illegal to use a supercharger to its tuned extreme. It is best to spend a little bit more money on a Procharger in these cases. If you don't, the fines and tickets you receive from traffic enforcement could add up.

Although the initial cost of the procharger will be higher, it can provide some long-term economic advantages. For example, the procharger doesn’t burn through as much fuel as most superchargers. This would make it more economical if you care about fuel economy. Prochargers also put less pressure on your engine. Although you still have to maintain your engine, the procharger may not cause as much trouble as the supercharger. 

It’s a delicate balancing act. Although you may pay more upfront, a supercharger could end up being more expensive over time. Prochargers are more affordable if you invest more upfront. You can save a bit more if you are able to wait a while before purchasing a unit.