We’ve spent decades under hoods and on the dyno, watching supercharger trends come and go. Common centrifugal-type forced induction systems have stayed in the conversation for a reason, and we’re sometimes asked how our offerings differ from them. Let's break it down.
What Starts Cheap Rarely Stays Cheap
At first glance, centrifugal-type supercharger kits look like a great deal. The lower entry price is appealing. But the reality is, these setups don’t deliver their advertised performance without a long list of add-ons. To reach the power levels most modders are actually after, you’re typically adding:
- Upgraded fuel system (injectors, fuel pump, booster): ~$2,000
- Larger intercooler: $1,500+
- Upgraded belt drive system: ~$1,500
- Crank support system (to handle belt load): $500–$1,500
- E85 conversion + custom tuning: several hundred dollars
The real cost? That $5,000 kit can quickly become a $10,000-$12,000 build. And more importantly, you’re piecing a kit together along the way.
Complete Kits from VMP Performance
Our approach is different. We design our kits to be complete, engineered systems - not a starting point.
- Complementary components, designed to work together
- Proven fueling strategies
- Integrated cooling
- Calibrated for real-world performance
You’re not chasing parts, solving problems, or stacking costs later. You’re installing a system that works out of the box. Plus, with a VMP kit, you have the confidence of knowing that you’ve got a reliable, ready-to-install solution, rather than a starting point:
Centrifugal Superchargers Build Boost with RPM
All centrifugal superchargers build boost with RPM. You won't see peak power until the engine is spinning as fast as it can go. As RPM increases, boost increases exponentially, meaning:
- Minimal added power down low
- Power comes in late
- You only see peak performance near redline
On paper, that peak horsepower can look great. On the street, or even at the track, it’s a very different story.
The VMP Positive Displacement Advantage
VMP superchargers use a positive displacement design, which means:
- Full boost is available immediately
- Strong low-end torque
- Instant throttle response
- Consistent power across the entire RPM range
The result? You'll see better 60' times, stronger mid-range acceleration, and a car that feels powerful everywhere, not just at redline. This kind of power delivery is what most enthusiasts are actually looking for, even if they don’t realize it at first.
What About 'Lower Power' Builds?
Many modders commonly assume that if they're not chasing big power, a simple centrifugal kit makes the most sense.
But here’s the reality. Even at lower boost levels, you’re still getting:
- Delayed power delivery
- Less torque where you actually drive
- A car that feels stock until higher RPM
VMP Supercharger Low Power Delivery
Meanwhile, a VMP Supercharger setup, even at moderate power levels, delivers:
- Immediate response
- Better drivability
- More fun in everyday driving
So even if you’re not chasing max horsepower, you’re still getting a better driving experience.
Are Centrifugal Superchargers Loud?
A belt-driven centrifugal system is going to produce a lot of noise. Pulleys, belts, and high-speed straight-cut gears all add decibels and will be:
- Mechanically louder (pulleys, gears, belt systems)
- More noticeable in daily driving
Some people like that, but for many, it gets old.
The VMP Performance Driving Feel
A VMP Supercharger System delivers smooth, consistent power across the entire RPM range for:
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- A quiet and refined response under normal driving conditions
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- An aggressive and powerful response at WOT
You get a car that’s comfortable on the street, but exciting when you want it to be.
The VMP Supercharger Approach
Both centrifugal and positive displacement systems make power, but how they get there (and what it takes) is very different.
Centrifugal Superchargers
- Lower upfront cost
- Require multiple upgrades to reach full potential
- Power comes in late
- More pieced-together approach
VMP Superchargers
- Complete, engineered system
- Immediate, usable power
- Better drivability and performance across the board
- No guesswork, no chasing parts
The real question? Do you want a setup that can make power eventually, or one that delivers power every time you hit the throttle?
When you're ready to upgrade your build, check out our supercharger kits, as well as our wide range of other performance upgrades, from cold air intakes to throttle bodies, fuel injectors, and more.
Call, email, or stop by to connect with real enthusiasts who know all things supercharger, inside and out. We'll help you get the most from your build today!
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