Paxton vs. Vortech Superchargers: The Best Bolt-On Blowers

Okay, you've decided that your vehicle isn’t fast enough, and you need the kind of horsepower that only superchargers and turbochargers can deliver. But now, you're left with two critical decisions—what type of supercharger should you get, and what brand should you get? Of course, these questions inevitably lead down the gearhead rabbit hole, but let's figure it out. Also if you decide to go all out, considering upgrading your internal engine parts becomes part of the discussion.

Paxton Supercharger Kits

There are three main types of superchargers—centrifugal blowers, roots blowers, and twin-screw blowers. They each have their pluses and minuses, just like they each have their champions and decriers. Here's a macro-level overview:

• Centrifugal Blower
  • Mechanically driven off the crankshaft
  • Dynamic compression type
  • Boost pressure increases with engine RPM
  • Accelerates air and exchanges the velocity by diffusing the pressure
  • Mid- to high-priced superchargers
• Roots Blower
  • Mechanically driven off the crankshaft
  • External compression type
  • Boost pressure stays fixed at all RPM
  • The lowest-priced superchargers
• Twin Screw Blower
  • Mechanically driven off the crankshaft
  • Internal compression type
  • Boost pressure increases with engine RPM
  • The most expensive of superchargers

Paxton vs. Vortech

Next, is the bigger question—which brand of supercharger kit should you choose? Today, there is no shortage of companies selling superchargers. There are five that are most popular with enthusiasts, and two that have been battling it out for years—Paxton vs. Vortech. Both brands come as a complete bolt-on kit and both get rave reviews from their rabid enthusiast base. But, there are a few differences:

• Vortech Supercharger
  • Founded in 1990
  • Based on centrifugal and twin-screw designs
  • Best design for high-end torque
  • Kits usually do not include an intercooler
  • Best for racing
• Paxton Supercharger
  • Founded in 1937
  • Based on centrifugal and Roots configuration
  • Roots is the best design for low-end torque
  • All kits include an intercooler
  • Best for towing and hauling

What's the Right Supercharger for You?

So, the blower type you choose depends on the type of boost you want—low-end, high-end, or steady. Roots delivers high boost at low RPM, centrifugal delivers high boost at high RPM, and the twin-screw stays even across the power band. And, when it comes to your side in the Vortech vs. Paxton brand battle, that all depends on your brand loyalty, your racing buddies, and your wallet.