If you own a Mustang GT with the legendary 5.0 Coyote engine, you've probably dreamed about adding a supercharger. Nothing transforms a Coyote like forced induction—we're talking gains of 200-300+ horsepower with the right setup. But choosing between Whipple, VMP, and Procharger isn't easy. Each has distinct characteristics, power delivery, and price points.
After installing dozens of supercharger kits on Coyote engines here at Raw Exotics, I can tell you there's no universal "best" choice. The right supercharger depends on your power goals, budget, driving style, and how you use the car. Let's break down each option in detail.
Understanding Supercharger Types
Before we dive into specific brands, you need to understand the fundamental difference between positive displacement superchargers (Whipple, VMP, Roush) and centrifugal superchargers (Procharger, Vortech, Paxton).
Positive Displacement (Twin-Screw)
Whipple and VMP both use twin-screw technology—a type of positive displacement supercharger. These units mount on top of the engine and force air into the intake manifold using counter-rotating rotors.
Key characteristics:
- Instant boost: Maximum boost available from idle to redline. No lag, no waiting—boost is there when you need it.
- Linear power delivery: Power curve mirrors the naturally aspirated curve but shifted up by 150-300 hp. Peak torque comes early and stays strong.
- Larger packaging: These units sit on top of the engine, requiring hood clearance (often a cowl hood on S550 Mustangs).
- More heat generation: Compressing air directly creates more heat, requiring good intercooling.
Centrifugal Superchargers
Procharger uses a belt-driven centrifugal compressor—essentially a belt-driven turbo. Air is compressed by an impeller spinning at extremely high RPM (40,000-70,000 RPM).
Key characteristics:
- RPM-dependent boost: Boost builds with engine RPM. Low boost at low RPM, maximum boost at high RPM.
- Explosive top-end power: Power builds progressively and hits hardest in the upper RPM range. Very exciting driving experience.
- Compact packaging: Mounts beside the engine, not on top. No hood clearance issues.
- Efficient air compression: Centrifugal design generates less heat than positive displacement, though still requires intercooling.
Whipple Superchargers: The Gold Standard
Whipple is the name most people think of when discussing Coyote superchargers, and for good reason. They pioneered high-performance twin-screw superchargers and have refined the design over decades.
Available Whipple Kits for Coyote
- 2.9L Whipple (Stage 1): Entry-level kit producing 650-700 hp on pump gas, 750-800 hp on E85. 8-9 psi boost.
- 3.0L Whipple (Stage 2): Mid-grade kit making 725-775 hp on pump gas, 825-875 hp on E85. 9-10 psi boost.
- 3.4L Whipple (Stage 3): Serious power kit producing 800-850 hp on pump gas, 900-950 hp on E85. 10-12 psi boost.
Whipple Strengths
- Proven reliability: Whipple has the longest track record with Coyote engines. Their kits are refined and bulletproof.
- Instant power: Boost comes on immediately at any RPM. The car feels like a big-displacement V8 with instant throttle response.
- Complete kits: Everything you need is in the box—supercharger, intercooler, fuel system upgrades, tuning, installation hardware.
- Excellent customer support: Whipple backs their products with industry-leading support and warranty coverage.
- Best low-end torque: No other supercharger matches Whipple's low-RPM punch. Perfect for street driving and daily use.
Whipple Weaknesses
- Price: Whipple kits are expensive. Expect $8,000-$10,500 depending on size and generation.
- Hood clearance: Most Whipple kits require a cowl hood on S550 Mustangs. The supercharger sits tall.
- Weight: Adding 80-100 lbs to the front of the car affects handling slightly (though most drivers never notice).
- Heat soak on track: Positive displacement generates more heat. Extended track sessions can see heat soak without additional cooling.
Whipple Power Curve Character
Whipple power delivery is immediate and violent. From the moment you touch the throttle, boost is there. Peak torque arrives around 3,500 RPM and holds flat to redline. It feels like a big-block V8—just massive, relentless torque everywhere in the rev range.
This makes Whipple perfect for street driving, daily use, and stoplight-to-stoplight performance. The instant boost response is addictive and makes the car feel significantly faster than the dyno numbers suggest.
VMP Superchargers: The Value Alternative
VMP (VMP Performance, formerly known as VMP Tuning) has emerged as a strong competitor to Whipple. They use similar twin-screw technology but with their own design improvements and typically lower pricing.
Available VMP Kits for Coyote
- VMP Gen2R (2.65L): Compact kit making 650-700 hp on pump gas, 750-800 hp on E85. Similar to Whipple 2.9L.
- VMP Gen3 (2.65L): Updated design with improved efficiency. 675-725 hp pump gas, 775-825 hp E85.
- VMP Gen3R (3.0L): Larger displacement for more power. 750-800 hp pump gas, 850-900 hp E85.
VMP Strengths
- Price advantage: VMP kits typically cost $1,000-2,000 less than equivalent Whipple setups. Better value for budget-conscious builders.
- Compact design: VMP superchargers sit lower than Whipple. Some Gen2R kits fit under the factory hood on certain Mustangs.
- Excellent efficiency: VMP's rotor design is very efficient, making comparable power to Whipple with slightly smaller displacement.
- Growing aftermarket: VMP has rapidly expanded their product lineup and support. Upgrades and parts are readily available.
- Similar power delivery: Like Whipple, VMP delivers instant boost and strong low-end torque.
VMP Weaknesses
- Less track record: While VMP has proven reliable, they don't have Whipple's two-decade track record on Ford platforms.
- Resale value: Whipple name carries more weight in the market. VMP-equipped cars may sell for slightly less.
- Tuning support: While growing, fewer tuners have extensive VMP experience compared to Whipple.
VMP Power Curve Character
VMP power delivery is nearly identical to Whipple—instant boost, massive low-end torque, flat power curve to redline. Most drivers couldn't tell the difference between a Whipple and VMP car without a dyno sheet. The driving experience is that similar.
Procharger: The Centrifugal Option
Procharger takes a completely different approach with centrifugal supercharging. Instead of a positive displacement unit on top of the engine, Procharger mounts a belt-driven compressor beside the engine.
Available Procharger Kits for Coyote
- Procharger P-1SC-1: Stage 1 kit producing 650-700 hp on pump gas, 750-825 hp on E85.
- Procharger D-1SC: Intercooled kit making 700-750 hp pump gas, 800-875 hp E85. Better for street/strip.
- Procharger F-1A/F-1C/F-1R: Race-oriented kits capable of 850-1200+ hp with supporting mods. Serious power.
Procharger Strengths
- No hood clearance issues: Procharger fits completely under the factory hood. No cowl hood required.
- Less weight: Lighter than twin-screw setups. Better weight distribution for handling.
- Exciting power delivery: The progressive boost build is thrilling. Power keeps climbing harder and harder toward redline.
- Maximum top-end power: Procharger makes the most peak horsepower of any supercharger option at the same boost level.
- Track proven: Procharger excels on road courses and drag strips where high-RPM power matters.
- Cooler charge temps: Centrifugal compression is more efficient, generating less heat than positive displacement.
Procharger Weaknesses
- Less low-end power: Boost builds with RPM, so low-RPM torque isn't as strong as twin-screw setups.
- Different power delivery: Some drivers don't like the progressive boost build. It feels "turbo-like" rather than naturally strong everywhere.
- More complex tuning: The RPM-dependent boost curve requires more sophisticated tuning for optimal drivability.
- Requires higher RPM usage: To get maximum power, you need to rev the engine. Not ideal for lazy street driving.
Procharger Power Curve Character
Procharger power builds progressively. At 2,000 RPM, you might only see 3-4 psi boost and modest power gains. At 4,000 RPM, you're seeing 7-8 psi and strong power. At 6,500 RPM, you're at full 10+ psi boost and making massive power.
The result is explosive top-end pull. The car pulls harder and harder as RPM climbs, building to a crescendo at redline. It's thrilling and addictive, especially on the track, but some drivers find the delayed low-end response less satisfying for street use.
Head-to-Head Power Comparison
Let's compare real-world dyno numbers on a 2018 Mustang GT (Gen3 Coyote) with supporting mods (fuel system, tuning).
Pump Gas (93 Octane)
| Setup | HP @ Wheels | TQ @ Wheels | Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock 5.0 Coyote | 420 hp | 390 tq | - |
| Whipple 2.9L | 675 hp | 585 tq | 8.5 psi |
| VMP Gen3 2.65L | 690 hp | 595 tq | 9 psi |
| Procharger D-1SC | 715 hp | 550 tq | 10 psi |
E85
| Setup | HP @ Wheels | TQ @ Wheels | Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whipple 2.9L | 775 hp | 655 tq | 9.5 psi |
| VMP Gen3 2.65L | 795 hp | 670 tq | 10 psi |
| Procharger D-1SC | 835 hp | 620 tq | 11.5 psi |
Notice Procharger makes the most peak horsepower, but less torque. This reflects the power curve differences—Procharger peaks higher at redline, while Whipple and VMP make more area-under-the-curve power.
Cost Comparison
Let's break down real-world costs including installation and supporting mods.
Whipple 2.9L Complete Install
- Whipple 2.9L Stage 2 kit: $8,995
- Cowl hood (if needed): $800-1200
- Installation labor: $2,500-3,500
- Custom tuning: $800-1,000
- Supporting mods (clutch, driveshaft, etc.): $1,500-2,500
- Total: $14,595-$17,695
VMP Gen3 Complete Install
- VMP Gen3 2.65L kit: $7,495
- Cowl hood (if needed): $800-1200
- Installation labor: $2,500-3,500
- Custom tuning: $800-1,000
- Supporting mods: $1,500-2,500
- Total: $13,095-$16,195
Procharger D-1SC Complete Install
- Procharger D-1SC kit: $7,295
- Hood (factory works): $0
- Installation labor: $2,200-3,000
- Custom tuning: $900-1,100
- Supporting mods: $1,500-2,500
- Total: $11,895-$14,895
Reliability and Longevity
All three brands are reliable when properly installed and tuned. Here's what we've learned from hundreds of installations:
Whipple Reliability
Excellent. We rarely see Whipple failures with proper maintenance. Change the supercharger oil every 6,000 miles (Eaton M122 fluid), and these units run forever. The Coyote platform handles 700-800 hp all day on stock internals with a good tune.
VMP Reliability
Very good. Similar to Whipple in terms of longevity. Regular oil changes and proper tuning result in trouble-free operation. We've seen VMP kits with 50,000+ hard miles still running strong.
Procharger Reliability
Excellent. Procharger's sealed bearing design means no oil changes required. The units are self-contained and typically outlast the engine. We've seen Prochargers with 100,000+ miles still making full boost.
Which Supercharger Should You Choose?
After all this information, here's my recommendation based on different use cases:
Choose Whipple If:
- You want the most proven, reliable option with the longest track record
- You prioritize low-end torque and instant throttle response
- You daily drive the car and want maximum street usability
- Budget isn't the primary concern
- You don't mind a cowl hood
Choose VMP If:
- You want twin-screw performance at a better price point
- You like the idea of supporting a smaller, growing company
- Hood clearance is a concern (Gen2R fits under factory hood on some apps)
- You want instant boost like Whipple but don't want to pay Whipple prices
Choose Procharger If:
- You want maximum peak horsepower
- You do track days and autocross where high-RPM power matters
- You must keep the factory hood
- You like explosive, building power delivery
- You're building toward 900+ hp and want a platform that scales
"For most street-driven Mustangs, I recommend Whipple or VMP. The instant boost and low-end torque make the car feel absolutely transformed in daily driving. Procharger is brilliant for track cars or anyone who wants that explosive top-end pull, but the average street driver will prefer the linear power of a twin-screw setup."
Ready to Add a Blower?
If you're ready to supercharge your Coyote Mustang, we can help you choose the right kit and handle the complete installation. We've installed all three brands dozens of times and can provide honest advice based on your specific goals and budget.
Call Raw Exotics at (713) 299-1168 or stop by our Houston shop. We'll discuss your power goals, driving style, and budget to build the perfect supercharger package for your Mustang.