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MagnaCharger:
Frequently Asked Questions

Pictured at the left is a Harley Davidson engine on stand with a Standard Version MagnaCharger attached.

Click on the "Answer" links beside each question or scroll down the page to read all the questions and their answers.

Q1: Of all the methods to increase power why is Super Charging Superior? Answer
Q2: Are MagnaChargers only for racing applications? Answer
Q3: Do I have to make permanent modifications to my engine when installing a MagnaCharger? Answer
Q4: Do I have to have a MagnaCharger professionally installed? Answer
Q5: Why is a MagnaCharger better than Turbo Charging or Nitrous Oxide? Answer
Q6: What is the difference between Torque and Horsepower? Answer
Q7: Why will a smaller engine with a MagnaCharger accelerate faster than a larger engine, when they both have the same Torque? Answer
Q8: Will a motorcycle with the same Horsepower and Torque without a supercharger be as fast as one with a MagnaCharger? Answer
Q9: Do I have to do extensive modifications to put on a MagnaCharger? Answer
Q10: Does supercharging adversely affect my engine life? Answer
Q11: How much of a power increase can I expect? Answer
Q12: What is the warranty? Answer
Q13: Are MagnaChargers only available for Harleys? Answer

1. Of all the methods to increase power why is Super Charging Superior? A: The more fuel/air mixture that an engine can get into the cylinders, no matter what the engine size, the more power it will produce. In a non Super Charged engine the pistons must suck the fuel/air mixture into the engine. Expensive Stroker kits, Larger Pistons, Valves, Head redesign, Intake Manifolds, Carburetors, and expensive Hi-Lift Cams, increase the efficiency of air flow, but only at higher RPMs. Super Charging over comes the natural inefficiencies in the engine, Power is increased by forcing a larger fuel/air mixture into the engine, at all operating speeds, that is why the MagnaCharged SuperCharged engine has Instant response and a great increase in power. Return to Top

2. Are MagnaChargers only for racing applications? A: No! We have thousands in everyday use. Hi-end Auto manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz since the 1930’s have used Superchargers (the Famous 540K models for example) to enhance the performance of street automobiles. Today Mercedes Benz puts Eaton Superchargers on all their new Kompressor models (note we use the same Eaton Roots Rotors in our MagnaCharger models). BMW, Volvo, Buick, Pontiac, and Nissan also use SuperChargers too increase performance in their street models. Return to Top

3. Do I have to make permanent modifications to my engine when installing a MagnaCharger? A: NO! The MagnaCharger is a bolt-on installation. The Heads, Cam, and Engine Bore & Stroke can remain stock. One of the largest advantages is that you can have a Hi-power responsive Engine now, and when you sell your motorcycle you can save the original investment, by removing the MagnaCharger, re installing the old parts on your old bike, and save the MagnaCharger for your next Bike. This is something you can’t do when extensive, expensive Engine modifications have been done to your engine. Return to Top

4. Is it difficult to install a MagnaCharger, do I have to have it professionally installed? A: No! A good knowledge on the workings and repair of an engine is all you need. You can easily install it yourself with common tools. Any special installation tools are included, and complete instructions and special parts are also. Return to Top

5. Why is a MagnaCharger better than Turbo Charging or Nitrous Oxide? A: To be able to get the most fun and safety out of a motorcycle you need instant smooth responsive power. Nitrous comes in fast, but is uncontrollable, too much or too little. Turbo Chargers are famous for Turbo Lag. It takes time to get them wound up, once they are, they produce a lot of horsepower. That is a disadvantage in most street driving when instant response might prevent a terrible accident or when passing Semis, or on a mountain curve. Return to Top

6. What is the difference between Torque and Horsepower? A: Horsepower is a term relating to the amount of power in relation to RPMs of the engine. Torque is the more important of the two; it is the ability to quickly accelerate. Major auto manufacturers such as Ford, Volvo, and Mercedes Benz tout the advantages of their new Hi-Torque engines in their new cars and trucks. The Magna Charger helps an engine to produce massive amounts of controllable torque at lower engine speeds. This is most important in normal traffic or passing situations, right where 95% of the driving is done. See#5 above. Return to Top

7.  Why will a smaller engine with a MagnaCharger accelerate faster than a larger engine, when they both have the same Torque? A: The amount of power any engine can produce is a direct relationship of the amount of fuel/air mixture that can be forced into the engine, not engine size. MagnaCharged engines develop the Torque faster, because more fuel/air mixture is forced (boosted) into the cylinders at a lower RPM and at a faster rate, than an engine without a MagnaCharger. Return to Top

8. Will a motorcycle with the same Horsepower and Torque without a supercharger be as fast as one with a MagnaCharger? A: No! We did a side-by-side acceleration test with a larger S&S 107 Inch engine that had extensive headwork, and tuning. It produced one additional Horsepower, and one additional Ft Pound of Torque than a stock 88 inch HD Twin Cam with a MagnaCharger Installed. The only modifications to the 88-inch HD engine were a Crane Hi-4 ignition, and a set of Screaming eagle mufflers. We then conducted a 20 MPH to 100 MPH side-by-side race; the MagnaCharged stock Twin Cam beat the other bike between 10 and 15 bike lengths. The reason, see #6 and #7 above. Return to Top

9. Do I have to do extensive modifications to my engine to put on a MagnaCharger? A: No if you want to run on pump gas, a standard Evolution or Twin Cam engine works great. Both engines have between an 8.5-8.9 to 1 compression ratio C/R that is ideal for SuperCharging. If your engine has a higher C/R, and you do not want to use racing gas, we have lower compression pistons available. Return to Top

10. Does supercharging adversely affect my engine life? A: Usually not. As long as your engine is in good condition, we have found that engines With a MagnaCharger installed, with proper tuning, will last as long or longer than one without. We have Thousands of MagnaChargers installed, many bikes with as much as a hundred thousand miles. But like any modification, it can affect engine life if it is abused. Return to Top

11. How much of a power increase can I expect? A: Depending upon the condition of your engine, the amount of boost, and whether you use pump or racing gas and the final tuning, you can expect an increase in Horsepower of between 50 to 100%. The low-end effective torque will be dramatically increased. Return to Top

12. What is the warranty? A: All MagnaCharger products are covered by a One-year limited Warranty, which covers all parts and labor for any manufacturing defects. A 10 Year, 100,000 Extended warranty can be purchased for an additional $300.00. Return to Top

13. Are Magna Chargers only available for Harleys? A: We have complete models for the Yamaha V-Max, and Road Star, and the Honda Valkyrie. Return to Top

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This page last updated: March 18, 2003
Prices, terms, specifications and conditions subject to change without notice or obligation.
Copyright © 2003 MagnaCharger. All Rights Reserved.