Whipple vs. Roush: Which Supercharger is Best for the 2018–2020 F150?
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The 5.0L Coyote V8 in the F-150 is a masterpiece of engineering. It loves to rev, it sounds great, and it makes decent power.
But you don't want "decent." You want "terrifying."
You want the kind of power that smokes the tires at 40 MPH and leaves sports cars in the dust. You need a Supercharger.
For the F-150, two names dominate the conversation: Roush Performance and Whipple Superchargers.
- Roush is the "Factory" choice. They work directly with Ford, offer great warranties, and use the TVS (Roots-style) rotor pack for reliable, daily-drivable power.
- Whipple is the "King of Power." Their Twin-Screw design is larger, more efficient, and famous for making the loudest whine and the biggest horsepower numbers.
So, do you play it safe with the Roush, or go for glory with the Whipple? In this guide, we compare the intake temps, power potential, and installation details of the two titans of forced induction.
Compare Forced Induction Styles
Instant Torque or Top-End Scream?
|
System Type |
Engine |
Characteristics |
Best For |
|
Twin-Screw (Whipple) |
5.0L V8 |
Instant Torque. Massive power from 1500 RPM up. |
The "Lightning" Build. Street/Towing/Drag. |
|
TVS Roots (Roush) |
5.0L V8 |
OEM Reliability. Factory-like driveability. |
Warranty. Many kits offer powertrain coverage. |
|
Centrifugal (ProCharger) |
5.0L V8 |
Linear Power. Feels like a massive N/A engine. |
Street/Strip. High RPM horsepower. |
|
Turbo Upgrade (Garrett) |
EcoBoost |
Efficiency. More power per psi of boost. |
Sleepers. Hidden power for V6 owners. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Forced Induction)
Will a supercharger blow up my engine?
Not if tuned correctly. The 5.0L Coyote engine is incredibly stout. "Complete Kits" from Roush and Whipple are engineered to operate within the safe limits of the stock block and transmission (usually around 650–700 HP). Failures typically happen when owners push past these limits with aggressive custom tunes or bad fuel.
Does it void my warranty?
Technically, Yes. Installing forced induction will void your Ford powertrain warranty. However, brands like Roush and Whipple offer their own supplemental 3-year/36,000-mile limited powertrain warranties if the kit is installed by an ASE-certified mechanic or dealership.
How much power can the 10-Speed transmission handle?
The 10R80 transmission (found in 2017+ models) is very strong. It reliably handles 700–800 HP in stock form. If you are pushing beyond 800 HP, you will likely need to upgrade the torque converter and clutch packs.
700+ Horsepower is one click away.
Build the ultimate street truck with proven kits from Whipple and Roush. Shop our verified collection of 2015–2020 F-150 Superchargers.