For the GM 3.6 V6, we build supercharger systems rather than turbo kits. Both make power. The practical differences on this engine come down to how the boost is driven, how much of the car you have to modify, and whether you can put it back to stock.
This is an honest comparison rather than a sales pitch, and it explains a decision we have made about our own product range.
Do you sell a turbo kit for the 3.6 V6?
No. Forced induction for the GM 3.6 V6 in our range is supercharger-based. If you are researching an LFX turbo kit, an LGX turbo kit, a Cadillac CTS 3.6 turbo kit or a Camaro V6 turbo kit, the supercharger systems are the route we recommend and support, and they are what our tuning is built around.
How each one makes boost
A supercharger is driven directly by the crankshaft, so boost tracks engine speed and arrives without lag. A turbocharger is driven by exhaust gas, which is more thermally efficient but introduces spool time and a good deal more plumbing.
On a street-driven 3.6, the instant response of a crank-driven blower suits how the car actually gets used.
What has to change on the car
This is the bigger practical difference.
An Overkill supercharger system mounts using existing engine attachment points. A new independent crank pulley interlocks with the factory pulley and runs a dedicated 8-rib belt that does not interfere with the factory accessory belt. The Procharger head unit uses a self-contained oiling system, so no oil lines connect to the engine.
A turbo system needs exhaust manifolds or headers, downpipes, an oil feed and drain into the engine, and considerably more heat management in the engine bay.
Reversibility
The supercharger system is a 100% bolt-on installation with no permanent modifications, so the car can be returned to stock. That matters for warranty conversations, for resale, and for anyone who is not certain they want to keep the car modified.
Install time
The supercharger system is a weekend job for a competent home mechanic, with everything needed included in the kit. Turbo systems generally are not.
What it makes
Stage 1 typically adds 100-125 horsepower on the 3.6. On the Cadillac ATS that is the factory 260 wheel horsepower taken to 350-370 at the wheels. There are upgrade paths to a reliable 500+ horsepower, and the D-series head unit supports up to 16 psi on the 3.6.
Which 3.6 engine do you have?
Kits are engine-specific, not model-specific. The GM 3.6 V6 came in three generations, and the supercharger system differs between them:
- LLT — 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro. LLT Camaro supercharger system
- LFX — 2012-2015 Chevrolet Camaro. LFX Camaro supercharger system
- LGX — 2016-2024 Chevrolet Camaro. LGX Camaro supercharger system
- Cadillac CTS 3.0/3.6 — 2008-2013. CTS V6 supercharger system
- Cadillac ATS 3.6 LFX — 2013-2015. ATS LFX supercharger system
- Cadillac ATS 3.6 LGX — 2016-2019. ATS LGX supercharger system
If you are not sure which engine is in your car, the LLT, LFX and LGX fitment guide walks through identifying it — the 2016 Camaro alone was sold with three different engines.
See the Overkill supercharger systems.
FAQ
Is a supercharger or turbo better for a 3.6 V6?
For a street-driven 3.6, a supercharger gives instant crank-driven boost, needs far less modification to the car, and is fully reversible. A turbo is more thermally efficient but requires exhaust work, oil feed and drain lines into the engine, and much more heat management.
Do you sell a turbo kit for the GM 3.6 V6?
No. Our forced induction range for the 3.6 V6 is supercharger-based, covering the LLT, LFX and LGX engines in the Camaro, Cadillac CTS and Cadillac ATS.
Is there a turbo kit for the LGX 2016-2024 Camaro V6?
Not in our range. We build a supercharger system for the LGX Camaro instead, which is a bolt-on installation and fully reversible.
Is a supercharger reversible?
Yes. The system is 100% bolt-on with no permanent modifications, so the vehicle can be returned to stock.
Does the supercharger need oil lines into the engine?
No. The Procharger head unit has a self-contained oiling system, so no oil lines connect to the engine.
Will the supercharger interfere with the factory accessory belt?
No. A new independent crank pulley interlocks with the factory pulley and runs a dedicated 8-rib belt for the supercharger.