Saleen Superchargers – History & Current Systems
Saleen has been synonymous with forced induction performance for nearly four decades. In 1985, Steve Saleen made history by delivering the first certified supercharged production Saleen Mustang to Nault Ford in Manchester, New Hampshire. This marked the first use of a centrifugal supercharger on a late-model Mustang and set the stage for Saleen’s continuous innovation in supercharger design, calibration, and OEM-level integration.
Saleen Supercharger Evolution: Series I through Series VI
Saleen has developed multiple generations of proprietary supercharger systems, each advancing technology, drivability, and performance:
- Series I: Early centrifugal systems used in the mid-1980s on production Saleen Mustangs. The first certified forced-induction late-model Mustangs in the U.S.
- Series II: Refinements to centrifugal design, improving reliability and response.
- Series III: Expanded cooling capacity and airflow management for greater horsepower potential.
- Series IV: Transition to positive displacement designs, delivering instant torque and OEM drivability.
- Series V: Larger capacity roots and twin-screw-based designs, engineered for S281 and early S331 platforms.
- Series VI: Advanced twin-screw units fitted to mid-2000s Saleen Mustangs and F-150 S331/Harley Davidson editions, known for instant torque and Saleen’s integrated intercooler system.
SMS 296 Supercharger
Following the establishment of SMS Supercars, the SMS 296 supercharger was introduced on vehicles such as the Saleen 570 Challenger. This system brought Saleen’s twin-screw supercharging technology to modern Dodge HEMI platforms, carrying forward Saleen’s philosophy of OEM-quality performance and drivability across multiple brands.
Current Saleen Superchargers
Today, Saleen superchargers are available as OEM equipment on Saleen Yellow Label and Black Label Mustangs and SporTrucks, as well as complete replacement kits for legacy Saleen models. Each system features Saleen Powerflash calibration for OEM-level drivability, emissions compliance, and performance.
Mustang Applications
- S281 (1999–2004): Twin-screw replacement kits for 4.6L 2V Mustangs, producing +160–262 RWHP depending on boost level.
- S302 (2011–2014): 745 HP / 620 TQ (Yellow Label) – OEM on S197 Saleen 302.
- S302 (2015–2017): 740 HP / 610 TQ – OEM system for 5.0L GT Mustangs.
- S302 (2018–2023): 750 HP / 640 TQ (Yellow Label) and 825 HP / 665 TQ (Black Label).
- S302 (2024–2025): 810 HP / 640 TQ (Yellow Label) and 875 HP / 660 TQ (Black Label) – OEM on Saleen S302 Mustangs with 5.0L GT and Dark Horse engines.
F-150 Applications
- S331 (2004–2008): OEM replacement system for 5.4L 3V Harley Davidson and Saleen trucks – 478 HP / 504 TQ.
- SporTruck (2018–2020): 725 HP / 625 TQ (Yellow Label) for 5.0L Coyote F-150.
- SporTruck & XR (2021–2023): 725 HP / 650 TQ (Yellow Label) and 775 HP / 675 TQ (Black Label).
- SporTruck (2024–2025): 745 HP / 650 TQ (Yellow Label) and 805 HP / 685 TQ (Black Label).
Charger & Challenger Applications
- Challenger/Charger HEMI (2008–2014): Recommended OE replacement for SMS 296-equipped Saleen 570 Challenger. Available for both 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI engines.
Why Choose a Saleen Supercharger?
- OEM-level design, fit, and finish
- 50-state legal with CARB EO certification (where noted)
- Saleen Powerflash calibration for drivability and reliability
- Complete kits with intercoolers, injectors, pulleys, and hardware
- Factory warranty options available on current systems
From the Series I centrifugal superchargers of 1985 to today’s 875HP Black Label Mustangs and 805HP SporTrucks, Saleen continues to set the benchmark for integrated, emissions-compliant performance superchargers. Explore our full line of Saleen Superchargers to find the correct system for your Mustang or F-150.
Saleen Mustang Superchargers
| Model | Years | Label | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang S281 (4.6L 2V) | 1999–2004 | S281 / Replacement | +160–262 RWHP over stock | Varies with boost (9–14 PSI) |
| Mustang S281 / S197 (4.6L 3V) | 2005–2009 | S281 / Replacement | 466 HP | 439 lb-ft |
| Mustang S302 (5.0L Coyote) | 2011–2014 | Yellow Label | 745 HP | 620 lb-ft |
| Mustang S302 (5.0L Coyote) | 2015–2017 | Replacement | 825 HP | 640 lb-ft |
| Mustang S302 (5.0L Coyote) | 2018–2023 | Yellow Label | 750 HP | 640 lb-ft |
| Mustang S302 (5.0L Coyote) | 2018–2023 | Black Label | 825 HP | 665 lb-ft |
| Mustang S302 (5.0L Coyote) | 2024–2025 | Yellow Label | 810 HP | 640 lb-ft |
| Mustang S302 (5.0L Coyote) | 2024–2025 | Black Label | 875 HP | 660 lb-ft |
Saleen F-150 Superchargers
| Model | Years | Label | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 S331 / Harley (5.4L 3V) | 2004–2008 | Replacement | 478 HP | 504 lb-ft |
| F-150 SporTruck (5.0L Coyote) | 2018–2020 | Yellow Label | 725 HP | 625 lb-ft |
| F-150 SporTruck / XR (5.0L Coyote) | 2021–2023 | Yellow Label | 725 HP | 650 lb-ft |
| F-150 SporTruck / XR (5.0L Coyote) | 2021–2023 | Black Label | 775 HP | 675 lb-ft |
| F-150 SporTruck (5.0L Coyote) | 2024–2025 | Yellow Label | 745 HP | 650 lb-ft |
| F-150 SporTruck (5.0L Coyote) | 2024–2025 | Black Label | 805 HP | 685 lb-ft |
Saleen Challenger & Charger Superchargers
| Model | Years | Label | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger/Charger HEMI | 2008–2014 | SMS 296 Replacement | Varies by engine (5.7L / 6.1L) | + HP/TQ with twin-screw system |