Case Of The Mondays: Bogus Electric Superchargers Promise Up To 50HP

Kevin Shaw
January 2, 2012

There are some pieces of American consumerism that will forever go down in history as this nation’s best WTF moments. The pet rock is a good example. So that’s why we had to giggle when we saw these eBay ads listing switch-operated, battery-powered electric superchargers.

Offering anywhere between 2-to-3lbs. of boost (depending upon your particular vehicle, of course. wink, wink), this electric motored blower is claimed to easily increase your ride’s horsepower and torque as it force-feeds air into the intake using an electric generator.

Best of all, this ad promises to “dramatically increased acceleration” thanks to a large 3-inch inlet. Other kits offer large pleated cone air filters, wiring looms, switches and all the other hardware needed to install the quick-and-easy supercharger install.

Of course, we can’t help but wonder what performance enthusiast besides the occasional clueless 17-year-old would really believe that an electric motor drawing less amperage than a household ceiling fan could really boost their car’s performance.

Ultimately, we calk this up to another instance of people wanting to take the easy way, rather than actually learning about how heat and pressure will split the plastic rivets holding this poorly assembled clamshell together in a manner of seconds.

But hey, if this piece of Arizona beachfront property is right up your alley, then rest assured that they’ll happily take your money via PayPal.