How a Rotrex supercharger works
Every Jackson Racing supercharger system is built around a Rotrex supercharger unit. Rotrex superchargers are the most compact, efficient, and reliable centrifugal superchargers on the market. Every supercharger is developed, manufactured, assembled, and tested in Denmark, ensuring the highest quality at every step.
- No GearsThe planetary traction drive operates silently, with no vibration or gear whine.
- Strong PullMore low- and mid-range boost, for quicker acceleration.
- Built To LastRolling elements with patented ramp effect prevent excessive stress and wear.
- CompactSmall enough to fit tight modern engine bays, with flexible mounting.
Inside the traction drive
Rotrex superchargers are unique thanks to their compact, efficient, and quiet traction drive technology. The traction drive speeds up the compressor with specialized rollers and a traction fluid instead of toothed gears. A thin film of traction fluid sits between each rolling surface. Under high surface pressure, the traction fluid momentarily increases viscosity, enhancing the traction drive performance by securing the optimum friction between rolling elements while cooling and protecting the system.
- Outer Ring “Annulus” – Turned by the input shaft. It has a small pre-span to secure contact between the roller planets and the sun shaft.
- Rollers “Planets” – Three smooth rollers carry the motion inward from the ring with the patented ramp effect.
- Compressor “Sun Shaft” – The center shaft to the compressor wheel. Because it’s smaller than the outer ring, it spins many times faster.
The traction fluid circuit
The Rotrex supercharger has a dedicated traction oil circuit which ensures both lubrication, cooling and torque transfer.
- Supercharger. An oil pump inside the unit keeps the fluid moving whenever the engine runs.
- Oil Cooler. Sheds heat so the fluid stays in its working range.
- Oil Canister. Holds the fluid supply and lets air bubbles settle out.
- Magnetic Oil Filter. Catches any particles before they reach the supercharger.
- Primer Bulb. Used to fill the lines with fluid when the system is installed or serviced.
Use only Rotrex traction fluid in the traction drive. Engine oil or ATF do not operate the way traction fluid does, and the drive will slip and wear. All JR kits come with the oil set, hoses, and fittings matched to the application.
How the power feels
Rotrex superchargers deliver refined linear power from the hit of the throttle, all the way to redline. As RPMs build, boost continues to increase, giving the feeling of a larger displacement engine with no sudden surge. There’s no lag, just direct power instantly, at any speed.
Rotrex models at a glance
Rotrex makes the C range in four sizes. A bigger unit moves more air and supports more power, so it spins its compressor slower and needs less step-up.
C15
C30
C38
C38R
| Model | Power range | Max compressor speed | Step-up ratio | Max airflow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C15 | 82–238 hp | 201,500 rpm | 12.67 : 1 | 0.22 kg/s |
| C30 | 163–490 hp | 120,000 rpm | 9.49 : 1 | 0.44 kg/s |
| C38 | 272–720 hp | 90,000 rpm | 7.5 : 1 | 0.63 kg/s |
| C38R | 455–1,240 hp | 90,000 rpm | 6 : 1 | 1.1 kg/s |
Care and support
- Change the traction fluid on schedule. Rotrex fluid is changed every 2 years or 50,000 miles.
- Keep the fluid loop sealed and clean. Use only Rotrex-approved hoses, filters and fittings.
- Questions about your install? Our installation manuals and FAQs cover the common ones, and our Jackson Racing team can help with any other questions.