Pajero V93 3.0L Supercharger Kit: VT and HKS Options

Quick Summary: The Mitsubishi Pajero V93 runs the 6G72 3.0L V6 — a proven engine in one of the most capable off-road platforms ever built. But 170 to 178 horsepower is not enough once you add a bullbar, winch, roof rack, and 33-inch all-terrain tyres. AME Motorsport offers two Gen2 supercharger kits for the V93: the VT twin-screw and the HKS centrifugal. Both are bolt-on, water-cooled, and backed by a 3-year warranty. Both underwent hardware iteration updates in 2024. No cutting, no welding, and no ECU tuning included — your tune is handled separately to match your fuel, altitude, and build.

The Mountain Cat's Power Gap

The Pajero earned its nickname "Mountain Cat" — 山猫 (Yamaneko) in Japanese — through decades of proving itself in the most demanding terrain on the planet. Twelve Dakar Rally victories. Legendary approach and departure angles. A robust ladder-frame chassis with Super Select 4WD that lets you switch between two-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive, and locked centre differential on the move. No other mid-size SUV has matched the Pajero's combination of on-road refinement and off-road brutality.

But the 6G72 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet tells a different story. Producing between 170 and 178 horsepower depending on market and specification, the naturally aspirated V6 was adequate when the Pajero rolled off the factory floor at its kerb weight. It is not adequate when the vehicle is built for serious expedition use.

Consider a typical overland-equipped Pajero V93. Steel front bumper with integrated winch mount. Rear swing-out carrier with spare tyre and jerry can holders. Rock sliders. Full-length aluminium roof rack with an 80-litre water tank and rooftop tent. A dual-battery system, fridge, and recovery gear. Upgraded to 265/70 R17 all-terrain tyres. That build adds 150 to 250 kilograms to the vehicle and increases rolling resistance significantly through the larger tyre diameter.

The result is a Mountain Cat that has lost its agility. Highway merging requires careful planning. Mountain passes expose the engine's limitations as it hunts for lower gears under load. Steep, loose climbs that the chassis could handle easily become exercises in momentum management because the engine cannot deliver enough torque to maintain traction at low speed.

Aftermarket intake and exhaust upgrades offer marginal gains on a naturally aspirated 6G72 — typically 5 to 10 horsepower at best. That does not offset the weight penalty from a serious trail build. The only realistic path to meaningful, usable power gains on this platform is forced induction.

The good news is that the 6G72 is a robust engine with a cast-iron block and a strong bottom end that handles additional stress comfortably. It has been in production for decades across multiple Mitsubishi platforms, and its engineering headroom makes it an excellent candidate for supercharging.

VT Gen2 Twin-Screw Supercharger Kit

The VT Gen2 kit for the Pajero V93 is built around a twin-screw supercharger — a positive-displacement design that delivers consistent, linear boost from just above idle through to redline. Unlike a turbocharger that relies on exhaust gas velocity to spool, the twin-screw unit is mechanically driven from the crankshaft via a belt drive system. Boost is available the instant you open the throttle. There is no lag, no dead zone in the powerband, and no sudden torque spike that breaks traction on loose surfaces.

That characteristic is critical for the Pajero's intended use. On gravel switchbacks, loose sand, and rocky ascents, throttle modulation determines whether you maintain traction or spin the wheels and lose momentum. The twin-screw's progressive, predictable power delivery gives you precise throttle control exactly when you need it — whether crawling over boulders at walking pace or powering through a sandy riverbed.

What's in the Kit

The Mitsubishi Pajero V93 VT Supercharger Kit includes the complete hardware package for a bolt-on installation:

• VT Gen2 twin-screw supercharger unit with 3-year warranty
• Water-cooled intercooler system — reduces intake charge temperatures for consistent, safe power output in sustained high-load conditions
• Dedicated oil cooling system — maintains supercharger lubrication independent of engine oil
• CNC-machined mounting brackets — engineered specifically for the V93 engine bay and 6G72 layout
• Belt drive system — complete serpentine arrangement with tensioner
• Silicone hoses and clamps — high-temperature-rated throughout
• All necessary hardware and fittings — gaskets, fasteners, and coolant lines included

Important: ECU tuning is not included in the supercharger kit. Engine management calibration must be handled separately to match your specific fuel type, altitude, and modifications. This is intentional — a tailored tune ensures optimal power delivery, fuel economy, and engine protection rather than a generic one-size-fits-all calibration.

HKS Gen2 Supercharger Kit

AME Motorsport also offers the Mitsubishi Pajero V73/V93 V6/3.0 HKS Supercharger Kit as an alternative forced induction solution for the 6G72. The HKS Gen2 kit uses HKS's own supercharger architecture and is a bolt-on system designed for the V93 platform. Like the VT kit, the HKS option is water-cooled, includes all necessary mounting hardware, and carries a 3-year warranty.

Both kits received hardware iteration updates in 2024, bringing improvements to thermal management, bracket fitment, and component durability based on field data collected from earlier installations.

The HKS kit also covers the earlier V73 Pajero with the same 6G72 engine, making it a versatile option for owners of both generations.

V97 3.8L Owners

For Pajero V97 owners running the larger 6G75 3.8-litre V6, AME Motorsport offers the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.8 HKS Supercharger Kit. This kit is purpose-built for the 6G75 platform and provides the same bolt-on, water-cooled design philosophy applied to the larger displacement engine.

VT Gen2 vs HKS Gen2: Comparison

Both kits are proven solutions for the 6G72, but they use different supercharger architectures. The following table summarises the key differences to help you choose the right kit for your build.

For trail-focused builds where low-RPM torque and instant throttle response are priorities, the VT Gen2 twin-screw kit is typically the preferred choice. The positive-displacement design means maximum boost is available immediately, which matters when you need precise power modulation on technical terrain. For builds that blend highway touring with occasional off-road use, the HKS Gen2 is worth considering as a strong all-round option.

2024 Hardware Iteration Updates

Both the VT Gen2 and HKS Gen2 kits underwent hardware iteration updates in 2024. These are not cosmetic changes — they represent refinements driven by real-world installation data and feedback from workshops and owners operating in demanding conditions.

The updates addressed thermal management improvements to maintain lower charge air temperatures during sustained high-load operation in hot climates. Bracket fitment was refined for smoother installation and tighter tolerances in the V93 engine bay. Component durability was improved based on field data from vehicles operating in dusty, high-temperature environments where the Pajero typically works hardest.

These iterative improvements are part of the ongoing development process that separates engineered supercharger kits from generic forced induction solutions. Both VT and HKS continue to refine their hardware based on how these kits perform in the real world, not just on a dyno in a climate-controlled facility.

Installation

Both the VT Gen2 and HKS Gen2 kits are true bolt-on systems. No cutting, welding, or permanent modification to the chassis or engine is required. The factory cooling system, intake routing, and accessory drive layout are all preserved. A competent workshop familiar with the Pajero platform can complete the installation in a day.

Water-Cooled Intercooler

Compressing air generates heat, and hot intake air reduces power output and increases the risk of detonation. Both kits use dedicated water-cooled intercooler circuits to manage charge temperatures. Coolant flows through the intercooler core, extracting heat from the compressed air before it enters the intake manifold.

This design is more compact than a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler and does not require cutting the bumper or blocking airflow to the radiator. That matters for off-road use — at low speeds during technical trail sections, there is minimal ram air flowing through the front of the vehicle. A water-cooled system maintains effectiveness regardless of vehicle speed, keeping intake temperatures in check during sustained low-speed climbs that would challenge an air-to-air setup.

Dedicated Oil Cooling

Both supercharger units operate with their own oil supply, completely separate from the engine oil. The kits include dedicated oil cooling systems that maintain optimal lubricant temperatures regardless of ambient conditions or sustained high-load driving. This independent system means the supercharger does not burden the factory engine oil system or introduce additional heat into the engine's lubrication circuit.

Factory Cooling Preserved

The stock radiator, thermostat, and cooling fans remain untouched. The supercharger's cooling systems — both intercooler and oil — operate independently. Factory engine cooling capacity is fully retained, which is critical for a vehicle that routinely operates in hot climates, at low speeds, and under heavy load.

Key Benefits for Pajero V93 Owners

• Meaningful power increase — forced induction delivers gains that bolt-on intake and exhaust modifications cannot approach on the naturally aspirated 6G72
• Instant throttle response — mechanically driven boost available from just off idle, no turbo lag
• Linear power delivery — positive-displacement and progressive designs provide predictable boost across the rev range
• Trail-optimised performance — precise throttle control on loose surfaces where traction management is critical
• Strong low-end torque — additional torque available low in the rev range where off-road driving demands it most
• High-altitude compensation — the supercharger forces more air into the engine, offsetting power losses at elevation where the Mountain Cat often operates
• Bolt-on installation — no cutting, welding, or permanent modification to the vehicle
• Independent cooling systems — water-cooled intercooler and dedicated oil cooling operate without burdening factory systems
• 3-year warranty — both VT and HKS kits are backed by manufacturer warranty coverage
• Reversible — either kit can be removed and the engine returned to stock configuration
• Two proven options — choose between VT twin-screw and HKS based on your driving priorities and build goals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ECU tuning included with either kit?

No. ECU tuning is not included with the VT Gen2 or the HKS Gen2 kit and must be sourced separately. This is intentional — the calibration needs to account for your specific fuel type (91, 95, or 98 octane), altitude, and any other modifications on the vehicle. A tailored tune ensures optimal power output, proper fuel delivery, and engine protection. AME Motorsport can advise on tuning options for your specific build.

Which kit should I choose — VT or HKS?

It depends on your priorities. The VT Gen2 twin-screw kit delivers consistent boost from idle to redline, making it the preferred choice for off-road-focused builds where instant low-RPM torque and precise throttle modulation are critical. The HKS Gen2 kit offers strong all-round performance and also covers the earlier V73 Pajero. Both are bolt-on, water-cooled, and carry a 3-year warranty. Both received 2024 hardware updates.

Will the supercharger kit work with my existing lift, bumpers, and tyres?

Yes. Both kits mount within the existing V93 engine bay and do not interfere with suspension lifts, body modifications, steel bumpers, or tyre upgrades. The kits are designed around the Pajero's engine bay dimensions and accessory layout. The additional torque is particularly beneficial for vehicles running larger, heavier tyres and carrying significant accessory weight — exactly the scenario where the stock 6G72 struggles most.

How does the supercharger perform at high altitude?

This is one of the strongest arguments for forced induction over staying naturally aspirated. At altitude, air density decreases and NA engines lose power proportionally — the stock 6G72 can lose 15 to 20 percent of its output at mountain elevations. The supercharger compensates by mechanically forcing a greater volume of air into the cylinders, maintaining power output where a stock engine would struggle. For Pajero owners who regularly drive mountain trails and high passes — the terrain the Mountain Cat was built for — this alone justifies the upgrade.

Is there a supercharger kit for the V97 3.8L Pajero?

Yes. AME Motorsport offers the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.8 HKS Supercharger Kit for the V97 running the 6G75 3.8-litre V6. It follows the same bolt-on, water-cooled design philosophy and carries a 3-year warranty.

Related Supercharger Kits

The Pajero platform shares its off-road DNA with other legendary 4WD vehicles. AME Motorsport offers supercharger kits across a wide range of platforms:

• Mitsubishi Pajero V93 VT Supercharger Kit
• Mitsubishi Pajero V73/V93 V6/3.0 HKS Supercharger Kit
• Mitsubishi Pajero 3.8 HKS Supercharger Kit
• Jeep Wrangler 3.0/3.6 VT Supercharger
• Browse All Supercharger Kits