How to Choose the Right Turbocharger for Your Vehicle

Your Guide to buying the best Turbocharger

Overview

A turbocharger is a device that increases the power output of an internal combustion engine by forcing additional air into the combustion chamber. The increased air pressure allows the engine to burn more fuel, resulting in increased power and efficiency. Purchasing the right turbocharger for your vehicle can be a complex process. This buying guide provides an overview of the components that make up a turbocharger, the major factors to consider when selecting a turbocharger, and tips on how to install and maintain your turbocharger. By following this guide, you can make an educated decision about the right turbocharger for your vehicle and its needs.

Key features

  1. Engine Make & Model: Determine which engine the Turbocharger is designed for, as they are typically specific to certain makes and models.
  2. Horsepower: Consider the horsepower gains offered by the Turbocharger unit.
  3. Compressor: Evaluate the size and type of compressor the Turbocharger contains; a larger compressor will generate more power.
  4. Turbine: Check the size, shape, and material of the turbine; different turbines offer different performance gains.
  5. Waste Gate: Consider the type of Wastegate the Turbocharger has; Internal or External Wastegates are the two main types.
  6. Heat Management: Determine whether the Turbocharger has adequate heat management systems in place to protect the engine.
  7. Installation: Research the installation process for the Turbocharger to ensure it is within the scope of your ability.
  8. Compatibility: Confirm the Turbocharger is compatible with other engine components such as exhaust systems and fuel injectors.

See the most popular Turbocharger on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Increased Performance: A turbocharger provides increased power output and torque by forcing more air into the engine's combustion chamber.
  • Improved Fuel Economy: The additional air flow created by a turbocharger helps the engine to run more efficiently, resulting in improved fuel economy.
  • Longer Engine Life: The extra air forced into the engine helps reduce wear and tear on the engine, thus extending its life.
  • Lightweight Design: Turbochargers are generally lighter than other forms of forced induction, helping to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.
  • Ease of Installation: Turbochargers can be installed relatively easily compared to other forms of forced induction.

Cons

  • Price - Turbochargers can be expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the type and style of the turbocharger.
  • Installation - Installing a turbocharger can be complex and require a lot of technical knowledge.
  • Maintenance - Turbochargers require regular maintenance, including changing the oil regularly, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Heat - Turbochargers generate a lot of heat, which can lead to reduced performance and potential engine damage.
  • Lack of Power - Without a turbocharger, some cars can lack power at higher speeds, and a turbocharger can help improve this.
  • Lag Time - There can be a noticeable lag time when the turbocharger kicks in, which can make driving less smooth and enjoyable.

Best alternatives

  1. Supercharger - A forced induction system that increases the engine's power output by raising the air pressure in the intake manifold.
  2. Nitrous Oxide Injection Kit - A system that adds nitrogen oxide to the intake manifold, resulting in increased power output.
  3. Cold Air Intake - A device that increases the amount of cold air that can enter the engine, resulting in improved engine performance.
  4. Engine Tuning - Adjusting the engine's components such as the spark plugs, fuel injectors, and camshafts to improve engine performance.
  5. Exhaust System Upgrades - Replacing the stock exhaust system with a high-performance system to increase engine power.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Turbocharger - forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine's efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber.
  • Gasket Set - collection of gaskets necessary to install a turbocharger.
  • Oil Feed Line - high pressure line that supplies lubricating oil to the turbocharger.
  • Oil Return Line - low pressure line that returns oil from the turbocharger to the engine.
  • Heat Shield - metal shield that protects the turbocharger from direct heat exposure.
  • Intercooler - heat exchanger that cools air before it enters the intake manifold.
  • Air Intake - device that delivers air to the turbocharger.
  • Air Filter - device that filters out contaminants from the air before it is pumped into the turbocharger.
  • Wastegate - valve that modulates the amount of exhaust gas that flows to the turbocharger.
  • Blow Off Valve - valve that releases excess pressure in the intake system.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of a turbocharger?
    The main benefit of a turbocharger is increased engine power and efficiency. With a turbocharger, an engine can generate more power from a smaller capacity, allowing for improved performance while still maintaining reasonable fuel consumption. Additionally, turbochargers can increase an engine’s torque, allowing for quicker acceleration and better engine response.
  2. What type of vehicles is a turbocharger typically used in?
    Turbochargers are typically used in vehicles with high performance needs, such as racing cars, sports cars, and high-end luxury cars. However, turbochargers are also becoming increasingly common in smaller, more economical cars as manufacturers look to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
  3. What is the difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger?
    Turbochargers and superchargers are both engine performance-enhancing components that increase the power of an engine. The main difference between them is that a turbocharger is powered by an exhaust gas-driven turbine, whereas a supercharger is driven by a belt connected to the engine’s crankshaft. Superchargers provide instant power, while turbochargers need a few seconds to “spool up” to reach their full potential.
  4. What are the signs that a turbocharger needs to be replaced?
    Common signs that a turbocharger may need to be replaced include decreased engine performance, visible oil leakage, unusual engine noises, and excessive exhaust smoke. If these issues are noticed, a diagnostic should be performed to determine the cause of the problem.
  5. How often should a turbocharger be serviced?
    Turbochargers should be serviced regularly, as per the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. This typically includes oil and filter changes, as well as checking the turbocharger for proper operation. Additionally, turbochargers should be inspected for any signs of damage or wear, and any necessary repairs should be made.

Trivia

An interesting story about turbochargers is that they were originally designed to increase the power of fighter planes during World War II. The idea was to give planes a boost during take-off and short bursts of speed during dogfights. After the war, the technology was adapted to be used in automobiles, which has become the primary use for turbochargers today. This story is a reminder of the amazing things humanity can accomplish when we work together and think outside the box. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.