If you're looking to requite your auto more than horsepower, intakes and exhaust modifications only get so far. And while tires and suspension tuning can add together speed in the corners, at some indicate, more output is required to go faster. That's frequently achieved via forced induction—which typically, for tuners and OEMs, means a turbocharger. But is putting a turbo on a naturally-aspirated car actually that simple?

The turbocharger is simply part of the process

Putting a turbocharger on a naturally-aspirated engine doesn't fundamentally change how the engine works. Air is notwithstanding sucked into the combustion chamber, where it'south mixed with fuel and combusted. The difference is that the turbo gets spun up past the expelled exhaust gases. This lets it shrink more fresh air into the combustion bedroom. More than air means a bigger nail which means more power.

Two Two Garrett GTX3582R Gen II turbochargers laid next to each other
Two Garrett GTX3582R Gen II turbochargers | Garrett via Instagram

However, while a turbocharger'southward operation sounds simple in theory, in reality it can quite complex. For case, differently-sized turbos are better in unlike parts of the RPM range, Hot Rod explains. Then there's different vane geometries to consider, CarThrottle reports, and where to place the turbos themselves.

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But turbocharging an engine requires more than just picking the kind of turbo y'all desire. As the turbos kickoff spinning, they heat upward, especially on the frazzle side, Haynes explains. This heats up the incoming air, making it less dense and oxygen-rich, which cuts into ability output. That'due south why turbocharged engines accept intercoolers—to cool the air later on the turbo compresses it.

There's also the thing of making sure plenty air gets into the turbos. Aftermarket intakes and exhausts don't offer much for naturally-aspirated engines, yes. Still, for forced-consecration engines, information technology'southward a dissimilar story.

In addition, making more than power requires non simply more air, simply actress fuel, too. And it's the task of the car'due south ECU to properly meter and monitor air- and fuel-flow. And so, to continue up with the incoming air, the engine needs a modified ECU and upgraded injectors, ItStillRuns explains. An upgraded fuel pump may likewise exist required.

And even after that, there are still potential pitfalls.

What to scout out for during the build

All the parts and modifications mentioned and so far are well-nigh maximizing how efficiently your turbo works. But, while the turbocharger does add ability, it can also damage or even destroy your engine if used improperly.

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The actress power comes from a more violent explosion inside your engine'southward combustion chambers. And your automobile's pistons, valves, and other internal components may not exist able to handle information technology. It'southward not uncommon, TorqueCars explains, for tuners to fit larger valves, increment port size, and stronger, more expensive pistons to compensate. Plus, the added power tin increase wear on your clutch. That'due south why ItStillRuns recommends fitting an upgraded or racing-spec clutch if y'all're turbocharging your motorcar.

Also, there's the thing of the boost process itself. One simple way for a previously-turbocharged engine to make more power is to crank up the boost settings. However, not just does that put more than stress on the internal components, but information technology also increases the change of premature ignition. This is the dreaded 'knock,' or 'detonation,' which comes from fuel combusting uncontrollably. And information technology can harm your engine even more.

1994 Toyota Celica GT4 engine bay
1994 Toyota Celica GT4 engine bay | Bring a Trailer

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To avert this, in add-on to intercoolers, sometimes turbocharged engines will come with h2o injection. Information technology'south oftentimes fitted to rally cars, simply it's only recently that loftier-end performance cars have started coming with it from the manufactory. It's why the 1994 ST205 Toyota Celica GT4 is so widely-regarded for having one at that time. This cools the incoming air, fifty-fifty more, making it denser and preventing detonation.

Knock prevention is likewise why turbocharged cars often crave higher-octane fuel. Octane is a measure of knock resistance—the college the number, the lower the chance of detonation.

Caring for a turbo

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In brusque, although you tin can theoretically add together a turbocharger to near any naturally-aspirated engine, it's not a plug-and-play process. There are a lot of parts that require careful consideration. Luckily, some tuning companies have taken some of the guesswork out of the process. For instance, Colorado-based Flyin' Miata offers complete turbo kits that add a claimed 75-85 hp without injector upgrades.

After you install a turbo and all the requisite hardware, though, at that place are a few boosted intendance tips worth noting. Some OEMs, for example, quote more-frequent spark plug changes with their turbos, Cars.com reports. You also shouldn't lug your engine, or drive in high gear at low RPM, if it's turbocharged, R&T reports.

In addition, not but are turbochargers lubricated by the engine oil, they can exist rather difficult on it, Mobil reports. Depression-quality oil, and infrequent oil changes, tin can lead to turbo failure. As can failing to allow the oil go upwardly to temperature, or shutting the engine off immediately after driving. In the latter case, that can exit some oil in hot parts of the turbos, where information technology can burn up and leave damaging deposits.

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