Many people are looking for ways to boost their vehicle's performance by installing a turbocharger. Although the main goal behind this upgrade is to increase your car's power, you must ensure it can handle the extra pressure and heat caused by it. So, can you put a turbo in a 4 cylinder?
In this article, we'll explain whether 4-cylinder engines are suitable for a turbo upgrade and what you can expect. We'll also elaborate on how to install a turbo, its benefits, and precautions.
Continue reading to discover how to install a turbo on a 4 cylinder and its best practices!
Can You Put a Turbo in a 4 Cylinder?
Even though it’s believed that any engine can be turned into a turbocharged engine, you must ensure the vehicle can handle the power it generates. Since an engine with 4 cylinders is commonly found in sedans, economy cars, and compact SUVs, they can easily handle a turbo upgrade. So, yes, you might install a turbo in a 4-cylinder engine.
Many manufacturers equip 4-cylinder engines with turbos during production to improve their fuel efficiency and performance. This is possible because the turbo can compress air and force it into the engine, allowing it to create more power by burning more fuel. This process also increases overall horsepower and torque, which results in higher top speeds and faster acceleration.
However, before you decide whether or not to turbocharge your 4-cylinder engine, you should be well-acquainted with its advantages and disadvantages. As an experienced professional turbocharger supplier, we'll elaborate on them separately to better understand their effect on your vehicle.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Lek Changply
Pros of installing a turbo in a 4 cylinder
The main advantages you can expect from installing a turbo in a 4 cylinder are the following:
- Enhanced fuel efficiency: Since adding a turbo allows the engine to work less hard during regular use, it burns fuel more efficiently. This can sometimes lead to better gas mileage and fewer emissions.
- Increased horsepower and torque: As turbocharging your engine can boost its power output, you’ll achieve higher horsepower than a naturally aspirated engine.
- Better engine response: While turbos improve the engine’s response and acceleration, you can achieve more responsive driving at higher speeds.
- Engine size: Many people wonder if the engine’s size affects the vehicle’s ability to accept a turbo. So, can you add a turbo to any engine? While you can try adding a turbo to any engine, smaller and lighter ones, such as those with four cylinders, are more suitable for a turbo upgrade than large ones.
Cons of installing a turbo in a 4 cylinder
Even though turbocharging your 4-cylinder engine has numerous advantages, you should also be mindful of the following disadvantages:
- Higher risk of engine damage
- Additional installation costs
- More frequent and complex maintenance
- May require supporting modification
How to Install a Turbo on a 4 Cylinder
After discovering the basics behind turbocharging a 4-cylinder, we want to elaborate on its installation process. Such upgrades require previous experience, so we advise you never to install a turbo yourself if you don’t have the prior knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a turbo on a 4 cylinder:
Choosing the turbo
The first step in installing a turbo on a 4-cylinder is choosing the type of turbo you want to use. If you have no prior experience upgrading your car’s engine, we advise you to contact a professional turbocharger supplier like us. We can inform you about the best options for your vehicle and provide additional instructions.
During this primary step, you should always choose a turbo compatible with your engine. The most important elements are your engine size and the turbo size. You must determine your engine's size and which upgrade fits it best. Other elements you should consider when making your decision are the following:
- Turbocharger brand
- Your power boost goals
- Engine capacity
Installing supporting modifications
The second step in this process is installing the needed supporting modifications to ensure your vehicle and its engine can handle the turbo’s power. This includes upgrading your exhaust and fuel systems, intercoolers, and any additional components that may interfere with the engine’s performance and durability. The main reasons why these modifications are important are the following:
- Increased airflow
- Heat management
- Adequate fuel supply
Tuning the engine
One of the most important steps when installing the turbo is tuning the engine. This involves adjustments to the ignition timing, fuel and air mixture, and boost levels. Since this step is crucial for the engine’s reliability and achieving the desired power boost, we recommend hiring a professional tuner to achieve optimal results.
Continuous maintenance and monitoring
You should continuously monitor your newly boosted turbocharged engine because it requires more rigorous maintenance than naturally aspirated engines. This includes monitoring the boost levels and exhaust gas temperatures to ensure the engine is running properly during its use.
To increase the longevity of your vehicle’s engine, you should also conduct regular spark plug replacements and oil changes. Doing so will ensure your vehicle runs at its optimal performance and prevent potential engine damage.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Sanit Fuangnakhon
Conclusion
So, can you put a turbo in a 4 cylinder? While the simple answer is yes, you should always double-check if your vehicle is capable of handling the extra heat and pressure caused by the turbocharged engine.
If you have no prior experience upgrading cars, you should always contact a professional turbocharge supplier or tuner to install all the required supporting modifications. Lastly, if you ever need help with a turbo in a 4-cylinder, contact our team at Goldfarb & Associates, and we’ll gladly assist you!
