Can You Put a Turbo in Any Car?

Turbocharging is one of the most popular vehicle modifications. It enhances the engine’s power and efficiency while improving its performance. Considering all of its advantages, many vehicle owners have doubts about its compatibility with cars. So, can you put a turbo in any car?

If you want to boost the performance of your naturally aspirated engine by adding a turbocharger, you should have several factors in mind. We will discuss whether it’s possible to install a turbo in any car, and the technical aspects and all the modifications needed to ensure your vehicle can handle the extra power.

Let’s start!

Can You Put a Turbo in Any Car?

As a rule of thumb, turbocharging is possible on any automobile with a naturally aspirated engine, whether it has a diesel or petrol engine. Yet when we look at the numbers, diesel engines are more commonly turbocharged, with both factory and additional turbos.

When you investigate the installation of a turbocharger, you will find that certain testing and even some modifications are required for the project to succeed. Another important consideration before you start looking for used turbochargers for sale is the physical space under your vehicle's hood. In some vehicles, all parts are neatly packed, so adding a turbo is impossible.

Important factors to consider when turbocharging your car

Turbocharging is a complex process that requires a lot of expertise and time. Before you go to the mechanic to have your turbo installed, it is essential to consider the following things:

• Turbos require regular maintenance to work efficiently.
• Turbocharged cars must be warmed up before driving and need time to cool down when turned off.
• Turbocharged cars must have proper lubrication at all times.

Do all cars have turbo?

No, not all cars have turbos. When it comes to car engines, there are naturally aspirated engines and turbocharged engines. Both settings come with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

Things to do before turbocharging a car

To prepare your car for turbocharging, you should take the following steps:

• Replace the current engine control unit or integrate a new compatible one.
• Enhance the clutch system.
• Instal stock injectors and fuel pumps with higher flow.
• Upgrade internal engine components such as pistons, camshafts, and rods.
• Adapt the exhaust system, including parts such as the pipes.
• Increase the cooling capabilities of the vehicles.
• Sometimes, even the brakes and tires would need replacing.
• Modification of the spark plug heat range.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Iaroslav Neliubov

How to Know If Your Engine Can Handle a Turbo

First, you need to check whether your engine can handle a turbocharger. This can be done by checking the engine’s health. Compression and leak-down tests are the two commonly done tests on engines before turbos are installed.

Turbochargers need air pressure to work properly. The compression test is done before turbocharging because it determines the turbocharger's ability to create pressure. On another note, the leak-down test measures the rate compressed air leaks out of the cylinder.

If the engine is healthy and passes the two crucial tests, you must choose between the different types of turbochargers. The answer to the question of whether can you put a turbo on any car is not as easy as a simple yes or no. 

Generally, every vehicle can be turbocharged, but with a suitable turbocharger. To make the right choice, you should:

• Decide what horsepower you need.
• Ensure there is enough space for the turbo setting.
• Consider factors such as airflow, air pressure, and temperature.
• Find a suitable turbo for your engine capacity and the maximum usable engine RPM.
• Choose between water and oil-cooled turbos.

Conclusion

Let’s summarize: can you put a turbo in any car? The simple answer is that every naturally aspirated car can be turbocharged if the engine is in good condition and there is enough physical space to install the turbo and all required parts. 

If your vehicle is compatible with turbocharging and you want to increase your engine performance, our Goldfarb and Associates experts can help you find the best new or rebuilt turbocharger for your car. Contact us today!