Turbochargers are becoming increasingly popular among all vehicle types. In fact, people are adding turbos even to naturally aspirated cars. But turbocharging a car requires careful consideration, which is why we prepared this guide.

Turbocharging a vehicle allows it to have more power and better performance. Below, you will learn how to turbocharge your car and what you need to do.

Turbocharging a Car

There may be plenty of reasons why you want to turbocharge your car. Whether you want to replace an older turbo or add one to a naturally aspirated engine, first, you must prepare.

The list of things you need to turbocharge your car include:

• Turbocharger
• Gaskets
• Intercooler 
• Intercooler piping
• Blow off valve
• Exhaust manifold
• Oil lines
• Coolant lines
• Boost controller
• Downpipe
• Gauges

First, ensure you get the right turbocharger for your car application. A crucial step is to use the correct gaskets for your chosen turbo. You should not use liquid gasket sealers on the oil inlet or outlets. 

Another vital thing to remember when preparing for turbocharging is not to let any dirt enter the oil or air paths of the turbo during installation.

1. Choosing a turbocharger

You cannot install any turbocharger into your car. In the worst-case scenario, you may blow your engine’s internals completely, or if you’re lucky, your car won’t even start at all.

You must choose a turbo compatible with your engine. The best solution is to achieve a balance between a large enough turbo size for your desired power gains without it lagging too much. 

Lagging may be an issue as the RPMs climb. But if the turbo is too small, you risk it over-spinning. This can lead to a turbo failure in a short period. 

Think of the horsepower target range you want to achieve. After that, choose a turbo that is in that range and within your budget. 

2. Preparing the engine

You must prepare your engine for the turbo by ensuring it can withstand the power produced. By turbocharging your car, you force more air into the engine at higher flow and pressure. More specifically, at whatever pressure your engine can handle without malfunctioning. 

Before installing your chosen turbocharger, prepare your engine by changing the engine’s oil, oil filter, and air filter.

3. Upgrading the fuel system

When you are installing a turbocharger, it is vital to upgrade your fuel system. You must use the correct fuel if you want to maximize performance by turbocharging. Also, the combustion rate on turbocharged cars is different from other vehicles. 

This means the fuel must match if you don’t want to blow up or melt your engine. For a turbocharged car, you’ll need high-octane fuel. Higher octane fuel ensures your turbocharger runs safely on a higher boost. 

4. Upgrading the exhaust system

Most turbocharged cars are recognizable by their large exhausts. In fact, the bigger the exhaust, the better for the turbocharged vehicle. The reason for big exhausts being better is due to lowering their back pressure. Big exhausts allow more air to escape and run through your engine more efficiently.

5. Upgrading the cooling system

The cooling system is vital for the safety and performance of turbocharged cars. The reason behind this is that as air is pushed into the turbo, it heats up. The hotter the air gets, the lower the oxygen, meaning less power. 

Plus, the hot air also increases the risk of detonation. This is why turbos have intercoolers to cool the air. It is wise to upgrade the intercooler for better airflow and more power. 

Other upgrades to your cooling system include water injection or nitrous oxide. Water injection helps cool the inlet charge by spraying mist on the pipe. The water absorbs heat from the air as it evaporates, lowering the temperature. Lastly, nitrous oxide is extremely cold, so injecting it will cool the turbo down significantly.

How to Install a Turbocharger – Steps for Installation

How to replace a turbocharger

1. Gather your supplies, including the suitable turbocharger for your car, gaskets, nuts, studs, bolts, etc. Spray the bolts on the exhaust manifold with a lubricant.
2. Next, disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. With a floor jack, raise your car off of the ground. This will allow you to work underneath the front of your car. Once you raise the car, place the jack stands under it and remove the floor jack.
4. Locate the exhaust pipe connecting the turbo to the exhaust. Remove the bolts that are holding them together. 
5. Remove the intake and intercooler piping. 
6. Disconnect all coolant or oil lines and plug them to prevent them from leaking fluid. 
7. Disconnect the vacuum line, which connects to the wastegate.
8. Loosen the exhaust manifold bolts without fully removing them, and carefully lift the turbo and manifold. 
9. Remove the fasteners holding the turbo connected to the manifold.
10. Connect the new turbo and the exhaust manifold with a new gasket between and tighten the fasteners.
11. Place the turbo and manifold into the engine the same way you removed the old one. Then, ensure the exhaust manifold gasket is in place.
12. Unplug the coolant and oil lines and fasten them to the new turbo with gaskets. 
13. Fasten the intercooler and intake pipes to the new turbo. 
14. Reconnect the vacuum line to the wastegate.
15. Double-check that everything is in place before lowering the car. 
16. Reconnect the negative battery cable, and you’re done. 

How to install a turbo on a non turbo car

1. Choose a turbocharger compatible with your car. 
2. Ensure you have enough fuel. This includes upgrading injectors and your fuel pumps.
3. Gather your supplies, including the suitable turbocharger for your car, gaskets, nuts, studs, bolts, etc. 
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
5. With a floor jack, raise your car off of the ground.
6. Disconnect the vacuum line to the wastegate. 
7. Get an intercooler to help cool down the intake temperatures of the turbo. 
8. You will need to revise the exhaust manifold and the intake piping. 
9. Lower the engine’s compression ratio. 
10. You will need high-octane fuel for your turbocharger to ensure performance and safety. 
11. Ensure your engine is strong enough for the turbo you choose. 
12. Connect the turbo and the exhaust manifold with a gasket between them and tighten the fasteners.
13. Place the turbo and manifold into the engine.
14. Fasten the coolant and oil lines to the turbo with gaskets. 
15. Fasten the intercooler and intake pipes to the turbo. 
16. Connect the vacuum line to the wastegate.
17. Double-check that everything is in place before lowering the car. 
18. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Maintenance and Upkeep on a Turbocharged Car

Once you turbocharge your car, you must keep up with maintenance to ensure its longevity. Make sure to check the boost pressure and inspect the turbocharger regularly. 

You should also often clean your turbo to ensure it keeps working properly and avoid potential damage. For proper turbocharger maintenance, you should do the following:

• Regularly change your engine oil, oil filter, and air filter
• Clean the turbo oil feed lines thoroughly
• Inspect the intake and exhaust systems to and from the turbo
• Clean the turbo oil drain tube
• Pre-lube the turbocharger
• After you finish maintenance, ensure to warm up the turbo for at least five minutes without revving the engine

Conclusion

Follow the guide above if you are interested in turbocharging a car. Once you learn how to turbocharge your car, you’ll be able to do it safely and in no time, which may significantly improve your car’s performance.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we’ll respond promptly.