Can you put a turbo on a non-turbo engine?
Adding a turbocharger to a non-turbo engine is a popular modification among car enthusiasts looking to boost their vehicle's performance. However, this process is not as simple as bolting on a turbo and hitting the road. It requires careful planning, the right components, and a solid understanding of your engine's capabilities. In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s possible, what’s involved, and what you should consider before taking on this project.
What Is a Turbocharger and How Does It Work?
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which drives a compressor that increases the air pressure entering the engine. This results in a significant boost in horsepower and torque, making it a favorite upgrade for performance enthusiasts.
Can You Add a Turbo to a Non-Turbo Engine?
The short answer is yes, you can add a turbocharger to a non-turbo engine. However, it’s not a straightforward process and involves several modifications to ensure the engine can handle the increased power and pressure. Here’s what you need to know:
Steps to Turbocharge a Non-Turbo Engine
Turbocharging a non-turbo engine requires a combination of mechanical upgrades, tuning, and careful installation. Below are the key steps involved:
- Choose the Right Turbocharger: Select a turbocharger that matches your engine’s size and performance goals. A turbo that’s too large can cause lag, while one that’s too small may not provide the desired power boost.
- Upgrade Internal Engine Components: Stock engines may not be built to handle the increased stress from a turbo. Consider upgrading pistons, connecting rods, and the crankshaft to stronger, forged components.
- Install a Turbo Manifold: A turbo manifold is required to mount the turbocharger and direct exhaust gases to it.
- Add an Intercooler: An intercooler cools the compressed air from the turbo before it enters the engine, improving efficiency and preventing overheating.
- Modify the Fuel System: A turbocharged engine requires more fuel. Upgrade the fuel injectors, fuel pump, and possibly the fuel lines to meet the increased demand.
- Install a Boost Controller: A boost controller allows you to regulate the amount of boost pressure the turbo generates.
- ECU Tuning: The engine control unit (ECU) must be reprogrammed to adjust for the new air and fuel mixture, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Challenges and Considerations
While turbocharging a non-turbo engine can significantly enhance performance, it’s not without challenges. Here are some important considerations:
- Cost: Turbocharging can be expensive, especially when factoring in the cost of parts, labor, and tuning.
- Reliability: Adding a turbo increases stress on the engine, which can lead to reliability issues if not done correctly.
- Legal Compliance: In some regions, modifications like turbocharging may not comply with emissions regulations. Check local laws before proceeding.
- Expertise Required: This is not a beginner-level project. It requires mechanical expertise and access to specialized tools.
Conclusion
Yes, you can put a turbo on a non-turbo engine, but it’s a complex process that requires careful planning, the right components, and expert installation. If you’re considering this modification, consult with a professional mechanic or performance shop to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. At Kevin’s Autos, we have years of experience in car maintenance and performance upgrades. Feel free to reach out to us for advice or assistance with your turbocharging project!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a turbo on a naturally aspirated engine?
You must install a forced induction system if you want to add a turbocharger to a naturally aspirated engine. This will require you to purchase an adapter kit for the turbocharger and ensure all components work together correctly.
How to fit a turbo to a non-turbo engine?
It is possible, and people do it all the time, with widely varying results. The easy way is generally to just replace the exhaust manifold (or manifolds, on V- engines) with one that will hold a turbo (or two) and then fabricate the minimum amount of intake and exhaust plumbing to get the engine running again.
Is it hard to turbo a naturally aspirated engine?
It is a common misconception that retrofitting a turbocharger is as easy as bolting one on! In 99% of the cases, whether it is petrol or diesel, the engine was simply never designed to cope with that sort of increase in power and torque.
How much does it cost to add a turbo?
around $500 to $5,000
The overall cost of adding a turbo to your car varies significantly depending on the car model, individual circumstances, and available resources. The cost range can go from around $500 to $5,000.
How much does it cost to turbo a non turbo car?
The turbo can cost at least $1,500, while labor will typically run $500 or more. However, the type of car you drive and the engine it has will impact the final price you pay. For example, replacing a twin-turbo system, which is common on performance vehicles that have V6 or V8 engines, can cost up to $6,000.
Can you add a turbo to any engine?
As a rule of thumb, turbocharging is possible on any automobile with a naturally aspirated engine, whether it has a diesel or petrol engine.
Do you need a turbo kit to install a turbo?
You must install a forced induction system if you want to add a turbocharger to a naturally aspirated engine. This will require you to purchase an adapter kit for the turbocharger and ensure all components work together correctly.
Can we convert a normal engine to a turbo?
Answer: Adding a turbocharger to a standard, non-turbo (a.k.a. “naturally aspirated”) engine is possible but generally not recommended. If you decide to do it, the easiest way is to use a kit specially designed for your car's make and model.
Is turboing a car illegal?
Many turbos are not approved under California's Vehicle Code Section 27156 and can land you in trouble with the law since turbos are one of the illegal car modifications in Los Angeles, California. Luckily, there are many exceptions to the rule.
How do I know if my engine can handle a turbo?
Airflow rate: Figure out your engine's airflow rate by plugging a scan tool into your car's diagnostic port (somewhere in the dashboard), then use it to check your air/fuel ratio. Multiply that number by your engine's horsepower, then multiply by a value between . 50 and .
