How long does it take to replace a turbocharger?

In most cases, a straightforward turbocharger replacement performed by a professional shop takes about 2 to 5 hours. More complex jobs—such as twin-turbo setups, engines with cramped layouts, or the need to replace related systems with new lines and gaskets—can stretch toward 6 to 12 hours or more.

The total time depends on the vehicle design, the layout of the turbocharger, and whether ancillary work (oil and coolant lines, exhaust components, intercooler piping, and seals) is required. Availability of parts and the experience of the shop also play a role.

What factors influence the duration

Before listing the factors, it helps to understand what can extend or shorten the job’s duration. The following elements commonly affect how long a turbo replacement takes.

• Engine design and turbo placement (single vs. twin turbo, inline vs. V configurations) determine accessibility.


• Engine bay space and component layout; cramped areas slow removal and installation.


• Requirement to replace or service related systems (oil feed/return lines, coolant lines for water-cooled turbos, gaskets, and seals).


• Exhaust and intake work (downpipe removal, heat shields, intercooler piping) adds labor time and potential complexity.


• Condition of mounting hardware (manifold studs, bolts, and clamps) and potential corrosion or seized fasteners.


• Whether engine or subframe removal is needed for access, which is more common on older or tightly packed layouts.


• Use of OEM versus aftermarket turbo components, which can affect fitment and torque specifications.

In practice, simple, well-documented replacements on accessible engines go quickly, while unusual layouts or extensive ancillary work can significantly extend the timeline.

Typical time ranges by scenario

These benchmarks help set expectations for common configurations. Individual shop procedures and vehicle specifics may shift these numbers.

• Standard passenger car with a single, easily accessible turbo: roughly 2–5 hours.


• Single turbo in a tighter engine bay or with additional piping (intercooler, longer lines): 4–8 hours.


• Twin-turbo setups on performance or luxury cars: 6–12 hours, due to dual units and more routing complexity.


• Diesel or heavy‑duty applications with extra lines and cooling components: 6–12 hours, sometimes longer if fasteners are stubborn or parts are scarce.

Expect a few extra hours if the job requires removing or upgrading supporting systems (oil cooler, additional cooling lines, or more extensive exhaust work) or if parts are not readily available at the shop.

What the replacement process typically involves

To understand the workflow, here are the essential steps technicians follow when swapping a turbocharger, from diagnosis to test drive.

1. Diagnosis and planning: confirm turbo failure, check oil supply, inspect lines, and verify there are no related critical failures.


2. Relief and disassembly: drain oil (and coolant if applicable), disconnect electrical connections, remove intake and exhaust components, and free the old turbo from its mounting points.


3. Remove and inspect mounting hardware: examine bolts, studs, the turbine housing, and the exhaust manifold for damage or corrosion; replace as needed.


4. Install the new turbo: fit the new unit with fresh gaskets, seals, and hardware; torque to spec; install oil feed/return lines and coolant lines if required.


5. Reassembly: reinstall all removed components, including intake piping, intercooler, heat shields, and the downpipe; ensure all clamps and couplings are secure.


6. System priming and fluid replenishment: refill engine oil and coolant as needed; prime or pre-fill the turbo if required by the kit; bleed the cooling system where applicable.


7. Initial startup and checks: start the engine, check for leaks, verify oil pressure to the turbo, monitor for unusual noises, and inspect lines for leaks; tighten as needed.


8. Road test and final inspection: perform a controlled drive to confirm boost behavior and monitor for any codes or warning lights; complete final inspections and report results.

This sequence helps ensure the replacement is performed correctly and reduces the likelihood of post-install leaks or boost problems.

Summary

Turbocharger replacement time varies with vehicle design, layout, and how much ancillary work is required. For a typical, straightforward job on a common passenger car, expect about 2–5 hours in a shop. More complex setups, twin turbos, or constrained engine bays can push the timeline into the 6–12 hour range or longer. Planning ahead with the mechanic and obtaining a written time window based on the exact vehicle and parts will help manage expectations and minimize downtime.

How much does a shop charge to replace a turbo?

Replacing a car's turbo costs on average $2,000 or more, with a typical breakdown of about $1,500 for the part and $500 or more for labor. The final price can vary significantly depending on the car's make and model, the type of turbo needed (single vs. twin-turbo), and whether you choose a new, rebuilt, or aftermarket option. 
Cost breakdown 
You can watch this video to learn about the costs associated with turbocharger repair: 58sCashedOutCarsYouTube · Apr 6, 2021

• Turbocharger part: Between $500 and $2,000+ for a new stock replacement, with twin-turbo setups potentially costing more. Aftermarket options or rebuilt turbos can be a more affordable alternative. 
• Labor: Expect to pay $500 or more for labor, depending on the complexity of the job and the shop's hourly rates. Some heavy-duty vehicles may have higher labor costs. 
• Additional parts: The total cost can increase if other components are damaged, such as gaskets, seals, or the catalytic converter. 

Factors that influence the total cost

• Vehicle make and model: The price of a replacement turbo varies based on the car's specific make and model. A larger truck or a high-performance sports car will likely have more expensive parts than a smaller sedan. 
• Type of turbo: A standard, single turbo is generally less expensive than a more complex twin-turbo system. 
• Part condition: The cost will differ if you buy a new, rebuilt, or used turbo. New OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from a dealership are often the most expensive. 
• Underlying issues: If the turbo failed due to another problem, such as a lack of oil from a clogged PCV valve or timing component issues, addressing those will add to the overall repair cost. 

Can I drive with a bad turbocharger?

No, you should not drive with a bad turbocharger because it risks catastrophic engine damage and is not safe. While a car might still be drivable, a failing turbo can disintegrate and send metal fragments into the engine, leading to much more expensive repairs than just replacing the turbo itself. It is best to stop driving the vehicle and have it towed to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair. 
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a failing turbocharger: 50s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Aug 11, 2024
Risks of driving with a bad turbo

• Catastrophic engine damage: A failing turbo can break apart, and the pieces can get sucked into the engine's cylinders, causing severe internal damage that could require an engine rebuild or replacement. 
• Further oil and exhaust issues: A leaking turbo can cause oil to enter the exhaust or intake, which can foul spark plugs, damage the catalytic converter, or lead to an engine runaway in diesel engines. 
• Safety concerns: A bad turbo can cause a significant loss of power, making it difficult to accelerate or merge into traffic safely. 

This video explains the signs of a failing turbocharger: 57sFixITYouTube · Nov 3, 2024
What to do instead

• Stop driving immediately: As soon as you suspect a bad turbo, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. 
• Avoid driving: Do not attempt to drive the car to the mechanic. Have it towed to a qualified repair shop instead. 
• Have it diagnosed and repaired: A professional can properly diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs to prevent further damage. 

How long does it take to put a turbo on a car?

Installing a turbo can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days, depending on the vehicle and the extent of the project. A simple swap of a factory or aftermarket turbo on a basic engine might take 2 to 6 hours. A full turbo conversion or installing a complex aftermarket kit can take 12 hours or longer and may require additional parts like larger injectors or fuel pumps. 
Factors that influence installation time

• Simple replacement: Replacing a faulty turbo with a new one on a basic engine can be a relatively quick job, taking 2 to 4 hours. 
• Aftermarket kit installation: Installing a full aftermarket turbo kit is more complex. This can involve changing other components like fuel injectors, the exhaust, and the fuel pump, often making the total job 12 hours or more. 
• Vehicle layout: The engine's configuration significantly impacts the time. Some engines have more accessible turbos, while others, particularly those with a transverse engine at the front or rear, can be much harder to access. 
• Experience level: A mechanic with experience on a specific car model can be much faster than a DIYer or a technician new to the job. 
• Unforeseen issues: The process can take longer if unexpected problems arise, such as a stripped bolt, a missing part, or the need to replace other components simultaneously. 
• Additional work: If the installation is part of a larger project, like a timing belt replacement, the total time will increase substantially. 

Example installation times

• 2-4 hours: Simple turbo swap:
• Up to 12+ hours: Aftermarket turbo kit:
• 2+ days: Complex/custom install: are possible for highly custom or difficult jobs. 

Is replacing a turbo a big job?

Replacing a turbo is a complicated task with multiple steps, so it's not one that can be rushed. On average, a skilled mechanic with all the specialist tools can complete the job in three to four hours, but in some cases, it can take up to eight.