How much does a turbo kit cost?

Turbo kit prices vary widely, but you’ll typically spend from about $1,000 to $12,000 or more, depending on the kit, the vehicle, and how much tuning and installation you need. This article breaks down the common price bands and related costs to help you plan your project.

What a turbo kit typically includes

Knowing what comes in a kit helps explain price differences. A complete kit generally includes the turbocharger, exhaust manifold, intercooler, piping, wastegate, blow-off valve, downpipe, and an engine-management or ECU-tuning solution. Some bundles also include fuel-system components or upgraded injectors, depending on power targets and the tune.

• Turbocharger and manifold (turbine and compressor housing)


• Intercooler and intercooler piping


• Exhaust downpipe and wastegate


• Blow-off valve or bypass valve


• Engine management or ECU tune (standalone, piggyback, or reflashed ECU)


• Supporting hardware (oil lines, vacuum lines, fittings, clamps)

Not every kit includes every component. Some are lean bundles that require separate purchase of fuel-system upgrades or a tune, while others come as a more complete package.

Price ranges by kit type

The following ranges reflect what you’ll typically see for bolt-on and complete-system turbo kits for street-driven cars. Actual prices vary by vehicle, brand, and included components.

• Budget bolt-on kits: roughly $1,000 to $2,500. Entry-level setups often include a smaller turbo, basic manifold, piping, and intercooler, with tuning sometimes offered separately.


• Mid-range kits from reputable brands: roughly $3,000 to $6,500. These usually feature a more capable turbo, better intercooling, hardware, and an included tune, suitable for daily driving and moderate power gains.


• High-end or full-system kits: roughly $6,000 to $12,000+ for ambitious builds. These may include larger turbochargers, front-mount intercoolers, high-quality manifolds, advanced downpipes, and comprehensive tuning solutions.


• Premium turnkey systems (advanced builds): $10,000 to $15,000+ in some cases. Designed for high horsepower targets, these often assume additional upgrades (fuel system, cooling, and sometimes engine internals) are already in place.

When shopping, the line between a “kit” and a “complete system” can be blurry. Some sellers call a robust aftermarket setup a complete system, while others require separate purchases for tuning, fueling, or exhaust to reach target power levels.

Costs to install and tune

Installation and tuning are separate from the kit price and can be a significant portion of the total project budget. Prices vary by shop, vehicle, and region, as well as the power target you’re pursuing.

• Labor for installation: roughly $500 to $3,000, depending on car complexity, required exhaust work, and whether additional modifications are needed.


• Dyno tuning: roughly $300 to $1,500, depending on the number of runs and the tune’s complexity.


• Additional parts that may be required: upgraded fuel pump, injectors, fuel rails, fuel lines, intercooler upgrades, or exhaust upgrades; this can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.


• Supporting upgrades for higher power targets: clutch or transmission upgrades, cooling system improvements, and potential engine-internal work; these can add $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the goals.

To avoid surprises, plan for extra costs by budgeting roughly 15% to 30% above the kit price for labor and tuning in most cases, with more for high-horsepower builds.

What to consider before buying a turbo kit

Before purchasing, assess your vehicle’s baseline condition, your power goals, and the long‑term reliability of the upgrades. Higher boost levels generally require stronger hardware and meticulous tuning to maintain engine life and drivability.

• Vehicle compatibility and fitment: verify the kit fits your engine bay, exhaust, and fuel system.


• Power goals vs. reliability: aggressive targets may demand stronger internals, better cooling, and more frequent maintenance.


• Warranty and support: some brands offer warranty if installed by approved shops; check terms and limitations.


• Shop selection: a reputable installer with dyno access can save you time and money and reduce risk.

Proper planning helps prevent costly misfits and keeps you within a realistic budget while achieving the desired performance.

Summary

Turbo kit pricing spans a broad spectrum—from about $1,000 for basic bolt-on options to $12,000 or more for advanced, full-system setups—before labor and tuning. Your final total often includes the kit, installation, and a dyno tune, plus optional upgrades to fuel, cooling, or the drivetrain. By clarifying power targets, confirming vehicle compatibility, and choosing a reputable installer, you can manage costs while achieving a reliable, matched upgrade.

How much HP will turbo add?

A turbo can add anywhere from 70 to 150 horsepower, or 30% to 40% more power, but the exact amount depends on factors like engine size, turbocharger size, boost pressure, and supporting modifications. For a street-driven engine with supporting modifications, you can see a 50% or greater increase, while a purpose-built engine can increase power by up to 70% or more.
 
Factors that influence horsepower gains

• Engine size and type: Smaller engines can see more significant percentage increases in horsepower, while larger engines can achieve larger absolute gains. 
• Turbocharger size and design: A larger turbo can produce more airflow and boost, leading to greater horsepower gains, but may also introduce more "lag" (a delay in power delivery). 
• Boost pressure: The amount of pressure the turbo creates directly impacts power. Higher boost levels require supporting upgrades to be safe and effective. 
• Supporting modifications: To handle the extra power, you may need to upgrade the fuel system, intercooler, engine internals (like pistons and connecting rods), and engine management system. 
• Engine limitations: The engine's internal components must be able to handle the increased stress from the higher power output. A stock engine may not be able to withstand significant turbocharging without damage. 

Examples of power increases

• Street-driven engine: A properly tuned turbo setup can add 70–150 horsepower or a 30–40% increase. 
• Purpose-built engine: With strengthened internal components, power gains of 70% or more are possible. 

How much does it cost to install a turbo kit?

Installing a turbo kit can cost anywhere from $500 to over $15,000, depending on the kit, your vehicle, and whether you include labor. A basic, do-it-yourself kit for a budget build might cost around $800-$1,000 for parts alone, while a comprehensive, professional twin-turbo installation can easily exceed $15,000 including parts, custom fabrication, and a tune. Professional installation alone can range from $500 to $1,500 or more in labor. 
Factors influencing the cost
This video explains factors affecting turbocharging costs: 56sRacerXYouTube · Jun 14, 2021

• Cost of the kit: This is the most significant variable. 
  • Budget kits: A universal, DIY kit can start around $500-$1,000 for the turbo and basic components, as shown in this YouTube video. 
  • High-end kits: Vehicle-specific kits from performance shops can cost $4,000 to over $6,000, and this often doesn't include installation. 
  • Twin vs. single: Twin-turbo kits are more expensive than single-turbo kits. 
• Labor costs:
  • Professional installation: Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500+ for a professional to install a pre-made kit, according to this Reddit thread. 
  • Complex installs: If the kit requires significant custom fabrication (like exhaust modification), labor costs can increase dramatically. A kit that comes as "just a box of random parts" could require 50+ hours of labor. 
• Additional components and tuning: The base turbo kit is rarely the final cost.
  • Engine management: You may need a programmable ECU and professional tuning to correctly run a turbocharged engine, which can add $1,000 to $2,000+ to the bill. 
  • Other parts: Expect to buy additional parts like larger injectors, an intercooler, a fuel pressure regulator, a clutch, and custom exhaust work, which can easily add thousands to the total cost. 
• Vehicle make and model: The specific car you have can impact the price. Luxury or high-performance vehicles often have more expensive parts and complex installation requirements compared to more common, budget-friendly cars. 

Example cost breakdowns
You can watch this video to see a breakdown of DIY turbo kit costs: 55sBought2BuildYouTube · Jul 27, 2024

• Budget DIY (e.g., Honda Civic):
  • Kit parts: ~$900 
  • Other parts: ~$1,000 (injectors, ECU, intercooler, piping, etc.) 
  • Labor: DIY (or cost of a mechanic) 
  • Tuning: ~$500 - $1,500 
  • Total (estimated): $3,000 - $4,000+ 
• Professional Twin-Turbo (e.g., C8 Corvette):
  • Turnkey package: $15,000+ 
  • Includes: Twin-turbo kit, installation, tuning, and custom powder-coating/ceramic coating 

Are turbo kits legal?

It is not inherently illegal to turbocharge a car, as long as the modification complies with local and federal emissions, safety, and noise regulations. The legality largely depends on the specific jurisdiction and the vehicle's ability to pass emissions testing after the modification. In some areas, like California, aftermarket forced induction systems are heavily regulated and must have specific certification to be street legal, or they are considered illegal. 
This video discusses the legal and safety implications of turbocharging your car: 1mBEAVIS MotorsportYouTube · Jul 2, 2023
Factors that determine legality

• Emissions Standards: This is the most critical factor. The modification cannot cause the vehicle to exceed its original emissions standards. Removing or tampering with emissions control components like the catalytic converter is a federal violation. 
• California Regulations: In California, aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers are legal only if they have a specific CARB Executive Order (EO) number, ensuring they are certified to meet emissions standards. 
• Safety and Noise: The modification must also comply with all safety and noise regulations. For example, certain suspension modifications have height restrictions, and excessively loud exhaust systems can be illegal. 
• Vehicle-Specific Rules: Some states or municipalities may have additional rules regarding modifications. It is always best to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for specific laws. 

Important considerations before modifying your car

• Check local laws: Before you begin, research your specific state and local regulations regarding vehicle modifications. 
• Ensure compliance: Make sure any installed parts meet emissions and safety standards, especially if you live in a state with strict rules like California. 
• Get certification: If your car requires emissions testing, ensure that the turbo kit you purchase has the necessary certifications to pass. 
• Don't tamper with emissions components: Avoid removing or altering required emissions equipment, as this is illegal and can lead to penalties. 

Do turbo kits add horsepower?

Yes, a turbocharger increases horsepower by forcing more air into an engine, which allows it to burn more fuel and create a bigger power output. By using exhaust gases to spin a turbine that drives a compressor, a turbo can increase an engine's horsepower significantly, often by 30–40% or more, depending on the specific setup.
 
How it works

• Uses exhaust gas: A turbocharger's turbine is spun by the engine's exhaust gases. 
• Drives a compressor: This spinning turbine powers a compressor on the other end of the shaft, which forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber. 
• More air, more power: With more air, the engine can burn more fuel during each combustion cycle, resulting in a significant increase in horsepower and torque. 
• Smaller engine, bigger power: This allows a smaller, lighter engine to produce power comparable to a larger, naturally aspirated engine. 

Factors affecting the power increase

• Turbocharger size and design: A turbocharger's size and design play a major role in how much horsepower it can add. 
• Boost pressure: Higher boost pressure generally means more potential for horsepower gains. 
• Engine tuning: The engine's fuel system, intake, and other components must be optimized to handle the increased airflow for maximum performance. 
• Intercooling: Modern turbos often use an intercooler to cool the compressed air, which makes it denser and increases its efficiency.