How much does it cost to get a turbo installed?

The typical installed price for adding a turbo to a passenger car ranges from about $1,500 to $6,000, with some high-end or complex setups potentially exceeding $8,000.

Turbo installation involves parts, labor, and tuning. This article breaks down the price ranges, the main cost drivers, and practical budgeting tips for common vehicle types.

What drives the price

Costs vary based on the kit type, the vehicle’s design, and whether additional engine or exhaust work is needed. The more integration is required with the car’s electronics and supporting systems, the higher the price.

What you buy to complete a turbo installation includes the turbo unit itself plus the supporting hardware and lines. Price ranges vary by kit and car.

• Turbocharger unit: $500–$3,500


• Intercooler and charge piping: $200–$1,000


• Exhaust manifold/downpipe and mounting hardware: $100–$800


• Oil supply/return lines and fittings: $100–$350


• Coolant lines and hoses: $50–$300


• Wastegate and blow-off valve: $100–$600


• Gaskets, seals, and mounting hardware: $50–$250


• Engine management/ECU components or tuning hardware: $0–$600

Part costs vary widely by brand, vehicle, and whether you choose a basic bolt-on kit or a more OEM-specified setup. In total, parts alone commonly range from roughly $800 to $5,000+

Labor costs

Labor reflects the complexity of removing existing components, fitting the kit, routing lines, wiring, and performing checks. Some cars are straightforward bolt-on installs; others require significant engineering to fit without interference.

Typical labor considerations include the expected hours and the shop’s hourly rate. These figures can differ by region and shop capability.

• Estimated installation hours: 6–12 hours (more for complex engines or unique layouts)


• Shop labor rate: $75–$150 per hour (varies by location and facility)


• Typical labor tasks: removing OEM components, mounting the turbo kit, routing oil/coolant lines, wiring and sensors, exhaust work, and initial testing

Labor costs for a turbo installation generally fall in the range of about $600 to $1,800, though intricate applications can push higher, especially if additional fabrication is required.

Tuning and testing

After the physical installation, tuning ensures the engine runs safely and takes advantage of the boost. Some kits include a base map, while others require a professional dyno tune.

• Base map or ECU flash: $0–$300


• Dyno tuning session: $400–$1,000


• Diagnostics, fuel trims, and leak checks: $50–$200

Expect roughly $400 to $1,500 for tuning and related setup, depending on the kit and the car’s ECU sophistication.

Additional considerations

Beyond sticker price, consider warranty implications, emissions compliance, and insurance. In some regions, modifying a vehicle with forced induction can affect warranty coverage, and certain jurisdictions require CARB-compliant parts or emissions testing. Some shops offer warranty for the installation but may require using specific components or a particular ECU tune.

Summary

If you’re budgeting for a turbo installation, plan for a broad spectrum: parts roughly $800–$5,000, labor roughly $600–$1,800, and tuning roughly $400–$1,500. In total, typical installed costs sit around $1,800 to $8,000, with higher-end or highly complex builds pushing beyond that. Always obtain multiple quotes, confirm included components, and discuss warranty, emissions, and insurance implications before proceeding.

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. 

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.

Is it illegal to put a turbo on your car?

No, adding a turbocharger is not inherently illegal, but it is illegal if the modification causes the vehicle to violate emissions regulations or if it has "defeat devices". It's crucial to ensure the turbo kit is compliant with local and federal laws, especially concerning emissions, and that all original emissions equipment, like the catalytic converter, remains in place.
 
Important considerations

• Emissions regulations: The main legal issue is whether the modification results in the car failing to meet emissions standards. Tampering with or removing required emissions components, such as the catalytic converter or O2 sensors, is illegal. 
• Legality varies by location: Regulations can differ depending on your state or country. You should check local laws or contact a local speed shop or regulatory body like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for specific guidance. 
• CARB compliance: Some aftermarket turbo kits come with a sticker certifying their compliance with emissions standards, such as CARB (California Air Resources Board) certification, which can make them street legal. 
• Vehicle age: Older vehicles may have different regulations. For example, some areas may exempt cars over 25 years old from certain rules, but this is not guaranteed. 
• Defeat devices: Installing or selling "defeat devices" that bypass emissions controls is illegal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined companies for doing this. 

Before you modify

• Consult a professional: Speak with a local speed shop or mechanic to understand the specific regulations and engineering requirements for your vehicle. 
• Ensure emissions compliance: Make sure the turbo kit you choose is specifically designed to be emissions-compliant for your vehicle and region. 
• Keep emissions equipment: Do not remove or disable the catalytic converter or other factory emissions control components. 

How much would it cost to add a turbo to a car?

The cost to turbo a car ranges from approximately $500 to over $10,000, depending on the quality of parts, whether you do the work yourself, and the specific vehicle. A budget build with a DIY kit can be done for a few thousand dollars, while a comprehensive, high-quality build using premium components and professional installation will likely exceed $10,000.
 
Cost breakdown

• DIY Budget Build ($500 - $3,000): This is the lowest-cost option, often involving piecing together used or budget parts for a basic turbo setup. It requires significant mechanical knowledge and labor.
• Quality Turbo Kit ($1,500 - $5,000+): A complete kit for a moderate setup from a reputable brand often costs in this range. This will include most of the necessary hardware like the turbocharger, intercooler, piping, and wastegate. 
• Professional Installation ($500 - $1,000+): Having a professional install the parts adds to the overall cost. The exact price depends on the complexity of the job and the vehicle. 
• Supporting Modifications ($1,000 - $5,000+): A turbocharger requires other upgrades to be reliable, including: 
  • Engine management: Upgrading the ECU or tuning the stock one is crucial. 
  • Fuel system: Larger injectors and a fuel pump are necessary. 
  • Clutch: A stronger clutch is often needed to handle the extra power.
  • Tuning: Dyno time is essential to properly calibrate the new components.
• High-End Builds ($10,000+): For maximum reliability and power, expect to pay significantly more. This often includes a full engine rebuild with stronger internal components and a more robust twin-turbo system. 

What affects the cost?

• Vehicle: The car's make, model, and engine will influence the cost of parts and labor. Performance cars, especially those with V8s, can be more expensive. 
• Quality of parts: Using high-end parts will increase the initial investment but also improve reliability and longevity. 
• Labor: Doing the work yourself can save thousands of dollars in labor costs, but requires mechanical skill and time. 
• Goals: The final cost depends on your goals. A simple boost for a modest power increase will be far less expensive than a build aiming for 500+ horsepower.