How much does it cost to turbo a non turbo car?
Converting a naturally aspirated car to turbocharged typically costs between roughly $3,000 and over $15,000, depending on kit quality, boost ambitions, and how much supporting hardware is needed. A basic setup can be relatively affordable if you DIY or use a budget kit, while a premium, reliability-focused build can be much more expensive.
In this article, we break down where those costs come from, what factors influence the final price, and how to plan a turbo conversion for a car that originally did not come with forced induction.
What affects the total cost
Costs vary based on the car's engine, goals (daily driver vs. track car), and whether you do the work yourself or hire professionals. The following sections outline the main cost drivers and typical price ranges.
Estimated costs to turbo a non-turbo car
Below is a breakdown of typical one-time costs you should expect when turbocharging a non-turbo car, from budget-conscious options to more comprehensive builds. The figures represent common market ranges as of 2024-2025 and can vary by region and vendor.
- Turbo kit and manifold: Basic or budget kits commonly range from $800 to $2,500, while reputable kits with better headers and hardware can be $2,500-$5,000.
- Intercooler and piping: $300-$1,500 depending on size and quality; smaller, cooler setups on budget builds are at the lower end.
- Exhaust setup (downpipe, cat-back): $300-$1,500 for a full exhaust system compatible with the turbo kit.
- Oil feed/return lines, fittings, and hardware: $100-$400, but can be higher for some platforms requiring custom lines.
- Engine management and tuning: $350-$1,200 for a basic ECU/hand-tuning; $500-$2,000 for a professional dyno tune with calibrated maps and data logging.
- Fuel system upgrades (pump, injectors, rails): $300-$1,200 for pump; $300-$1,000 for injectors; total $400-$2,000 depending on needs.
- Boost pressure control (manual/solenoid): $50-$300; some kits include it.
- Internal engine updates (optional, for higher boost or longevity): $1,000-$5,000 for forged pistons/rods or other replacements; often not needed for modest boost.
- Labor and installation: $750-$3,000 or more, depending on shop rates, car complexity, and whether additional repairs are needed (gaskets, wiring, sensor compatibility).
Concluding: The total for a typical street-legal, modest-boost turbo conversion on a non-turbo car usually lands in the $3,000-$7,000 range if you source parts wisely and do some work yourself, or around $6,000-$12,000 with professional installation and moderate upgrades. More ambitious builds at reputable shops, with higher boost, upgraded internals, and meticulous tuning, can exceed $12,000 and reach $20,000 or more.
Important considerations and optional upgrades
Beyond the core kit, several other factors can influence total cost and reliability. These are worth planning for before committing to a build.
Below are key cost-driving considerations you should weigh when budgeting for a turbo conversion. These items are common across many projects but vary by vehicle and goals.
- Reliability and engine safety: modest boost on stock engines may be safe, but high boost or aggressive tuning can demand stronger pistons, rods, and a reinforced bottom end.
- Fuel system and fueling strategy: upgrades to fuel pump, rail, and injectors may be required to maintain safe air-fuel ratios under boost.
- Cooling system: intercooler performance and radiator capacity may necessitate upgrades to avoid heat soak on daily drivers or track cars.
- Transmission and drivetrain: extra torque can stress clutches, axles, and diffs; consider upgrades or reinforced components.
- Wiring, sensors, and engine management: you may need additional sensors, a retuned ECU, or standalone EMS to properly manage boost and fueling.
- Warranty and emissions: turbo installs can void factory warranties and may affect compliance with local emissions and inspections.
Concluding: Budgeting should include potential extra costs for reliability upgrades, cooling, fuel, and possible warranty or regulatory considerations. A well-planned build accounts for both the immediate installation and the long-term operating costs.
Summary and guidance
In short, turbocharging a non-turbo car is not a single-price proposition; it’s a project with multiple cost levels. For many enthusiasts, starting with a budget setup and careful tuning is feasible, while others opt for a comprehensive, high-performance build. Always assess your goals, the specific engine’s tolerance, and local regulations. Getting quotes from several reputable shops and verifying compatibility with your vehicle model helps avoid surprises.
Ultimately, the decision to turbo an NA car should balance performance desires with mechanical integrity and total ownership cost, including maintenance, fuel, and potential downtime for installation.
