How much does it cost to turbocharge a Honda Accord?
A turbo install on a Honda Accord generally costs between about $5,000 and $12,000, depending on the engine, kit choice, labor, and how much power you want to gain. This article breaks down the main cost components, what drives the price, and practical considerations before proceeding.
Cost drivers and typical ranges
Prices for the core hardware can vary widely based on whether you buy a complete bolt-on kit, assemble a custom setup, or use refurbished parts. The following estimates cover common components and their typical price bands for a four-cylinder Accord.
- Turbo kit (turbocharger, manifold, intercooler, piping, wastegate, blow-off valve): 2,500–6,500 USD
- Intercooler and associated piping: 300–1,800 USD
- Exhaust system and downpipe: 150–1,200 USD
- Fuel-system upgrades (larger injectors, upgraded fuel pump, rails): 300–1,200 USD
- Engine management and tuning (ECU remap or standalone engine control): 400–1,500 USD
- Supporting hardware (oil lines, gauges, hoses, fittings): 50–500 USD
- Cooling enhancements (oil cooler, upgraded radiator, fans): 100–800 USD
Collectively, these part costs often place the hardware bill in the mid-range of about $3,700 to $10,000, with more advanced or brand-name kits pushing higher. If you’re starting from scratch and upgrading multiple systems, you should expect toward the upper end of that range.
Labor, installation and tuning
Labor charges depend on the shop, the complexity of the kit, and how much auxiliary work is required. The following factors typically influence the final price after parts.
- Labor hours (roughly 12–30+ hours, depending on kit and vehicle): 1,000–4,500 USD
- Dyno tuning and calibration (mandatory to optimize power and reliability): 300–1,000 USD
- Wiring, fuel-system plumbing, and exhaust fabrication (if not included in kit): 200–1,000 USD
- Additional internal engine work (piston/rod upgrades, cooling upgrades) only for high-power builds: 1,000–4,000 USD+
Overall, labor and tuning commonly add about $1,500 to $5,500 to the project, depending on the shop’s rate and the scope of the work. A simple, well-matched bolt-on kit with a tune will be toward the lower end; a more ambitious, power-driven build can push toward the higher end.
Other considerations and risks
Beyond parts and labor, several non-tangible factors influence the total cost and value of turbocharging a Honda Accord.
- Warranty and reliability: Turbocharging typically voids factory warranties and can affect long-term reliability if not tuned properly.
- Insurance and registration: Some insurers may increase premiums or require disclosure; some regions have emissions and inspection implications for modified cars.
- Drivetrain and cooling stress: Higher power levels place more demand on the transmission, differential, and cooling system; extra upgrades may be prudent.
- Quality and support: Choosing reputable brands and installers can reduce the risk of early failures and may affect re-sale value.
These considerations can indirectly impact cost by influencing the choice of parts, the level of tuning, and the decision to upgrade supporting systems.
Should you DIY or hire a shop?
The decision between a DIY installation and professional installation affects both cost and risk. A skilled amateur with proper tools can save on labor but will still need to source a reliable kit and perform thorough tuning. A professional installation provides a tested setup and dyno-tuned map but adds labor costs and potential scheduling delays. Weigh your mechanical confidence, local regulations, and long-term ownership plans when deciding.
Summary
Turbocharging an Accord is a substantial project with a broad cost range. Expect hardware costs in the several-thousand-dollar area, plus significant but variable labor and tuning fees. A typical ballpark is roughly $5,000 to $12,000 all-in, though high-power or premium-brand builds can exceed that. Plan for supporting upgrades, potential warranty and insurance considerations, and the time required to properly tune and test the setup.
Final takeaway
If you’re considering turbocharging a Honda Accord, start with a clear power target and budget, then consult multiple reputable shops for quotes on a kit that matches your engine and goals. A well-planned, quality-installed turbo system can deliver reliable gains, but undervaluing the tuning and supporting hardware upfront often leads to higher costs later.
Summary of costs at a glance
A quick reference: parts typically run from about 3,700 to 10,000 USD; labor and tuning commonly add 1,500 to 5,500 USD; total project cost usually sits around 5,000 to 12,000 USD, with higher-end builds pushing beyond that depending on power goals and kit choices.
Can you turbo a stock Honda engine?
Reliability is also a massive factor when deciding to do a turbo conversion. The stock Honda engine internals was only ever designed to be run at stock power, and although you can put boost through a stock block, the higher the horsepower you go, the more likely you are to blow the engine.
How much will it cost to turbocharge 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.
How much does it cost to put a turbo in a Honda Accord?
The average cost for a Honda Accord Turbocharger Assembly Replacement is between $1,526 and $1,958. Labor costs are estimated between $525 and $770 while parts are priced between $1,001 and $1,188.
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.
