How much is a new turbo?
As a car enthusiast or a vehicle owner, you might be considering upgrading your car's performance or replacing a failing turbocharger. A turbocharger is a critical component that boosts your engine's power and efficiency, but it can come with a hefty price tag. In this article, we’ll break down the costs associated with purchasing and installing a new turbo, as well as factors that influence the price.
What Is a Turbocharger and Why Might You Need a New One?
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into your engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. Over time, turbochargers can wear out due to high temperatures, oil contamination, or general wear and tear. If your turbo is failing, you might notice symptoms like reduced engine power, excessive exhaust smoke, or a whining noise from the engine.
How Much Does a New Turbocharger Cost?
The cost of a new turbocharger can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the type of turbocharger, and whether you opt for an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket part. Here’s a general breakdown:
- OEM Turbochargers: These are designed specifically for your vehicle and typically cost between $500 and $2,500 for the part alone.
- Aftermarket Turbochargers: These can range from $400 to $1,500, depending on the brand and performance specifications.
- High-Performance Turbochargers: If you’re looking to upgrade your car for better performance, high-performance turbos can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
Installation Costs
In addition to the cost of the turbocharger itself, you’ll need to factor in labor costs for installation. Installing a turbocharger is a complex process that requires expertise and can take several hours. Here’s what you can expect:
- Labor Costs: Depending on your location and the complexity of the job, labor costs can range from $300 to $1,000.
- Additional Parts: You may also need to replace related components like gaskets, oil lines, or intercoolers, which can add $100 to $500 to the total cost.
Factors That Influence the Cost
Several factors can affect the overall cost of replacing or upgrading your turbocharger:
- Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury or high-performance vehicles often have more expensive turbochargers.
- Type of Turbocharger: Single turbos are generally less expensive than twin-turbo or variable geometry systems.
- Condition of the Turbo: Rebuilt or remanufactured turbos can be a more affordable option compared to brand-new ones.
Is It Worth Replacing Your Turbocharger?
Replacing a turbocharger can be a significant investment, but it’s often worth it if your vehicle relies on the turbo for performance or efficiency. A failing turbo can lead to reduced fuel economy and engine damage if left unaddressed. If you’re unsure whether to replace your turbo, consult a trusted mechanic for a professional diagnosis.
Conclusion
The cost of a new turbocharger, including installation, can range from $800 to $6,000 or more, depending on various factors. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in turbocharger diagnostics, repairs, and replacements. If you’re in need of expert advice or service, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help keep your car running at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How to tell if a turbo is blown?
What are the signs of a blown turbo?
- The car has noticeable power loss.
- The acceleration of the car seems slow and noisy.
- The car doesn't easily maintain high speeds.
- There is smoke coming from the exhaust.
- There is an engine fault light on the dashboard.
Can a bad turbo destroy engine?
Turbo failure can cause engine damage to a severe extent. The longer you drive with a failed turbo, the more damage it causes to your engine.
What mileage do turbos fail?
So, how long do turbos last? As we mentioned, turbos' life expectancy generally is around 150,000 miles.
Is it worth replacing a turbo?
If the cost of the turbocharger replacement is significantly less than the cost of a new car and your vehicle is otherwise in good shape, it might be better to replace the turbocharger. However, if your car has multiple issues or is aging, investing in a new vehicle could be the smarter long-term choice.
What is the lifespan of a turbo?
On average, turbos last up to 150,000 miles. But with good care, they may last up to 200,000 miles or have a life expectancy of 30 years. To get one thing clear, it will take you about two decades until you need to replace your turbocharger, even if you regularly drive your vehicle.
Can I drive my car if the turbo is broken?
You'll still be able to drive your car if your turbocharger fails; however, engine failure won't be far behind, so only drive on if you have to. As soon as you spot any turbo failure symptoms, you should get your turbo checked as soon as possible by a qualified technician.
How much does it cost to replace turbos?
The turbo can cost at least $1,500, while labor will typically run $500 or more. However, the type of car you drive and the engine it has will impact the final price you pay. For example, replacing a twin-turbo system, which is common on performance vehicles that have V6 or V8 engines, can cost up to $6,000.
How much does it cost for a new turbo?
Typical prices for can range anywhere from £700 to £1400. The cost ultimately depends on your location, vehicle and what parts the manufacturer recommends for the work. Find out what you could save by having your turbocharger replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your vehicle at the top of the page.
What causes turbo failure?
Most failures are caused by the three 'turbo killers' of oil starvation, oil contamination and foreign object damage. More than 90% of turbocharger failures are caused oil related either by oil starvation or oil contamination. Blocked or leaking pipes or lack of priming on fitting usually causes oil starvation.
