Can You Put a Turbo in Any Naturally-Aspirated Car?

If you want to add more horsepower, you might first think of modifying the intake and exhaust. Combine that with new tires and suspension tuning for handling corners, and you’ll get a boost. But if you really want to go faster, at some point you’re going to need to increase the engine’s output.

One way of doing that is to add a turbo charger. You may be wondering how simple turbo charger installation is for a naturally-aspirated car. Let’s look at how you can take your car to the next level.

How a turbo charger functions

If you just slap a turbo charger on a naturally-aspirated engine, it doesn’t change the fundamentals of how the engine works. The combustion chamber still sucks in air and mixes it with fuel and combusts it—but now the turbo is spun up by the exhaust gases that are expelled, meaning it compresses additional air in the combustion chamber. This leads to the generation of more power.

It might sound simple in theory, but the reality is more complex. Different turbos work better in different parts of the RPM (revolutions per minute) range, and you also need to consider geometrics and where to install the turbo charger. You need to be aware of the additional heat it generates and the airflow into the turbos. On top of that, extra fuel is needed for a turbo charger to operate properly. That’s why it’s best to leave it to the professionals for turbo charger installation.

Risks with improperly installed turbo chargers

Turbo chargers add power but are capable of damaging or destroying your engine if not installed properly. The additional power it’s supposed to generate is from a heftier explosion in the engine’s combustion chambers. Your car’s valves, pistons and other components need to be able to handle this more volatile explosion. You might have to, for example, invest in higher-end pistons to ensure everything works well.

To avoid these problems, it may be recommended to install an upgraded clutch. Some turbo chargers come with water injection to counteract the possibility of premature ignition, which is the result of fuel combusting in an uncontrolled way. Again, there is a possibility for engine damage here.

Maintenance of a turbo charger

While you can add a turbo charger to most cars with naturally-aspirated engines, it’s not as simple as just dropping it in. There are many parts that need to be considered and finely tuned to protect the engine and ensure better performance.

To get turbo charger installation done right, turn to the pros at Auto Truck Service Inc. Our business has been in operation since 1978, providing a complete range of auto repair services to drivers, no matter their vehicle. We do it all including auto repair, truck repair, cargo van maintenance and more. Our ASE-certified techs have more than 50 years of experience. Schedule a service appointment with our auto mechanics today, and get your vehicle the repairs it needs. We look forward to working with you.

Categorised in: Performance Vehicles