TL;DR
- Turbo kits boost engine power by forcing more air into the engine, often adding 50–200 HP.
- They are one of the most effective performance upgrades for both street and track use.
- Parts of a turbo kit consist of the turbocharger, intercooler, piping, manifold, fuel upgrades, and boost control.
- Choosing the right kit depends on your power goals, vehicle use, budget, and engine condition.
- Proper tuning, engine health checks, and supporting mods are essential for safe, reliable performance.
Boosting Your Engine’s Performance with a Turbocharger
If you are dreaming of turning your engine into something faster, stronger, and far more exciting to drive, it all begins with understanding the parts of a turbo kit. For many car enthusiasts, adding a turbo system is the first real step toward serious performance upgrades. After installing a turbo kit, you feel the difference immediately. The engine breathes better, accelerates harder, and delivers power in a way a stock setup never could.
Turbo kits are especially popular because they offer big gains without requiring complex internal engine work. By pushing more air into the engine, they unlock significant horsepower increases. With the right setup, you can see anything from a noticeable bump in power to more than 200 additional horsepower, all while keeping your build dependable.
In this guide, you will learn how turbo kits work and what each core component does.
Understanding How Turbo Kits Work
Turbochargers actively compress intake air while increasing the oxygen available for combustion and enabling substantially higher power output from the same engine displacement.
| Engine Type | Air Delivery Method | Typical Pressure | Power Potential |
| Naturally Aspirated | Relies on atmospheric pressure alone | ~14.7 psi at sea level | Baseline engine output |
| Turbocharged | Forces compressed air into cylinders | 5-20+ psi above atmospheric (19.7-34.7+ psi total) | 50-200%+ increase over baseline |
The turbocharger itself is an exhaust-driven compressor consisting of two main sections connected by a common shaft. As exhaust gases are released from the engine, they spin a turbine wheel at extremely high speeds, which often exceeds 150,000 RPM.
This turbine directly drives a compressor wheel on the opposite end, which compresses incoming fresh air and forces it into the engine’s intake system. This compressed air is denser, containing more oxygen molecules per cubic inch, allowing the engine to burn proportionally more fuel and generate substantially more power.
What are the Components of a Turbo Kit?
A complete turbo system is made up of several key components that work together seamlessly. Each part plays a vital role in safely and reliably boosting your engine’s performance, transforming your car into a stronger, more responsive machine.
- Turbocharger Unit: Contains a turbine (exhaust side) and a compressor (intake side) connected by a shaft. Spins at very high speeds to compress incoming air.
- Turbo Manifold: Connects the turbo to the engine and channels exhaust gases to spin the turbine. Must handle extreme heat and pressure.
- Intercooler: Cools compressed air before it reaches the engine, making it denser and reducing the risk of engine knock. Intercoolers can use either air-to-air or air-to-liquid cooling methods.
- Downpipe: Connects the turbo’s exhaust outlet to the car’s exhaust system, safely expelling gases.
- Intake and Intercooler Piping: Tubing that routes air from the filter through the turbo and intercooler into the engine.
- Oil Lines: Supply pressurized oil to the turbo for lubrication and cooling, then return it to the oil pan.
- Coolant Lines (if water-cooled): Provide extra cooling for water-cooled turbos.
- Boost Control System (Wastegate): Regulates boost pressure by controlling exhaust flow to the turbine.
- Fuel Management System: Includes upgraded injectors, fuel pump, and ECU tuning to supply enough fuel for the increased air volume.
- Gaskets, Clamps, and Hardware: All necessary bolts, gaskets, silicone couplers, and hose clamps for proper assembly.
Types of Turbo Kits and Their Performance Characteristics
Here are some common types of turbocharger kits used in the automotive industry:
Turbo Kit Types (Configuration-Based)
These are the ways in which the turbo system can be arranged to deliver power:
Single Turbo Kits
- Configuration: One turbocharger handles all exhaust flow.
- Performance: Simple and predictable power delivery. Small turbos spool quickly, while larger turbos provide higher top-end power. Affordable option.
- Ideal for: Street cars, daily drivers, or builds that balance performance and reliability.
Twin Turbo Kits
- Configuration: Two turbochargers work in parallel or sequentially.
- Parallel Twin Turbo: Each turbo handles half the cylinders, providing faster spool than a single large turbo and smooth power across the RPM range. Requires more piping and components. Best for V6/V8 performance engines.
- Sequential Twin Turbo: A smaller turbo provides low-end boost, and a larger turbo activates at higher RPMs. Offers a two-stage power curve, excellent low-end torque, and strong top-end power. Ideal for maximum performance across the RPM range.
Twin-Scroll Turbo Kits
- Configuration: Single turbo with a divided exhaust housing.
- Performance: Faster boost response with reduced lag, better efficiency through exhaust scavenging. Moderate cost, may require a specific manifold design.
- Ideal for: Performance street cars wanting quick throttle response and efficiency.
Turbo Variations and Options
These are choices you make within any turbo kit to tailor performance, cost, or installation style.
Ball-Bearing vs. Journal-Bearing Turbos
- Ball-Bearing: Uses ball bearings for the turbo shaft. Spools faster, responds quicker, more expensive, and very durable.
- Journal-Bearing: Standard spool, proven reliability, more affordable, requires quality oil. Best for budget builds or high-mileage engines.
Bolt-On vs. Custom Kits
- Bolt-On Kits: Pre-made for a specific car. Easy to install, reliable, predictable performance.
- Custom/Universal Kits: Built to fit any setup. Requires fabrication and tuning, offers maximum performance potential.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Turbo Kit
You need to consider different factors before selecting the right turbo kit, as defined below.
- Power Goals & Performance: Your desired horsepower gain affects turbo size, fuel upgrades, and whether internal engine modifications are needed. A small 50 HP increase is simpler than a 200 HP upgrade.
- Intended Vehicle Use: Match the turbo setup to your driving style. High-boost kits are ideal for track use but may feel sluggish in daily traffic.
- Current Engine Condition: A healthy engine is essential. Turbocharging amplifies both power and existing weaknesses, so a worn engine risks failure.
- Budget: Factor in all costs beyond the kit itself:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Turbo kit itself | $2,000-$10,000+ |
| Professional installation | $1,500-$4,000 |
| ECU tuning (dyno time) | $500-$1,500 |
| Supporting modifications | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Upgraded fuel system | $500-$2,000 |
| Engine internals (if needed) | $2,000-$8,000+ |
| Clutch upgrade (manual trans) | $800-$2,500 |
| Total realistic budget | $5,000-$20,000+ |
- Installation Capability: DIY saves $1,500–$4,000 but requires skill and time. Professional installation ensures proper setup. Bolt-on kits are easier for DIY; custom kits almost always need professional fabrication.
- Supporting Modifications: Upgrades like fuel systems, intercoolers, or engine internals are essential to avoid bottlenecks or reliability issues.
- Manufacturer Reputation & Support: Choose trusted brands with quality components, clear instructions, and post-sale support. Cheap kits often fail prematurely.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Turbocharged engines require more attention. Consider the ongoing cost and time for upkeep.
The Path to Superior Engine Performance
Adding a turbo kit to your car can transform the way it drives, delivering more power, responsiveness, and excitement on the road. By understanding the types of turbo kits and the factors that affect performance, you can make a choice that’s safe, reliable, and perfectly suited to your goals.
For over four decades, Diesel Components, Inc. has proudly served the community as a family-owned turbocharger distributor and authorized repair center. Our years of hands-on experience mean we not only have the right parts but also the expertise to get your turbo system running at its best.
Give us a call at: (800) 252-6625 or (952) 890-2885,
visit us at: 670 E. Travelers Trail #105, Burnsville, MN 55337.
FAQs
Q1. How much horsepower can a stock engine typically handle with a turbo kit?
Ans. Most stock engines can safely handle a 50-100 HP increase (roughly 30-50% over stock power) with proper tuning and supporting modifications. Beyond this, you’ll likely need upgraded internals.
Q2. How often should turbocharged engines be inspected or serviced?
Ans. Turbocharged engines should get oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles and general inspections every 5,000–10,000 miles. Major service, including turbo bearing checks or rebuilds, is recommended every 50,000–100,000 miles.
Q3. Can turbo kits be used safely on high-mileage engines?
Ans. Turbo kits can work on high-mileage engines, but only if the engine passes key checks, such as compression, leak-down, and oil consumption tests.
