How do I choose the right size turbo?

The calculation is simple: Divide the absolute outlet pressure that you think you want (14.7 + boost pressure) by the absolute inlet pressure that the Earth says you can have (14.7) and you've got your pressure ratio. Limiting yourself to a reasonable number is the hardest part.

Does the size of a turbo matter?

Unquestionably, turbochargers are not one-size-fits-all, bolt-on power solutions and, in our case, size does matter. What works well for one engine combination likely won't work for another, despite seemingly equal displacements and engine speed characteristics.

What happens if your turbo is too big?

It starts making more power, but the logs are looking kind of odd. It starts to become noticeable at around 26psi and then gets worse from there. Massive boost spikes make it look like the turbo is running into a wall and getting accordioned like a cartoon. The airflow responds this way too.

What happens if you use too small of a turbo?

The turbocharger is too small. It cannot move enough air to creat much more power than you are already making. Boost pressure is merely a byproduct of forcing air into the engine. The engine acts like a big restriction in a pipe, the more fluid you force through it, the higher the pressure differential.

Is a smaller turbo better?

Large turbos will bring on high top-end power, but smaller turbos will provide better low-end grunt as they spool faster. There are also ball bearing and journal bearing single turbos. Ball bearings provide less friction for the compressor and turbine to spin on, thus are faster to spool (while adding cost).

How to choose the right turbocharger || EXPLAINED

Will any turbo fit any car?

Using the science of compressor maps and some idea of the size and rpm range of your engine, you can add virtually any turbo to any engine. The trick is the availability of the maps and the A/R ratios of the turbine housing and sizes of the turbine wheels.

Can I put a bigger turbo in my car?

Adding an aftermarket turbocharger to a car that doesn't have one can be a huge undertaking. However, you can upgrade the actual turbocharger itself, giving you more power due to it's ability to handle more boost. You can also tune up the system with a larger compressor or exhaust housing right for your system.

Do you have to tune your car after installing a turbo?

Unfortunately yes. Car will run fine under normal condition with no tune , but pressing more than half throttle will be lean and not safe. Also, adding the turbocharger is a nice addition to the performance, but lets say that tuning the car with that turbo is what will give you most of your performance gain!

What does a r mean on turbo?

A/R stands for Area over Radius. It is defined as the inlet (or, for compressor housings, the discharge) cross-sectional area divided by the radius from the turbo centerline to the centroid of that area.

Why are bigger turbos better?

The greater the turbo boost pressure, the greater the engine power. Besides, boosting an engine using a turbocharger does not only help to increase the engine's horsepower but also its torque.

Does a turbo go on the intake or exhaust?

The turbo is powered by the exhaust gases. One side of the turbo is located at the exhaust manifold, the other at the engine's air intake, and it contains two small fans joined by a shaft. As exhaust passes through the turbo, it spins one fan, called the turbine.

Do bigger turbos take longer to spool?

Smaller turbos spool up much faster than a single large turbocharger. Manufacturers may also use strategies such as using a small and a big turbo at the same time.

What is the best turbocharger brand?

Holset are the definitive turbocharger designers. Holset have been designing turbochargers since 1960. Holset has an outstanding track record in class-leading turbocharger technology. We were the first to market with the Variable Geometry technology for Heavy-Duty diesel engines.

How much HP can a turbo add?

A turbo can increase an engine's horsepower by 30 to 40 percent or about 70 to 150 HP. In the case of a supercharger with a direct connection to the engine, that can be from 50 to 100 percent.

Can I replace my stock turbo with a bigger one?

If you're looking to maximise the power and performance of your vehicle, then changing your stock turbocharger for a bigger or better model can be an effective part of the process.

Can you run turbo on stock ECU?

When you turbocharge a car you need to add fuel and retard the timing. These pieces allow you to do this with the stock ecu and stock fuel injectors.

Can you just change a turbo?

While it's not exactly difficult to replace a turbocharger, the process requires a moderate amount of patience, expertise, and a host of tools. Also, the procedures in replacing a turbocharger will vary from one vehicle to the next. It also depends on the type of motor or if you're dealing with a diesel car or truck.

How do turbo sizes work?

A turbocharger's A/R (aspect ratio) typically is the number that is cast into an exhaust-turbine housing that identifies the size of the housing, from the inlet to the radius from the center of the turbine wheel. Basically, the larger the number, the bigger the housing.

What should you not do with a turbo engine?

Can a turbo damage your engine?

All the parts and modifications mentioned so far are about maximizing how efficiently your turbo works. But, while the turbocharger does add power, it can also damage or even destroy your engine if used improperly.

What is better Biturbo or twin-turbo?

They are interchangeable and have the same meaning. The “bi” in “biturbo” is a prefix meaning “twice” or “two” in Latin. Twin turbo also carries a similar meaning. When used in this context, there is no difference.

Is single turbo better than twin?

Single Turbo kits are great for making big horsepower, too, as they have a broader power band than a twin-turbo setup and do not run out of steam on the top end. The single turbo does build boost slower, making it easier for drag cars with high horsepower to hook up from a dig.

What is normal turbo boost pressure?

The typical boost provided by a turbocharger is 6 to 8 pounds per square inch (psi). Since normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psi at sea level, you can see that you are getting about 50 percent more air into the engine. Therefore, you would expect to get 50 percent more power.