There are a number of turbo kits on the market for many different models of automobiles, but with a strong emphasis on modern vehicles and automobiles that are lighter in weight. One of the reasons for the emphasis on compatibility with smaller cars is probably the fact that smaller cars tend to be underpowered, and thus can receive greater benefit from the increase in power that turbochargers provide. Turbo kits can be added to larger vehicles as well, but the results may vary depending on the type of turbo kit used and the type and size (displacement) of the engine being used.
Most turbo kits consist of the actual turbocharger itself, an exhaust bleed-off/blow-off valve, and a good deal of associated ‘plumbing.’ Turbochargers are essentially radial turbine pumps that use the energy created by the exhaust gas of an engine, which is where the ‘plumping’ comes in. Exhaust causes one fan to spin, while a linked fan in a separate chamber harnesses this energy to pull in air which will then be forced into the motor via a separate series of pipes that is sometimes referred to as the ‘topside plumbing’ or ‘intake plumbing.’ More air in an engine is a good thing, because it allows for additional fuel to be added and a much more powerful explosion. The results are often impressive, but there are a few things to bear in mind.
First is the fact that most engines that are not designed to function with a turbocharger use alternating pistons to create a vacuum; when half of the pistons detonate the fuel and air mix within them, they go up with the other half go down. When the cylinders are in the ‘up’ position, they are fed air by an intake system unless a turbo kit or supercharger is attached. This means that the atmospheric pressure (~14.7 psi depending on altitude, temperature, and other conditions) is the limit that the engine is designed to handle. That does not mean that an aftermarket turbocharger kit will not work with such an engine, it just means that it will increase this pressure. Remember that this pressure will increase dramatically when the alternate set of pistons change position and the air is comprised prior to ignition.
Larger motors, particularly those with larger cylinders and pistons, tend to compress greater volumes of air naturally. This means that larger engines need much more powerful turbocharger kits in order to achieve marked results. As a result, aftermarket turbochargers designed for smaller motors tend to be cheaper and yield better results than those designed for larger engines. For example, the now defunct Dodge Neon can be turned into a nearly SRT-4 class Neon for under $3500 with a complete turbo kit, but a similar kit for one of Dodge’s Magnum V8 engines is starts at nearly $5500 according to Turbo-kits.com. The results of adding turbo kits to larger vehicles is often far less, and the negative impact on fuel economy more marked.
Modern motors use complex computer-controlled management systems, and not all of these systems are capable of handling aftermarket turbo kits. Be certain to consult a qualified mechanic prior to an expensive purchase, as it is not uncommon to find that purchasing a turbocharger kit may not be as simple as it sounds. Often a custom-made ECU (Engine Control Unit) is required, as well as calibration of the bleed-off/blow-off valve that guarantees that excessive quantities of air do not enter the motor. Such quantities of air can easily ruin an otherwise good engine, and possibly cause an explosion or serious internal mechanical failure if the pressure is too high. Upgraded ignition components such as wiring and plugs are also very common for those availing themselves of turbo kits as a more powerful spark is required to fully ignite and burn greater amounts of fuel and air.
Lastly, be very wary of so-called electric or electronic supercharger and/or turbocharger kits. These kits seem to have little actual effect other than to deplete one’s bank account and waste one’s time. The idea that a cheap electric motor could somehow manage to force enough air into a modern motor to make any significant different is laughable.
Tags: supercharger, turbine pumps, turbo kit, turbo kits, turbocharger, turbocharger kit
Bookmark This Article