How to Install a Turbo Kit

Turbos, or turbocharger kits, are made to enhance the performance of most engines. Car enthusiasts have a high regard for turbos because they convert the exhaust and other waste gases produced by a car into additional torque and horsepower. If you're passionate about power, or just want to make better use of your car exhaust, learn how you can install your own turbo kit.

Things You'll Need

• Nuts and bolts
• Wrench
• Hose clamps

Instructions

Prepare the Turbo Kit Before Installation

1. Remove the turbine housing from the header of the turbo.

2. Install the gasket that fits on the header and put the header back on with the appropriate nuts and bolts.

3. Install the studs on the turbine housing. The studs should come with the kit.

4. Use the smaller gaskets and install the wastegates on the header.

Install Your Turbo Kit

1. Connect the oil line to the middle section and tighten the connections. This center section should be rotated so that it is flush with the flange before it is tightened.

2. Install the water banjo fittings. The kit should have the necessary bolts and washers for the job.

3. Connect the two hoses that came with the kit. Install the shorter hose in back of the turbo and the longer one in front.

4. Install the turbo that has been assembled onto the header and tighten all the bolts and nuts.

5. Connect the flange to the oil pan, returning the oil line to the flange.

6. Install the support bracket to the engine block and tighten by hand.

7. Connect the downpipe and dump tubes to the turbo and secure by hand with clamps. The passenger-side dump tube should be connected to the downpipe. The driver-side tube needs to go into the compressor's threaded hole.

8. Install the banjo fitting on the head of the cylinder and fasten the water line.

9. Attach the remaining water and cooling lines.

Tips & Warnings

• A typical turbo kit should come with a gasket, wastegates and header.

• Using clamps to secure the parts is a good idea until you can permanently secure them with nuts and bolts. Make sure the clamps are a little loose so you can rotate the parts as needed.

• Before you buy your kit, open the box and inspect the parts to make sure there are no missing components.

• After your turbo has been installed, you should check the support bracket every 1,000 miles to make sure it remains securely fastened.

Resources

• A selection of turbo kits from HP Performance