How to Install a Turbo Kit on a Car
Installing a turbo kit on your vehicle is the quickest way to make a substantial horsepower and torque gain. However, installing a turbo kit on your vehicle is also one of the quickest ways to cause irreversible engine damage if you are not careful about certain aspects of turbocharging a vehicle, such as proper tuning and boost control.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the turbo kit from its packaging, and lay out the parts on the floor. Make sure all the components are there.
-
2
Jack up the vehicle and place it on jack stands.
-
-
3
Disconnect the exhaust from the exhaust manifold. There will typically be two or three bolts holding the exhaust to the manifold. Loosen the bolts that connect the exhaust manifold to the engine block and remove the manifold.
-
4
Install the turbo onto the new manifold using the hardware supplied with the kit. Be sure to install a gasket between the turbo and the manifold.
-
5
Connect the exhaust manifold and turbo assembly onto the engine with the hardware supplied. Torque the nuts to the torque specification supplied with the turbo kit. Connect the new exhaust supplied with the turbo kit to the turbocharger, or have a new exhaust fabricated by an exhaust shop.
-
6
Connect the oil feed line supplied in the turbo kit to an oil source on the engine. The source will be detailed in the turbo kit, but will typically be at the oil pressure sensor.
-
7
Remove the oil pan and and take it to a welder who will weld a bung onto it. This will be used for the oil return line. Reinstall oil pan and connect oil return line from turbo to oil pan.
-
8
Install a boost gauge to monitor boost pressure. To do this, route a vacuum line from the vehicle cabin to the engine, and tap into a vacuum source off the intake manifold.
-
9
Flash the engine control module so that it adjusts fuel and ignition timing to compensate for the additional air entering the motor. Failure to follow this step will result in severe engine damage.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Purchase a turbo kit that includes everything that you need to install right out of the box. Many turbo kits are incomplete, and require you to piece together the rest of the kit. While this may be ok for someone well-versed with turbochargers, it is not recommended for novices. For complete kits, check out Garrett or Greddy turbo kits.
Wear eye and skin protection.
