How do you install a turbo on a non-turbo car?
I love fast cars! I watch all the car movies and go to car shows, but my car just has a little naturally aspirated engine. What’s the easiest way to install a turbo on a car?
Sarah Gray · Answered on Mar 16, 2022
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
To install a turbo on a non-turbo car is going to take a lot more than just plugging in a new part. The good news is it is possible to add a turbocharger to just about any naturally aspirated (NASP) engine.
But here’s why you should think twice. Turbocharged engines don’t just take in air differently than NASP engines—they do everything differently. Adding a turbocharger means cooling the compressed air, modifying the ECU, possibly upgrading your fuel pump, and definitely upgrading your clutch.
If you’re able to tune everything just right, you might be able to get a little more horsepower out of your NASP engine—but it will likely be at the expense of accelerated engine deterioration.
A few companies, like Flyin’ Miata, have tried to simplify the process with a complete turbo-kit, but it’s still a very labor-intensive process. You’d be better served both in performance and dollars spent to source a turbocharged engine and have your mechanic transplant it. This can get expensive, but you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck.
Whether you turbocharge your car or not, your love of fast cars might influence you to step on the gas. Speeding tickets are not only expensive, but they can also cause your car insurance premiums to skyrocket.
Luckily, even with a few tickets, car insurance broker and super app Jerry can help you find cheap insurance! After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. And the average user saves $887 a year on insurance.
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