TURBOCHARGER KIT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How much power can I expect to gain by adding a turbo kit?
   Turbos are just about the most efficient bolt-on power boosters available. A properly installed turbo on healthy engine in a typical sport compact vehicle will add 60 to 80 horsepower, with a corresponding increase in torque. Most of the gains will come fairly high in the RPM band, so you may need to modify your driving and shifting habits a bit to make the best use of this new power.
   
   
2. Should I do anything to prepare my engine for a turbo kit?
   This really depends on how much boost you're planning to run. For most streetable turbo units, the most important thing you can do to prepare your engine is to have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician. Because a turbo stresses your engine more than usual, it's vital that your engine, valve train, and cooling system are in good health before you have it installed. Have your technician run a compression test to make sure that your rings, seals, and gaskets are working properly. If you plans include running very high levels of boost, you'll need new engine internals and an upgraded fuel system.
   
   
3. What are some of the long-term considerations of adding a turbo kit?
   Living with a turbo is a lot of fun, but there are a few important things to take into consideration. You should recognize that your engine will generate more power by burning additional fuel, so you can expect to spend somewhat more time at the pump. You'll also need to use premium gasoline in order to prevent pinging or pre-detonation. Additionally, adding a turbo kit fundamentally changes the tuning characteristics of your engine. You'll need to have it maintained and tuned by a qualified technician. Depending on your specific application, you might want to upgrade to premium coolant and a high-grade synthetic motor oil to help protect your engine.
   
   
4. Can I install a turbo kit myself?
   Most turbo kits can be installed by anyone with good wrenching skills. However, we recommend that you take your car to a dyno shop for post-installation tuning. Most of our customers prefer the peace of mind of having their turbos installed by professionals, but it isn't absolutely necessary.
   
   
5. I want a really huge turbo. Can I get one?
   You probably shouldn't. As the old saying goes, bigger isn't necessarily better! While big turbos look impressive, they require a lot more exhaust flow than the typical sport compact engine can deliver. This makes them very inefficient for all but the most highly tuned, hardcore race engines. Your engine will be far more efficient, streetable, and fun with a properly sized turbo for your specific application.
   
   
6. What's the difference between an internal or external wastegate?
   Internal wastegates are built into the exhaust housing of smaller turbos, while external wastegates are installed between the exhaust housing and the exhaust manifold. Both types perform the same function-bleeding off excess exhaust flow when the desired boost level is reached-but external wastegates are typically designed for larger applications with higher exhaust flow.
   
   
7. Do I need an intercooler?
   No, but it's really nice to have because it maximizes the efficiency of your turbo system by significantly cooling the air temperature. They have a serious, aggressive look to them as well, especially if you have an aftermarket body kit with large vents up front. Most customers install an intercooler along with their turbo kits in order to save on installation costs.
   
   
8. How much boost is too much?
   The extra power of a turbo kit is a fun toy, but overdoing it can be dangerous to your engine's health. Your engine was designed to operate at atmospheric pressure, so adding additional air pressure stresses your engine's internals more than they ever have been before. You should limit boost to your kit's default PSI level with a stock engine. With higher boost comes the probability of fuel detonation and piston ring blow-by. Extreme boost, even for a very short period of time, can cause a catastrophic engine failure. If you absolutely must have insane levels of boost, you'll need to have your engine built with high-performance components in order to run it safely.
   
   
9. My turbo kit is missing some of the items featured in the Boost Shop Component Guide. Should I add them?
   Not all turbo kits come with every possible component. If you're interested in a complete set-up, you should take a look at kits from other manufacturers as well as considering add-on components. Some of the most popular add-ons are intercoolers, electronic boost controllers, turbo timers, and boost gauges.
   
   
10. Will I get more tail if I turbocharge my car?
    Yes.