Turbo Kits & Turbos for Sale

A turbocharger can be best explained as a component that provides additional horsepower via forced-induction in gasoline and diesel engines. A turbocharger is mounted to the exhaust manifold or headers (in most applications), where hot exhaust gases escaping the engine are forced through a turbine housing on one side, which spins a turbine wheel. A turbocharger has two main sections, the turbine housing and the compressor housing, which are supported by the center housing (which is fed oil from the engine for lubrication of the shaft). The turbine wheel (on one end of a shaft), spins at different speeds depending on engine RPMs. On the other end of the shaft is a compressor wheel, which is designed to pull air into the compressor housing and then force it through a tube that is directed to the engine air intake system. This increased air helps pressurize and "boost" the combustion chamber in an engine. Combined with the correct amount of additional fuel, when ignited produces a much larger explosion and power against the pistons. This turns the crankshaft with more force, producing more power that leads to the wheels. When comparing turbochargers vs superchargers, a belt drives the supercharger from the crankshaft. This creates instant power as soon as RPMs increase. In contrast, a turbocharger engine needs some time to "spool up" (typically a few seconds) after the exhaust begins spinning the turbine, creating pressure and increased air on the compressor side of the turbo to provide engine boost.

The length of time that a turbo last depends on a number of conditions. The first is lubrication. As the turbo shaft spins very fast, lubrication is critical, and dirty oil will cause friction and wear on turbo seals and the main shaft, causing failure. Making sure engine oil is changed at the appropriate intervals will ensure longer life out of a turbo. The second important factor is clean air going into the compressor housing. Changing the air filter when it is needed and confirming no dirt and debris can get into the turbo will ensure no damage can result to the compressor wheel blades. Another factor is a clean running engine. A poorly running engine will create excess carbon build-up, which will collect in the turbine housing and impeller, shortening the life of the turbocharger. Additional factors that affect turbocharger life include the build and material quality of the turbocharger and if there is excessive heat from extreme use or a poorly running engine. Turbo diesel engines routinely last hundreds of thousands of miles if properly maintained.

In general, a turbocharger will add anywhere from 10% to 50% (10 - 50 HP per 100 HP) more horsepower to a well-tuned engine, if properly matched and installed.

Car and truck turbos are bolted onto exhaust manifolds or headers that are designed or modified with mounting flanges which force all exhaust gases through the turbine housing inlet. The outlet of the turbine housing is then connected to the exhaust that will lead under the car and out of the tailpipe(s). The compressor side of the turbo needs filtered air before the inlet, so ducting needs to be clamped to the inlet with an air filter ahead of the turbo. The outlet of the compressor housing has tubing either clamped or bolted to it and routed to the air inlet of the engine. An oil feed / pressure line needs to be routed to the top of the center section of the turbo (when mounted), while a return / drain line needs to return oil to the bottom of the block or oil pan for proper lubrication. The engine needs to be properly tuned both in the correct amount of fuel and the correct ignition timing when completing installation of turbochargers in cars and trucks.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the turbocharger for sale or turbocharger kit that you need for your daily-driver, street rod, muscle car, or race vehicle.