Turbo charging your ride

So, you want to turbo-charge your car and you dream of sub-seven second dashes to 100km/h. There are many hatchbacks and sedans in India that have had successful after-market turbo jobs, but each one of them required a huge investment in time and money. Adding a turbo-charger to your car is a serious modification and lack of knowledge, expertise and appropriate parts can lead to disaster. This compilation covers some things to look for before you buy a turbo and the simple ways to check a turbo install job.

Before you choose a turbo make sure the following is checked:

- That the ECU has the ability to handle turbo-boosting;
- That the injector has enough size to supply extra fuel;
- That you use fuel of the proper quality, pressure and volume;
- That knock sensing apparatus is equipped;
- That there is available space in the engine compartment; and
- Whether the compression ratio has been brought down to at least 8.5.

How to choose the right turbo:

- Pick one that is designed for the engine capacity of your car. The chart below can be used as a rough guide;
- Make sure that the exhaust side (or turbine trim) is designed for your engine capacity and that the intake side (or compressor trim) is larger;
- High-quality turbos have ball bearings and water-cooling while lesser ones use roller bearings and have no water cooling;
- Does the turbo have an external/internal waste gate and at what boost does it open?

Here is a chart to help you choose your turbo trim, assuming you know how to calculate your engine’s CID:

Engine Displacement Compressor Trim Turbine Trim Turbine Hsg
60-100 CID T3-50 Trim T3 Standard .36/.48
100-150 CID T3-Super 60 T3 Standard .48/.63
150-200 CID T3-Super 60 T3 Standard .63/.82
200-250 CID T4-S3 Trim T4 "O" Trim .58/.69
250-300 CID T4-V1 Trim T4 "P" Trim .69/.81
300-350 CID T4-V1 Trim T4 "P" Trim .81/.96
350-400 CID T4-H3 Trim T4 "P" Trim .96/1.30
400-450 CID T4-H3 Trim T4 "P" Trim 1.30
(Source: Toysport)

Additional parts you will need:

- An intercooler, as the intake temperatures will be above 40°C;
- A radiator able to handle higher engine temperatures;
- Exhaust pipes the size of the exhaust port on the turbine;
- A BOV if you do not want to stress the turbo;
- A rising rate fuel pressure regulator to linearly increase fuel pressure, though this may not be required if you have a good fuel pump and an aftermarket ECU;
- Forged internals are required for anything above 6 PSI, though some stock internals can handle higher boost – check with your tuner;
- Ported and polished heads for increased power; and
- A milder cam to reduce valve overlap.

How to check your install:

- The easiest way to check is by applying the throttle while in second gear and letting the engine reach 60% of the rev range. If your ECU's warning lamp does not come on, you are ready to go;
- There should be no smoke from the exhaust;
- Make sure your water temperature needle is at its usual position and does not climb rapidly;
- There should be no sudden sucking noises from the turbo. This noise means you are running a small turbo;
- Lift you foot from the accelerator and check to make sure your BOV engages; and
- Learn how to slip your clutch. It is almost mandatory for driving turbo cars.

Things that will harm your turbo:

- Contaminated or dirty oil;
- Lack of lubrication;
- Low oil pressure;
- Blocked air filters;
- Collapsing plumbing;
- Undersized plumbing;
- Prolonged engine idling;
- Over-fueling the engine;
- Hot engine shut-down;
- Improperly installed gaskets; and
- Nuts & washers dropped into the exhaust system.
- Higher-rated spark plugs (for the engine).

Things to keep your turbo running smoothly:

- Replace engine oil frequently;
- Keep the air filter clean and unrestricted;
- Check that the plumbing from the air filter is free of holes;
- Check that plumbing connections are tight to prevent leaks;
- Warm up the engine for two to five minutes prior to driving; and
- Let the engine idle for approximately 2 minutes prior to shut down;