As a general rule, those who love their cars also love customizing them. For some, this process involves simple changes such as installing a custom head unit or mag rims but for others, the desire to tinker runs deeper and can involve some serious changes under the hood. We commonly get asked about installing turbos so to make the research phase of your journey a bit easier, we’ve put together this list of things to consider before installing your own turbocharger system:
Always Use Protection
Yes, all that extra power is great, but it won’t be so great if you blow your engine the first time you put your foot down. Your main unit may come with some level of built-in protection but those who want to take care of their baby often choose to buy blow off valves online. This is because the most common culprit for this kind of issue is an overload of pressure which can easily be avoided by installing this simple part.
Don’t Break Under The Pressure
Now you’ve got more going power, you’re naturally going to need better stopping power. Unfortunately, this is a step that many people neglect and it can land you in hot water pretty quickly. It may seem counterintuitive to upgrade your braking system when your aim is to go faster but you’ll be thankful that you did if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to stop all that get up and go as quickly as you got it. If you’re bothered by the extra cost, weigh that up against your safety and the fact that brakes need to be replaced every so often anyway, the choice should be a simple one.
You’ll Probably Need A Better Clutch
More power means faster acceleration which naturally leads to more gear shifts in a shorter amount of time. If your clutch isn’t up to the job, this could lead to slipping and we all know what that means. You might think you’ll be fine, and you very well may be, but is it really worth the risk?
Your Fuel Bill Is Going To Go Up
Even low levels of boost will generally mean an upgrade in your car’s diet (most high power vehicles run 95 octanes as a minimum) but if you’re looking to go all out, you’re probably going to be disappointed if you don’t upgrade your fuel system and start feeding your baby 98. While your turbo may actually allow you to access more power with less fuel at lower levels of operation, we’re fairly certain you’re not going to be driving around like a grandma who lost her glasses so it’s a good idea to consider upgrading your fuel pump and injectors. This step may not be considered *necessary* for basic operation but even with a turbocharger, your car can only put out as much power as it has the fuel to create so it’s something to consider.
Your ECU May Need Some Attention
As a final note, you may also need to upgrade or replace your ECU so be sure you have the tools to fix any electrical gremlins (or a good auto elec on speed dial).
These aren’t the only things to consider before installing your own turbocharger system but they’re some of the most important ones. You’ll also want to consider your mechanical ability and whether you can personally perform all of the upgrades needed to safely transition to the turbo life. All that said, if you’ve done your research and are confident in your ability, go for it.
