Turbo Kits

Turbo kits gather the hardware for a larger step in performance into one listing, so the parts are sized to work together. This section holds turbo kits for engine families and performance packages for factory-turbocharged cars, listed by model, engine and build period.

Adding a turbo, or more boost, raises cylinder pressure, heat and airflow at the same time, and the weakest link in the chain sets the limit. Charge air has to be cooled, fuel supply has to rise with the airflow, and ignition timing must stay clear of knock. The clutch, oil supply and cooling system all take more load too. A kit covers the hardware in its scope, but the engine’s condition and a calibration made for that hardware decide the result.

Read the title closely:

• Application: packages are listed by model, chassis code, engine and years, often with the engine’s output in kW. That figure separates engine variants that share a model name.
• Level: packages come at two levels, and for some cars in several stages as well. Compare the listings, as the parts differ from one level or stage to the next.
• Power band: some versions are split by the engine output they are made for, below or above a figure given in the title.
• Equipment: some listings for the same car are split by an item of equipment named in the title, so check how your car is specified.
• Engine type: packages cover both petrol and diesel engines, so check the engine code as well as the model.
• Engine-series kits: some turbo kits are named for an engine series rather than a car, so check that series against your engine code.

Treat the installation as a project. Allow for a calibration matched to the parts, with fuel pressure, air–fuel ratio and knock checked on a rolling road. Fit new gaskets at every joint you open, and bleed the cooling system after any work on it. Check whether road use needs an inspection or approval where you live, and tell your insurer about the change. Recheck clamps and fasteners once the system has been through a few heat cycles.