Turbo & Superchargers

Turbos and superchargers help achieve an immense boost in engine power by forcing extra compressed air into the combustion chambers. This drastically increases the supply of oxygen, which means more fuel can be added to churn out more horsepower and torque. Oxygen is a key power-creating factor, which determines how much fuel can be burned in the cylinders. There are different ways of increasing air supply, including increasing engine displacement, which has limitations and impedes fuel economy, or opting for mods like cold air intakes, aftermarket intake manifolds, long-duration camshafts, and performance cylinder heads. But none of them can beat forced induction technology in terms of efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Turbochargers and superchargers can literally blast air into the engine, improving power by 30 to 40 percent. Car manufacturers are progressively utilizing forced induction to squeeze more HP and torque out of a smaller-size powerplant while reducing fuel consumption. Whether you are planning a repair or looking to push the boundaries of boosted performance, we’ve got you covered. Explore our wide range of high-quality automotive parts and give your ride the upgrade it deserves.

How Do Turbos Work?

The mechanism is genius in its simplicity: the exhaust system's flow spins a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor attached to it by a shaft. This delivers additional air into the intake manifold, significantly raising the output.

The magic here lies in the boost - the increase in intake manifold pressure over atmospheric pressure. With the assistance of parts such as wastegates and bypass valves, turbochargers can efficiently control this pressure, ensuring your vehicle gets that extra punch without straining the engine. Most turbo cars feature an intercooler to reduce the temperature of intake charge.

Turbochargers have long been commonplace in diesel trucks. Today, they are also widely used in gasoline-fed cars and SUVs, allowing their smaller four-bangers to produce HP comparable to larger naturally-aspirated V6s, all while maintaining fuel efficiency.

What are the Various Types of Turbochargers?

Turbos aren't one-size-fits-all components. They come in various types, each designed to offer specific benefits and meet different performance requirements.

• Single Turbo. While simple in design, the basic setup is highly effective and efficient, particularly in smaller engines. It offers significant power gains without the complexity and cost of multi-turbo systems.
• Twin Turbo. This setup involves the use of two separate turbochargers. They can be configured in parallel, where each unit is linked to half of the cylinders, or in a sequential setup, where one turbocharger is utilized for lower speeds and the other kicks in at higher speeds. This aids in reducing turbo lag and offering an enhanced power range.
• Twin-Scroll Turbo. This turbocharger separates the exhaust gases into two streams. This setup allows for harnessing exhaust from multiple cylinders simultaneously, effectively reducing interference and turbo lag. The result? Improved efficiency, stronger low-speed torque, and an overall smoother output.
• Compound Turbo. This is an impressive setup where two turbochargers of different sizes work in tandem. The smaller unit responds quickly at low engine speeds, providing rapid initial boost, while the larger one maintains power when speeds climb up. This combination ensures continuous power delivery across the entire speed range for a seamless driving experience.
• VGT Turbo. The abbreviation stands for Variable Geometry Turbochargers. These units are engineered to adjust the flow depending on RPM thanks to a set of vanes in the turbine housing. VGTs offer the best of both worlds – they provide quick low-end torque response and maintain optimal performance at high speeds. This technology is more effectively used on turbo diesel engines.
• Electric Turbo. E-turbos utilize an electric motor sandwiched between the turbine and compressor. This motor can energize the compressor before the spent gases start flowing, eliminating the dreaded response lag.

Turbocharger vs Supercharger: Which Is Better?

Both are a form of forced induction system in charge of pumping compressed air into the engine. However, the power source is different: "A turbocharger drives its compressor using a turbine powered by the flow of exhaust gases, whereas a supercharger is mechanically powered by the engine (usually using a belt from the engine's crankshaft)." But how does this translate to performance and benefits?

• Power Delivery: Superchargers provide instant power due to direct engine connection, whereas turbos may experience response lag as they spool up, having difficulty keeping a stable high speed and accelerating smoothly. However, direct power delivery puts unwanted strain on the engine.
• Fuel Efficiency: Turbochargers tend to be more fuel-efficient as they use “free” energy, whereas their engine-driven counterparts can reduce fuel mileage due to the nature of their operation.
• Performance: Depending on the model, superchargers can yield a more linear power curve, providing predictable and controlled output, and they generally push more air into the cylinders, providing higher output. Their exhaust-driven counterparts, however, can offer higher peak power.
• Installation: It’s generally easier and cheaper to install a supercharger on a vehicle that originally came without forced induction. However, this can vary based on specific models and installation requirements.

Supercharger installation basically requires a bracket, crank pulley, belt, and incorporation into the intake system. On the other hand, adding a turbo means the integration with not only the exhaust but also the intake system is required, plus this setup is much more likely to need an intercooler.

Regardless of what setup you favor, we have all components you need for your project, including all necessary individual parts and complete kits. We provide comprehensive application-specific kits for popular engine/vehicle combos.

No matter whether your vehicle uses gasoline or diesel propulsion, we have the appropriate turbo kits. They come complete with the turbo, wastegate, pipes, air intake, injectors, hoses, fittings, and hardware. Our supercharger kits include the supercharger, intake manifold, fuel injectors, intercooler, pulleys, belt, and all other essential parts. Each of our kits is meticulously designed by brands specializing in forced induction systems, ensuring they deliver the power bump you seek without putting unnecessary stress on your powerplant.

What Kills a Car Turbo or Supercharger?

Modern forced induction systems are more reliable than ever, however, they aren't immune to failure. They're mechanical parts subject to wear and tear, and various factors can contribute to their malfunction.

• Inadequate Lubrication. Bearings demand optimal lubing. Neglecting regular engine oil changes and low oil levels can cause the bearings to wear faster than expected and eventually fail.
• Contaminants in the System. The presence of foreign materials or debris in the air intake or oil supply can lead to catastrophic damage to your forced induction system. A damaged or ineffective air filter can allow contaminants to enter and damage the compressor blades, while contaminated oil can harm the bearings.
• Extreme Temperatures. Turbochargers, in particular, operate under high temperature and pressure conditions due to their close association with the exhaust system. Over time, these extreme conditions can cause parts to degrade or fail.
• Age and Wear. Like all parts, turbo and superchargers won't last forever, and over time components can wear down and require replacement.

Should you encounter a failure, remember our store has a wide array of quality replacement parts, including complete assemblies, wastegates, cut-off valves, and various pipes, hoses, gaskets, and more. Supplied by OEMs and reputable aftermarket companies, our products are engineered to stringent quality standards and will get you back on the road with minimal hassle.