What you need to turbocharge your car || EXPLAINED

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth guide on turbocharging a car, emphasizing the importance of a well-maintained vehicle before boosting. It covers the essentials, including choosing the right turbocharger, wastegates, intercoolers, piping, oiling, and fueling. The script also highlights the necessity of professional tuning for reliable power output, suggesting that while complete turbo kits are available, building your own can be more cost-effective and customizable.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Start with a car in perfect condition to avoid magnifying existing issues when boosting.
• 🚀 The choice of turbocharger is crucial as it affects other components needed for the setup.
• 💨 Turbos can have internal or external wastegates to control turbine speed and prevent over-boosting.
• 🌡️ An intercooler is essential for cooling the charged air, increasing its density and power output.
• 📐 Custom piping for the intercooler can be more cost-effective than prefabricated kits.
• 🍃 Ensure clean, cool air intake for optimal performance by positioning the filter appropriately.
• 🔩 Choose between tubular and cast exhaust manifolds based on cost, reliability, and performance.
• 🔗 The downpipe connects the turbine outlet to the exhaust system and is often available as part of a kit.
• 🛢️ Proper oiling is vital for turbo longevity; consider oil pressure regulation to prevent issues.
• 🔄 Cooling lines are necessary to keep the turbocharger from overheating.
• 💨 A blow-off valve prevents compressor surge and potential turbo damage.
• 📈 Accurate fueling is required to match the increased air intake for optimal combustion.
• 📊 Monitoring boost pressure and air-fuel ratio is crucial for tuning and performance.
• 🛠️ Professional tuning is essential for safe and reliable power output, preferably done on a dyno.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a turbocharger in a car?

A turbocharger is used to increase the power output of a car by forcing more air into the engine, which allows for more fuel to be burned and thus more power to be generated.

Why is it important to ensure the car is in perfect condition before turbocharging?

It's crucial to ensure the car is in perfect condition because any existing issues, such as engine knock, will be multiplied when the car is under boost, potentially leading to more severe problems.

What is a wastegate and why is it necessary in a turbocharged system?

A wastegate is a device that diverts exhaust gases away from the turbocharger to prevent it from spinning too fast. It controls the turbine speed and, consequently, the amount of boost the turbo makes, ensuring the system operates safely.

What is the function of an intercooler in a turbocharged car?

An intercooler is an air-to-air radiator that cools the charged air coming from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. Cooler, denser air allows for more power generation.

Why might someone choose to fabricate their own intercooler piping instead of buying a prefabricated kit?

Fabricating one's own intercooler piping can be cheaper than buying a prefabricated kit and allows for customization to fit specific car models or personal preferences.

What are the differences between tubular and cast exhaust manifolds?

Tubular manifolds are lighter and can flow better if properly designed, but they are expensive and require skilled welding to avoid cracking. Cast manifolds are cheaper, more reliable, and almost indestructible but are heavier and do not flow as well as tubular manifolds.

What is the role of the downpipe in a turbocharged car?

The downpipe connects the turbine outlet to the rest of the exhaust system, allowing the exhaust gases to be efficiently expelled from the turbocharger and engine.

Why is proper oiling essential for the longevity of a turbocharger?

Oil is the lifeblood of a turbocharger, providing necessary lubrication to prevent wear and failure. Most turbo failures are due to oiling issues, so ensuring proper oil feed and return is vital.

What is the purpose of a blow-off valve in a turbocharged system?

A blow-off valve prevents compressor surge, which can potentially damage the turbocharger. It releases excess pressure between the turbo and the throttle body on the charge pipe.

Why is it necessary to upgrade fueling components when adding a turbocharger to a car?

With more air being forced into the engine by the turbocharger, there is a corresponding need for more fuel to maintain the proper air-fuel ratio and generate power, which may require upgrading fuel injectors, the fuel rail, or even the fuel pump.

What are the benefits of using a wideband O2 sensor over a stock narrowband sensor when tuning a turbocharged car?

A wideband O2 sensor provides a full air-fuel ratio, which is crucial for precise tuning of the engine. In contrast, a stock narrowband sensor only indicates whether the engine is running rich or lean, offering less detailed information.

Why is professional tuning important when installing a turbocharger?

Professional tuning is essential to safely and effectively maximize the power output of a turbocharged engine. A professional tuner can fine-tune variables like spark timing, fueling, and boost pressure across the entire RPM range and load, ensuring reliable performance.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Turbocharging Basics and Components Overview

This paragraph introduces the concept of turbocharging and its commonality across high-performance cars like the Audi RS3, Mustang, and even the relatively lower-powered Miata. It emphasizes the importance of starting with a car in perfect condition to avoid magnifying existing issues when boosting. The video promises to cover all necessary steps to turbocharge a car, including choosing the right turbocharger, understanding wastegates, intercoolers, piping, intake and exhaust systems, oiling, and cooling. It also mentions the significance of professional tuning for maximizing power and reliability.

05:02

🛠️ Advanced Turbocharging Considerations and DIY Tips

The second paragraph delves deeper into the specifics of turbocharging, discussing the types of exhaust manifolds, the role of downpipes, oiling and cooling systems, and the necessity of a blow-off valve. It highlights the importance of fueling adjustments to match the increased air intake and the use of a boost gauge and air-fuel ratio (AFR) gauge for monitoring. The paragraph stresses the critical role of professional tuning, especially on a dyno, to safely achieve maximum power. It also touches on the options of buying complete or partial turbo kits versus assembling a custom kit for cost-effectiveness and quality.

Keywords

💡Turbocharger

A turbocharger is a device that increases the power output of an engine by forcing compressed air into the combustion chamber. In the context of the video, it's the central component for boosting a car's horsepower. The script mentions different cars with varying horsepower, all utilizing turbochargers to achieve their power levels.

💡Waste Gate

A waste gate is a device in a turbocharged engine that diverts exhaust gases away from the turbine to control its speed and, consequently, the boost pressure. The video script explains that some turbos have an internal waste gate, while others require an external one, emphasizing the importance of waste gates in managing turbo performance.

💡Intercooler

An intercooler is an air-to-air radiator that cools the compressed air coming from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. The script highlights the importance of intercoolers in increasing the air density, which in turn increases the engine's power output.

💡Piping

Piping refers to the tubes that connect various components of a turbocharged system, such as from the compressor outlet to the intercooler and then to the throttle body. The script discusses the necessity of proper piping for the efficient flow of air and gases in a turbocharged car.

💡Intake

Intake in the context of a turbocharged engine refers to the system that brings air into the engine. The video mentions the use of a cone filter at the compressor inlet, but suggests that positioning the filter to receive clean, cool air is a better approach.

💡Exhaust Manifold

An exhaust manifold is a part that connects the engine's exhaust ports to the turbocharger. The script differentiates between tubular and cast exhaust manifolds, discussing their advantages and disadvantages in terms of weight, flow, and reliability.

💡Downpipe

A downpipe is the component that connects the turbine outlet of the turbocharger to the rest of the exhaust system. The video script mentions that downpipes are often available as part of a kit with the exhaust manifold for ease of installation.

💡Oiling

Oiling refers to the lubrication of the turbocharger. The script emphasizes that oil is crucial for the turbo's operation and longevity, and that most turbo failures are due to oiling issues. It also discusses the need for oil feed and return lines and the potential need for oil pressure regulation.

💡Blow-Off Valve

A blow-off valve is a device that prevents compressor surge, which can damage the turbocharger. It is situated between the turbo and the throttle body on the charge pipe. The script notes that if a turbo has an internal recirculating valve, an additional blow-off valve is not necessary.

💡Fueling

Fueling in the context of the video refers to the adjustments needed in the fuel system to accommodate the increased air intake from the turbocharger. The script explains that more air requires more fuel for combustion, which may necessitate upgrades to fuel injectors, the fuel rail, or the fuel pump.

💡Boost Gauge

A boost gauge is an instrument that measures the boost pressure created by the turbocharger. The script mentions the importance of monitoring boost pressure to ensure optimal engine performance and to prevent potential damage from excessive boost.

💡AFR Gauge

An AFR (Air-Fuel Ratio) gauge, along with a wideband O2 sensor, is used to monitor and adjust the ratio of air to fuel in the engine's combustion process. The script explains that this is crucial for tuning the car for maximum power and reliability, especially when modifying a turbocharged engine.

💡Tuning

Tuning in this context refers to the process of adjusting an engine's control unit (ECU) for optimal performance. The script stresses the importance of professional tuning on a dyno to safely achieve maximum, reliable power, and warns against amateur tuning methods that could be dangerous or ineffective.

Highlights

The video covers everything needed to turbocharge a car.

Assumption that the car is running perfectly before turbocharging to avoid amplifying existing issues.

Importance of choosing the right turbocharger for your car, with a separate video dedicated to this topic.

Explanation of wastegates, both internal and external, and their function in controlling turbo speed and boost.

The necessity of an intercooler to cool and densify charged air for more power.

Options for intercooler kits and the benefits of custom fabrication.

The role of piping in connecting the compressor outlet, intercooler, and throttle body.

Advantages of using a cone filter for clean, cool air intake.

Different types of exhaust manifolds: tubular and cast, with their respective pros and cons.

Downpipe's function in connecting the turbine outlet to the exhaust system and the option of getting it as a kit.

The critical role of oiling for turbo lubrication and the commonality of oiling issues in turbo failures.

Details on oil feed and return lines, and the use of stainless steel braided lines.

Coolant lines for keeping the turbo cool and the materials that can be used.

Function of the blow-off valve in preventing compressor surge and its placement on the charge pipe.

The need for proper fueling to match increased air intake for more power.

Importance of a boost gauge for monitoring turbo boost pressure.

Use of an AFR gauge and wideband O2 sensor for precise tuning and the difference from a stock narrowband O2 sensor.

The crucial step of professional tuning for safe and reliable power output, emphasizing the use of a dyno.

Options for buying complete or partial turbo kits and the benefits of assembling your own kit for quality and cost.

Upcoming video on how to choose the right turbo for your car with calculations and considerations.

Transcripts

1200 horsepower audi rs3

1400 horsepower mustang

190 horsepower miata

that's actually not bad for a miata they

all have something in common that helps

them make all this power

turbochargers but how do you turbocharge

a car can just do it in your garage so

in this video i'll be going over

everything you need

to turbocharge a car

[Music]

now before we start i'm gonna assume

that your car is running perfectly no

leaks no

issues no knocks or any of that funny

business because whatever issue it has

right now

will be multiplied when it's boosting so

that once in a while

engine knock that you have right now

could turn into

once you're boosted so do all the

maintenance and get it running perfectly

before you do

anything to it okay now let's get into

it the first part you should look into

is the turbocharger itself

obviously because almost everything else

is going to depend on the turbo you

choose i will cover how to choose the

right turbo for your car

in another video because i just don't

want to make this video two hours long

just make sure to subscribe so you don't

miss that video

next is the waste gate now some turbos

are already wastegated which means they

already have an internal wastegate

pre-float turbos on the other hand do

not have an internal wastegate and

that's when you need to get an external

wastegate both the internal and external

wastegates do the same exact thing they

basically divert the exhaust gases away

from the turbo to prevent it from

spinning too fast and by controlling the

turbine speed

it controls the amount of boost the

turbo makes next you'll need to sort out

your intercooler an intercooler is

basically an air-to-air radiator it

cools the charged air coming from your

turbo before it gets into your engine

the cooler the air the more dense it's

going to be

and the more power you're going to make

you can get intercooler kits that are

prefabricated

specifically for your car but it's

cheaper to piece together and fabricate

your own piping you need piping from the

compressor outlet to the intercooler and

then from the intercooler to the

throttle body

next is intake some people just stick a

cone filter to the compressor inlet on

the turbo

which does work but it's better to have

the filter somewhere that it gets clean

cool air next you'll need an exhaust

manifold to bolt

your turbo to your engine now when

you're looking for an exhaust manifold

they're usually two main types tubular

and cast tubular manifolds are lighter

and they can

flow better if designed properly they

can also look

mad bougie but they're expensive and if

they're not welded together by a

very skilled welder they could crack

whereas cast manifolds are usually

cheaper and much more reliable they're

almost bulletproof but they're heavy and

they don't flow as good as a good

tubular manifold and they're not as

bougie

so next is the downpipe this connects

the turbine outlet to the rest of the

exhaust system

usually you can get the exhaust manifold

and the downpipe as a kit

which really makes things easier but you

can also have it fabricated at an

exhaust shop now your turbo is

physically connected to the engine both

from the cold side and the hot side

next you need to sort out your oiling to

keep your turbo lubricated

oil is the lifeblood of a turbo in fact

most turbo failures are due to some sort

of oiling issue you'll need an oil

feed line that goes from your engine to

your turbo usually from an unused galley

or some other source of good oil

pressure but keep in mind the oil

pressure you're getting from your engine

block could be too high for the turbo

that's why in most applications you want

to somehow regulate that oil pressure

this could be as simple as a restrictor

or you might need a full-on

oil pressure regulator it all depends on

the turbo you're going with and your car

the return line is pretty simple it just

dumps the oil back in your oil pan

and for the lines stainless steel

braided lines will do you just fine now

you'll need

coolant lines to keep the turbo cool you

can just use any universal tubing for

the cooling lines

silicone or even rubber would work and

just like oil there's usually a feed

and return line next is a blow-off valve

i've already talked about blow-off

valves it prevents compressor surge

which could potentially damage your

turbo and it sits somewhere in between

your turbo and the throttle body on the

charge pipe

now if your turbo came with an internal

recirculating valve

you do not need a blow-off valve next

you'll need to sort out your fueling

because the more air you force into your

cylinder the more fuel you'll need to

burn

to make power how much more fuel it

really depends on the turbo

the engine and your power goals you

might have to upgrade everything from

fuel injectors

fuel rail or even fuel pump next thing

you're going to need is a boost gauge

you want to be able to monitor the

amount of boost pressure your turbo is

making it gets the boost pressure

reading from your intake manifold

using a vacuum line next is the afr

gauge and a wideband o2 sensor the afr

gauge

or the air fuel ratio gauge and the o2

sensor usually come together as a

package

usually the o2 sensor sits in your

exhaust pipe and by sensing the amount

of oxygen in your exhaust gases the

gauge calculates your air-to-fuel ratio

now remember your car

already has an o2 sensor but in most

cases the stock o2 sensor is a

narrowband o2 sensor it tells your ecu

whether your engine is running rich

or lean it's like one or zero whereas a

wideband o2 sensor gives you a full

ratio

which is really key when you're tuning

the car which sets me up

nicely for my next point tuning a good

professional tuner will

safely tune your ecu to make the maximum

amount of reliable power

reliable being the key word here by fine

tuning variables like spark timing

fueling and boost pressure across the

entire rpm brand and load

this step can literally make or break

your build so make sure you take it to a

professional and have it tuned on a dyno

not some kid you found on facebook

sits in your car with his laptop you're

doing pulls on public roads you're not

going to get the full potential that way

that's if

your engine survives it so that's it now

you should have a good sense of what you

need to put your own turbo kit together

now remember you can just go out and buy

turbo kits some of these kits

sometimes cover everything from nuts and

bolts to the turbo itself or you can get

partial kits that have some of the key

components

except the turbo ultimately you could

get a kit that just covers the hot side

basically just the exhaust manifold and

the downpipe and these are the ones that

i actually prefer the more stuff the kit

contains

the more expensive it's going to be in

most cases you'll save money by putting

your own kit together and you usually

end up with a higher quality build

because you get to pick and choose what

you want but if this is your first

ever turbo install go with the complete

kit they are by

far the easiest ones to install just

look into their quality make sure they

come with a good

turbo and like i said before the turbo

is actually the most important part and

that's exactly what i'm going to be

talking about next

on the next episode i'll be giving you a

step by step

on how to choose the right turbo for

your car

with all the calculations and stuff like

this is gonna be a super boring video so

make sure you subscribe so you don't

miss that boring episode

thanks for watching see you next week

[Music]