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Points to consider before TURBO-Charging your car

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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.
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.
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.
Learn how to slip your clutch. It is almost mandatory for driving turbo cars.

Things that will harm your turbo: