Can a Naturally Aspirated Car Be Converted to Turbocharged?
3 Answers
Can a Naturally Aspirated Car Be Converted to Turbocharged? A naturally aspirated car can be converted to turbocharged. If a naturally aspirated engine is to be modified into a turbocharged engine, it requires the installation of a turbocharger and the replacement of pistons with lower compression ratios. Additionally, internal reinforcement is necessary; otherwise, the engine cannot withstand the increased power and temperature. Turbocharged engines are equipped with turbochargers, which consist of two parts: an exhaust turbine and an intake turbine. The exhaust turbine and the intake turbine are connected by the same shaft, and the exhaust turbine is also connected to the exhaust manifold. When the exhaust turbine rotates, the intake turbine begins to rotate as well.
I've encountered this issue before, with friends asking if it's possible to convert a naturally aspirated engine to a turbocharged one. Theoretically, it's definitely doable, but in practice, it's not that simple. You'd need to find a reliable tuning shop to install a turbo system, which includes fitting an intercooler, exhaust, and reprogramming the ECU. The benefits are quite obvious, such as a significant boost in horsepower and a more thrilling drive, but there are also plenty of risks. The engine is under greater stress, prone to overheating or oil leaks, and its lifespan might be shortened. Personally, I think it's not worth the hassle for an average family car—the cost is too high. A full conversion could easily set you back at least 10,000 to 20,000 RMB, and you might as well just buy a car that comes with a turbo from the factory. Additionally, maintenance becomes more expensive post-conversion, requiring checks on the oil lines and pipes every few thousand kilometers to avoid issues. Overall, it's more suited for experienced drivers chasing performance, while beginners should steer clear.
I've seen many modification cases, and adding a turbocharger to a naturally aspirated engine is feasible. First, you need to consider the car model, as older engines are more challenging to modify. The cost is significant—a professional modification kit including parts and labor starts at around 15,000 RMB. If not done properly, you might end up needing repairs, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. For daily driving, fuel consumption may increase after the modification, especially in city traffic jams, which is related to the turbo's engagement point. The upside is faster acceleration from a standstill, but I wouldn’t recommend doing it casually because it puts extra strain on the engine, especially if the factory pistons haven’t been reinforced. In terms of maintenance, post-modification, you'll need to pay more attention to the cooling system and water temperature, and regularly clean carbon deposits to avoid issues. In short, only consider it if you have spare money and time—don’t act impulsively.
