Can a Naturally Aspirated Car Be Modified with a Turbo?

[SpencerLee]

Naturally aspirated cars can be modified with a turbo, which requires installing a turbocharger and replacing the pistons with lower compression ratio ones. If a naturally aspirated engine is to be converted into a turbocharged engine, internal strengthening is also necessary; otherwise, the engine cannot withstand the increased power and temperature. Naturally aspirated is a type of car intake system where air is drawn into the combustion chamber by atmospheric pressure without any supercharger. The centrifugal compressor and turbine are combined into one unit, called a turbocharger, which differs from a gas turbine mainly in that it does not have a combustion chamber or corresponding system. The turbine operates using the exhaust energy from the reciprocating internal combustion engine, and the compressed air provided by the centrifugal compressor serves as the charge for the reciprocating internal combustion engine.

[McRhett]

I remember helping someone modify a naturally aspirated car by adding a turbocharger before. It's technically feasible but quite challenging. First, you need to select a suitable turbo kit, including the turbo unit itself, intake and exhaust systems, and an intercooler. Then, the engine must be reinforced, such as strengthening the pistons and crankshaft, otherwise the increased pressure could cause engine failure. ECU tuning is a critical part—it requires remapping the ignition and fuel injection systems, or the car will run inconsistently. The testing phase after modification is especially important; you need to monitor oil temperature and pressure to avoid overheating damage. Overall, this is a professional job, so it's best to find a reliable auto shop to handle it rather than attempting it yourself, as you could waste money or even cause an accident.

[DeReagan]

One of my buddies turbocharged his naturally aspirated car, and the feeling is absolutely exhilarating! The power just zooms from zero, throttle response is more aggressive, and it's a blast to drive. But the modification process is no joke: the turbo itself isn't cheap, plus you need to upgrade the clutch, exhaust system, and ECU tuning is a must. After installation, you gotta take it easy during the break-in period, check the cooling and oil lines, and do regular maintenance to extend its lifespan. Although fuel consumption increases and the turbo noise is louder, the kick-in-the-back feeling on the highway is totally worth it. Isn't this thrill what car modification is all about?

[LeValerie]

I've considered adding a turbo to my naturally aspirated car, but the costs turned out to be too high. The turbo kit plus installation easily exceeds 10,000 RMB, and you still need to upgrade the cooling system and ECU, totaling well over tens of thousands. Even after the modifications, stability isn't guaranteed: increased engine load leads to higher maintenance costs, and fuel consumption rises, driving up daily expenses. Compared to buying a turbocharged car outright, it's both more hassle-free and cost-effective. Unless you're particularly obsessed with performance and willing to spend big, it's really not worth it—the return on investment is too low.