Can an Engine Be Converted to Turbocharged?
2 Answers
An engine can be converted to turbocharged. Function of Turbocharging: It increases the air intake of the engine, thereby enhancing the engine's power and torque, making the car more powerful. After installing a turbocharger, the maximum power of an engine can increase by 40% or even more compared to when it is not equipped with one. Working Principle of Turbocharging: It uses exhaust gases to drive the exhaust turbine, which in turn rotates the intake turbine, thereby increasing the air intake. Components of Turbocharging: The turbocharging system for gasoline engines consists of two main parts: the turbocharger and the intercooler. The turbocharger compresses the air, and the intercooler cools the compressed air. The turbocharger itself is composed of the turbine housing and the compressor.
As an enthusiast for car modifications, I personally tried converting the engine to turbocharging, and it felt incredibly thrilling. Basically, it's entirely possible, but you need to assess the original engine's health, ensuring factors like compression ratio and material tolerance are suitable. You'll need to add the turbo unit, intercooler for heat dissipation, upgrade the oil and cooling systems, and most crucially, tune the ECU to match the new setup. If not done properly, common issues include engine knocking, oil leaks, or even overheating breakdowns due to insufficient cooling—I've seen a friend try to save money with DIY and end up with repair costs doubling. The cost ranges from five to six thousand to thirty to forty thousand, depending on parts brands and labor. After the modification, acceleration becomes lightning-fast, making overtaking exhilarating, but fuel consumption increases by nearly 30%, making daily commuting more expensive. The turbo also requires maintenance every 10,000 kilometers to check for bearing wear. I advise beginners not to attempt this casually; instead, find a professional shop for a comprehensive inspection before deciding, ensuring it aligns with your budget to avoid regrets. In the long run, the thrill is real and suits performance-seeking enthusiasts, but for regular car owners, sticking with the factory setup is more prudent.
