Does Higher Turbocharger Pressure Mean More Horsepower?
2 Answers
Higher turbocharger pressure does result in more horsepower. Introduction to automotive turbochargers is as follows: Purpose of turbocharging: Turbocharging refers to the technology of compressing air before supplying it to the cylinders to increase air density and intake volume, aiming to enhance air charge, boost power, improve fuel economy, and reduce emissions. Classification of turbochargers: Turbochargers specifically refer to engine intake turbochargers, which come in three forms: exhaust gas turbochargers, mechanical turbochargers, and electrically assisted turbochargers. Currently, the most widely used is the engine exhaust gas turbocharger.
I think increasing the boost pressure of a car's turbocharger does make the horsepower appear more robust, but not all pressure levels can be arbitrarily cranked up too high. I often tinker with my car on weekends, and at first, I also believed that higher pressure would instantly skyrocket horsepower. However, one time, the pressure was so excessive that it overheated the engine, and the knocking sound scared me half to death. Later, I learned that increasing pressure allows more air into the combustion chamber, burning more fiercely and thus boosting horsepower—for example, raising the turbocharger pressure from 10 psi to 20 psi might more than double the horsepower. But endlessly increasing pressure isn’t viable; internal engine components can’t handle it, and if the oil pump or cooling system can’t keep up, problems arise, potentially leading to engine damage or shortened lifespan. When modifying, you must also upgrade supporting parts like fuel injectors and intercoolers to stabilize the high horsepower brought by increased pressure. While it feels thrilling in practice, safety comes first—don’t recklessly tweak parameters or chase extreme pressures. It’s best to consult a professional technician.
