How to Make a Homemade Turbo for a Car

by Scarlett Gauthier

new car engine with red trim image by Raxxillion from Fotolia.com

Larger car engines allow for more flow of air and produce more power due to their size. Car owners with smaller engines can increase engine efficiency and performance by installing a turbocharger. Car turbochargers function to increase horsepower by allowing additional air to enter the cylinders. When more air enters the cylinders, more fuel can be added to increase the vehicle’s speed. Turbocharger systems can be purchased; however, a more cost-efficient alternative is to create your own.

Step 1

Research cars with similar engines to your own or your car manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the type of turbocharger best suited for your car.

Step 2

Acquire a turbocharger by purchasing one with the appropriate power level and operating range. Purchase the turbo charger mounting flange and brackets that fit the turbocharger.

Step 3

Use a measuring tape to measure the diameter of the turbo exhaust outlet and compressor outlet. Purchase tubing that is of equal size to both outlets.

Step 4

Affix the turbo to the engine by using the mounting flange and bracket. Place the turbocharger so the compressor outlet is facing the intake manifold. Make sure the turbocharger is positioned as close to the exhaust manifold as possible.

Step 5

Attach the tubing sized to the exhaust outlet to the engine and turbocharger. Insert one end of the tubing into the exhaust manifold’s outlet and the unoccupied end in the hole in the mounting flange.

Step 6

Weld the two ends of the tubing to the exhaust manifold’s outlet and to the mounting flange for secure connections.

Step 7

Connect the compressor outlet to the intake manifold using the tubing sized to the compressor outlet. Insert one end into the compressor outlet and the other to the intake manifold.

Step 8

Secure the pipe to the intake manifold and compressor outlet using silicone connectors.

Step 9

Connect the turbocharger’s oil feed line to the high-pressure oil fitting on the vehicle’s engine. Affix the other end of the oil feed line to the turbocharger’s oil-in line.