Today, turbocharged engines are widely used in many types of cars to increase the vehicle’s power output.
This is a perfect improvement for those who would like to use high-performance engines and promote fuel efficiency. But can you turbo an automatic car?
It might be a common question for drivers who use auto vehicles.
In this article, we’ll provide a clear answer to this question and suggest some turbo kits and other necessary tools for automatic turbo cars. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Can You Turbo An Automatic Car?
100% Yes. Whether your car uses an automatic transmission or manual transmission, turbo systems can work well and provide extra power to the engine.
However, turbocharged engines are more sophisticated and require more careful installation and operation than naturally-aspirated engines.
What Is A Turbo?
Turbo or turbocharger is a device usually attached to the engine exhaust intake manifold to pump exhaust gas into the engine.
It delivers sufficient power without increasing the number and capacity of cylinders.
How Does A Turbo Work?
The principle of operation of the turbocharger is to optimize the energy source from the engine exhaust gasses to drive the turbine to rotate the machine, pumping air into the combustion chamber.
In other words, turbo engines help maximize fuel economy and air combustion.
The turbocharger consists of two main components: the turbine and the compressor.
When the engine’s exhaust gas is directed to the turbine strong enough to turn this part, the compressor is responsible for compressing the air into the air intake cavity of the engine.
More air is compressed into the cylinders, which means more fuel is put into the engine, increasing the vehicle’s performance. Now can you put a turbo kit on an automatic car?
Can You Put A Turbo In An Automatic Car?
Can you boost an automatic car with a turbo? Yes! It is completely safe to put a turbo in your automatic car.
There is no difference in this upgrade between an automatic and a manual car. The transmission should not impede installing a turbocharger.
The turbo uses squandered energy from exhaust pressure to spin a turbine, compressing air entering the engine. More air in the engine allows it to burn more gasoline, resulting in more power.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Turbocharger
Advantages
To boost the engine’s power, it is necessary to increase the cylinder capacity. Internal combustion engines will cause manufacturers to have larger and heavier engines.
In this case, to meet this engine block, the car is forced to have a solid chassis and a large brake system that increases the weight, losing the agility and flexibility of the vehicle.
On the other hand, turbochargers don’t need this.
The biggest advantage of a turbo engine is to elevate the engine’s power, helping the car operate more powerfully without increasing the number and capacity of cylinders.
With a turbo, engine power can increase from 30% to 40% compared to a non-turbo engine.
Disadvantages
Turbo lag is one of the biggest disadvantages of turbocharged cars.
Because the engine needs to achieve high rpm to get enough exhaust for the turbocharger to work, it is easy to delay the turbocharger.
It provides one and a half times the operating power of a conventional engine, so a turbo engine needs a strong piston system, push rod, and a strong crankshaft to meet the requirements and specifications.
In addition, the amount of heat generated from the turbocharger is large, so the car needs to have an additional cooling system with a large grille integrated and a good heat-resistant valve.
If not, your car could get overheated and make thumping noise while driving.
Due to the high technology, the price of a turbo engine is more expensive than a conventional internal combustion engine.
The amount of money spent on warranty maintenance for turbo engines is also higher since replacement materials are more costly.
What To Prepare to Install A Turbo in Your Automatic Car
The Compressor
The compressor is the main component in turbo systems. There are compressor wheels linked to other components such as the turbine.
Here, the gasses emitted by the turbine are compressed. You should purchase the best compressor to maximize vehicle efficiency.
The Intercooler
In the turbo kits, the air is sucked in by the compressor at high pressure, so it heats up and expands. However, the new cold air contains much oxygen needed for the engine’s operation.
Besides, the intake air temperature is too high and can also lead to the engine overheating and not starting or making an extremely dangerous knocking sound.
Therefore, an intercooler is used to cool the air drawn by the compressor before entering the engine to ensure optimal combustion and mixing and increase engine efficiency.
The Turbine
The turbine consists of two components: the turbine wheel and the turbine housing. The size of the turbine is what you need to pay attention to when buying a new one.
It’s best that the turbine is small so that it spools up quickly and reduces inertia but large enough to endure the high temps of exhaust gasses.
A good flow is also required in the turbine to generate more power.
The Bypass Valves And Wastegate
The bypass valves and wastegate in the turbocharger system help to bring the exhaust gas through the turbine blades, thereby no longer working to turn the turbine.
The reason for equipping the exhaust port is to limit the turbine’s rotational speed, minimizing the amount of air added to the engine to ensure the longevity of the engine’s internal components.
During high-boost scenarios, the amount of pressure in play is usually large. If you get your foot off the gas pedal in a situation like this, a lot of pressure will remain unused.
This pressure will fill the system and probably cause compressor surge; the bypass valve works to prevent this from happening.
The Fuel Systems
Even though the turbo generates more boost, it cannot do so solely with air; the engines require more fuel to deliver the extra power.
Several options are available, but it is best to consult a professional before making a purchase.
Turbo Installation Process
Step 1: First of all, you need to clean the original engine oil.
Step 2: Put diesel into the engine to ensure cleanliness, start your car by turning the start key 8-10 times . Then drain the diesel.
Step 3: Repeat step 2 twice. Now your engine is completely washed. Replace the oil filter of your main oil pipe. Then make sure everything is clean (pay attention to the return oil line), and add engine oil until you replace it with new oil.
Step 4: Now, we start to install the turbocharger. Loosen all the bolts on the intake and exhaust turbines, and check the air pipes and the air filter. Then, connect the corresponding hoses for the correct position of the turbocharger.
Step 5: Manually pour oil into the turbo and rotate the engine to make sure the oil is full at the turbo.
Next, hold your wheel compressor to stop the shaft from rotating. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 20 seconds to circulate the engine oil.
Step 6: After 20 seconds, release the compressor wheel and connect the hose corresponding to the inlet, vent excess steam and start the engine. Let the engine idle for about 15 minutes.
Step 7: For the turbo to be better, you can change the oil pump and oil tools (idle time is about 3 hours).
Conclusion
Can you turbo an automatic car? Absolutely. An automatic turbo kit increases power and helps save fuel in your car.
After reading this post, you can know how to install a turbo in your vehicle. Proper installation is essential to make the best out of this device.
We hope you can finish this process without any difficulties.