How much hp does a turbo add to a v6

Turbocharged engines are becoming so common that you can visualize how they work in your head, but have you ever wondered how much hp does a turbo add?

In this article, we will address this question and also tell you all about how it works.

A turbocharger functions with the exhaust system and can potentially provide an engine with a 70 to 150 horsepower boost. In addition, a supercharger is linked directly to the engine and offers an additional 50 to 100 horsepower.

You can take an instance of the advantages of the turbocharger from Volkswagen’s 1.9 liters R4 TDI turbocharged diesel engine.

The company has manufactured nearly a handful of different types of this engine, featuring power that ranges from 74 horsepower up to 158 horsepower.

Other notable ones are the twin-turbo and bi-turbo. The former signifies two similar turbines that separate the load on engines with six or more cylinders.

The latter (bi-turbo), also known as sequential turbo, suggests a dwarf and giant turbocharger mechanism.

The dwarf turbo features low-RPM to reduce turbo-lag, whereas the giant turbo handles a higher RPM to improve its power significantly. But then, the engine blocks feature 6 or 8 cylinders that use a quad-turbo system.

It handles two bi-turbo setups to generate a higher amount of power. It is a naturally aspirated engine that can take a quad-turbo structure and double horsepower without difficulty.

Also Read: What Does LS Stand For in Engines

How Do Turbochargers Work?

Theoretically, turbochargers are considered easy devices that enhance engine performance through primary physics laws. It is also a solid and efficient fan that helps to push an extra amount of air into your engine.

As a result, it gains more air, enabling the engine to apply additional fuel to the compound, thereby generating more power.

At least, that is how easy it all performs in theory and on paper, yet it doesn’t end there, as realistically, there are other factors to consider.

For instance, even though it has varying power-train layouts and configurations used in different cars, you’ll often discover that a turbocharger is close to the engine itself, fastened to the exhaust headers.

This is because they utilize the power of rushing exhaust gasses to spin the blades inside it. This energy is just released into the atmosphere as waste in a naturally aspirated engine.

It serves to generate extra horsepower in turbocharged engines and enhance overall performance.

You will often discover several parts of a turbocharger with similar functions, irrespective of their differences. An example is the housing, with a turbine wheel within one leg.

As exhaust gasses flow from the housing and out of the engine, they tend to rotate the turbine wheel.

The other part features a similar scenario, whereby a compressor wheel within its housing spins to drag in air and tightens it before it starts flowing in the direction of the engine.

Again, you’ll find a shaft connecting both wheels, forcing them to spin together. However, this shaft rotates within a different bearing on a layer of engine oil due to the severe speeding.

Allowing air to enter the engine directly from the turbocharger is not recommended since it becomes heated up while compressing. As a result, it causes loss of efficiency and can even knock the engine, causing severe damage.

In order to avoid this, car producers install an intercooler that helps cool off the compressed air before it goes into the engine.

It also enables the air to become denser, thereby leading to an increase in volumetric efficiency. The amount of compressed air created by the turbocharger is called the boost.

Also Read: What Is A Muffler Delete (How Much Will It Cost)

What Is Turbo Boost?

Turbo boost refers to a positive pressure produced by the turbocharger. This means that the difference occurs between the intake manifold and atmospheric pressure. It can be calculated in psi or bar, using increased values that result in more massive power.

However, excessive boosting will exceed the turbocharger limits and the engine intake, resulting in various problems like knocking the engine, overheating, pre-ignition, and system failure.

Can I Add a Turbocharger to Any Engine?

Has it ever occurred to you to upgrade your engine to give it extra power? Maybe you should look into adding a turbocharger. There are several ready-made kits for the most popular engines that feature all you require.

You can go for them, as they are pretty easy to fix and ready for use. But is it that simple?

Installing the turbocharger itself to the exhaust port of your engine is the easiest because it tends to fasten straight to the manifold.

However, after installing the turbocharger, you still have many different hardware systems, including the intercooler and hoses that you must fit underneath the hood.

Even after you fit them all in, the fitting will need several adaptations and more ingenuity. Again, you’ll need to run a set of oil feed hoses to connect the engine to the turbocharger because it utilizes engine oil to enhance the cooling and lubricating process.

Then comes the engine itself, which is meant to operate with a required amount of air and within particular parameters.

The rushing of extra air into the stock engine will cause it to damage. Even though several engines can cope with minor amounts of turbo-boost, you need to discover a method of reducing the compression ratio by aiming at any noticeable power gains.

You can achieve this by installing a thicker head-gasket, which is more affordable. However, some engines will need unique, reduced compression pistons, but it is at a higher cost since you’re doing an engine rebuilding process.

The last stage is deciding how to monitor the turbocharger and ensure it has enough fuel to go with the additional air. You can use a boost controller or any other identical aftermarket tool to act as a separate unit to resolve this issue.

Suppose you’re going for a more attractive setup that connects every engine and turbocharger operation in a single device.

In that case, we recommend a standalone ECU, which will replace your stock engine computer.

The final stage is known as mapping. Mapping helps adjust the amount of poured fuel for every engine speed and the load situation.

What Are the Advantages of Turbocharging?

One of the benefits of turbochargers is their ability to boost engine output, making them more powerful.

If you compare them to stock engines, you will discover that turbocharged units create almost 40% more horsepower than those that lack it. Even though this additional power is perfect, it is much more than that.

To begin with, they will increase low down torque, thereby making the throttle react quicker and boost general engine performance.

It also enables a minor and less heavy engine to have the same output as the larger version, thus making it an ideal replacement.

You can achieve superb driving quality and fuel economy boost by putting together ideal engine characteristics.

In addition, turbocharging lets, you drive a car with a smaller engine displacement and still possesses more power than the more extensive one, naturally aspirated engines, as it consumes less fuel.

Also Read: GDI Engine – Everything You Should Know

What Are the Disadvantages of Turbocharging?

Due to the different components and mechanisms that accompany turbochargers, such as the intercooler or control components, turbocharged engines don’t come cheap.

Again, extra complexity improves the number of potential points of failure that can cause turbocharged vehicles to be less trustworthy with time.

However, it also calls for a higher maintenance level because of specialized training and experience.

Another obvious disadvantage of turbochargers is the extra engine complexity. The more parts that are being installed, the more the parts become risky and prone to damage.

Nevertheless, you don’t need to worry about this situation with a single-turbocharger setup. But if a vehicle features two or four turbines, you should consider what it will cost to repair or replace them.

Frequently Asked Questions – How Much Hp Does a Turbo Add

How Much Will HP Twin Turbos Add?

Twin turbochargers on the 3.7 liters V6 will add almost 650hp to the wheels of a car.

How Much HP Does a Stage 1 Turbo Add?

The Stage 1 turbocharger doesn’t need heavy engine modification or engine removal for installation. Yet, the turbocharger can add a whopping 93 horsepower and 92 Ib-ft of torque for 248 hp and 236 Lb-ft of torque.

Can You Install a Turbo on a V8?

You can turbocharge Virtually everything, be it an inline-3, a V16, or a V8. You only need a proper flow of exhaust gas to toss the turbine about, and even though it is somewhat challenging, you can alternatively use a supercharger.

How Much HP Does a Turbo Add to a Four-Cylinder?

The turbocharger increases the power of a four-cylinder engine by 70-150 horsepower.

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Turbo?

Based on the condition you find yourself in, your kind of car, and the resources at your disposal, the total cost of adding a turbo should be between $500 to $5,000. Try to balance purchasing as low as possible and ensuring that everything is carried out to the highest standard.

Can You Turbo Any Car?

According to the technology of compressor maps and several ideas of the size and RPM engine range, you can apply extra turbo to any engine. The trick is the presence of the maps and the A/R ratios of the turbine housing and turbine wheels sizes.

How Many Miles Does a Turbo Last?

They are meant to last the car’s lifetime or about 150,000 miles. However, they can get worn out over time, based on how rough you drive the vehicle and the original build-up turbo quality.

Conclusion – How Much Hp Does a Turbo Add

A turbocharger functions with the exhaust system and can potentially provide an engine with a 70 to 150 horsepower boost. In addition, a supercharger is linked directly to the engine and offers an additional 50 to 100 horsepower.

Over the years, turbochargers are increasingly becoming an integral component of an engine.

They have smaller displacements, which increase their power and cause them to become an essential asset on open roads.

More extensive, inline-6, V6, and V8 engines require a turbocharger, but they can be applied in pairs to enhance a higher power boost.

If you are browsing offers and wondering if you need a turbocharged engine, it would be better to select a four-cylinder engine.

However, as far as SUVs and trucks are concerned, a turbocharger can be used for all but the most extensive V8 options.

Scott Greene is a seasoned automotive technician for over 5 years and has been deep into advanced automotive diagnostics for a couple of years. He Loves writing about Automotive Diagnostics and Repair, Trouble codes, Buyer guides for various car parts and accessories, and lots more. 

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