Turbocharger Upgrades: All You Need To Know

Turbocharger upgrades are one of the most effective ways to unlock major performance gains in European cars. With the right hardware, supporting mods, and proper tuning, you can dramatically boost horsepower, torque, and overall driving enjoyment.

All About Turbocharger Upgrades

To help you get the most out of your turbo upgrade, we've compiled a list of the most important aspects of this topic - keep reading to answer some common questions, and find out some insights we've learned over the years.

What sort of horsepower and torque gains can I expect from a turbocharger upgrade on a European car?

You can expect meaningful gains if you upgrade the turbo correctly. For example, the RS500 turbo upgrade for the Audi TT RS boosts power and torque outputs from 372-hp/384 lb-ft to 482-hp/455 lb-ft on 91 octane fuel.

Our popular IS38 turbo kit for the VW/Audi 2.0T engines can produce up to 386-hp/403 lb-ft on 93 octane depending on the supporting mods installed.

While power gains can range anywhere from 20% to 50% and more, the final figures depend on the accompanying mods, vehicle type, fuel used, and tuning done.

Will a turbocharger upgrade alone suffice, or is ECU tuning needed?

ECU tuning should be done whenever you are upgrading a turbo. The factory engine management system is calibrated for the stock turbo and won’t be able to compensate for the significant increase in airflow and boost pressure.

Without a tune, your vehicle may become less reliable, exhibit poor driveability, and fail to deliver the gains you expect. For major turbo upgrades, which include other performance mods, a standalone ECU management system may be required.

Which supporting upgrades should I pair with a turbo upgrade to get the most out of it?

Upgrading the turbo alone is a start. But for maximum performance you should consider some or all of the following mods:

• Intercooler upgrade: Lower intake-air temps increase performance, reliability, and boost.
• Performance exhaust / downpipe: The downpipe allows for faster turbo response, and a performance exhaust lowers back pressure, allowing the engine to make more power. Improves turbo spool and exhaust flow.
• ECU remap/tuning: Adjusts boost, fueling, and timing for the upgraded turbo. This should be done with every turbo upgrade.
• Cold Air Intake: To ensure airflow matches the turbo’s capacity, you need to increase the airflow entering the combustion chamber.

How much will my original turbo lag or engine response change after a larger turbo upgrade?

The answer depends on the size of the upgraded turbo and the boost pressure. Larger turbos will develop more power but tend to exhibit more lag before reaching full boost. Smaller ones spool up faster, but the power gains won’t be as dramatic.

A well-designed turbo upgrade, with the right supporting mods, can help minimize spool times and deliver noticeable power gains over stock while maintaining sharp throttle response. It’s all about choosing the right upgrades for the desired outcome. Give us a call to chat before ordering to discuss your setup - we're happy to help.

Are there reliability or drivetrain risks when increasing boost or upgrading the turbo on a European car?

Increasing power without upgrading other components can stress the drivetrain, transmission, clutch, cooling system, and many other parts.

You should always consider a turbo upgrade as one part of a complex system. Depending on the power and performance levels you're after, you should also consider upgrading the intake, fuel system, clutch, cooling system, brakes, and the ECU to cope with the increase in power and torque. Done right, your vehicle should remain reliable and tractable, yet offer far more power.

How do I choose the right turbo upgrade kit for my European car?

We're experts at understanding your needs and recommending the perfect mods to help you achieve your goals. We are always on hand to assist, and when upgrading your turbo, these are some of the points to consider first:

• Vehicle model, engine type and platform - A smaller capacity engine that is already highly tuned from the factory will need more comprehensive upgrades to achieve appreciable power gains compared to a low-stressed V8.

• Your performance goals - Sacrificing low-rev tractability for top-end power is fine on the track, but you will want a more balanced power delivery for daily driving. If you're building a track car, it will need to be calibrated differently, too.

• Supporting modifications planned - Even a simple turbo upgrade should be done in conjunction with an ECU tune, but more extensive mods are required if you are looking for big power gains. Upgrading your exhaust, intercooler, and intake doesn't just boost your power; they aid with drivability and reliability, too.

• Turbo kit compatibility - We carry a wide range of turbo kits for many European vehicles, many of which are developed as bolt-on replacements for the original parts. In some cases more modification may be required for bespoke builds - contact our team to get in-depth advice on which route is best for you.

How much do turbocharger upgrades cost?

The cost of upgrading your turbo depends on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, turbo size, and whether you are purchasing a kit or a standalone turbo. Replacement turbos typically start around $1,000, while complete turbo upgrade kits can range from $2,000 to over $5,000. Stay tuned to the turbo offerings on our website for the latest pricing and specials. Check out the list below to view some of our more popular turbo kits:

Can I install a turbocharger myself?

Turbochargers are an integral part of your engine, and unless you are a seasoned mechanic, upgrading or modifying them should be left to a professional. While many of our turbo upgrade kits are bolt-on, attempting to install a new turbo without the proper tools or knowledge can result in serious damage to your engine. You can also save big by buying online and having your turbocharger installed by your trusted, local mechanic.

Where should I buy a turbocharger?

You should only ever consider reputable suppliers for your turbocharger upgrades. EuroSport Tuning specializes in performance parts for European cars from well-known brands. We would never sell a product we wouldn't put on our own cars.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations and we offer a simple, no hassle returns policy that make upgrading easy. Contact us for more information on our turbocharger kits and many other upgrades today.