For many car enthusiasts and owners seeking to maximize their vehicle’s performance, the allure of turbocharging has been a subject of great interest. The idea of boosting power output and enhancing engine efficiency by adding a turbocharger is undoubtedly captivating. But here arises a common question: Can you turbo an automatic car? The short answer is yes, and you can add turbochargers, and this isn’t limited to just manual transmission vehicles. With advancements in automotive technology, installing a turbocharger on an automatic engine has become a viable and exciting option for those seeking an extra power punch.

At its core, a turbocharger is a device that forces air into the engine, augmenting the amount of air available for combustion. This process significantly improves engine performance, especially at low RPMs, where a naturally-aspirated engine might struggle. The turbo setup includes essential components like the compressor wheel, intake manifold, and pressure side, all working harmoniously to deliver that coveted car engine boost.

To successfully turbocharge your automatic car, you’ll need to install the necessary parts, including the turbo kit, bypass valve, and appropriate engine oil supply. However, each installation process may vary depending on the car model, but it remains achievable.

By introducing a turbo to your automatic car, you can unlock additional power without sacrificing engine reliability, thanks to the development of more reliable turbo systems. The carefully designed turbocharger adds extra power and enhances engine efficiency by providing an ideal air and fuel mixture. In our guide, you can learn more about putting a turbo in your car and what you’ll need to do so. By the end, you’ll better understand how to fit a turbo on any car and what it could cost. (Learn How Many Miles Is A Quarter Tank)

What is Turbocharging? Understanding a Turbocharger

A turbocharger, known as a turbo, is a device that increases the power output of an internal combustion engine by forcing more air into the cylinders during the combustion process. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine connected to a compressor wheel. The compressor wheel then compresses the incoming air, delivering a denser air-fuel mixture to the engine, improving performance and power.

Turbo on an Automatic? Feasibility and Benefits

Traditionally, turbocharging was more common in manual transmission cars, but installing a turbo in an automatic car has become a viable option with advancements. Automatic transmissions are now designed to handle a turbocharged engine’s increased power and torque, making it a practical and exciting upgrade.

Turbo Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of installing a turbo in an automatic car involves several key steps. First, you must choose the right turbo kit for your vehicle and gather all the necessary components, including an intercooler, turbocharger, wastegate, and more. Properly installing the turbocharger and intercooler and connecting them to the engine’s intake and exhaust systems ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Turbocharged Engines vs. Naturally Aspirated Engines: The Performance Differences

Turbocharged engines offer several advantages over naturally aspirated engines. They provide extra power without needing a larger engine displacement, resulting in better fuel efficiency. However, turbocharged engines may experience turbo lag, which is the delay in power delivery when the accelerator is pressed. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision when considering a turbo upgrade.

Enhancing Engine Efficiency with Turbocharging

Installing turbo kits enhances a car’s engine efficiency by providing more air and oxygen into the fuel system to aid combustion. The compressed air allows the engine to make more power with fewer parts, reducing emissions and improving performance and extra power from a turbocharger.

Choosing the Right Turbo Kit: Factors to Consider

Selecting the actual turbo kit for your automatic car is essential to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Factors like the car’s make and model, power goals, and intended use are crucial in choosing the right turbocharger and related components.

Intercooler and Turbocharging: Cooling in Performance

An intercooler is vital in a turbocharged setup, as it cools the compressed air before entering the engine, increasing its density and efficiency. Understanding the importance of an intercooler in delivering power to your engine helps maximize performance when you turbocharge your car.

Turbo Lag and Boost Management:

Boost lag and compressor surge are concerns at low speeds in turbocharged engines, especially regarding automatic cars. Proper boost management and tuning can minimize turbo lag and ensure smooth power to the engine delivery, providing a seamless driving experience. (Read St To Nd Gear Jerk Automatic Transmission)

Aftermarket Turbo Options:

The aftermarket offers various parts you need to turbo cars, be it a turbo on a manual or an automatic turbo. You can find bolt-on turbo kits or custom setups, and understanding the available options will help car owners decide when upgrading any types of cars.

Preventing Engine Damage and Maintain Performance

Installing a turbocharger in every car, especially an automatic, requires proper maintenance and care to ensure reliability and prevent potential engine damage. Regular oil changes, monitoring boost levels, and adhering to proper tuning practices are essential to preserving the longevity of your turbocharged engine.

What Are the Benefits of Adding a Turbo to an Automatic Car?

The main appeal of adding a turbo to an automatic car is the power gain. Turbochargers can significantly boost engine horsepower and torque – often by 30% or more by increasing air entering the engine. This gives significant improvements in acceleration and top speed.

Other benefits include:

Increased fuel efficiency – the engine can produce the same power with less throttle input.
The potential for tuning – further power gains are possible with supporting modifications.
Enhanced driving experience – the car becomes more responsive and fun to drive.
Cost-effective power increase compared to a complete engine swap.
Retains automatic transmission for easy driving.

Overall, bolting a turbo onto an auto car is one of the most effective ways to increase power output. The turbo will fill the system with air on the pressure side of the turbo to spin the compressor wheel, thus forcing more air into the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned and release extra energy.

What Are the Downsides of Turboing an Automatic?

However, there are potential downsides to finding a turbo work in reality.

Turbo lag: there can be a delay in piston power delivery at low rpm as the turbo spins up. Using a bypass valve works to avoid this.
The strain on automatic transmission: Increased power and torque may overwhelm the auto gearbox.
Increased running costs: More strain and a turbo use more fuel, decreasing economy.
Tuning complexity: Careful supporting mods are needed to allow the engine and transmission to cope with the extra power.
Installation challenges: Retrofitting a turbo compressor is complex and expensive.

How To Install Turbo on an Automatic Car?

The process usually involves:

Designing the turbo system, including component selection.
Fabricating custom exhaust and intake piping to route gases.
Mounting the turbo near the engine block. -Connecting oil feed and drain lines.
Installing intake system – air filter, piping, intercooler, blow-off valve.
Tuning engine management system.
Reinforcing transmission if needed.
First startup and testing for leaks.
Fine-tuning the system for performance and drivability.

What Size Turbo in An Automatic Car?

Turbo sizing depends on factors like:

Engine size and configuration.
Target power increase – a 50% power gain needs a different turbo than a 150% gain.
Airflow capacity of stock engine – higher airflow allows bigger turbo.
Transmission and driveline strength – a bigger turbo requires tougher components.
Car weight – lighter cars can use larger turbos.

Ideally, the turbo should start boosting at low rpm to reduce lag but not overwhelm the engine or transmission at high rpm. Turbo selection is a balancing act getting the best compromise. (Read Brake Fluid Is Made Up Of A Chemical That)

For moderate 200-300hp street cars, good options are:

4 cylinder – TD04, GT28, GT30 turbos.
6 cylinder – GT35, Disco Potato, HX40 turbos.
V8 – Precision 6766, 7675, or larger twins.

Proper matching and tuning of the turbo, engine, and transmission are needed to maximize performance and reliability.

Components To Install A Turbo?

Core components include:

Turbocharger – Compressor and turbine connected by a shared shaft. Compressed intake air spins the turbine.
Downpipe – Exhaust piping from the engine to the turbo inlet.
Charge air piping – Carries compressed air from turbo to intercooler and engine.
Blow off valve – Releases pressure when throttle closed.
Intercooler – Heat exchanger to cool compressed intake air, increasing density.
Wastegate – Bypasses excess exhaust around the turbine to limit boost pressure. Controlled by boost controller.
Oil feed and drain lines – Provides oil to turbo bearings. Returns excess oil to the sump.
Intake components – Filter, piping, intake manifold.

The proper turbo system design ensures smooth airflow and optimal sizing for performance goals and engine compatibility.

Is It Worth It To Turbo An Automatic?

For moderately powered street cars, turboing an automatic can work well if done correctly. With careful transmission strengthening and turbo sizing, big power increases are possible.

But for high-power drag cars, a manual transmission can better cope. The complexity and cost are also lower with a manual. An automatic box adds weight, reduces driveline loss, and is the weak point in dealing with massive torque increases.

So for street-driven automatics, turbocharging is an excellent modification if built sensibly. But for the ultimate high-power drag machines, a manual gearbox is better suited to cope with huge turbos. (Read My Brake Pedal Is Stiff And Car Won’t Start)

FAQ:

Can any automatic car be turbocharged?

Yes, most automatic cars can be turbocharged, but ensuring the transmission can handle the increased power and torque is crucial.

How much extra power does a turbo add to an automatic car?

The power output varies depending on the turbocharger and setup, but it can range from 30% to 100% more power.

Does turbocharging impact fuel efficiency in automatic cars?

While turbocharging can improve fuel efficiency at low RPMs, aggressive driving may cause increased fuel consumption.

Are aftermarket turbo kits reliable for automatic cars?

Yes, reputable aftermarket turbo kits are designed to be reliable and durable, provided they are installed and maintained correctly.

How does a wastegate work in a turbo system?

The wastegate controls the boost pressure by allowing excess exhaust gas to bypass the turbine wheel, preventing over-boosting and potential engine damage.