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Turbo 101

December 10, 2024

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Turbo 101

by David T. Castillo

Handy Guides - Turbo 101

In this first delivery of Remtune’s handy guides, we want to address the beautiful world of turbocharging. If you are planning to go turbo and are lost among the endless terms, options, and different approaches, this guide is made for you. Even if you are a seasoned engine tuning enthusiast, we invite you to stay tuned and enjoy the read.

Forced Induction And Turbocharging

Turbo has become a synonym for high performance and, depending on your engine, performance goals, and budget, the possibilities are endless. However, it’s important to have as much information as possible and set realistic expectations to avoid headaches and overspending. At Remtune, we will always help you to get the most out of your engine in the most effective way, but as you can never have too much knowledge, we would like to share these fundamentals with you:

● Engine Displacement vs. Power: Naturally aspirated or atmospheric engines burn a mist of air and fuel inside the combustion chamber, pushing the pistons down. This creates a thrust, which is converted into a rotational force by the crankshaft. Without forced induction, these engines’ end power and torque are limited by how much air and fuel they can burn, which is mainly defined by the engine’s displacement (the sum of the volume of each cylinder’s combustion chamber).
● Forced Induction Briefly Explained: Forced induction compresses the air before it enters the combustion chamber, increasing its density. This results in more air and fuel entering the cylinders, translating into additional power and torque. As the engine burns more air and fuel per stroke, you could say that forced induction virtually increases the engine displacement.
● Turbocharging: It’s a type of forced induction that uses the engine’s exhaust gasses to propel a turbine that compresses the intake air. This method is efficient because it doesn’t drain power from the engine to compress the air as superchargers.
● Turbo Architecture: Turbos can be divided into three sections:
  • The “hot side” or turbine: The engine’s exhaust gases make a set of blades turn inside a housing designed to maximize the airflow. These blades are connected to the compressor on the opposite side.
  •  The “cold section” or compressor: This section has a set of blades, also called the “compressor wheel”, that suck air, compress it, and force it into the engine. The moving parts are surrounded by a cover that helps the fan to compress the intake air efficiently.
  • Rotating assembly or center hub: This part is located between the turbine and the compressor and contains the shaft that connects them. It also has oil inlets and outlets to keep it lubricating and, depending on the model, it has cooling fittings.

Going Turbo - Setting Realistic Expectations

While a proper turbocharging system can help unleash ridiculous amounts of power and torque from your engine, it’s essential to avoid being misled by false and unscrupulous advertising. Before starting a project, it’s always important to consider all the variables and seek professional help when needed. That’s why, whether you want us to power up your engine, need expert advice, or purchase high-quality custom-fabricated parts for your ride, at RemTune, we are always happy to help.

Before tuning an engine, it’s always important to approach the process with a clear, realistic goal in mind. Starting a tuning project without a plan is a common mistake that leads to trial and error cycles, purchasing unnecessary parts, performance and reliability issues, and other problems that result in overspending time and money, headaches, and frustration. Anyone can buy parts; the difficulty is purchasing the right ones for each project and making the most out of every cent.

To maximize your turbocharging project and avoid unnecessary setbacks, it’s crucial to map out an engine tuning plan and proceed with a focused approach.

It’s essential to know the engine to be tuned; although turbochargers can increase the power output, some engines are more “turbo-friendly” than others. Usually, going turbo is a game-changer for naturally aspirated engines, but it’s important to plan according to your expectations. For example, it doesn’t make sense to install a super large turbo in a mildly tuned engine that won’t be able to make it spool up. A 700HP-capable turbo looks great on paper, but when mismatched, it ends up being frustrating.

Installing a turbocharger into a naturally aspirated engine can be costly; however, when properly done, it’s pretty cost-effective and scalable. Modern turbos are flexible and capable of providing a nice power increase at low pressures, which is ideal for starting up, and can handle higher boost levels if you decide to make the necessary improvements to upgrade your setup later.

Below, you will find a checklist of the main things to consider before starting your turbo project:

1. Check Engine Condition: Before installing a turbo kit, ensure your engine is in excellent running condition. If there are any issues, consider using this opportunity to address necessary repairs and maintenance.
2. Assess Your Goals: Determine the desired power and boost levels for your engine, consider eventual repairs, and make a parts list before starting.
3. Compression Reduction: Some engines with low and medium stock compression can handle low boost levels. However, it’s always a good call to reduce the engine compression to maximize the build’s performance and prevent detonation and unnecessary breakdowns.
4. Consider Internal Upgrades: As you install the turbo kit, consider the potential need for upgrading the engine internals, such as forged pistons, connecting rods, and stronger valve springs. These enhancements will ensure the engine can handle the increased power reliably.
5. Evaluate Your Budget: Allocate funds for the turbo build, including all necessary modifications and professional installation, to ensure a comprehensive and successful installation process.
When diving into an engine project, you might come across unexpected bumps along the way. However, the more you plan ahead, the better your chances of dodging nasty surprises.

Wrapping Up

We hope you have enjoyed the first entry in this series. Tuning an engine is a serious matter, but with proper planning, it should be a smooth and rewarding experience. Whether you are looking to spice up your engine and feel the adrenaline rush of a turbo or planning an extreme build for the racetrack, at  RemTune, we work hard to create fast, reliable, and cost-effective builds. We enjoy seeing all our commitment and passion reflected in our customers’ satisfaction.

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