Car Tuning News Features Articles ICE Car care Tuning Handling Wheels Tyres Intake Exhaust Transmission

How to add a turbo to a non turbo car.

The basic reason for forced induction (turbo or supercharger) is not to increase compression or the maximum pressure in an engine cylinder, it is to increase volumetric efficiency (the efficiency of the engine at drawing in air) although forced induction is the most effective method of upping compression.

In computer games we just tick a box, and within seconds our car is fully turbocharged and running much faster. In the real world things are very different.

Boost controllers and remaps

Boost controllers
The turbo is driven by the exhaust gases and the faster the exhaust flows the quicker the turbo spins and more air gets forced in to the engine.

If too much air is forced into the engine then it will run lean. This causes an intermittent loss of power and you also risk putting too much pressure on the engine with a surge of power.

Low ratio sport gearbox setup and selection.

Gearbox – Lower ratios give better acceleration times and lower fuel economy. Six or seven speed boxes are better matched to modern engines.

Most street applications are closer 1st and 2nd gear ratios for that off the line 0-60 boost or for the fast exec a lower 2nd and 3rd ratio give improved overtaking flexibility and 30 – 70 mph acceleration with a high 4th and 5th gear to give motorway fuel economy.

Particulate filters and FAP Performance gains.

The particulate filter is a stand alone unit. It is located upstream of the cat in the exhaust system and its purpose is to remove soot particles from the gas stream. The cat the proceeds to do its usual job of converting CO to CO2 and is in no way dependent or relied upon by the particulate filter.

In diesels the cats are two way devices and run in unregulated mode (ie. no O2 sensor like a petrol car).

Todays featured car modification articles





TorqueCars Forums

Join TorqueCars our sister site to read over 300,000 posts on modified and tuned cars and tips.

This will also allow full access to their car project features, gallery and some and exclusive member only areas.




Forum Hot topics

  • Syline tuning question. How do I ...
    Sign up now


  • Evo Tuning tips required ...
    Sign up now


  • Thats the funniest thing I have read in ages ...
    Sign up now
  • What compression ratio are you running? I wouldn't go over 7:1...
    Sign up now
  • Rutland boy saying hullo to yall...
    Sign up now
  • What is the fastest you have ever driven at ...
    Sign up now


Winter Tyres

Benefits & advantages of Winter tyres & snow tyres
Read more...

Brake Mods

Brake upgrade kits. 4 to 6 piston and larger vented disc conversions.
Read more...

Remapping Ecu

Remapping the ECU – remaps benefits and issues
Read more...

Safety Mods

Improve safety and braking of your car
Read more...

Cryogenic Treatments

Cryogenic engine treatments
Read more...

Spray Art

Spray art on cars from shows
Read more...

De Badging Cars

debadging cars – taking the badges off a car
Read more...

Headlamp Conversions

Headlight Conversion kits. HID, LED conversion kits.
Read more...

Wheel Painting

Painted alloy wheels – painting your wheels.
Read more...

MPG Calculator

MPG calculator UK miles per Gallon - calculate MPG and save fuel
Read more...