Turbochargers

Turbochargers

A turbocharger allows an engine to burn fuel more efficiently and obtain more power without increasing the engine size. Engine power is proportional to the amount of fuel and air able to enter the turbocharger cylinders. To increase engine power, more air must be drawn into the cylinder. A turbocharger allows this process to happen by increasing the density of air within the cylinder, which provides room for a higher volume of air to fit within it. As a result, a turbocharger has the potential to increase the horsepower of an engine by up to 40% or 70-150 horsepower. Because of its efficiency, the turbocharger is commonly used in a range of different vehicles including trains, cars, trucks and air crafts and allows a smaller engine to have a similar output to a much larger one.

Supercharger vs Turbocharger

 Another piece of equipment with the same function as the turbocharger is the supercharger. Whilst this makes it difficult to differentiate between two and select the best option for you, there are some key differences between the pieces of equipment. A turbocharger obtains its power from the exhaust using otherwise wasted energy where as a supercharger gains power directly from the engine. Due to their differing methods of power acquisition, the turbocharger and supercharger are also located in different parts of the engine. The turbocharger is bolted onto the exhaust manifold, whereas a supercharger is directly attached to the engine. Whilst there are pros and cons to both devices, the vast majority of vehicles are fitted with a turbocharger as it provides a more efficient, eco-friendly solution to engine power maximisation, that is more in line with government guidelines. They are also able to provide maximum power to smaller fuel-efficient engines and are the best choice of equipment in all vehicles for everyday use.

Choosing the Right Turbocharger

 There are a wide of both brand new and reconditioned turbochargers on the market, making the process of selecting the correct turbocharger for your engine a difficult one. Here at Driveshaft our expert engineers recognise this and have compiled some expert advice to help with the turbocharger selection process.

 One of the main things to take into consideration is the horse power target in which your vehicle is able to support. Each turbocharger is specially designed to support a certain range of horsepower and engine displacement. Selecting a turbocharger that is too small will result in your engine failing to reach its optimal horsepower which runs the risk of over speeding the turbo, resulting in turbocharger failure and engine damage. Investing in a turbocharger that is too large however, will result in turbo lag thereby extending acceleration time.

It is also important to take vehicle application into consideration. An individual wishing to participate in motor racing will require a smaller turbocharger to ensure maximum boost response and minimum turbo lag. An individual seeking a large amount of power however, should purchase a larger turbocharger to maximise air flow within the cylinders.

Another important factor worth examining in the turbocharger selection process is the fuel type. Generally speaking, a turbocharger attached to a petrol engine is more likely to be smaller as the fuel is more efficient in increasing power. A vehicle with a diesel engine will require a larger turbocharger to generate the same amount of power.

Reconditioned Turbos

 Although it is a long-term investment, purchasing a brand new turbocharger can be expensive and is not always a financially viable option. Driveshaft offer a wide range of high quality, reconditioned turbos to provide a cost-effective solution to turbocharger replacement or engine building. They also have the experts on hand to make any necessary repairs to your turbocharger.

Turbocharger Repair

 For the most part, turbochargers are a reliable piece of equipment. However, there are always instances when something will fail and they will be in need of repair. Luckily, in the right hands, turbo reconditioning and repair is easily achievable and often, your turbocharger will be restored to almost perfect condition.

Your turbocharger may be in need of repair if your car exhibits the following symptoms:

• Increased gas consumption
• Poor acceleration
• Abnormal exhaust smoke (often black or blue)
• Excessive exhaust smoke
• Siren noise coming from the engine
• The check engine light will be flashing on your dashboard

Turbo reconditioning and repair can be a complicated process due to the large quantity of parts involved. Driveshaft services have the professionals at hand to make both time and cost effective repairs that are required and guarantee to restore your turbocharger to the manufactures standards.

For more information on the turbocharger selection or repair process contact our experts today!