A turbocharger is your engine’s ultimate power boost, forcing in extra air to create more power.
The benefits?
More horsepower, faster acceleration, and even better fuel economy for smaller engines. But a bad one can cause power loss, smoky exhaust, and strange noises.
Wondering what a turbo replacement will cost you?
We’ll give you a complete cost breakdown of replacing or installing a new turbo kit. We’ll also highlight the red flags of a bad one and whether all cars support a turbo if you’re thinking about getting one.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Turbo Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Faulty Turbo?
- 5 Urgent Signs You Need a Turbo Replacement
- How Long Does a New Turbo Last?
- Can You Add a Turbo to Any Car?
How Much Does a Turbo Cost?
Replacing a faulty turbocharger is more affordable than installing a new one in a naturally aspirated engine that didn’t originally have one.
Here’s how much you’ll have to shell out in both cases:
A. Range for Installing a New Turbocharger
You may need to pay nearly $3,800 and $10,200 for a new turbo kit. This includes:
- Parts: $1,000 to $5,000
- Labor: $2,800 to $5,200 (with the average labor charges ranging from $70 to $130 and the job taking approximately 40 hours to complete)
NOTE: To support the increased boost from the newly installed turbo, you might also need parts like an exhaust manifold, intercoolers, and upgraded fuel systems. This can further escalate your overall cost. For instance, a new exhaust manifold can add another $1,230 to $1,360 to your final bill.
B. Range for Replacing a Turbocharger
It can cost around $2,100 and $2,480 to swap out a turbo. This covers:
- Parts: $1,600 to 1,840
- Labor: $500 to $630
C. Factors Affecting Cost
Along with local labor charges and repair complexity, here are some factors that can impact your final bill:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury, large, or high-performance vehicles often need specialized, high-end turbochargers for enhanced power output and efficiency. This can drive up both parts and labor costs compared to standard vehicles. For instance, replacing the turbo in a sports car like a Nissan GT-R costs between $6,810 and $7,235. Meanwhile, a turbocharger replacement in a Honda Civic may only cost around $2,360 to $3,035.
- OEM vs aftermarket vs rebuilt parts: New (original equipment manufacturer) OEM turbochargers are typically the most expensive due to their superior quality, followed by aftermarket options. Used or rebuilt turbos can be more affordable but may need additional checks to ensure they meet quality and performance standards.
- Type and brand: There are various types of turbocharges, like single, twin, and electric turbos. Single turbos are typically more affordable. Meanwhile, electric ones are the most expensive due to their advanced technology and limited availability. Similarly, high-performance brands generally cost more due to their superior quality and engineering.
- Material quality: High-end materials like premium alloys, titanium, and ceramics can withstand extreme heat, pressure, and wear, but they’re pricey. Standard materials like cast iron and aluminum are more budget-friendly, though they tend to have shorter lifespans.
Is It Worth Replacing a Faulty Turbo?
Yes, it’s absolutely necessary to replace a malfunctioning turbo as soon as you spot one.
Ignoring it can spell disaster, as broken turbo parts, like the impeller, can find their way into critical components like the intercooler, intake manifold, or even the engine cylinders. This kind of debris can result in expensive repairs.
If the turbo is malfunctioning, unburned fuel or excess oil can also enter the exhaust system, causing the catalytic converter to overheat, clog, or fail prematurely.
That’s why you should have a mechanic take a look at your turbo at the first sign of trouble.
5 Urgent Signs You Need a Turbo Replacement
Here are some tell-tale symptoms of a faulty turbocharger:
- Excessive exhaust smoke: Thick black smoke from the exhaust can indicate that the turbo isn’t burning fuel efficiently, possibly due to a damaged turbine or seal. If the smoke is accompanied by increased oil consumption, it could mean your turbo is leaking oil into the exhaust.
- Limited performance or reduced power: A damaged turbo can restrict the engine’s airflow. This results in sluggish acceleration and reduced overall performance, especially when carrying heavy loads or climbing hills.
- Excessive boost pressure: When the turbo forces too much air into the engine, it can strain components, like the pistons, valves, and head gasket. This often causes sudden power surges or hissing sounds.
- Odd noises: Worn bearings or imbalance in a turbocharger can produce a high-pitched whining or siren sound. Similarly, grinding or rattling sounds from the turbo area can suggest internal damage, such as broken impeller blades or loose components.
- Check engine light: A failing turbo can trigger the check engine light due to irregular air pressure or sensor readings in the engine system.
How Long Does a New Turbo Last?
A new turbocharger typically lasts around 150,000 miles, but in standard vehicles, it often requires replacement closer to 50,000 miles.
Its lifespan largely depends on how you drive the vehicle. Aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, and skipping routine maintenance schedules can wear out the turbo faster.
Can You Add a Turbo to Any Car?
Yes, you can add a turbo to most engines. However, it’s not a simple bolt-on upgrade – but takes significant modifications to make the engine handle the extra power and performance.
How does a turbo make a difference?
A turbocharger can boost your car’s horsepower and torque, delivering faster acceleration and a more thrilling drive. In smaller engines, it can even improve fuel economy by packing more power without increasing engine size.
Get Hassle-Free Turbo Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
A turbo doesn’t just boost power, it transforms your engine into a performance powerhouse, delivering that exhilarating acceleration and efficiency you love.
But whether you’re replacing a worn-out turbo or upgrading for better performance, you should let the expert mechanics at AutoNation Mobile Service handle it.
Our mobile auto repair and maintenance services are available all week. Plus, every service comes with a 12-month, 12,000-mile auto repair warranty to keep you covered wherever the road takes you.
Contact us, and we’ll ensure your new turbocharger delivers the power and performance your ride deserves!