Does ZFG Recommend Turbo upgrades?
Aftermarket Part:
Parts Category:
Other Names / Types:
Turbo
Forced Induction
Turbines, turbochargers, turbocharger, hybrid turbos, full frame turbos, rebuilt turbos, built turbo, twinscroll, twin scroll, impeller, wastegate
The Basics:
Optimized Performance:
Upgraded turbos can significantly increase your engine's power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. Upgrading the stock turbocharger(s) allows the engine to burn fuel more efficiently and produce more power. Upgraded turbos often come with various stages and options, allowing you to choose the level of performance enhancement that best suits your needs. There are various types of turbo upgrades available.
Upgrade Options:
Most of the turbos we carry are "hybrid" turbo upgrades. These combine upgraded components from different turbos, including the OEM turbos, to improve airflow, boost levels, and response time. By using the stock housings, you can save on the cost of entirely new turbochargers while still achieving substantial performance improvements. Upgraded turbos contain modified and/or upgraded compressor and turbine housings, wheels, center hub rotating assembly (CHRA), bearings, and wastegates.
Recommended Modifications & Tune-Related Impact:
Recommended vs Required:
Upgrading the Turbos is not required.
This modification provides maximum gains when running ethanol content greater than 40%.
Upgraded turbos may require a tune.
Hybrid / Stock housing turbos do not require a tune, but one is strongly recommended.
Full frame turbos should be accounted for with tuning.
Upgrading turbos on a tuned vehicle requires a tune update.
This upgrade should be discussed with us in advance so we can provide an adequate tune update in a timely manner.
How it Works:
How Turbochargers Work
A turbocharger, commonly referred to as a turbo, is a device that increases the efficiency and power output of an internal combustion engine by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. This process is known as forced induction.
Purpose of a Turbocharger
The primary function of a turbocharger is to increase the amount of air entering the engine. By compressing the intake air, a turbo allows the engine to burn more fuel, resulting in more power. This is particularly beneficial for performance and efficiency.
Components of a Turbocharger
A turbocharger consists of several key components:
Turbine: Driven by exhaust gases, the turbine wheel spins at high speeds.
Compressor: Connected to the turbine by a shaft, the compressor wheel draws in and compresses ambient air.
Intercooler: Often used to cool the compressed air before it enters the engine, increasing its density and improving combustion efficiency.
Wastegate: Regulates the amount of exhaust gas entering the turbine, controlling the boost pressure.
Working Principle
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how a turbocharger operates:
Exhaust Gas Flow: Exhaust gases from the engine flow into the turbocharger, spinning the turbine wheel.
Turbine Rotation: The turbine wheel is connected to the compressor wheel via a shaft. As the turbine spins, it drives the compressor.
Air Compression: The compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it, increasing its pressure and density.
Intercooling: The compressed air often passes through an intercooler to reduce its temperature, increasing its density further.
Air Intake: The cooled, compressed air is then directed into the engine’s intake manifold, where it mixes with fuel for combustion.
Boost Control: The wastegate regulates the amount of exhaust gas reaching the turbine, controlling the boost pressure to prevent over-boosting and potential engine damage.
Benefits of a Turbocharger
Increased Power: By forcing more air into the engine, a turbocharger allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in higher power output.
Improved Efficiency: Turbochargers can improve fuel efficiency by allowing smaller engines to produce more power, reducing the need for larger, less efficient engines.
Enhanced Performance: Turbocharged engines often have better throttle response and acceleration due to the increased air and fuel mixture.
Types of Turbochargers
Single Turbo: The most common type, using one turbocharger to compress air.
Twin-Turbo: Utilizes two turbochargers, either in parallel or sequentially, to improve performance and reduce turbo lag.
Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT): Adjusts the angle of the turbine blades to optimize performance across a range of engine speeds.
Explorer-Specific Recommendations:
As always, with great power comes great responsibility. Upgrading your turbos has the potential to increase power output beyond what other components can support (e.g., transmission). Please be diligent in ensuring that you are adding sufficient support for each upgrade. We are here to help if you have any questions or would like specific recommendations.
F150-Specific Recommendations:
Some of the turbo upgrades for this platform require turbo adapter(s). There are downpipes available that incorporate the flange for upgraded turbos, and eliminate the need for adapters (e.g., SPD Downpipes).
As always, with great power comes great responsibility. Upgrading your turbos has the potential to increase power output beyond what other components can support (e.g., transmission). Please be diligent in ensuring that you are adding sufficient support for each upgrade. We are here to help if you have any questions or would like specific recommendations.