How Turbochargers Work: The Basics Explained

Turbochargers, commonly known as turbos, are a crucial piece of equipment that enables your car’s engine to generate more power and improved efficiency by forcing extra air into the internal combustion chamber. However, many people are still not sure of how this technology works or helps an engine get the most of this power output. We have hence pieced together this article that will help you understand the basics of turbochargers so that you can choose the best one for your car.

Let’s dive in, shall we? 

Bigger Turbine and Power

Turbos vary based on how much air they can supply to the chamber. The more the air inside the chamber, the better the combustion. This automatically means increased output efficiency. In fact, turbos with bigger turbines are known to deliver more air at full boost. However, there’s a drawback with bigger exhaust turbines. It may take a slightly longer spin up to build air pressure at full boost because of the bigger size and heavyweight. The length of this spin-up is known as “spool time”. To solve this situation, automobile experts usually use two small turbos instead of one single large turbo to deliver more air with faster spool time.

Quick Spool Time

Everyone wants a fast spool time to get more horsepower at the lowest RPM as they accelerate. The best course of action to achieve it is to choose a turbo with a smaller turbine to spool up quickly but big enough to deliver more air to get the maximum horsepower at any given RPM.

Turbo Classification

Turbos are referred to as "T" numbers describing their "class type". You may have heard of T3, T4, T5, and T6 turbo. The “T3” is a general CFM classification. The letter ‘T’ specifies a compatible exhaust flange type on which the turbo is bolted. You may have also heard of T6 turbo flange. However, what’s important to understand here is that the different types of T3 turbos are available with different air outputs suitable for different horsepower applications. So, if someone says they have a T6, they are describing the class of turbo they own, and the T6 turbo flange.

Bottom Line

off-late, turbos with ball bearings have been created to increase the turbine shaft support. They are named GT25, GT30, and GT35 class turbos. If you understood how a turbo works, you can imagine how the reduced drag of ball bearings can improve several aspects of a turbo. First, the spool time is quick. Second, the maximum RPM of the exhaust turbine is improved at full boost. However, the cost of these new-generation turbos is almost double of those using T3, T4, and T6 turbo flange.

If you are looking for turbo parts, it’s best to look for those with smaller turbines and fast spool time for maximum power output and improved fuel efficiency.

About This Author

mavenperformance MAVEN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS Joined: November 6th, 2019