How Many Turbos Can A Car Have? The Answer Might Shock You!
Turbochargers are one of the most popular modifications for cars. They can significantly increase power and performance, and are relatively easy and inexpensive to install. However, many people don't know how many turbos they can put on a car.
The answer may surprise you - you can add one turbo per engine cylinder. That means that a four-cylinder engine could have four turbos, and a six-cylinder engine could have six turbos.
Of course, more isn't always better. Adding too many turbos can actually decrease performance, due to the increased exhaust back pressure and heat. It's important to consult with an experienced tuner before adding multiple turbos to your car.
Avoid Turbo Lag!
Too much turbo lag can kill your performance. If you've ever driven a car with a turbocharger, you know that there is a slight delay between when you hit the gas and when the power kicks in. This delay is called "turbo lag," and it's caused by the time it takes for the exhaust gases to spin the turbine.
One way to reduce lag is to use a smaller turbocharger. A smaller turbo will spool up faster, and provide power sooner. However, it will also max out sooner than a larger turbo, so there is a trade-off. Another way to reduce lag is to use an electric supercharger. Electric superchargers are powered by a separate electric motor, so they provide instant boost without any lag.
Types of Turbochargers
There are six major turbocharger designs and each has its advantages. Twin turbo engines can have broader power bands than one turbo engine, but require more complexity and money to do so than one engine. Turbochargers are expensive, and complex designs can be costly to repair.
Single turbo
A single turbo is the simplest configuration found in inline engines since the exhaust valve is located on one side. The larger one-turbo engine will provide at least twice the boost in comparison to twin-turbo systems. The tradeoff to maximum power is high boost thresholds that result in an isolated power spectrum.
Twin-turbo
Twin turbochargers offer the ability to produce a broader power band than one turbo. The tradeoff is that they require additional piping, which can lead to higher costs. One major advantage of twin turbos over single turbos is that each turbo can be smaller, so they can spool up faster and provide power sooner.
Parallel twin-turbo
Parallel twin turbos are two turbochargers that are plumbed in parallel and share a common exhaust manifold. This configuration is often used on V engines because it evenly balances the exhaust flow between the two turbos. The main advantage of this setup is that it eliminates turbo lag.
Sequential twin-turbo
Sequential twin turbos are two turbochargers that are plumbed in series. One turbo charges the intake of the other. This configuration is often used on inline engines because it provides a smoother power delivery than parallel twin turbos. The main advantage of this setup is that it eliminates turbo lag.
Variable geometry turbo (VGT)
A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) is a type of turbocharger that uses a system of vanes to adjust the airflow through the turbine. This allows the VGT to have different levels of boost at different engine speeds, which reduces turbo lag.
Electric turbocharger
An electric turbocharger is a type of turbocharger that uses an electric motor to spin the turbine. This eliminates turbo lag because the electric motor can provide an instant boost. Electric turbochargers are still in development and are not yet available on production cars.
Keep Your Performance Reliable
Now that you know the basics of turbochargers, it's important to remember that they are complex systems. If you're planning on adding a turbocharger to your car, make sure you consult with an experienced tuner. And if you're buying a car with a turbocharger, be sure to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic before you buy. To avoid issues, don't install too many mods at once, and make sure you keep an eye on your car's vital fluids. With proper care, your turbocharged car will provide years of driving enjoyment.
Why Choose Titan Turbo?
If you're looking for a reliable turbocharger that will provide years of trouble-free service, look no further than Titan Turbo. We've been in the business of building and servicing turbochargers for over 10 years. Our team of experts can help you select the right turbocharger for your application, and our state-of-the-art shop can handle any repair or service need you may have.
Get a Custom Turbo Today!
If you're looking for a custom turbocharger solution, Titan Turbo is the place to go. We offer a wide variety of turbochargers, kits, and accessories to fit your needs. We also offer financing options, so you can get your dream car today!