Can You Put A Turbo On An Automatic Car? (Explained!)

People would often wonder if they could put a turbo on an automatic vehicle. In this article, we’ll be talking about that. Let us start.

So can you put a turbo on an automatic car? The answer to this is yes. You can put a turbo on an automatic car.

All car owners want improved efficiency. There are different aftermarket options that they can employ. Turbocharging is one of them. Turbo charging is the most common option that has emerged in the market. 

The turbocharger has been famous among car drivers. A turbo has been utilizing the simple concept of compressing air and using it to improve combustion pressure. It will take the shape of the pipe compressing the gas and delivering it to the engine’s cylinder. Compressed air is mixed with the fuel to increase pressure. This will allow the vehicle to burn more fuel and make the engine more powerful. 

Some vehicles will leave the factory turbocharged already. So now, let us start talking about putting a turbo on an automatic vehicle. 

Can You Put A Turbo On An Automatic Car

Can You Add A Turbo To An Automatic Car?

Yes, you definitely can. Because of the quick-shifting nature of an automatic and the ability to keep the throttle mated, turbochargers can perform way better using an automatic because the engine will not rev too much and constantly accelerate. 

If there is a time that the two are not considered candidates, it is suited to a power input of a turbocharged engine. 

Can An Automatic Transmission Handle A Turbo?

An automatic transmission can handle the power if it is appropriately modified. All the fastest drag cars are running on automatic. If it comes to turbos, the aromatics are more superior.

Automatic vehicles can keep a load on the engine and allow the turbo to build a boost. So yes, an automatic transmission can handle a turbo. 

Is It Worth Putting A Turbo In An Automatic?

With turbo engines, automatic transmissions are superior. However, it is worth putting a turbo in your automatic vehicle. Automatic can keep a load on the engine and allow the turbo to build a boost.

How To Install A Turbo On An Automatic Car?

Here is a step-by-step guide you can use to install a turbo on an automatic car.

1. Compressor

On the cold side or the pressure side of the turbo system is a compressor. The fuel and the air will exit the exhaust port, spin the exhaust turbine wheel, and spin the turboshaft connected to the compressor wheel. The pitch of the wheel and the size of the wheel, and the shape of the top of the housing will tell the mixture of airflow and boat pressure. 

The rule is to pick the compressor size that can give efficiency. For example, a small compressor wheel is lower in the rpm range. 

It will make more heat in the engine with high speeds. It will restrict flow in higher RPMs. A large compressor can boost lag.

2. Turbine

Choosing a turbine involves picking the wheel small enough to respond quickly and large to spin the compressor. The rule is to pick the minor wheel diameter that will give you and meet your horsepower goals. 

3. Bypass Valves

Boost pressure is made to create exhaust pressure and a spinning compressor wheel. It can feed the entire engine and give it more boost. 

This is called the overboost. It is controlled by a wastegate valve that bypasses the exhaust gasses around the turbo. 

4. Intercooler

Converting waste gasses into the engine boost power will result in high heat production. If it is not dealt with, this can lead to detonation. This is one swift and effective tool to destroy your engine. 

There are some options to cool your system. This includes the introduction of methanol into the intake. 

The intercooler can be more efficient and effective too for boosted engines. This is where the compressed air is running through before hitting the intake. The cooled air delivers more power, and it can run a smaller turbo in a cooled engine. 

5. Fuel systems

The turbo is creating more boost, and it cannot do it with air alone, and the engines will need more fuel in delivering extra power. There are many options available, but consultations before the purchase are advised. Some fuel systems create problems for the turbo. 

6. The Actual Turbo

There are a lot of second-hand parts shops that are selling turbo systems. However, if you buy this, you have to consider many factors like longevity and performance. There are many features that you should consider before you buy them. 

First, it must be lightweight and not heavy. The lower the number of the separate components are, the lower the chances of competent failure. 

It should also have tight bearings to prevent oil leaks because they can contaminate your engine oil. The turbine wheels must deliver enough power without overheating or experiencing lag. 

Finally, the turbine outlet must be wider than the inlet.

Summary

In summary, car drivers keep asking if they can put a turbo on an automatic vehicle. Turbocharged engines can increase horsepower, and people like their engines fast. 

So you can put a turbo on an automatic vehicle. They can handle the power, and you can try it for an interesting experience.

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Image credits – Canva

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My name is Hank, and I've been in the automotive industry for 27 years. I've been working in my own auto repair shop for the last 13 years, and now I want to help you here, on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions. Read more