Turbocharger & Supercharger
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Turbocharger & Supercharger
Turbochargers, or turbos, and superchargers are designed to boost performance of an engine. In large-displacement engines that may be used for racing, this usually means a bigger boost in horsepower and torque with a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency. In smaller engines, such as a 4-cylinder engine, there are smaller increases in horsepower and torque, but the fuel efficiency will remain relatively the same in many cases. Turbochargers have long been used by vehicle manufacturers to increase power and efficiency while minimizing weight increases, as well as by the DIY and racing communities for added power.
Keep Air Moving
There are a lot of moving parts in a turbo or supercharger, and there are several places for air to leak from the system. Because of the high speed rotation, the bearings inside the turbo or supercharger housing can wear out quickly if not properly lubricated. On turbos, if the intercooler is not cooling air properly, the hot air can add to bearing wear. Valves and wastegates that control the boost pressure and amount of air entering the engine can also leak or stick in the closed position and prevent the system from operating correctly. If any of these issues has occurred, you may notice severe power loss or noise, and the issue should be addressed promptly to keep your vehicle running at its best.
Shop Turbochargers, Superchargers, and More
You can find complete turbochargers and superchargers, as well as repair parts and accessories at O'Reilly Auto Parts. We also carry cold air intake kits and high-flow air filters to get maximum performance from your turbo or supercharger. If you'd like to learn more, check out our article on the differences between turbochargers and superchargers .