If you want to boost your engine’s performance without bulking it up, a turbocharger is an ideal upgrade. A turbocharger compresses and forces more air into an engine, increasing power output and improving efficiency. Trouble is, there are a lot of turbochargers out there, so which one is the right one for you and your engine? Here’s a brief breakdown of the most common kinds of turbochargers and what they bring to the party.

Single Turbos

A single-turbo setup is the simplest and most cost-effective option. It uses a single turbine to force more air into the engine, providing a huge increase in power and efficiency. Single turbos are widely available, easy to install (even by an amateur mechanic), and ideal for drivers who want better performance without spending too much to get it.

However, as you might expect, single turbos aren’t the most powerful ones out there. They may show a slight lag due to the time it takes for the turbo to spool up.

Twin Turbos

One is good, and two is better. Twin turbos have two turbochargers working together, and they come in two styles: sequential and parallel. Sequential turbochargers offer smoother performance across different speed ranges. Parallel turbochargers, on the other hand, offer maximum power output.

As you might imagine, twin turbos are slightly more expensive than singles, they cost more to install, and they require more dedicated maintenance.

Variable Geometry Turbochargers (VGTs)

VGTs adjust their nozzle size to improve airflow based on the speed of the engine. This reduces lag and maintains high performance. VGTs are especially good for diesel engines. The 6.0 Powerstroke performance turbo, for example, is an excellent addition to 2003 through 2007 Ford model engines.

Electric Turbochargers

What’s next on the menu? How about electric turbochargers? Exhaust gases don’t call the shots here. An electric turbocharger is powered by electricity, which grants immediate boosts with next to no lag. Engine efficiency becomes quite excellent as well.

However, electric turbochargers are rare beasts, and the ones that are out there cost a pretty penny. Even so, as technology advances and hybrid and electric vehicles push to the forefront of vehicular options, electric turbochargers should have a stronger and more affordable presence.

Which Turbocharger Is Right for You?

Ultimately, your choice of turbocharger comes down to your engine, its performance needs, and your budget. Looking for a basic turbocharger without any bells and whistles that still provides a boost? A single turbo is your best bet, and you can always swap it out for a bigger model. If you’re all about high performance, twin-turbo and VGT systems are more powerful and flexible choices. As for electric turbos, they are already in electric vehicles and may offer more alternatives in the future.

Now you know about the most common kinds of turbochargers and have an idea of which might be best for your vehicle. Do you have other questions about engine performance? Check out our website or contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!