Build Turbo Kits

Learn How To Build Turbo Kits

** Lots of questions about the Airweks s510 turbo. Here are the answers.

• Supports 1,000 to 1,600 horsepower
• Compressor Wheel Inducer: 3.75" (95mm)
• Turbine Wheel Exducer: 3.90" (99mm)
• Turbine A/R 1.15 or 1.45

Selecting a Turbocharger

Now that you have a bit of knowledge about turbochargers and sizing them to match your application, let's take a look at the long list of actual turbochargers that are available to you. I have compiled a comprehensive listing of the more popular turbochargers used in aftermarket forced induction systems.

Your selection will be based upon your specific horsepower goals, budget, engine displacement, twin or single system etc. The list should provide you with a match for your needs. The list is broken down by manufacturer and unit. Compressor maps are available for most of the turbos listed.

Turbochargers by Garrett

Turbochargers by Airwerks/Borg Warner

Turbochargers by Innovative Turbo Systems

Turbochargers by Precision Turbo & Engine

Turbochargers by Turbonetics

Holset Turbochargers

A few years ago, the DIY turbo crowd started building budget turbo systems using junkyard and rebuilt diesel units. A popular and abundant source for the DIY builders is the Holset family of turbochargers. These turbos power diesel trucks and heavy equipment, and have come to be a favorite with the turbo Mustang people.

These turbochargers can be had for cheap and perform well at high-boost. A quick search on ebay will turn up dozens of Holset units for sale. One reason for this, is that the Holset HX and HY35 are used on Dodge Cummins diesel pickup trucks. The Dodge guys are always upgrading their turbos, and selling the stock units.

Popular Holsets are the HX/HY35 (450HP), H1E (500HP), HD2 (650HP), HX40 (700HP) and HX50 (850HP). Please note that all horsepower ratings stated are estimates, as Holset does not publish any compressor maps or data pertaining to use on gasoline engines. Also, there may be some modification or customization needed to incorporate some Holsets into your system. Some models do not have standard flanges, and some are equipped with an internal wastegate that will not work on most applications.

Which Turbo is For You?

You will need to decide what horsepower level you are looking for, and what type of system you are going to put together or purchase. Will it be a single, a twin or a remote mount? Are you looking for quick spool with pavement ripping torque off idle, or do you want high horsepower that spools in at higher RPM? These are considerations that you must take into account when selecting your turbo. The tables above will provide you with a place to start, but you will need to decide on A/R and trim when you make your purchase.