When it comes to turbocharged engines, one of the most critical components is the turbocharger itself. It boosts the engine’s performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, resulting in increased power, performance, and efficiency. However, like any mechanical component, turbos can wear out or fail due to a variety of factors. When failure occurs, you’re left with a decision: Should you rebuild the turbocharger, or should you replace it entirely with a new one?
Rebuilding a Turbocharger
Rebuilding a turbocharger involves disassembling the unit, inspecting and replacing any worn or damaged components, and then reassembling and balancing it for use. This process restores the turbo to a condition close to its original, OEM state.
Pros of Rebuilding a Turbocharger
- Cost-Effective
Rebuilding a turbo is usually much cheaper than replacing it with a new one. If the damage is relatively minor, rebuilding can be an affordable way to extend the life of the turbocharger. - Maintains OEM Quality
When you opt for a rebuild, the goal is to use many of the original parts. If the turbo was of high quality to begin with, it ensures that the rebuilt unit closely mirrors the original performance characteristics. - Eco-Friendly
Rebuilding reduces waste by keeping the original turbo housings and many other components in use. Bringing a turbo “back to life” eliminates the need to dispose of scrap materials and the impacts of casting new housings, new components, and supplying new parts. - Faster Turnaround
At TurboKits.com, the turnaround time for a turbo rebuild can be relatively quick. We offer fast and efficient rebuild services, getting your vehicle back on the road sooner. We stock remanufactured turbos which often ship same day!
Cons of Rebuilding a Turbocharger
- Limited Warranty
Our turbocharger rebuild service offers a 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects. While the warranty from TurboKits.com is more comprehensive than many new turbochargers, compare it to the brand you’re considering when making your decision. - Risk of Recurrent Issues
While our rebuild service will elevate your tired turbo back to OEM spec, it is important to understand what caused the unit to fail on your vehicle. Was it oil contamination? Foreign Object debris? Lack of oil? While failure can occur to a new turbo also, replacing ALL of the oil feed and drain lines and fittings is best when installing a remanufactured or new turbocharger. - Labor-Intensive
Rebuilding a turbo requires specialized knowledge and equipment. While you can attempt the rebuild yourself; TurboKits.com does sell turbo rebuild kits, it’s usually recommended to have it done by professionals. Our process is very extensive- housings are blasted and cleaned to check for cracks and warping, components are measured to confirm they are within factory spec, the assembly is fully balanced upon assembly, and our menu of custom upgrades, including porting and polishing custom coatings, and upgraded or custom wheels makes for additional work to complete the process.
Replacing a Turbocharger with a New One
Replacing a turbocharger means installing a brand-new, factory-assembled unit in place of the original one. When deciding to go new, many times you have options. Go with a direct replacement for a damaged, stock turbo or upgrade to a more powerful unit.
Pros of Replacing a Turbocharger
- “Peace of Mind” Reliability
A new turbocharger will be free from wear defects, so it should provide optimal performance for years and thousands of miles to come. Please note that even new turbochargers can fail prematurely if the cause of the original turbo failure is not addressed. - Manufacturer Warranty
Most turbo manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty against their defects. It is important to note that if you have a failure during the warranty period, the manufacturer will need to have the unit returned for inspection prior to sending a replacement or repairing your original. In some cases, an extended manufacturer warranty is available.
- Higher Performance
A brand-new, modernized turbo will often offer improved performance than the original, especially if you upgrade to a higher-quality or more efficient model. Newer turbo aero designs can deliver more power and greater fuel efficiency.
Cons of Replacing a Turbocharger
- Higher Cost
New turbochargers are often more expensive than rebuilding and this up-front cost can be significant. - Longer Downtime
If a new turbocharger needs to be ordered, there can be a longer wait time due to lack of availability. If you have an uncommon make or model vehicle which has a turbo that isn’t normally in stock, you could be facing more time off the road. - Environmental Impact
Replacing a turbo with a new one generates more waste, as the old turbo is usually discarded. This is less eco-friendly than rebuilding and reusing parts, especially if the failure wasn’t catastrophic.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ultimately, whether to rebuild or replace your turbocharger is your decision, but there are several factors:
- Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, rebuilding the turbo is often the more cost-effective option. It’s especially true if the damage is minor and you can restore the turbo to near-new condition.
- Turbo Condition: If the turbo has suffered significant damage or has been in service for many years, replacing it with a new one may be the best option. Sometimes when severe damage has occurred, sourcing replacement parts and the labor involved with repair is at or near the cost of new.
- Vehicle Use: If your car is used for high-performance applications (e.g., racing or heavy towing), you might want to opt for a new turbo to ensure maximum reliability and performance. However, if you have a turbocharger failure and you WANT more performance, TurboKits.com can often upgrade your unit at the time of rebuild.
- Time Constraints: If you need to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible, rebuilding a turbo might be the faster option, especially if parts are readily available. Although we do stock many new turbochargers, extended manufacturer backorders are sometimes unavoidable.
By weighing the pros and cons of both options, you can make the decision that best suits your needs and keeps your turbocharged engine running smoothly for years to come. If you have questions regarding the rebuild/upgrade process or want to check stock on a new turbocharger, contact the friendly team at www.TurboKits.com for help!
