Turbochargers, Superchargers & Components

Forced induction systems in the form of turbochargers and superchargers allow vehicle manufacturers to decrease engine size and increase fuel economy, and still provide drivers with the performance they want. Instead of just atmospheric pressure filling the cylinders, turbochargers and superchargers force air in, increasing the supply of oxygen so more fuel can be burned, and thereby raising power output. Turbochargers have long been fixtures on diesel engines but today they’ve become commonplace on gasoline engine vehicles as well. Modern turbo fours produce as much or more torque than naturally aspirated V6 engines, and the supercharged V8s in modern muscle cars make hundreds more horsepower than their much larger displacement, naturally aspirated forebears. But although they’re much more reliable than the forced induction components of earlier decades, modern turbos, superchargers and related components can wear out and fail, and when they do, we have the high quality, affordably-priced replacement parts to restore performance and fuel economy.

A turbocharger consists of a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel that rotate on a common shaft in an aluminum housing. The turbine wheel is plumbed into the exhaust system and exhaust flow spins the turbine blades, which in turn drives the compressor wheel. The compressor section of the turbo is part of the air intake system. Air is drawn through the air filter and intake tube, compressed by the compressor wheel and forced into the intake manifold. “Boost” is the term used for the amount that intake manifold pressure is raised above atmospheric pressure. A wastegate regulates exhaust flow past the turbine to control boost. A compressor bypass valve, also called a diverter valve or cut-off valve, routes air back into the intake air stream when the throttle is closed to prevent turbo and/or engine damage. There is also a network of pipes and hoses that connect the exhaust system, intake air system, and lubrication system to the turbocharger.

Superchargers have two multi-lobed gear-driven rotors closely meshed inside an aluminum case located on top of the engine. A shaft attached to one of the gears is driven by the engine via pulleys and a serpentine belt. Air is drawn through the air filter, intake tube and throttle body into the supercharger, and is compressed by the spinning rotor blades and forced into the intake manifold. A supercharger bypass valve controls boost pressure. On most turbocharged vehicles and some supercharged vehicles an intercooler is connected between the air outlet of the turbocharger or supercharger and the intake manifold to cool the intake air charge before it enters the engine.

Modern turbochargers and superchargers are much more reliable than the units of decades past, but like any mechanical component, they can wear out after many miles of use or their lifespans can be shortened from lack of maintenance. Dirt and foreign material can damage compressor blades if the air filter isn’t changed regularly and the integrity of the air intake system isn’t maintained. Turbochargers operate at extremely high shaft speeds and temperatures, which is hard on the turbocharger bearings. Oil from the engine’s lubrication system lubricates and cools these bearings. The bearings can fail due to a lack of oil if the oil level is not maintained or the oil flow is restricted, or if the oil is dirty due to neglected oil changes.

Whatever turbocharger or supercharger malfunction you’re experiencing, we have the replacement parts to make things right again without emptying your wallet. You’ll find everything from complete turbocharger and supercharger assemblies to wastegates, wastegate solenoids and actuators; bypass valves; pipes, hoses, lines and fittings; gaskets, hardware, and complete mounting kits; intercoolers and hoses; supercharger pulleys and belts; and much more on our digital shelves. All remanufactured turbochargers and superchargers are disassembled, cleaned, and thoroughly inspected. Any part that does not meet specifications and quality standards is replaced with new, including all bearings and seals. The rotating assemblies are dynamic balanced for proper operation and durability.