Turbo FAQ

This thread addresses most commonly asked questions when someone is trying to decide if they should go with a turbo charger for their car. The information in here is based soley on the feedback of people who have already installed turbocharger systems on their Celicas, and on information provided by leading experts in turbocharging and tuning the 1ZZ and 2ZZ Celica engines. Its a long thread, but please take the time to read it fully, and follow any of the links that address the subjects you are interested in - you should find the answers you are looking for.

If you have a question that this thread does not address, please feel free to ask, and to suggest that we add it to the FAQ. Likewise if you know of some information that should be included in this thread and is not, please reply to the thread with that info and I will add it to this FAQ

1ZZ or 2ZZ powered MR2, Corolla, Matrix or Elise owners please feel free to contribute as well.

If you are wondering if Forced Induction is right for you I think this quote from Jlitman pretty much sums it up nicely:

jlitman said:

How deep are your pockets?

If very shallow, then no, do not boost.

If moderately deep, then go ahead, but keep in mind if problems arise, you will go broke fixing them.

If very deep, sure go for it. Why not.

If exceedingly deep, save yourself the trouble and buy a faster car.

Click to expand...

Another funny and good post from Jlitman about project cars:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=333152



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What is a Turbocharger? How does it work?
Link to info on turbochargers: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/searc...fworks.com&ref=TopSearches&terms=Turbocharger


What is the average cost for pre-made kit purchase, installation and tuning
17 people responded to poll that have kits. Of them 2 said over $12,000, 3 said $8000-$12000, 3 said $6000-$8000, 5 said $4000-$6000, 3 said $2000-$4000, and One said less than $2000
What is the average Cost for custom kit purchase, installation, and tuning
5 people responded to poll that have custom setups. Of them 2 said it cost over $12,000, 1 said $6000-$8000, 1 said $4000-$6000, and one said $2000-$4000
Link to Poll and thread on cost of setups: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199219


What size Turbo should I choose for my power goal
Link to turbo sizing thread: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=256391


What is the average time to install and tune a turbo kit
12 people responded to poll. Of the 12 33% said 5+ weeks, 33% said 1-2 weeks, 1 said 30-40 hours, 2 said 16-20 hours, and 1 said 10 hours or less
Link to poll & thread: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199220


Who do people Have install their kit? Do they do it themselves?
21 people responded to the poll
Did it theirself - 28.5%
Self & friends - 28.5%
Someone from knowledgeable from the board - 14.29%
Professional Shop - 28.57%
Link to poll & thread on kit installation: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199222

Link to the Do It Yourself Turbo Thread:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=205725


Who do people Have Tune their kit?
15 People responded to this poll
Self - 20%
Self & friends - 20%
Paid Someone knowledgeable from board - 13.3%
Professional Shop/Tuner - 46.67%
Untuned - 0%
Link to poll and thread about who folks had tune their car: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199223


What Boost do People Run on stock internals safely?

FIRST - read this thread explaining the limits of boost on stock and modified internals: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=243977

Once you read that thread - here is some more information
1ZZ
Daily / normal use: 6-8 PSI is most common, some run as much as 11 peak
High Boost (racing): 10-11 PSI is most common, some run less
No Boost related failures have been reported
2ZZ
Daily / normal use: 6-7 PSI is most common, some run as much as 8.5 peak
High Boost (racing): 7-8 most common, some as high as 12
Some boost aggrivated failures have been reported, none directly cause by increased power / boost however.
Link to thread with detailed data on 1ZZ and 2ZZ boost levels: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199277
Link to thread with highest power stock internals 2ZZ:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=217180


How much power do turboed Celicas make?
1ZZ
HP 192 - 240 WHP
TQ 160 - 202 Ft/lbs
2ZZ
HP - from 240 - 666 WHP
TQ - from 170 - 406 ft.lbs
Link to thread about power levels: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199282
*Note* - More potential exists on both motors as folks known to have more power than this have not replied to the survey


How satisfied are people with the various kits and just the turbo 7th Gen in general?
Link to satisfaction thread: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199280


What kind of gas Mileage do folks with Turbos get?
20-25 MPG on average is most common. Aggresive driving SERIOUSLY affects this number
Link to Gas mileage thread: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199278


How will this affect the reliability of my car?
Running moderate boost on a GOOD professional tune is fairly safe. Running double digit boost and/or no tune is cruising for trouble. Many of the kits and installs tend to be problematical in and of themselves

What compression ratio is best for a turbo, and what gas should I run?
Lower is better, especially on pump gas and at high boost. Between 8:1 and 9.5:1 are ideal depending on your circumstances.
Link to thread with more info: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=326676

What should I change about the maintenance schedule for my car once I get the turbo?
My reccomendation is to cut all time and mileage reccomendations in half/ Also see Mike Lu's Turbo Maintenance Thread:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=156497


How will this affect emissions / CARB eligibility?
Turbo kits are NOT carb legal on the 7th Gen Celica. They are probably emissions-illegal in most of the other 49 states as well. If you are lucky enough to live in a non-emissions area or one that does tailpipe only, we are all jealous of you!


Do I have to get my car tuned if I install a turbo system?
YES!!!! You need to have an Engine Management System of some sort, and you need to get it tuned as soon as possible after installaiton. The stock ECU will NOT be able to handle fuel managemant with different injectors and will NOT be able to fuel to teh correct air fuel ratios for a forced induction car.


What can I do to start learning about Tuning the car and what systems are available?
The Best system is the Power FC
Second best at this time is probably E-Manage
S-AFC does NOT work
Split second systems work but not as well as the Power FC or E-Manage
There is an Autronic SMT4 system in development
AEM makes a great Standalone EMS (Engine Management System) that has to be custom installed and tuned for the 7th Gen - no-one has done it yet
There are rumors that Hydra is working on a standalone for the Celica
For more info and to learn about tuning please go here: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=208
or
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199806


At what point do I need to upgrade my fuel system? What changes should I make?
This is a MUST for folks going forced induction. Leaving it stock just isn't safe. You will need to upgrade your injectors and fuel pump at a minimum. For high boost applications (over 10 PSI) a return system is also a great idea. Smaay sells return systems with 1:1 pressure regulators. MWR also offers a system now.

Here is a link to some cool fuel systems:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=276314



What are the best gauges to get?
This topic is VERY opinion based with regards to manufacturer so please just follow the thread below. For what its worth I feel that a wideband O2 with gauge and a boost gauge are the only essential ones.
Link to gauge thread:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=230936



What about Rear mounted turbo systems?
Rear mounted turbos do function but are not as efficient as front mounted - theres a ton of info in this thread:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=206145&highlight=expansion


What other changes should I make?
Colder plugs are a must. Denso and NGK are the 2 brands to go with.


What problems have people had with their kits?
Link to thread about problems: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199394


I have heard the transmissioin may fail at a certain power level? What power level is it?
Link to the Transmission thread: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199395


Do I need to upgrade my clutch?
Yes you do.
Link to thread about what clutches people use and how well they work: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199457


What octane gas should I run?
You should run the highest octane pump gas available, and race gas when racing (103/104 unleaded is good) Do not run leaded gas


Is there anything else I can do to protect my motor when boosting?
Yes there is - Water injection is a very inexpensive form of insurance against detonation. Check out Aquamist or Snow Performance for some nice kits.
Link to Aquamist: http://www.aquamist.co.uk/
Link to US based aquamist retailer: http://www.urdusa.com/index.php
Link to snow performance: http://www.snowperformance.net/
Link to a good thread on water injection: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=213917



I heard there is a difference in some of the newer GTS (2ZZ) cars that makes it more difficult to turbo - is this true?
Yes. The 2003 and newer 2ZZ powered GTS uses a drive by wire throttle system that makes it impossible to use the Power FC without a conversion to a cable throttle from 2000-2002. Most 2003 owners use E-Manage or Split Second. Additionally in 2004 Toyota added an Air Iinjection System to the exhaust manifold / head areas that means a flange for a 2000-2003 Turbo kit will NOT work on a 2004. The 2003 and newer GTS also uses a different connector configuration and pinout - the wiring for the 2000-2002 does not apply.
Link to picture of 2003 ECU: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=181518&highlight=2003+wiring+diagram
Links to pics of the 2000-2002 ECU:
http://www.newcelica.org/other/installs/02revlimiter/fd6c9ecc.jpg
http://www.newcelica.org/other/installs/02revlimiter/fd6c9ec4.jpg
http://www.radphys.com/DIAGRAMS_ENGINE_ECM_GUIDE1.jpg


Is there an engine I can swap in thats better for boost than my engine?
If you have a 1ZZ yes, swap in a 2ZZ. Otherwise not really. Some people have done the 3S-GTE but its a royal pain, costs a fortune and doesn't net you much gain for the money. More info here:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=187790'

I want to race my turbo car - is there someplace I can find information on how to do that and what the differences are?
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=250513


How do I hook up the coolant lines to my water cooled turbo?
The water should feed in at the top and out at the bottom. The out line needs to get connected to the steel tube that wraps around the front and side of the motor and attaches at the back of the thermostat housing - that is the suction line. See link below for details.
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=288605


What kind of intercooler should I use?
Follow this link:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=288612


Do I need to remove the A/C to install the intercooler
No - you don't. More info here:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=175872



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Checklist for someone who is going to turbo their car

___ Get a compression check done - were all cylinders within 10 PSI of eachother? Were they above factory minimums?

___ Check the brakes - make sure they are in good shape (you will need them a LOT more after the turbo)

___ Check all tires - make sure they have good tread depth and pressure is correct

___ Switch to GOOD quality (Chevron) high octane fuel at LEAST one tank before turbo install. 93 octane is best but if 91 is all you can get in your area then use that

___ Clean the MAF

___ Purchse 6 quarts of oil, a new Toyota Oil filter and 3 quarts of transmission fluid - you will change al these components at the time of install

___ Purchase colder spark plugs to install with kit

___ Purchase a tube of black Toyota FIPG (silicone gasket maker)

___ Purchase about 6-10 cans of brake parts cleaner

___ Purchase a gasket scraper if you don't have one (razor blade stype works best)

___ Purchase tuning solution (power FC or E-Manage)

___ Purchase upgraded fuel injectors and pump

___ Purchase upgraded clutch and pressure plate

___ Purchase boost gauge (install before kit to make sure its working)

___ Purchase Wideband with Gauge (install before kit to make sure its working)

___ Purchase good boost controller. Install at same time as kit.

___ Purchase upgraded exhaust (the more free flowing the better)

___ Purchase complete Turbo kit or purchase everything reccomended in custom turbo kit link

___ Set aside money for tuning & dyno time - it will need to be done immediately after kit is installed

___ Put aside a minimum of a $500 reserve for incidentals.

___ Buy a reliable beater for use while your turbo car is down

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2ZZ Known Kits:

2ZZ
Manufacturer - Smaay big boy
Link: in progress, for now just PM me here
Availability - Currently Available for '00 - '02. 03+ will need management. 2 week turnaround
Turbo(s) offered: Turbonetics for now, negotating for Garrett's
WG Spring: 11 PSI
HP Gain: 200 +/- Wheel HP
HP Potential: 350 - 600 WHP w/ Proper Mods
Fuel Management: None, Power FC recommended (basemap included
Price: $3800.00

2ZZ
Manufacturer - Smaay little boy
Link: in progress, for now just PM me here
Availability - Currently Available for '00 - '02. 03+ will need management. 2 week turnaround
Turbo(s) offered: Turbonetics for now, negotating for Garrett's
WG Spring: 7 PSI
HP Gain: 100 +/- Wheel HP
HP Potential: 250 - 350 WHP w/ Proper Mods
Fuel Management: None, Power FC recommended (basemap included)
Price: $3400.00

2ZZ
Manufacturer - TurboKits.com
Link: http://www.turbo-kits.com/celica_turbo_kits.html
Availability - Currently Available for '00 - '05 MY. Usually in stock ready to ship.
Turbo(s) offered: GT28RS, GT2871R, GT2876R Garrett Dual Ball Bearing
WG Spring: 7-8 PSI
HP Gain: 100 +/- Wheel HP
HP Potential: 250 - 400 WHP w/ Proper Mods
Fuel Management: Yes, Full Kit includes piggyback & injectors. Standalone optional
Price: $4495.00

Manufacturer - C2 Power
Link: http://www.c2power.com/
Availability - Currently Available for 2000 - 2002 MY only at this time
Turbo(s) offered: GT28RS
Price - $3590 *** Stage 2 kits are available for higher power levels and may include internals???

Manufacturer - Haas Turbo
Link: http://turbokits.com/celica_turbo_kits.html
Availability - Currently Available for '00 - '05 MY. Usually in stock ready to ship.
Turbo(s) offered: GT2871 or Stage II GT28RS
WG Spring set to 8 PSI
Price - $4995


Manufacturer - SF (Stafford Fabrications)
Link: ?????
Availability - No longer in produciton - used only
Turbo(s) offered: T3 Super 60 and later T3/T04B
Price - N/A - used only sold for $3500 new

Manufacturer - XS Engineering
Link: http://www.xs-engineering.com/xsstore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=103&idproduct=634 or http://www.xs-engineering.com/
Availability - Supposedly they will make to order - call for info (probably long lead time) - This kit is ONLY for 2000-2002 MY GTS
Turbo(s) offered: IHI VF23
Price - $4995 included Power FC and injectors

Manufacturer - Turbo-Performance
Link: http://turbo-performance.com
Availability: Made to order or Used
Turbo(s) offered: T3 (6 PSI external wastegate)
Price - $3,400
Notes: Does not include fuel management. Manifold needs reinforcement or it can crack.

Manufacturer - Brashboy
Link: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/sho...eferrerid=20980
Note: no known orders have been made for this kit from the Newcelica.org members

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1ZZ Known Kits:


Manufacturer - TurboKits.com
Link: http://www.turbo-kits.com/celica_turbo_kits.html
Availability - Currently Available for '00 - '05 MY. Usually in stock ready to ship.
Turbo(s) offered: GT28R (GT2560R), GT28RS, GT2871R Garrett Dual Ball Bearing
WG Spring: 5-8 PSI
HP Gain: 75-100 Wheel HP
HP Potential: 250 - 400 WHP w/ Proper Mods
Fuel Management: Yes, Full Kit includes piggyback & injectors. Standalone optional
Price: $3995.00


Manufacturer - C2 Power
Link: http://www.c2power.com/
Availability - Available for all 7th Gen GTs (I think?)
Turbo(s) offered: GT28R
Price - $3590 *** Stage 2 kits are available for higher power levels and may include internals???

Manufacturer - Haas Turbo
Link: http://www.hassturbo.com/
Availability - Currently Available
Turbo(s) offered: GT2871
Price - $3995

Manufacturer - SF (Stafford Fabrications)
Link: ?????
Availability - No longer in produciton - used only
Turbo(s) offered: T3 Super 60 and later T3/T04B
Price - N/A - used only sold for $3500 new

Manufacturer - DA Sports
Link: http://www.dasports.net/
Availability - No Longer Available except used
Turbo(s) offered: K04
Price - $3500-$4200 depending on options

Manufacturer - Turbo-Performance
Link: http://turbo-performance.com
Availability: Made to order or Used
Turbo(s) offered: T3 (6 PSI external wastegate)
Price - $3,400
Notes: Does not include fuel management. Manifold needs reinforcement or it can crack.

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Other useful turbo links:

Boosted2.0 's Turbo thread
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=144139

SF kit install Guide thread
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=185808

Engine Parts, Tuning Parts, fuel system parts, other cool stuff - Monkeywrench Racing

Technical Resource for Toyota Manual, wiring diagrams, etc:
http://techinfo.toyota.com/

Thread with info about high HP applications:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=166520

UK Based provider of traction control systems:
www.racelogic.co.uk

Forced Induction Books & Texts:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=267711

Ronin's Dual Charged Lotus Exige:
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=303959