How to Turbo Charge a Corolla

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The Corolla is known for being a reliable and efficient vehicle. The car is simply the perfect vehicle for a small family but most owners find it has one small problem. That problem being that it’s slow and just doesn't have to get up and go that they are looking for. There is one main solution to this problem and that is to add a turbocharger setup to the vehicle which could potentially double the horsepower!

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Steps

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    • There are many to choose from and the choice is up to the driver.  One highly recommended kit is from TurboKits.com. [1] Includes all of the necessary components to run a turbo charged set up. You will also need to purchase a wideband O2 sensor with gauge and a boost controller or boost pressure gauge. (pictured below)
  2. Check and make sure all parts are included.
    • If not, contact supplier for replacement parts because it is important that all parts are included because the vehicle may not run.
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  3. [2]
    • Refer to (Toyota exhaust manifold removal...)
    • Remove center console and passenger glove compartment for access to the engine control unit and its wiring (ECU).
    • The wiring to the ECU runs from the ECU itself to the firewall then underneath the carpet to its corresponding locations.
    • Connect corresponding colored wires from the Fuel ignition controller (FIC) to the vehicle (ECU). This unit will be the brains of your operation and will be responsible for making sure the engine runs efficiently.
    • You can either solder all of the wire connections(permanent) or you can use quick disconnect crimps so that the car can be returned to stock condition.
    • Optional purchase: Fuel Ignition Controller Harness.
    • You are going to need to remove the fuel rail to complete this task.
    • The best place is to mount it below the front Styrofoam bumper
    • The piping is already pre mandrel bent and can only go onto the vehicle one way at this time is when you re install your previously existing MAF into position.
  11. [3]
  12. [4]
    • Bolt the turbo charger up to the new exhaust manifold.
  13. [5]
    • Attach the stainless steel down pipe to the exhaust housing side of the turbo charger.
    • You are going to need to drain the oil first to avoid a mess.
    • Recommended to replace oil pan gasket or sealer
    • Make sure to properly connect it to the FIC.
    • Make sure to properly connect it to the FIC.
    • Check fluid levels. Test new equipment to makes sure it is all powering on correctly ex.(FIC, EBC and Wideband)
    • Check for any abnormalities:
      • Check Engine Light.
      • Stalling.
      • Rough idle.
      • Unusual noises.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What's the purpose of the intercooler?
    Jay Goninen
    Automotive Expert
    Jay Goninen is an Automotive Expert and the Co-Founder and President of WrenchWay. Jay started working in his family's repair shop when he was nine and has been deeply passionate about the industry since then. He has experience as a technician and is currently a Board Member for both the Diesel Technology Program at Madison Area Technical College and the Community Alliance for the Skilled Trades.
    Jay Goninen
    Automotive Expert
    Expert Answer
    The purpose of an intercooler is to help the compressed air cool down before it enters the engine. When a turbocharger compresses air to increase its density and oxygen content, it also raises its temperature significantly. However, cooler air is denser and contains more oxygen molecules, which allows for better combustion and increased engine performance. Therefore, by passing the compressed air through an intercooler, which is essentially a heat exchanger, the air is cooled down before entering the engine. This results in improved engine efficiency, power output, and overall performance of the turbocharged car.
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  • Question
    Can I convert manual steering to automatic steering?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it's highly recommended that you go to a mechanic and let them do it. That's not the kind of thing an amateur should attempt on their own.
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  • Question
    Can I add any type of turbo kit to my Corolla?
    Community Answer
    All turbochargers can be accessed, but do not rely on twin turbos or superchargers. There are several options to choose from; consider some JDM brands to help you out (e.g. AEM, HKS, GReddy, etc.). Be wise in selecting the best turbo, and consider power output and horsepower of the car as the factors in choosing the right one.
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      Tips

      • Take your time! They do not call it building a "project car" for nothing.
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      • Highly suggested to have some type of mechanical background or experience.
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      • Suggested purchase would be AEM Wideband O2 sensor. It ties into the AEM FIC very well and the vehicle will run safer
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      Warnings

      • Make sure that the oil feed and returns line are put into the proper position on the oil pan. If the lines are put to close to the top you risk not getting the proper oil feed to your turbo.
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      • Turbo charging a vehicle is not just as simple as bolting the parts on and driving away. There are a lot of parts that should only be performed by someone who has a background in mechanics and working on vehicles to insure the safety of the driver
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      • Do not drive the vehicle hard before driving approximately 100-200miles of average use. All of the new turbocharging parts need time to break in and settle before they are put to good use
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      • DO not damage the MAF sensor. Vehicle may not run properly. It should be cleaned and installed into the new air intake system. [6]
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      Things You'll Need

      • Turbo Kit
        • Turbo charger
        • Turbo manifold
        • Engine management unit
        • Inter-cooling with piping and couplers
        • Larger injectors (highly recommended)
        • Turbo Downpipe
        • Air filter
        • Oil feed and return lines
        • Boost Gauge or controller
        • Air/Fuel ratio gauge
      • AEM Wideband O2 Sensor
      • AEM Boost gauge or AEM Boost Controller(Preferred)

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance and repair, check out our in-depth interview with Jay Goninen .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.turbokits.com/Toyota/Corolla/Turbo_Kits/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMLnntyObDg
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCUQ8U1wGd4
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCUQ8U1wGd4
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCUQ8U1wGd4
      6. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/car-maintenance/mass-air-flow-sensor-maf-cleaning/

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        Sep 1, 2016

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