Can You Use a Diesel Turbo in Your Gas Engine: Will It Work?

Are you considering using a diesel turbo in your gas engine? It’s a question that many car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics have asked. Diesel turbos are known for their ability to generate high levels of boost and improve engine performance.

But can you use a diesel turbo in your gas engine? Yes, you can. However, installing a diesel turbo on a gas engine is not a straightforward mod and can end in tears if not done properly. But when done right, a diesel turbo can transform your gas engine into a fire-breathing beast.

In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and considerations when it comes to installing a diesel turbo in your gas engine.

Can You Use A Diesel Turbo In Your Gas Engine?

Yes, you can use a diesel turbo in your gas engine. However, there are many things to consider before that.

In a diesel engine, the turbocharger is specifically designed to handle the higher exhaust gas flow rate and pressure produced by the engine. Diesel engines typically operate at lower RPMs but generate a significant amount of exhaust gas, making them well-suited for larger turbos.

On the other hand, gas engines produce less exhaust gas and operate at higher RPMs. These differences in exhaust gas characteristics can impact the performance of a diesel turbo when used in a gas engine.

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How to Select the Right Turbocharger for Your Gas Engine

Using a diesel turbo on a gasoline engine can enhance performance by giving a big power boost, but it requires careful component selection and tuning to work properly and reliably. With the right setup, a diesel turbo can be a great modification for any gas-powered ride.

Consider the Size

When selecting a turbocharger for your gas engine, size is the most important factor to consider. The turbo must be properly matched to your engine’s displacement and maximum RPM to function efficiently without causing damage.

A turbo that’s too small won’t produce enough boost, and you won’t gain much power. One that’s too large will cause boost creep, making the engine hard to control.

Compressor and Turbine Match

The turbocharger’s compressor and turbine wheels must also be appropriately matched to each other. The compressor wheel feeds pressurized air into your engine, while the turbine wheel is spun by the engine’s exhaust gasses. If these wheels are not properly shaped, the turbo won’t function optimally, and the boost will suffer.

Compression Ratio

Diesel turbos are designed for the high compression ratios of diesel engines. The lower compression of a gasoline engine requires a turbo suited for lower boost levels.

Choose a turbo rated for 5 to 10 PSI or less to avoid pre-ignition that can damage your engine. An intercooler, off valve, and boost controller can help manage boost for a gasoline engine.

Materials

Many diesel turbos use high-temperature materials suited for a diesel’s higher exhaust temperatures. Look for a turbo with materials rated for at least 1250°F, such as Inconel or ceramics.

Lower-temperature materials can warp or fail on a gasoline engine. Water center sections are also a good idea for gas engines.

Tuning Required

A diesel turbo will require tuning your engine’s fuel and ignition timing to work properly. Have a tuner adjust your engine’s air/fuel ratio and timing for the turbo you choose. Proper tuning is critical to making good power, avoiding engine damage, and ensuring long turbo life.

Exhaust Housing

The exhaust housing of a turbo plays a significant role in determining the spooling characteristics. Diesel turbos often have larger exhaust housings, which may not be optimal for a gas engine. Consider using a smaller exhaust housing to improve spooling and throttle response.

6 Easy Steps to Install Diesel Turbo in a Gas Engine

To install a diesel turbocharger on a gasoline engine, there are a few key steps to keep in mind.

Step one: Remove the stock turbo (if equipped)

If your gas engine already has a turbo, you’ll need to remove it to install the diesel turbo. Remove the inlet and outlet pipes, disconnect the oil and coolant lines, unbolt the turbo from the exhaust manifold, and lift it out.

Step Two: Install new oil and coolant lines

Diesel turbos require more oil and coolant flow, so install high-capacity lines to handle the increased demand. Connect the lines to your engine and route them to where the new turbo will sit.

Step Three: Modify the exhaust manifold

The exhaust outlet on a diesel turbo is larger, so you may need to modify or replace your exhaust manifold to accommodate it. Weld on an adapter or install a performance manifold with the correct outlet size.

Step Four: Install the diesel turbo

Bolt the diesel turbo onto the modified exhaust manifold. Connect the oil and coolant lines, then attach the inlet and outlet pipes. Ensure there are no leaks before starting the engine.

Step Five: Tune the ECU

With the diesel turbo installed, you’ll need to adjust your engine’s computer to properly control it. Increase the boost pressure to around 1520 psi for most gas engines.

You may also need to adjust other parameters like air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and valve timing to optimize performance and prevent engine knocking.

Step Six: Test and troubleshoot

Start your engine and check for any leaks, strange noises, or error codes. Take it for a test drive to ensure the new turbo is working well and make any final tuning adjustments.

Your gas engine should now have significantly more power and performance thanks to the diesel turbo upgrade!

Here’s a YouTube video to help you use a Diesel Turbo in your gas engine.

4 Common Mistakes To Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your turbocharged gas engine conversion is a success.

Mixing Turbochargers

Don’t assume you can just slap any old turbo onto your engine. Diesel and gasoline turbochargers are designed differently to handle different exhaust gasses. Putting an old diesel turbo on a gas engine can damage both the turbo and the engine.

Boosting Too Much

It’s easy to get turbo-happy and crank up the boost. But too much pressure can overstress your engine and significantly shorten its lifespan.

Only increase boost levels conservatively and get re-tuned. Monitor performance and watch for signs of trouble like knocking, overheating, or smoking.

Forgetting Supporting Mods

A turbocharger forces more air and fuel into your engine, increasing cylinder pressure and heat. You’ll need beefed-up fuel injectors and performance air filters.

You will also need a high and possibly a new ECU reflow exhaust manifold tuned to handle the extra power and prevent detonation. Neglecting these supporting mods is a recipe for disaster.

Poor Maintenance

Turbos spin at up to 150,000 rpm, so they need plenty of clean oil and air to prevent overheating and premature failure. Check and change your air, oil, and fuel filters regularly. Use high-quality synthetic oils and premium fuel.

Let your turbo cool down for a few minutes after driving before shutting off the engine. You need to know how long to let engine cool before changing spark plugs.

Following a proper maintenance schedule will keep your turbocharger running strong for years to come.

Top 3 Benefits of Using A Diesel Turbo in a Gas Engine

Using a diesel turbocharger on your gasoline engine can give you some sweet benefits.

1. Increased Power

One of the main advantages of using a diesel turbo in a gas engine is the potential for increased power output. Diesel turbos are known for their ability to generate higher levels of boost, which can result in improved engine performance.

2. Cost-Effective Option

Diesel turbos are often more affordable compared to their gas engine counterparts. If you’re on a budget and looking to upgrade your gas engine’s performance, a diesel turbo could be a cost-effective option.

3. Availability

Diesel turbos are widely available thanks to their popularity in the diesel engine market. You can easily find used or aftermarket diesel turbos that are compatible with your gas engine.

Disadvantages of Installing a Diesel Turbo in a Gas Engine

Let’s dive into some cons that can make you think again about putting a diesel turbo in your gas engine!

Spooling and Response

Diesel turbos are typically designed to spool at lower RPMs, which may not be ideal for a gas engine that operates at higher RPMs. This can result in slower spooling and reduced throttle response.

Efficiency

Gas engines and diesel engines have different exhaust gas characteristics. Gas engines produce hotter exhaust gas. Which can affect the efficiency and performance of a diesel turbo designed for lower exhaust gas temperatures.

However, as they are prone to developing higher temperatures, using a proper coolant is necessary. We recommend using PEAK OET Orange Concentrate Antifreeze for the best performance.

Engine Management

Installing a diesel turbo in a gas engine may require modifications to the engine management system. This can include recalibrating the fuel and ignition systems to ensure proper performance and prevent engine damage.

Not Suitable For Colder Temperatures

If you’re wondering whether can you flood a diesel engine, then no. In fact, diesel engines don’t operate well in cooler temperatures as well.

Conclusion

While it is possible to use a diesel turbo in a gas engine, there are several factors to consider. Real-world experiences demonstrate that with careful consideration and the right combination of components.

It can lead to increased power and improved performance. However, it’s essential to approach this modification with caution and ensure proper installation and tuning to avoid any potential issues.