Add 200+ HP with a Jeep 3.8L Turbo Kit

Transforming Your Jeep with a 3.8L Turbo Kit

Jeep owners who want to boost their stock 3.8L engine's performance should consider installing a turbo kit. Adding forced induction with a properly-sized turbocharger and supporting modifications can substantially increase horsepower and torque output.

Benefits of a 3.8L Jeep Turbo Kit

One of the biggest advantages of installing a turbo kit on your 3.8L Jeep engine is the impressive horsepower gains. While stock output is only around 200 horsepower, adding a turbo system can raise that to over 400 hp depending on the turbo selected and other modifications.

In addition to a big jump in peak horsepower, turbochargers also greatly increase torque across the entire powerband. This improves acceleration and towing capacity. With all that extra torque on tap thanks to the turbo, your Jeep will breeze up inclines with a loaded trailer.

An upgraded Jeep turbo kit also provides more power at higher altitudes. Naturally aspirated engines lose power rapidly at elevation. But turbochargers compensate for less dense air by forcing more of it into the cylinders under boost.

Turbo Kit Components

A typical turbo kit includes several main components like the turbocharger itself as well as pipes for routing intake and exhaust gases to the turbo. You'll also need a specially-tuned ECU, upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pump, an air-to-air or air-to-water intercooler, wastegate, blow-off valve, oil feed assembly, and more.

Carefully selecting each component is crucial for optimal performance and reliability. Work with industry-leading turbo kit manufacturers like Turbosmart, Tial Sport, or Boost Lab to piece together a complete custom turbo system for your Jeep 3.8L application.

Installing a Jeep 3.8L Turbo System

Swapping a stock naturally aspirated induction system over to forced induction with a turbo is quite involved compared to basic bolt-on upgrades. And it gets even more complex when converting from an existing supercharger setup over to a turbo kit.

To handle the job yourself, you'll need fabrication skills for custom piping, wiring skills for the electronic components, tuning experience for dialing in the EFI system, and mechanical abilities for mounting hardware. Or have the turbo kit installed professionally by a performance shop specializing in turbochargers.

Make sure to upgrade other areas like the ignition and fuel systems, cooling system, drivetrain, and chassis components to handle the demands of big turbo power. Supporting mods are required for both performance and reliability.

Getting Even More Power from a 3.8L Turbo Kit

The stock bottom end of the 3.8L can reliably handle up to about 450 hp before needing forged internals. To push beyond that level, built the engine with tougher forged pistons, rods, crank etc. Then you can turn up boost pressure and make even more horsepower.

Porting cylinder heads for greater flow and installing higher lift cams with more aggressive profiles also aids making big power with a turbocharged 3.8L. Just be sure the fuel system and turbo are adequate to supply enough fuel and air to support the engine mods.

With built engine internals and headwork combined with a properly-sized turbo and well-tuned EFI system, 600+ horsepower is attainable from a blown Jeep 3.8L.

FAQs

What size turbocharger is best for a 3.8L Jeep engine?

A turbo in the 60-65mm compressor wheel range is ideal for a stock bottom end 3.8L Jeep motor. This provides enough airflow to reach over 400 horsepower without excessive boost levels. Upgrade engine internals before going bigger on the turbocharger size.

Do I need to upgrade my transmission when adding a Jeep 3.8 turbo kit?

Yes, the stock automatic transmission often can't handle big power increases from a turbo system. Rebuild it with billet shafts, high-temp seals, improved clutches etc. Another option is swapping in a built transmission designed for turbocharged applications.

What fuel system mods support a turbocharged Jeep 3.8?

When upgrading to a 3.8L Jeep turbo kit, install higher flow fuel injectors, upgrade to an in-tank fuel pump with more output pressure, and add an external fuel pressure regulator. This provides enough fuel delivery at boosted pressures.

Can I install a turbo kit myself or do I need a shop?

You can install a Jeep 3.8 turbo system yourself if you have fabrication skills and tuning experience. Most owners have the kit installed professionally by a performance shop familiar with turbocharging to ensure proper setup and tuning for the best performance and reliability.