They're interchangeable?

[dabouncerx24]

Question....I always read things like "I got a turbo off a [insert make and model] and put it in my [insert different make and model]".

So I was just wondering, there is no such thing as a "specific" turbo for a car? So I can literally get the turbocharger from an old turbo Volvo and stick it in my Teg?

[Mischief]

I don't think so.. I think it's more complicated than that, especially if the turbo came stock on the vehicle

[thermal]

You have to consider several factors based on a power goal. Turbos come in so many sizes. You must look into A/R or trim sizes.... even bearing design. This applies to any motor out there. Boost is boost, but remember that pressure and volume varies per turbo size.... compressor blade design and housing A/R. In other words, 10 psi from a T25 is not the same as 10 psi on a T4. That mainly has to do with volume. This will also affect where the power peak will be on the RPM band. Meaning, on smaller turbos, 10 psi can be achieved sooner on the lower RPM range vice bigger turbos on higher RPM range.

Basically, there is a formula that tuners and designers use based on where they want the power should occur. They must also consider the CFM of both the motor and turbo.......

[Addict]

As a side note...

Some people also forget to think about where the intake & exhaust come off the turbos. This will make a difference in routing the piping. You'd be surprised at what some factory turbos do to route the piping on those engines.

[GT40FIED]

I'm pretty sure the flange design isn't universal, either. For instance, I'm not sure a header for an IHI turbo would mate with a KKK or Garrett turbo. I haven't looked too much into this, but I can't imagine every turbo having the same size/bolt pattern in respect to the mounting surfaces. Then again, most factory turbos on USDM cars come from either Garrett or IHI so interchangeability is probably not as hard as I'd imagine. Then, of course, you run into what Arnel was talking about. Since trim selection, A/R ratios, bearing setup, wastegate type, etc. are so important to turbo selection I'm not sure I'd just grab a turbo off of any old car and toss it onto mine. Look at Thunderbird Turbo Coupes and Mustang SVOs. Both had T4s, I believe (the T-Birds may have been T3s...but fairly similar to the SVOs) and had VERY different capabilities. Likewise, I've seen people swipe the T-Bird (or even SVO) turbos and throw them on Mustang GTs and wonder why they run out of steam so soon (hint: twice as many cylinders).