Mustang EcoBoost Turbo Upgrades

Upgrading the turbocharger on your Mustang EcoBoost is an option that provides more power, which enhances acceleration, throttle response, and performance. The stock turbo is good, but aftermarket turbos deliver more boost, improved airflow, and superior durability. Popular upgrades include larger turbos, hybrid turbos, and twin-scroll designs, which typically provide different levels of horsepower and torque increases. Upgrades include bigger intercoolers, fuel systems, and electric control unit (ECU) tuning for efficiency, power, and reliability.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Mustang EcoBoost Turbo

You can enjoy several advantages by modifying your Mustang's EcoBoost Turbo, such as:

Increased Horsepower and Torque

A bigger or more efficient turbo can allow more air into the engine, leading to more powerful combustion cycles that help increase horsepower and torque. More boost pressure equals more power and acceleration, and with the proper tuning, the EcoBoost can exceed stock performance levels by a long margin. The extra torque allows for better low-end response, while the extra horsepower adds speed on the top end and passing power.

Enhanced Engine Efficiency

A more efficient turbo improves engine performance by optimizing airflow and combustion, reducing turbo lag, and enhancing throttle response. The engine burns fuel more effectively with better airflow, generating more power without excessive strain. Supporting modifications such as an upgraded intercooler and ECU tuning further refine efficiency by maintaining ideal air-fuel ratios and reducing heat buildup. These improvements lead to smoother power delivery, better fuel economy under normal driving conditions, and increased reliability.

Improved Throttle Response

A turbo upgrade increases throttle response by minimizing lag and sending power faster. An optimized turbo spools up sooner in the rev range, making it feel more responsive and react to throttle inputs faster. The dual ball bearings, billet compressor wheels, and twin-scroll tech all improve airflow and spool delivery while reducing lag. When tuned well, coupled with supporting mods like an intercooler upgrade and wastegate actuator, your Mustang EcoBoost will react quicker, allowing smoother and more controlled acceleration.

Top Turbo Upgrade Options for Mustang EcoBoost

Your turbo is the easiest way to increase your Mustang EcoBoost's power.  Let's take a look at some of the best turbo upgrades to improve horsepower, torque, and throttle response.

• NX2 Drop-In Turbo upgrade kit from Turbonetics. The NX2 is designed as a drop-in replacement, with improved airflow and faster spool times, that offers significant power gains without major modifications to a vehicle.
• BNR600 Mustang EcoBoost Drop-In Style turbo. Designed to support higher horsepower, the BNR600 utilizes a larger compressor wheel and an upgraded turbine design for a more efficient boost.
• Borg Warner EFR Twin-Scroll Turbo kits. Possibly the best twin-scroll technology on the market, these turbos provide quick spool times, excellent throttle response, and smooth, consistent power delivery across the entire RPM range.

Key Features To Consider in a Turbo Upgrade

The type of turbo you choose has key features that can influence performance, reliability, and ease of installation when you upgrade the turbo on your Mustang EcoBoost. Selecting the correct turbo for your build is a major decision, so there are a few key factors to take into consideration:

• Dual ball bearings and billet compressor wheels. These yield greater strength and airflow efficiency than a cast wheel, thus enhancing performance and longevity. The dual ball bearings help reduce friction, translating to faster spool times, lessened throttle response lag, and a longer turbo lifespan.
• Twin scroll technology. A twin-scroll turbo layout improves the performance of exhaust gas flow, reducing turbo lag and providing smoother, more consistent power. By separating exhaust pulses, this technology helps maximize boost response and overall engine performance.
• Compatibility with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ease of bolt-on installation. An OEM-compatible turbo upgrade ensures the installation process is as painless as possible, with little to no need to modify other vehicle components.

Recommended Complementary Upgrades

Upgrading your turbocharger can only work to its full potential with supportive modifications. Certain key components are essential; here are a few to keep an eye on:

• Turbosmart wastegate actuator. A more effective wastegate actuator will better control boost levels, leading to less turbo lag and boost spikes, meaning smoother power delivery.
• Intercooler and charge pipes. A bigger intercooler helps lower intake air temperatures, maximizing efficiency and mitigating heat soak, while larger charge pipes help improve airflow and throttle response.
• Upgraded intake, blow-off valve, and exhaust system. A performance-oriented blow-off valve helps to prevent compressor surge, protecting the integrity of the turbo. An aftermarket exhaust system improves airflow and your turbo's spool characteristics for better power.

FAQs About Mustang EcoBoost Turbo Upgrades

Let's explore a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding Mustang EcoBoost Turbo upgrades:

Do I have to change anything else?

Upgrading your turbo means supporting modifications to get the most out of the turbo you decide to add and the ones you select. A new intercooler with upgraded cooling keeps temps down, and beefier charge pipes increase airflow. A high-flow wastegate actuator and blow-off valve allow for proper boost control, which is why ECU tuning is crucial to optimize fuel and air delivery safely and effectively to achieve gains in power.

Will the upgrade make it more economical to use?

A turbo can affect fuel efficiency depending on how you drive and how it's tuned. An upgraded turbo can improve efficiency; if tuned correctly, it can optimize air-fuel mixing and combustion. More boost and more horsepower typically mean greater fuel consumption, particularly under more aggressive driving conditions. Using the turbo will likely increase fuel consumption, but if you drive conservatively, you may notice little difference in fuel economy.

Is my turbo upgrade street-legal?

Believe it or not, turbo upgrades are street legal, but it's local emissions compliance and Clean Air Act compliance state-wise. Some aftermarket turbos are CARB-certified for use in emissions-controlled states, while others are for off-road or track use only. Tampering with or removing emissions control devices, such as the catalytic converter, can cause your vehicle to be non-compliant. Do your homework on local laws before upgrading to avoid fines or trouble during inspections.

Visit Stivers Ford South Today

For more information on your Mustang's EcoBoost Turbo or to order parts to upgrade your engine, contact the experts at Stivers Ford South in Union City, GA, today. We're here to answer your questions, provide top-tier service, and help you identify the parts you need for your DIY projects. Call our service department at 470-412-5953 or our parts center at 470-720-5076, or complete our secure online form to get started. 

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