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12t turbo

(1014 products available)

About 12t turbo

Types of 12T Turbo

A 12t turbo refers to an upgrade of the turbo on a 4-cylinder car. This is a turbo that is 50% larger than stock. The 12T turbo is the most common turbo upgrade for the 1.8T engine. It's not a huge turbo by most standards, but it will give a noticeable power increase over the stock turbo.

There are different types of 12T turbos, and they include:

  • 12 T turbocharger

    12 T turbochargers are used in car engines to improve performance. The 12T turbo is a part of the Audi/Volkswagen 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. This engine is found in different cars, such as the Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi TT, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, and Skoda Octavia.

  • 12T turbo manifold

    A turbo manifold is an important part of the turbo system. It collects exhaust gases from the engine and channels them into the turbo. The 12T turbo manifold is designed to work with the 12T turbo. It has bigger ports than the stock manifold to match the bigger turbo. The 12T turbo manifold improves the performance of the turbo system.

  • 12T turbo downpipe

    After the exhaust gases pass through the turbo, they exit the turbo through the downpipe. The 12T turbo downpipe is bigger than the stock downpipe. It reduces back pressure in the exhaust system. This allows the exhaust gases to flow out faster. The 12T turbo downpipe improves turbo response and increases power output.

  • 12T turbo intercooler

    When the 12T turbo compresses air going into the engine, the air heats up. The 12T turbo intercooler cools this air before it enters the engine. The intercooler has a bigger size and better cooling performance than the stock version. This ensures the engine gets more oxygen, resulting in more power.

  • 12T turbo intake

    The 12T turbo intake draws air from outside into the engine. It replaces the stock air filter housing and connects to the turbo. The new intake allows more air into the turbo, improving the air flow. This boosts the air pressure going into the engine and increases power.

Specification and maintenance of 12t turbo

The specifications of the 12t turbo differ based on the manufacturer. Generally, the specifications of the 12T turbocharger are as follows:

  • Engine: The 12T turbo is commonly used in engines with a displacement ranging from 1.8L to 2.5L. For example, the 12T turbo is suitable for the CA18DE, CA20DE, SR20DE, and SR20DET engines.
  • Compressor Wheel: The compressor wheel of the 12T turbocharger has a diameter measuring 50mm. This component forces air into the engine to improve combustion.
  • Turbine Wheel: The turbine wheel has a diameter measuring 42mm. The turbine wheel spins the shaft located in the center of the compressor wheel.
  • Ar Turbine: The ar turbine measures 42.8mm. It is responsible for spinning the turbine wheel by taking in exhaust gases from the engine.
  • Exhaust Inlet: The exhaust inlet of the 12T turbocharger is 4-bolt. This specification makes it easier for the 12T turbocharger to be mounted onto the engine.
  • Wastegate Actuator: The wastegate actuator pressure is set at 7psi. This component controls the flow of air into the engine by regulating the amount of air pushed out by the turbocharger.
  • Oil Cool: The oil cool of the 12T turbocharger requires oil for cooling. This oil is obtained from the engine's oil system. Once the 12T turbocharger is installed, the user should ensure the oil lines are connected to the engine's oil system.
  • Water Cool: The water cool of the 12T turbocharger requires water for cooling. This water is obtained from the engine's cooling system. Similar to the oil lines, ensure the water lines are connected to the engine's cooling system.

Maintaining the 12T turbo is important to ensure the longevity of the turbo and optimal performance. Here are a few tips for maintaining the 12T turbo:

  • Regular Oil Changes: Oil is essential for the proper functioning of the 12T turbo. The oil lubricates the moving parts of the turbo. The oil also prevents the moving parts of the turbo from grinding against each other, which could lead to damage. Therefore, the oil needs to be changed regularly to maintain optimal performance. The oil change interval differs based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Use Quality Oil: Quality oil is essential for the proper functioning of the 12T turbo. Using low-quality oil can lead to damage of the turbo over time. Quality oil ensures that the turbo is lubricated properly and reduces the risk of wear and tear of the moving parts of the turbo.
  • Check the Cooling System: The cooling system of the engine is important for the 12T turbo. The 12T turbo generates a lot of heat when spinning at high speeds. Therefore, the heat generated by the turbo needs to be cooled down regularly. Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly to prevent damage to the turbo.
  • Avoid Excessive Idling: Excessive idling can lead to damage of the 12T turbo over time. When the engine is idling, the turbo does not spin at high speeds. This means that the 12T turbo does not generate enough airflow into the engine. Prolonged excessive idling can lead to wear and tear of the turbocharger.
  • Inspect the Wastegate: The wastegate is an important component of the turbo. The wastegate controls the amount of boost pressure generated by the turbo. Ensure that the wastegate is functioning properly and inspect it regularly for damage.

How to Choose 12t Turbo

Choosing the right 12t turbo can be a daunting task, considering the many options available in the market. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a 12t turbo:

Understanding the meaning of ""A12"" is a significant step in choosing the right 12t turbo. A12 basically means that the turbo is suitable for 1.2-1.4L petrol engines and 1.4-2.0L diesel engines. Knowing this information will help buyers know if the turbo is suitable for their engine or not.

When choosing a 12t turbo, always go for the one with higher RPM. The 12t turbo with higher RPM can pump more air into the engine, increasing the engine's power output and performance. Choosing the turbo with higher RPM is a good choice for those looking to increase their engine power and performance.

Choosing between cast iron and steel 12t turbos can be difficult. To make the right choice, it's important to know the differences between the two materials. As mentioned earlier, cast iron turbos are known for their durability and longevity. They are the best choice for those looking for a reliable and long-lasting turbo. Steel turbos, on the other hand, are known for their lightweight and fast spool time. They are the best choice for those looking for a quick and responsive turbo.

How to DIY and Replace 12t Turbo

Below are some steps to follow when replacing a 12T turbocharger.

  • Gather the Required Tools and Materials:

    The user should have tools such as sockets, wrenches, and pliers and purchase a new turbocharger. They should also have safety equipment like gloves and safety glasses.

  • Disconnect the Battery:

    To prevent accidents, the battery should be disconnected before starting the installation process.

  • Remove the Engine Cover:

    The engine cover should be removed, exposing the engine components and turbo.

  • Remove the Exhaust Downpipe:

    Bolts and nuts should be used to disconnect the exhaust downpipe from the turbo and the exhaust system. The user should loosen the bolts and nuts and set them aside to remove the downpipe easily.

  • Disconnect the Wastegate Actuator:

    The wastegate actuator should be disconnected from the turbo. A wastegate is a valve that controls the flow of exhaust through the turbine and regulates the speed of the turbine. The user should disconnect the rod linked to the actuator and set it aside.

  • Remove the Oil Supply and Return Lines:

    The oil lines should be disconnected from the turbo. These lines supply oil to the turbo and drain oil back to the engine. The user should remove the bolts or fittings holding the lines in place and set them aside. They should also drain the oil from the lines into a container to avoid spills.

  • Remove the Bolts Holding the Turbo to the Engine:

    The user should remove the bolts holding the turbo to the engine. The number and location of the bolts may differ. After removing the bolts, the old turbo can be easily removed.

  • Install the New Turbocharger:

    The new turbo should be aligned with the bolts and the oil supply and return lines attached. The user should make sure the fittings are tightened to avoid leaks.

  • Reconnect the Wastegate Actuator:

    After installing the new turbo, the user should reconnect the wastegate actuator. The rod should be linked to the actuator, and the connections should be tightened.

  • Reinstall the Exhaust Downpipe:

    The exhaust downpipe should be reinstalled, and its connection should be tightened. The user should also refer to the notes or the manual to ensure the downpipe is fitted correctly.

  • Reconnect the Battery:

    Once the turbo replacement is complete, the battery should be reconnected. The negative terminal should be linked first, followed by the positive terminal.

  • Start the Engine and Check for Leaks:

    The user should start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will ensure the oil circulates through the new turbo. They should also check for leaks or unusual noises and rectify them if necessary.

Q&A

Q1: Does a bigger turbo mean more power?

A1: Not necessarily. While larger turbos can potentially generate more power, they may also introduce turbo lag and require more fuel. The optimal turbo size depends on the engine and performance goals.

Q2: What is the difference between a single and twin turbo?

A2: In a single turbo setup, only one turbocharger is used, while two (one for each bank of cylinders) are employed in a twin-turbo configuration. Twin-turbos can provide more power and better responsiveness but are more complex and expensive.

Q3: How long do turbos last?

A3: Turbochargers can last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. Factors like driving habits, oil changes, and engine health can affect turbo lifespan.

Q4: What is turbo lag?

A4: Turbo lag is the delay in power delivery caused by the turbo reaching its optimal speed. It is more common in larger turbos but can be mitigated through proper sizing, twin-scroll designs, or low-inertia materials.

Q5: Can anyone install a turbo?

A5: While it's possible for anyone to install a turbo with the right skills and knowledge, it's a complex task that requires mechanical expertise, understanding of engine dynamics, and potentially custom fabrication work.