Best Chevy Cruze Turbo Upgrades That You Need to Know Of

The Chevy Cruze gets its power from a turbocharger in the hood. Sometimes, this part fails causing the vehicle to lose power. There are some Chevy Cruze turbo upgrades you can buy to solve these issues. Additionally, you should know how to look at a new replacement part and signs of a faulty turbo. 

We have compiled a list of 5 of the best Chevy Cruze turbo upgrades. We have also included information on how to know if your turbo needs replacement. Read on to get information on everything you need to know about Chevrolet Cruze turbos.     

5 Best Chevy Cruze Turbo Upgrades

The following is a list of 5 of the best Chevy Cruze turbo upgrades. The list was compiled using reviews and testimonials from people who have bought and tried out the products. Take note they are not arranged in any particular order.  

Stigan 847-1446 Turbo

This is a brand new turbo designed for efficiency, performance, and extreme durability. It’s a drop-in replacement and an exact fit for the stock turbocharger. The good news is you don’t need to do any modifications when you install it.

The Stigan 847-1446 Turbo is manufactured and tested in an ISO-certified and state-of-the-art factory. This means you are assured of a premium performance product.

The product is tested to match and sometimes exceed the performance of the OEM turbo on your Chevy Cruze. The Stigan 847-1446 Turbo is designed to replace the factory turbo that comes with your Chevy Cruze should it fail. Additionally, it comes with an electronic turbo speed sensor. 

Stock turbos on Chevy Cruze usually have a bypass valve issue. This is the reason why most turbos on this car fail. The Stigan part comes with a revised design. It includes a stronger bypass valve spring to address the boost leak issue common with the OEM turbo. 

You get a 2-year unlimited-mileage warranty with the Stigan 847-1446 Turbo. Additionally, it comes with exhaust housings and a thick-cast compressor. These features ensure the turbo lasts longer than the stock part. 

Pros

• Revised design with stronger bypass valve
• Includes turbo speed sensor
• Fits all Chevy Cruze models
• Comes with exhaust housing and thick-cast compressors
• 2-year unlimited mileage warranty

Cons

• Slightly pricey
• Available in few online stores

BuyAutoParts 40-30485AN

When the turbocharger on your Chevy Cruze fails, you need to get a replacement as soon as possible. BuyAutoParts 40-30485AN is one of the replacement turbos you can find in the market. It is engineered for superior durability to ensure your Chevy Cruze runs like new. Additionally, it comes with a one-year unlimited mileage warranty. 

One of the advantages of this part is it’s 100% new. Additionally, it has premium ISO/TS 16949. It is also CARB approved meaning it is legal in all 50 states. Installation and fitting of the BuyAutoParts 40-30485AN is a breeze.  

If you want it to last longer, make sure you replace or clean the oil feed line. Follow by priming the center bearing using oil. If you have enlisted the services of a professional, let them do this for you. This product fits Chevy Cruze 1.4T 2011 to 2015 models. It also fits the 2016 Chevy Cruze Limited. 

Pros

• Premium ISO/TS 16949 quality
• Exact fit
• CARB approved
• Legal in all states in the US
• One year unlimited mileage warranty

Cons

• Core charge not included
• Doesn’t come with exhaust manifold seals

ECCPP 847-1446 Turbocharger

Are you looking for a turbo replacement for your Chevy Cruze? The ECCPP 847-1446 can be a good option. For starters, it works similar to the factory part that came with your Cruze. It has been designed to offer the owner trouble-free performance. 

The ECCPP 847-1446 is a great replacement to ensure you enjoy your car. The main benefit is it fits just like the stock part. You don’t need to do any modifications or fabrications. On the downside, you may need to buy additional equipment when you install the turbo.

For example, you may need to get new exhaust manifold nuts. You may also want to get new oil and coolant lines. Lastly, you may also consider getting mounting points for the heat shield. All these items are sold separately.  

Pros

• Works and fits like the OEM turbo
• Reduced carbon emissions
• Low fuel consumption
• Plateau power compensation
• Solves P0299 error

Cons

• Doesn’t come with mounting points for the heat shield
• The package doesn’t include exhaust manifold nuts 

MotorFansClub GT1446V 781504 Turbocharger

MotorFansClub is one of the companies renowned for its quality auto parts. The MotorFansClub GT1446V 781504 turbocharger is a good example. For starters, each turbo is hand inspected off the line. The company doesn’t use machine inspection like other auto parts sellers. The second inspection is done by professionals before the part is shipped to you.

This is a good turbo upgrade for your Chevy Cruze if you are looking to improve your vehicle’s performance. When you purchase it, you are privy to a lot of information such as how-to tutorials and articles about the part.  Additionally, you get access to videos that will help you install the part. The videos are also used to help you with other maintenance issues your vehicle may have.

The good news is this part is compatible with 2011 – 2016 Chevy Cruze 1.4L and 2016 Chevy Cruze Limited 1.4L. You get a 30-day return policy for an exchange or refund. This is as long as the product is in unused or new condition. 

Pros

• Works like the factory part
• Easy installation
• Compatible with most Chevy Cruze models
• Affordable

Cons

• Slightly heavier than others in the market 

667-203 Turbocharger

The 667-203 Turbocharger is made up of 2 halves. These are joined together by a shaft. It works by using hot exhaust gases to spin one turbine. This turbine is connected to another turbine that is designed to suck in air and compress it before it takes it to the engine. 

The compressed air gives the engine more efficiency and power. The additional air added by this product ensures your Chevy Cruze gets more air in the combustion chamber. As a result, more fuel is added to give your Cruze more power. You will notice a difference in your Cruze’s power when you use this part. 

A 667-203 Turbocharger is a great replacement for your Cruze’s stock part. For example, you may notice your engine warning lights are on. When you go to the mechanic, they are likely to tell you the problem with your engine is your turbocharger. The only way to solve this problem is by getting a turbocharger upgrade.

Sometimes you notice your Chevy Cruzes is not going as fast as it used to. In such cases, one of the major causes may be a turbocharger failure. To solve this problem, get the 667-203 Turbocharger. It works just the factory part and ensures your Cruze reaches the speed it once could. 

You may notice your Cruze has a smoking exhaust. Although this may be caused by other factors, it may be also caused by a failing or damaged turbocharger. A Cruze with a smoking exhaust may mean the turbocharger has various problems.

They include but are not limited to, blown internal seals or cracked housing. This results in oil leaking into your exhaust system causing it to smoke.  

The 667-203 Turbocharger fits any model of Chevy Cruze. Furthermore, it can be used on other vehicle models such as:

• Opel Meriva B 2009
• Opel Astra J 2009
• Holden Cruze 1.4 Turbo
• Buick Encore 2010

Pros

• Compatible with any Chevy Cruze
• Solves smoking exhaust problem
• High-quality turbocharger upgrade
• Increases power
• Durable

Cons

• Requires professional installation 
• May require modifications on some vehicles 

How to Check for Defects in a Turbocharger

Getting a Chevy Cruze turbo upgrade is always a good idea. The question is how do you know you have the right turbo? It doesn’t matter whether you are buying a new or second-hand turbo upgrade for your Chevy Cruze. There are some features of a turbo you need to look at to ensure you get the best deal. Read on to know and understand these features.

The Shake Test

The simplest and easiest test to check if your turbocharger is in good condition is by using the shake test. Pick it up and shake it. If you see the wheels flopping inside the device, it means the compressor wheel and turbine don’t rotate at the same time. This a sign of a defective turbocharger.

Visual Inspection

When your delivery arrives, you need to check the turbo for defects before you install it. The best way to go about this is by visually inspecting it for cracks. Cracks are an indicator of a damaged or used turbo.

The following cracks are a cause for concern:

• Cracks in the mounting flange (especially if they intersect bolt through-holes
• Mounting flange cracks longer than 0.6 inches or 15mm
• Cracks in the compressor and turbine housing that go completely through
• 2 mounting flange cracks closer than 0.25 inches together

Symptoms that Spell Turbo Problems

Turbos, just like any vehicle component, are not immune to breakdowns or failures. The following information gives you insight on how to know if your Chevy Cruze has turbo problems. It will help you tend to the problems before additional damage is done to your car. 

Turbo Failure

One of the leading turbo problems reported by Chevy Cruze owners is turbo failure. The problem is caused by the OEM part’s blow-off valve or bypass valve. It’s a spring-activated valve that works similarly to a wastegate. The valve releases pressure when you lift off the throttle because you no longer need a boost from the turbo. 

Every time the valve is used the spring in the valve gets weaker. At some point, the valve stays open causing a leak in the boost. The result is less boost making it into the engine. Eventually, you will notice your car has less and less power.

If your car’s check engine light comes on and there is a trouble code P0299, it means you have this problem. It is especially the case if you notice your Cruze has less power. Sadly, you can’t replace the bypass valve. The reason is it is physically built into the turbocharger. This makes it nearly impossible to separate the valve from the turbo. 

Apart from reducing the power, a stuck bypass valve allows dirt, debris, and other contaminants to enter. Owners of Cruzes that were replaced due to a faulty bypass valve stated they noticed the center section was damaged when their faulty turbo was removed. Dirt, debris, and other contaminants that get into the turbo can damage the center bearings. 

Poor Acceleration

Increasing engine power is a turbocharger’s primary function. Poor acceleration means reduced power. The cause may be a faulty turbo. If you get delayed responses from your Cruze or it isn’t reaching your normal speeds, it may be time to check your turbo. 

Increased Gas Consumption

Another main function of a turbo is to increase fuel efficiency. Do you do more trips to the gas station? Is there a noticeable decrease in your Cruze’s mpg (miles per gallon)? A faulty turbo may be the culprit. A potential cause may be fuel leaking from the turbocharger into the exhaust before it is burned. 

Excessive Exhaust Smoke

The amount of smoke coming from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe is substantially reduced by a turbo. Excessive smoke may be a symptom of a defective turbo. The likely cause may be a crack in the turbo’s housing. This causes oil to leak into the exhaust system, which increases smoke production. Consult your mechanic or a professional if you notice excessive smoke.

Black or Blue Exhaust Smoke

A cracked turbo housing may cause blue smoke to shoot out of your exhaust pipe. Black smoke may be caused by a defect in the engine’s fuel injectors, obstructed air to the turbo compressor, a clogged air filter, and a burnt engine. Whatever the reason, anytime you see colored smoke from your exhaust go to the mechanic immediately. 

Siren Noise

Have you noticed a loud and siren-like noise coming from the engine? If the sound is loud, it means the problem is serious. This is an example of a siren noise that usually results from a failed turbo. When you hear this noise, get a professional to check your Cruze.  

“Check Engine” Light

The “check engine” light is not necessarily a sign of a turbo issue. It doesn’t point specifically to a singular mechanical issue. However, it may also be a sign of a faulty turbo if it comes on in a Chevy Cruze. 

All the above may be signs of a turbo failure or problem on a Chevy Cruze. If one or more happens, check your turbo. It may need cleaning or replacement depending on the issue.

Trouble Codes

The two typical turbo trouble codes for Chevy turbo include P0234 (over boost) and P0299 (under boost). If you get an over-boost code, the wastegate may be stuck in the closed position. It may also mean disconnected or leaking control hoses, or the wastegate vent solenoid is stuck in the vent position. 

If you get an under boost code, the wastegate may be stuck in the open position. Another cause may be a leak between the throttle and compressor. In Chevy Cruze, the most common problem with the turbo is an under boost.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Use the above information to know if your Chevy Cruze turbo needs an upgrade or replacement. You can also choose from the five of the above options if you are looking to purchase one immediately. Remember to visually check and shake the product once you purchase a new or a used one.