Is it possible to install a turocharger onto a non-turbo 2008 Mazda 3 hatchback?

Asked by TheClueless Sep 27, 2019 at 02:59 PM about the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 s Touring Hatchback

Question type: Car Customization

I have a 2008 Mazda 3 hatchback, that year of the car has a few variants that can have a turbo installed in it from the factory. I bought it used and the previous owner did some very small modifications to it (air intake, exhaust, speakers, mechanic said everything was kosher). The car runs well but I was wondering partially out of curiosity and party because it would be nice to have a turbo in there tuned primarily for fuel economy like some newer model cars have. So my question is, can an aftermarket turbo be installed into a Mazda 3, if it is the factory variant that didn't come with a turbo? I am not a car guy, I would take it to a shop to have it installed by professionals who know what they are doing, I just want to know if said modification is even possible as I know the two engines are slightly different.
Not sure if it is the s Touring or Grand Touring, can't find it in the owners manual.

3 Answers

355

You'd be better off sourcing another engine that already has the turbo etc. You can in fact turbo your car now but you have to update everything. Turbo, Lines, Intercooler and piping, fuel management, bigger injectors, tap your oil pan for the oil feed line. New ECU or standalone that controls everything. You'd be money ahead just swapping out for the Mazdapseed 3 engine, trans. The whole shabang. You are going to be more in the gas when you have a turbo. Just common sense. You NEED more fuel to optimize performance. That is what they made the turbo for on the MS3. For speed. Zoom Zoom. The turbo engine might have better internals as well. Will your stock 2.3 work? maybe. For a bit until it blows up.

Just buy a turbo car and be done with it. You will be much happier with the results (and lower cost).

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