Turbochargers are a key part of modern 4WDs, delivering extra power, efficiency, and torque for off-road adventures, towing, and everyday driving. If your vehicle already has a factory turbo, you might be wondering whether upgrading it is worth the investment.
Stock turbos are designed for a balance of reliability, fuel efficiency, and emissions compliance, whereas upgraded turbochargers can provide more power, better responsiveness, and improved towing capacity. But do they also improve fuel economy? This guide will break down the key differences between stock and aftermarket turbos, their benefits, and whether an upgrade is the right choice for your needs.
What’s the Difference Between Stock and Upgraded Turbochargers?
Stock Turbochargers: Built for Balance
Factory turbochargers are designed to work with your vehicle’s stock setup while meeting emissions regulations and fuel economy targets.
- Reliability: Built to last under standard conditions with minimal maintenance.
- Fuel Efficiency: Optimised for economy under normal driving conditions.
- Emissions Compliance: Designed to meet strict government regulations.
- Moderate Performance: Provides enough power for daily driving but not optimised for towing or performance use.
While stock turbos work well for most drivers, they aren’t always designed for peak efficiency under load, and they may struggle with sustained heavy towing or off-road conditions.
Upgraded Turbochargers: Built for Performance
Aftermarket turbos are designed to improve airflow, boost response, and overall engine efficiency. They typically feature:
- Larger compressor and turbine wheels to increase airflow and boost pressure.
- Stronger materials and bearings for improved durability under high loads.
- Better cooling and oil flow to prevent overheating.
- Higher boost capabilities for more power when combined with the right tuning.
An upgraded turbo isn’t just about power—it can also provide better fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and overall drivability when correctly installed and tuned.
Can an Upgraded Turbo Improve Fuel Economy?
One common misconception is that upgrading a turbo automatically reduces fuel economy. While it's true that a turbo designed purely for high boost can lead to increased fuel consumption, a high-flow, more efficient turbo can actually improve economy under the right conditions.
Why a High-Flow Turbo Can Improve Fuel Economy
- More Efficient Airflow: A high-performance turbo moves air more efficiently, allowing the engine to produce the same power with less effort.
- Reduced Turbo Lag: A responsive turbo delivers power earlier in the rev range, meaning you don’t need to push the throttle as hard to maintain speed.
- Lower Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs): Some upgraded turbos reduce backpressure and improve combustion efficiency, leading to better fuel consumption.
- Optimised Boost for Load Conditions: With the right ECU tune, a high-performance turbo can adjust boost levels more effectively, reducing unnecessary fuel burn.
When a Turbo Upgrade Might Reduce Economy
While a properly designed turbo setup can improve fuel efficiency, there are cases where an upgrade might have the opposite effect:
- Aggressive Driving & High Boost Tuning: If an upgrade is focused purely on power, it can lead to higher fuel consumption, especially under heavy throttle.
- Poor Supporting Mods: If a turbo upgrade isn’t paired with the right intercooler, exhaust, or tune, it can create inefficiencies that waste fuel.
- Oversized Turbos: A turbo that’s too large for the engine may take longer to spool, meaning more throttle is required to get moving, increasing fuel consumption.
For drivers who do a lot of highway cruising, towing, or off-road touring, a well-matched turbo upgrade can actually reduce fuel consumption while delivering more usable power.
When Should You Stick with a Stock Turbo?
Not every 4WD needs an upgraded turbo. In some cases, keeping your factory turbo is the smarter choice.
- You mainly use your 4WD for daily driving. If you don’t need extra power for towing or off-roading, the stock turbo is usually sufficient.
- You want to maximise reliability. While upgraded turbos are durable, factory setups require less tuning expertise and long-term maintenance.
- Your vehicle is still under warranty. Some manufacturers will void warranties if a turbo is modified or replaced with an aftermarket unit.
- Fuel economy is your top priority. Although an efficient high-flow turbo can improve economy, an aggressive power-focused setup can have the opposite effect.
If your factory turbo is in good condition and meets your driving needs, upgrading may not be necessary.
When Should You Upgrade Your Turbocharger?
For those who demand more power, improved towing capability, or better off-road performance, an upgraded turbo could be a game-changer.
- You need more power and torque. An upgraded turbo helps with overtaking, climbing steep inclines, and off-road performance.
- You tow heavy loads regularly. A high-performance turbo improves throttle response and reduces strain when towing.
- You’ve already upgraded other components. If you've installed a larger intercooler, exhaust system, or custom tune, a stock turbo may become a bottleneck.
- You drive in extreme conditions. A stronger turbo with improved cooling is better suited to Australia’s harsh outback temperatures and dusty conditions.
If your 4WD is regularly pushed to its limits, an upgraded turbo can deliver better performance, efficiency, and reliability when paired with the right supporting mods.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Stick with the Stock Turbo if:
- You want maximum reliability with minimal maintenance.
- Your 4WD is mainly for daily driving or light off-roading.
- You’re happy with the factory power levels and fuel economy.
Upgrade Your Turbo if:
- You want more power and torque for off-road or towing use.
- You’ve already installed supporting mods and need a turbo to match.
- You’re looking to enhance durability for extreme conditions.
- You want a more efficient, high-flow turbo that can improve economy while increasing performance.
For 4WD owners who demand better performance, stronger towing power, and a more capable off-road setup, an upgraded turbo can be one of the best investments you make.
Looking for a Turbo Upgrade?
At Demon Pro Parts, we stock a range of high-performance turbochargers, intercoolers, and tuning accessories designed for Australian 4WDs. Whether you drive a LandCruiser, Hilux, Ranger, Patrol, or D-Max, we have the right turbo setup for your needs.
- Direct-fit and high-flow turbo upgrades
- Options for towing, off-road, and high-performance builds
- Expert advice on tuning and installation
Check out our range today and take your 4WD’s performance to the next level.
We have Australia's largest range of OEM, Aftermarket stock and High-Flow Turbochargers, weather your upgrading or need something to get your out of trouble, check out our range here!
