➔QUICK TECH

0 CAR CRAFT NOVEMBER 2019

Turbonetics takes this drop-in thing

seriously. The oil inlets and outlets

are in the same position as stock,

and all components you need,

such as gaskets, O-rings, and

couplers are included.

F

ord’s EcoBoost platform is a

potent, little package. The 2.3L

turbocharged four-banger pumps

out 310 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque,

thanks to 20 psi of boost. That makes

for a fun ride in a new Mustang, but

more is always better. And thanks to a

forged crank and connecting rods—

and other intelligent provisions from

Ford’s engineers—the four-cylinder

EcoBoost is capable of handling much

more power.

That’s where Turbonetics’ new drop-

in turbocharger comes in. Turbonetics

designed a twin-scroll turbo that the

company says can replace the stock

unit in an hour or so using only hand

tools. Thanks to a larger 52mm com-

pressor wheel and Inconel turbine side

with dual ceramic ball bearings helping

everything spin smoothly, dyno testing

has shown the new turbo can boost

power up to 520 or so with a retune—

and that’s pushing the same 20 psi of

boost. If true, that puts any ordinary

four-banger Mustang right around the

same 526 hp of a new GT350.

The V-8 engine will always be cool,

but horsepower is horsepower. When

you get right down to it, the only thing

that really matters about any engine is

how hard it turns the rear wheels.

We’re intrigued by the idea of getting

our hands on an EcoBoost-powered

Mustang—which are several grand

cheaper on the used market versus the

V-8 GT—dropping in a Turbonetics’

twin-scroll turbo with a tune and

maybe an aftermarket intercooler, and

having V-8 levels of fun. With the lower

insurance premiums the four-cylinder

will get you—in theory, at least—it’s

like getting GT350 VooDoo power at

the rental-car price.

How much: $2,869.25 MSRP

(PN 11910)

Learn more: Turbonetics;

805/581-0333; TurboneticsInc.com

By Jeff Huneycutt / Photos: Jeff Huneycutt

Upgrade Your EcoBoost Mustang to GT350-Level

Power for Free—and Get Your Insurance to Pay for It!

TURBO NEWS

Although it drops right in place of the stock

twin-scroll turbo on the Ford Mustang

EcoBoost engine, significant upgrades—

such as a larger impeller and investment-

grade stainless castings for the housing,

among other things—helps the Turbonetics

drop-in unit push the EcoBoost

to 500-plus hp.