Best B-Series Turbo Kit Brands: Comp Turbo, Garrett, Precision, and More

Upgrading your Honda B-series engine with a turbocharger is one of the most effective ways to unlock serious horsepower and torque. Whether you are building a daily driver that needs a responsive setup or a track monster that demands peak output, choosing the right turbo kit brand is critical. The B-series engine platform has been a favorite among enthusiasts for decades, and the aftermarket offers a vast array of turbo kits from manufacturers that range from street-oriented to race-proven. This guide covers the top brands—Comp Turbo, Garrett, Precision Turbo, and others—along with essential factors to consider when selecting a kit for your B-series build.

Understanding B-Series Turbo Kits

Before diving into brand comparisons, it helps to understand what a complete turbo kit typically includes. Most bolt-on kits for B-series engines come with a turbocharger, exhaust manifold (often a cast log or tubular design), wastegate, blow-off valve, intercooler and piping, oil feed and drain lines, and sometimes a tuneable fuel management system. The quality of these components and the turbocharger itself directly affects performance, reliability, and ease of installation.

B-series engines (B16, B18, B20) have different displacement and compression ratios. For example, a B16A has a higher redline and responds well to quick-spooling turbos, while a B18C (GSR or Type R) can handle larger frame turbos for higher peak power. Your choice of turbo kit brand should align with your specific engine version and power goals.

Comp Turbo

Product Range and Technology

Comp Turbo is widely respected for its billet wheel technology and dual ball bearing designs. Their turbochargers are used in everything from street cars to professional drag racing. For B-series engines, Comp Turbo offers a range of frame sizes (e.g., CT2, CT3, CT4) that can support from 300 to over 1,000 horsepower. Their Comp Triplex 360-degree thrust bearing system improves durability under high boost pressures.

Strengths

  • Quick spool-up: Billet compressor wheels are lighter and more efficient than cast options, reducing lag.
  • Build quality: Each turbo is assembled and balanced in the USA, with strict quality control.
  • Custom configurations: Comp Turbo can tailor the A/R ratio, wheel trim, and housing to match your B-series setup.

Considerations

Comp Turbo kits are often sold as turbo-only or as part of a custom setup rather than a full bolt-on kit. You may need to source a complementary manifold, intercooler, and piping separately. Their turbos tend to be mid- to high-priced, reflecting the advanced engineering.

For more information, visit the Comp Turbo official site or explore their product catalog for B-series applications.

Garrett Motion (formerly Honeywell Garrett)

Industry Standard

Garrett turbochargers are a staple in the automotive industry, supplying OEM manufacturers and dominating aftermarket motorsports. Their Garrett GTX Gen II and G Series turbos are especially popular for B-series builds because of their aerodynamically advanced compressor wheels and turbine housings.

Key Features

  • Advanced aerodynamics: Garrett uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize blade design, resulting in excellent efficiency across the powerband.
  • Proven reliability: Over 60 years of turbo manufacturing experience; many pro drag racers and road racers trust Garrett.
  • Wide application: Garrett turbos come in many frame sizes and trims, from the small GT2252 for a mild street build to the GTX3584R for big power.

Bolt-On Kits

Several aftermarket companies (like Full-Race, Rev9, and CX Racing) fabricate complete B-series turbo kits using Garrett cores. These kits often include a tuned manifold and all necessary hardware. Installing a Garrett-based kit gives you the peace of mind of a globally supported turbo brand.

Check out the Garrett Motion website for technical resources and sizing guides.

Precision Turbo & Engine

Purpose-Built for High Horsepower

Precision Turbo has carved a niche in the high-performance community, particularly among Honda enthusiasts. Their PTE Gen 2 and Gen 3 turbos are common choices for B-series engines aiming to exceed 500 wheel horsepower. Precision offers both journal bearing and ball bearing options, with the ball bearing units providing faster spool.

Strengths

  • Customizable: You can select the compressor wheel, turbine wheel, and housing size to hit your specific power target.
  • Durable castings: Precision’s turbine housings are made from high-nickel ductile iron for heat resistance.
  • Customer support: Known for responsive technical assistance, which helps when building a custom kit.

Typical B-Series Setup

Many tuners pair a Precision 5858 or 6266 turbo with a top-mount or ram-horn manifold. The combo works well on B18C engines with proper fuel and tuning. For a street-oriented build, a 5558 or 5856 offers quicker spool while still delivering strong mid-range punch.

Visit Precision Turbo for their latest catalog and turbo calculators.

Other Notable Brands

Beyond the big three, several other brands have earned solid reputations among B-series owners.

Turbonetics

Turbonetics has decades of experience in forced induction. Their Hi-Fi line of turbos uses a unique air-cooled center housing that reduces oil coking. They offer bolt-on kits for B-series via third-party distributors. Known for excellent customer service and robust construction.

Blouch Performance

Blouch focuses on direct replacement and upgrade turbos, but they also produce custom configurations that work well for B-series builds. Their Dominator series is famous for high-flow compressor wheels. Blouch turbos are popular among enthusiasts who want a proven, reliable unit with low lag.

ATP Turbo

ATP Turbo manufactures turbos and turbo kits for many import applications, including full B-series packages. Their GTX3076R and GTX3576R kits come with a high-quality manifold, wastegate, and downpipe. ATP also sells universal parts, making them a good resource for custom builders.

BorgWarner (now Garrett)

While BorgWarner’s turbo division has been integrated into Garrett, their legacy BW EFR series is still sought after. The EFR turbos feature integrated wastegates and billet wheels. B-series enthusiasts sometimes repurpose EFR turbos with aftermarket manifolds for a unique setup.

How to Choose the Right Turbo Kit for Your B-Series

Define Your Power Goals

The first step is to decide on a realistic horsepower target. Common ranges for B-series turbo builds:

  • 250–350 hp: Ideal for a streetable daily driver. Small frame turbos (GT2554, PT5858, Comp CT2) spool quickly and are forgiving on stock internals with proper tuning.
  • 350–500 hp: Requires forged rods and pistons. Medium frame turbos (GT3071R, PT6262, Comp CT3) offer a good balance of spool and top-end.
  • 500+ hp: Full built block, larger turbos (GTX3584R, PT6466, Comp CT4). Suitable for track or high-end street use.

Engine Condition and Internals

Your engine’s bottom end must be able to handle the boost. For builds over 300 hp, invest in forged rods and pistons. Also ensure sufficient fuel delivery (larger injectors, high-flow pump, and a tuneable ECU like Hondata or AEM).

Spool Characteristics vs. Peak Power

Consider where you want your powerband. A small turbo that spools by 3,000 rpm is great for street driving but may fall off at high rpm. A large turbo that comes on at 5,000 rpm can make huge peak numbers but may feel laggy in daily traffic. Most B-series owners prefer a turbo that hits full boost around 4,000–4,500 rpm for a lively yet manageable ride.

Fitment and Compatibility

B-series engines fit into many chassis (Civic, Integra, CRX, etc.). Some turbo kits are chassis-specific due to clearance issues with the radiator, hood, or brake master cylinder. Always check if the kit is designed for your car model and whether it requires moving the battery or using a slim fan.

Installation and Tuning

While DIY is possible, turbo installation on a B-series involves precision work: welding the oil drain bung, routing coolant and oil lines, and ensuring exhaust clearance. A mistake can lead to oil starvation or boost leaks. Many performance shops offer installation packages.

Fuel Management

A turbo kit is only as good as its tune. You will need a standalone ECU (like Hondata S300 or MoTeC) or a piggyback unit. Tuning requires a wideband oxygen sensor and a skilled tuner. On a B-series, improper tuning can detonate and destroy the engine quickly, especially with higher compression.

Maintenance Tips

  • Oil changes: Use a high-quality synthetic oil and change it every 3,000 miles or less. Turbochargers demand clean oil to prevent bearing failure.
  • Inspect for leaks: Regularly check boost pipes for tears, loose clamps, and vacuum hoses that may cause boost fluctuations.
  • Let the turbo cool: After hard driving, idle the engine for 1–2 minutes before shutting down to prevent oil coking in the center section.

Real-World Performance Comparisons

To help you decide, here is a general comparison of the brands discussed:

Brand Best For Price Range Typical Spool (B18C)
Comp Turbo High-boost track builds, custom setups $1,200–$2,500 (turbo only) 3,800–4,500 rpm
Garrett Versatile street/strip, OEM reliability $1,000–$3,000 (kit or turbo) 3,500–5,000 rpm
Precision Turbo High horsepower, aggressive tunes $1,100–$2,800 (turbo only) 4,000–5,200 rpm
Turbonetics Street builds with easy installation $900–$2,000 (turbo only) 3,500–4,800 rpm
Blouch Direct upgrade, low lag options $1,000–$2,200 (turbo only) 3,400–4,200 rpm
ATP Turbo Complete bolt-on kits with good parts $2,500–$4,000 (full kit) 3,800–4,800 rpm

Note: Prices represent approximate retail and can vary by vendor. Spool rpm is an estimate based on typical B18C1 with 8.5:1 compression and 3-inch exhaust.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best B-series turbo kit brand comes down to your specific goals, budget, and willingness to custom-build. Comp Turbo offers cutting-edge billet technology for those who want to push the limits. Garrett remains the safe and proven choice with unmatched support and a vast range of options. Precision Turbo is a favorite for dedicated racers chasing big numbers. Meanwhile, brands like Turbonetics, Blouch, and ATP Turbo provide specialized solutions that deserve consideration.

Always allocate part of your budget for quality tuning and supporting mods: fuel system, intercooler, and engine management. A well-matched turbo kit from a reputable brand will transform your B-series into a reliable, thrilling powerhouse. For further reading, explore the technical resources on each brand’s website and consult with experienced builders on forums like Honda-Tech or Reddit’s r/Honda. With the right combination, your B-series engine will deliver years of boosted enjoyment.