Installing a Garret T3/t4 Turbo on Your Mr2 Sw20: Step-by-step Guide for 400+ Hp

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Installing a Garret T3/T4 turbo on your MR2 SW20 can significantly enhance its performance, enabling you to achieve over 400 horsepower. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step process to help you through the installation.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Garret T3/T4 Turbo Kit
  • Turbo manifold
  • Wastegate
  • Intercooler
  • Silicone hoses
  • Oil feed and return lines
  • Exhaust gaskets
  • Boost gauge
  • Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers)
  • Torque wrench
  • Engine oil
  • Coolant

Preparation

Before starting the installation, ensure your workspace is clean and organized. Disconnect the battery and drain the engine oil and coolant to prevent spills during the process.

Removing the Stock Turbo

Begin by removing the stock turbocharger. Follow these steps:

  • Remove the intake pipe and air filter.
  • Disconnect the oil feed and return lines.
  • Unbolt the stock turbo from the manifold.
  • Remove the exhaust downpipe.
  • Take out the stock turbocharger from the engine bay.

Installing the Turbo Manifold

Once the stock turbo is removed, it’s time to install the new turbo manifold:

  • Clean the mounting surface on the engine.
  • Place the new turbo manifold onto the engine block.
  • Use new gaskets to ensure a proper seal.
  • Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.

Mounting the Garret T3/T4 Turbo

Now, mount the Garret T3/T4 turbo onto the new manifold:

  • Align the turbo with the manifold.
  • Secure the turbo using the provided hardware.
  • Connect the wastegate to the turbo as per the instructions in the kit.

Connecting the Oil Lines

Proper oil supply is crucial for turbo longevity. Follow these steps to connect the oil lines:

  • Attach the oil feed line to the turbo.
  • Route the return line back to the oil pan.
  • Ensure all connections are tight and leak-free.

Installing the Intercooler

The intercooler helps to cool the compressed air, improving performance. Here’s how to install it:

  • Mount the intercooler in a suitable location in front of the engine.
  • Connect the silicone hoses from the turbo outlet to the intercooler inlet.
  • Connect the intercooler outlet to the intake manifold.

Connecting the Exhaust

After the turbo and intercooler are installed, connect the exhaust system:

  • Attach the exhaust downpipe to the turbo.
  • Secure the downpipe to the exhaust system.
  • Check for any leaks or loose connections.

Final Steps

With everything installed, follow these final steps:

  • Refill the engine oil and coolant.
  • Reconnect the battery.
  • Start the engine and check for leaks.
  • Install the boost gauge to monitor performance.

Tuning Your MR2 SW20

After installation, tuning is essential to maximize performance. Consider the following:

  • Use a standalone ECU or reprogram the stock ECU.
  • Adjust fuel maps and ignition timing for optimal performance.
  • Consider a dyno session to fine-tune settings.

Conclusion

Installing a Garret T3/T4 turbo on your MR2 SW20 can transform your driving experience. With careful installation and proper tuning, you can achieve over 400 horsepower, making your MR2 a true performance machine.