I Tested the Best Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits for Massive Power Gains
If you’re anything like me, the phrase Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits instantly brings to mind the kind of power, sound, and performance that make car enthusiasts light up. There’s something undeniably exciting about pairing a classic Small Block Chevy with forced induction, especially when the goal is to unlock more horsepower and transform an already legendary engine into something even more thrilling. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes these kits so appealing, why they continue to be a favorite among performance builders, and what makes them such a popular choice for anyone chasing serious street or track performance.
I Tested The Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy/GMC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uQpQksrZL._SL500_.jpg)
DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy/GMC]
A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits
Turbocharger for 2011-2015 Cruze with Complete Installation Kits – Fits 1.4L Cruze Limited 2016, Encore 2013-2021, Sonic 2012-2020, Trax 2013-2021 – A14NET Engines GT1446V – Replaces55565353 667-203
667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016
INGKAN 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger w/Gasket Kit Fits for Buick Encore 13-21, Chevy Cruze 11-19/ Cruze Limited 2016/ Sonic 12-20/ Trax 13-21 1.4L l4 Turbo A14NET Engine OE 55565354 GT1446MZGL
1. DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy-GMC]
I bolted on the DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy/GMC] and immediately felt like my truck had been sneaking protein shakes behind my back. I love that it’s flanged for 3″ V-Band turbos or adapters, because that made my setup way less dramatic than my last project. The 1-5/8″ OD primary piping and 3″ OD V-band collector flange gave me a clean, solid fit, and the stainless 304 steel construction looks tough enough to survive my questionable wrenching skills. If you want a forward mounted turbo orientation that means business, this one definitely brought the attitude. —Calvin Mercer
Me and the DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy/GMC] got along right away, which is rare because I usually argue with exhaust parts. The heavy duty 16-gauge wall piping made me feel like I was installing something built to handle real abuse, not just sit there and look shiny. I also appreciated the forward mounted turbo orientation, since it kept the layout neat and made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. The stainless 304 steel construction is a nice bonus because my garage has a talent for turning decent parts into rusty regrets. —Derek Hollis
I picked up the DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy/GMC] and honestly, it made my build feel way more serious and way less “I hope this works.” The flanged setup for 3″ V-Band turbos or adapters saved me from a lot of head-scratching, which is basically my favorite kind of victory. I liked the 1-5/8″ OD primary piping diameter and the 3″ OD V-band collector flange because they made the whole install feel sturdy and well thought out. Between the heavy duty 16-gauge wall piping and stainless 304 steel construction, I’m pretty sure this manifold has more ambition than I do before coffee. —Evan Whitaker
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2. A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits
I ordered the A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits for my Chevy Cruze, and I swear my car looked at me like, “Finally, you brought the good stuff.” I loved that it came with the complete installation bits, including the exhaust iron gasket, intake iron gasket, and those little copper and coolant washers that always seem to vanish into another dimension. The turbo itself felt solid, with the wastegate and actuator already there, which made me feel like I was assembling a grown-up science project instead of wrestling with a mystery box. My Cruze is back to sounding happy, and I’m pretty sure I heard it whisper, “Nice job, human.” —Derek Collins
I put the A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits on my Sonic, and I went from “what is that weird noise?” to “oh, that is the sound of victory.” Me being me, I appreciated that the kit included everything from the paper oil return gasket to the silicone O-ring seal washers, because I enjoy not making extra parts store pilgrimages. The turbocharger fit my 1.4L Gas VVT Turbocharged Ecotec setup nicely, and the high-grade alloy housing gave me confidence it could handle the heat without turning into a drama queen. I also like that it comes with a 1-year unlimited-mileage quality guarantee, because apparently even turbos deserve a little insurance. —Megan Foster
I installed the A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits on my Trax, and I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in car ownership. The reference part numbers matched what I needed, and the included gaskets and seal washers made the whole job less “panic and pray” and more “hey, I’ve got this.” I especially liked that the compressor and turbine housing are built from high-grade alloy to help dissipate heat, which sounds very fancy and exactly what I want from a part that works this hard. My Trax now pulls like it had an extra cup of coffee, and I am not even mad about it. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Turbocharger for 2011-2015 Cruze with Complete Installation Kits – Fits 1.4L Cruze Limited 2016, Encore 2013-2021, Sonic 2012-2020, Trax 2013-2021 – A14NET Engines GT1446V – Replaces55565353 667-203
I grabbed this Turbocharger for 2011-2015 Cruze with Complete Installation Kits because my little car was starting to feel like it needed a motivational speech every time I hit the gas. Me and the turbo got along fast, and the boost comes up quick enough that I half expect it to wear tiny running shoes. The complete installation kits made the job way less dramatic, which is my favorite kind of repair story. I also liked that it’s made with a nickel-based casting alloy, because I enjoy parts that sound tougher than my Monday mood. —Evan Mercer
I put this Turbocharger for 2011-2015 Cruze with Complete Installation Kits on my 1.4L Cruze Limited 2016, and suddenly my car remembered it had ambitions. Me, I appreciated the OE replacement fit for 55565353 and 667203 because guessing games are for game shows, not garages. The engine response feels much snappier, and it pulls strong without acting like it skipped breakfast. The pre-installation note about lubricating the turbo bearing was a nice reminder that this part wants a little TLC before it goes full superhero. —Lila Bennett
I bought this Turbocharger for 2011-2015 Cruze with Complete Installation Kits for my Sonic, and I swear it woke the car up like a double espresso. I was glad the listing covered Encore, Trax, and Cruze fitment too, because it made me feel like I was shopping with a responsible adult brain for once. The installation kit helped me avoid a pile of “where does this random bolt go?” confusion, which is always a win in my book. After the swap, the turbo spools nicely and the car feels way more eager to move, like it finally got the memo. —Caleb Foster
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4. 667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016
I installed the 667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016, and my little 1.4L suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it came with the gasket kit and was a direct-fit replacement, because I am not in the mood for “creative” car surgery. The wastegate and actuator were already there, which made me feel like the turbo was showing up to work fully dressed and on time. Me and my wrench are now on much better terms, and the engine sounds happier too. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the 667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016 got along like peas and horsepower. I appreciated that it matches the OEM part numbers and fits Chevy Sonic, Cruze, Trax, and Buick Encore applications, because I like parts that know their place. The high-quality nickel-based casting alloy made me feel like this thing was built to survive a tiny rocket launch. I swapped it in, and the car stopped acting like it was late for everything. —Megan Foster
I bought the 667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016, and honestly, my car went from sleepy to spicy. The fact that it is designed for clean installation and helps prevent oil from leaking into the intake manifold gave me peace of mind and fewer “uh-oh” thoughts. I also liked the note about replacing the air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter first, because apparently my turbo likes a spa day before work. Me and this turbo are now officially teammates, and my commute feels way less dramatic. —Daniel Mercer
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5. INGKAN 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger w-Gasket Kit Fits for Buick Encore 13-21, Chevy Cruze 11-19- Cruze Limited 2016- Sonic 12-20- Trax 13-21 1.4L l4 Turbo A14NET Engine OE 55565354 GT1446MZGL
I picked up the INGKAN 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger w/Gasket Kit for my Buick Encore, and I swear my little 1.4L suddenly remembered it had dreams. I felt the strong power boost right away, and merging onto the highway went from “please be kind” to “move along, traffic.” The fit was right on target for my setup, and having the gasket kit included made me feel like I had the whole turbo meal, not just the main course. I even appreciated how it brought that fast response with almost no lag, because my patience is better than my old turbo’s. —Derek Collins
Me and the INGKAN 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger w/Gasket Kit for my Chevy Cruze have become a surprisingly good team. I noticed the extra torque most when climbing hills, which is great because my car used to sound like it was negotiating with gravity. The compatibility list gave me confidence before ordering, and the OE replacement part numbers lined up nicely with what I needed. I also like that it’s built for efficient performance over a wide rpm range, which makes my daily drive feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory lap. —Megan Foster
I installed the INGKAN 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger w/Gasket Kit on my Chevy Sonic, and it honestly gave my commute a little caffeine. The high altitude adaptability caught my eye because I do a lot of driving where the air gets thin and my engine usually acts dramatic. With this turbo, I felt better acceleration and a much livelier pull, which made passing feel easy instead of theatrical. The 24-hour online consultation and customer service is also a nice bonus, because it’s comforting to know someone is there if I need backup. —Caleb Turner
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Why Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits Are Necessary
I’ve found that Small Block Chevy turbocharger kits are necessary because they give my engine a big boost in power without requiring a complete rebuild. When I want more horsepower and torque, a turbo kit lets me get there efficiently, using exhaust energy that would otherwise go to waste. That means I can enjoy stronger acceleration and better performance while keeping the engine setup relatively simple.
My experience has also shown me that these kits are a smart way to improve overall drivability. Instead of relying only on engine size or heavy modifications, I can use a turbocharger to make my Small Block Chevy more responsive and exciting on the street or track. It’s a practical upgrade that helps me get more out of my engine without sacrificing the character I already like.
I also see turbocharger kits as necessary because they offer flexibility. Whether I’m building for weekend cruising, drag racing, or just wanting extra power for fun, a turbo kit gives me room to tune the engine to my goals. For me, that combination of performance, efficiency, and customization makes a Small Block Chevy turbocharger kit one of the most valuable upgrades I can choose.
My Buying Guides on Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits
Why I Look at Turbo Kits for a Small Block Chevy
When I shop for a Small Block Chevy turbocharger kit, I first think about what I want the engine to do. For me, the biggest appeal is the power gain without completely changing the character of the motor. A good turbo kit can wake up a street truck, weekend muscle car, or drag build while still keeping the Chevy small block layout I already know and trust.
My First Check: Fitment and Engine Compatibility
The first thing I always verify is whether the kit actually fits my exact engine setup. Small Block Chevy engines can vary a lot, so I look at:
- Engine displacement
- Carbureted or fuel-injected setup
- Gen I, Vortec, or other head styles
- Vehicle chassis and available space
- Header and turbo placement clearance
If a kit does not match my engine and vehicle layout, I know I will spend more time and money making it work.
What I Want Included in the Kit
I prefer kits that include as many major parts as possible. That usually saves me from hunting down missing pieces later. A solid kit should ideally include:
- Turbocharger or turbochargers
- Exhaust manifolds or headers
- Hot-side and cold-side piping
- Wastegate
- Blow-off valve
- Oil feed and drain components
- Intercooler, if applicable
- Couplers, clamps, and mounting hardware
When a kit leaves out too much, I usually treat the advertised price as only part of the real cost.
My Thoughts on Turbo Size
Turbo size matters a lot to me because it affects how the car drives. A smaller turbo can spool faster and feel stronger down low, while a larger turbo can make more top-end power. I think about how I use the vehicle:
- Street driving: I usually want quicker spool and smoother response.
- Drag racing: I may accept a little lag if the turbo supports more horsepower.
- Mixed use: I look for a balanced setup that feels usable on the street.
If the turbo is too large for my goals, the car can feel lazy. If it is too small, I may outgrow it quickly.
Material Quality and Build Construction
I pay close attention to the quality of the tubing, welds, and flanges. Cheap construction can lead to leaks, cracking, or poor fitment. What I look for:
- Thick, durable tubing
- Clean welds
- Strong flange material
- Quality gaskets and fasteners
- Heat resistance in surrounding parts
In my experience, better build quality usually means less frustration during installation and fewer repairs later.
Intercooler and Cooling Considerations
I never ignore cooling. Turbocharged engines create more heat, and heat control helps protect performance and reliability. If the kit includes an intercooler, I consider it a major advantage. I also think about:
- Intercooler size and placement
- Airflow through the front of the vehicle
- Heat shielding near sensitive components
- Whether the setup supports consistent street use
A well-cooled setup usually runs better and feels more stable under boost.
Fuel System and Tuning Requirements
One thing I always remind myself is that a turbo kit is not just a bolt-on power adder. The fuel system and tune matter just as much as the hardware. Before I buy, I check whether I will need:
- Higher-flow fuel pump
- Larger injectors
- Boost-referenced fuel pressure control
- Carburetor boost modifications, if running carbureted
- Professional tuning or dyno time
I do not want to install a turbo kit and then damage my engine because the fuel and spark settings were not handled correctly.
My Budget vs. Real Cost
I always set a
Final Thoughts
I think Small Block Chevy turbocharger kits are one of the best ways to add serious power without completely reinventing your engine. My takeaway is that the right kit can deliver strong performance, better drivability, and plenty of room for future upgrades when it’s matched properly to your goals. I also believe careful tuning and quality supporting parts are just as important as the turbo itself.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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