The big power plants in Chevrolet trucks are legendary. Every car enthusiast knows that there’s no such thing as “too much” when it comes to horsepower. With a few modifications, you can turn your already-powerful Chevy into a terrain devouring beast.
A great way to boost your engine’s performance and generate more torque would be to install a supercharger system. It would essentially give you more horsepower at a fraction of what it would cost to get a factory version of a truck with the same specs.
We tested the best Silverado turbo kits in the market to bring you our top picks for 2022.
| MMI Motorsports Single T4 Turbo Kit | Phab LSx Twin Turbo Kit | MMI Motorsports T70 Turbo Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Twin Turbocharger | Best Value | |
Material | Hardened stainless steel | Hardened stainless steel | Hardened stainless steel |
Compatibility | Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra | Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra | Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra |
Power output | 500-900 HP | 600-1,000 HP | 500-800 HP |
Fits | 4.8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L V8 engine | .8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, or 6.2L V8 engine | 4.8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L, V8 engine |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How We Tested and Compared These Products
When comparing the various top-rated turbo kits on the market, there were certain features we were looking for. For starters, they had to be from reputable manufacturers. MMI Motorsports and Phab are well-known brands that have grown to become household names in the turbocharging world. On 3 Performance, STS Turbo and 64mm TNX turbos are equally as good as far as performance goes.
We were also interested in products that came as a complete kit with all the associated components included. They also needed to be compatible with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, and 6.2L V8 engines on Chevrolet Silverado trucks. These also work on GMC Sierra trucks.
Finally, we were interested in their quality. They needed to be made of durable and hard-wearing materials like TIG-welded, hardened, stainless steel.
Our Pick: MMI Motorsports Single T4 Turbo Kit – Best Overall
Features:
- Material: Hardened stainless steel
- Compatible with: Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra
- Power output: 500-900 HP
- Fits: 8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L V8 engine
As far as single turbo kits for Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models go, we haven’t come across any other turbocharger system that delivers the same level of performance you get with this particular unit. The folks at MMI Motorsports truly outdid themselves with this one.
For starters, it comes as a complete kit making it one of the fastest-selling hot parts packages around. It features an oversized cast driver and a high-flow cast passenger manifold with a built-in stainless steel 3-inch crossover downpipe.
We particularly liked how well the manifolds and crossover pipes fit into our 2016 Chevy Silverado. In the past, we often had to bend the flex pipe just to line up the flanges. We were quite pleased to find that this wasn’t the case with the MMI Motorsports turbo kit. It also left plenty of room for spark plugs, so bonus points for that.
Although it didn’t come with the mounting hardware for the crossover, considering the price, we didn’t mind paying a couple of extra bucks to purchase it separately. The kit fits 1999-present Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models with 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L V8 engines. It comes with a 35/38mm wastegate, a cast driver-side and passenger TIG-welded stainless steel crossover, an optional Y pipe and X pipe kit, and a hardened steel V-band clamp.
All in all, we were pleased with its performance. The 900HP boost we got was quite impressive, to say the least. The MMI Motorsports turbo kit delivers outstanding value for the money.
- It fits perfectly in 1999-present Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models
- Excellent value for the money
- It comes as a complete kit with all the required gaskets
- The hose and oil feed adapter work remarkably well
- Generates an impressive amount of torque
- The crossover pipe might not fit properly if your truck is lifted
- Brand New complete direct bolt on, turn-key single turbocharger kit...
- Every detail has been thought out down to the vacuum lines, clamps,...
- Easily installed by the average enthusiast on a weekend
Best Alternatives
Phab LSx Compound Turbo Kit – Best Twin Turbocharger
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Features:
- Material: Hardened stainless steel
- Compatible with: Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra
- Power output: 600-1,000 HP
- Fits: 8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, or 6.2L V8 engine
The twin turbo kit from Phab is simply outstanding. Ordinarily, this setup would not be the first choice for our 2016 Chevy Silverado. Nonetheless, this particular series turbocharger might just be the exception.
Single turbo kits generally have a wider power band compared to their twin counterparts and are better at maintaining steam at the top end. While they are a little slower to build boost, once they gain traction, it becomes easier to drag vehicles, particularly trucks with higher horsepower.
Despite the drawbacks of twin turbos, the performance of the Phab kit is impressive. It generates the same amount of horsepower you would get with a larger single kit, providing less lag for the same power gain. It generated similar results to what a Mustang 1100md dyno would record.
The compound turbo kit fits LSX motors with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, and 6.2L V8 engines and is one of the largest turbo kits on the market right now. It comes complete with a cooling system that features a mount intercooler and a high-flow cooling fan.
The electronic turbo timer is a nice touch as well. We liked how accurate it was at calculating the cool-down duration to keep the turbocharged motor from overheating and damaging other engine components.
On the performance front, the Phab turbo kit infuses an impressive 600-1,000 HP even on low boost settings of between eight and 10 PSI. The complete kit includes two turbochargers, two turbo manifolds and oiling kits, two 90-degree silicone couplers measuring 2.5 inches each, a fuel pressure regulator, 16 stainless steel worm gear clamps, and piping components.
All in all, if you’re in the market for a twin turbo kit for your Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, the Phab turbocharger would be an excellent option to consider.
- Great value for the money
- It comes as a complete kit and even includes a fuel pressure regulator
- Generates significant torque
- Excellent cooling system
- Made of high-quality components
- You may need to purchase an additional wastegate
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MMI Motorsports T70 Turbo Kit – Best Value Option
Features:
- Material: Hardened stainless steel
- Compatible with: Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra
- Power output: 500-800 HP
- Fits: 8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L Vortec V8 engine
If your Chevy runs on a Vortec V8 motor based on the original 1955 SBC small block Chevy engine, you will like what this T70 turbo kit from MMI Motorsports brings to the table. Although it fits perfectly in 5.3L and 6.0L engines, we tested it on a 4.8L V8 and found it compatible.
The kit comes complete with cast driver side and passenger manifolds, a TIG-welded stainless steel crossover, an oil feed kit that includes an adapter plate, a 38mm wastegate, and hardened stainless steel hardware.
As far as the turbo system specs go, this unit has 3-inch 55mm turbines, an inlet and outlet that measures 4 inches and 2.5 inches, respectively, a 1.5 compressor wheel, and a 3.6-inch hot side.
The MMI Motorsports kit fits perfectly in Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models. We did find it slightly more complex to install on Silverado models, though. It looked good once we mounted it, and all the components felt quite sturdy. The crossover pipe, in particular, was our favorite.
While we did not get the same level of boost as the other two kits we tested, the 500-800 horsepower boost was much bigger than the output delivered by most conventional units on the market. All in all, we were happy with its performance.
- Made of durable, high-quality components
- Generates significant boost
- Great value for the price
- It looks great
- The components fit seamlessly in any Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Vortec V8 stock displacement engine
- Installation on Silverado 2013 models with a 60L LQ4 stock engine is a little complex
- Turbo Kit T70 Single T4 Silverado Sierra Turbocharger Vortec V8 LS 4.8...
- Cast passenger and driver side manifolds
- Stainless TIG welded crossover
MMI Motorsports Turbocharger Kit – Best for Older Chevy Models
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Features:
- Material: Hardened stainless steel
- Compatible with: Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra
- Power output: 500-900HP
- Fits: 8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L V8 engine
If you have an older Chevy – we’re talking 1999-2004 models – then you know how hard it is to find turbo kits that fit. The conventional units on the market require you to make modifications to your LS engine, even if it’s just to create room for spark plugs.
This kit is tailored to fit Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1999-2013 models, making it a popular choice for truck owners with 4.8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L, V8 engines. It features a turbocharger with a T4 cast driver and a T70 trim cast passenger manifold, an oil feed line that comes with a drainpipe and all the associated fittings, a 3-inch turndown braided downpipe, and a stainless steel crossover.
This setup generates a 900HP boost when pushed to the max, which is quite impressive for a turbocharger in its class. Installation was pretty straightforward, and we did not need to make any modifications or purchase additional gaskets when mounting it to the engine.
All in all, for a single turbo kit designed for older engines, the performance of the MMI Motorsports turbocharger was nothing short of outstanding. It is definitely worth checking out.
- Outstanding boost from the turbo system
- Tailored to fit older Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models
- Made of high-quality components
- It comes as a complete kit with all the gaskets and mounting software
- Well-priced compared to other turbo kits in its class
- If your truck has a 6.0L engine, you might need to buy a 3.5-inch V-band instead
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How to Choose the Best Silverado Turbo Kits – Buying Guide
Picking a turbocharger for your truck is one thing. Choosing an entire kit is an entirely different ballgame. One of the most common misconceptions out there is that having all the pieces picked out in a kit makes more sense since you’d essentially have everything you need to turbocharge your engine. In reality, these individual components need to fit your specific application.
With that in mind, here are a couple of factors to consider when choosing the best Silverado turbo kit for your Chevy.
Vehicle Application
The first thing you need to do when choosing the best Silverado turbo kit is to figure out what your goals are for your truck. The question you need to ask yourself is: Am I looking for a turbo kit that’s focused on racing applications, or do I want one for everyday street driving?
Turbo kits for racing applications are built differently compared to the street-focused variety. If you want the best of both worlds, you can get a turbocharger that offers a bit of each.
Turbo Headers
When purchasing a turbo kit, people often overlook the turbo header (manifold), focusing instead on the turbocharger itself. A turbocharger’s performance is only as good as its supporting components. Upgrading the factory exhaust manifold is just as important as replacing the factory turbo itself.
The exhaust manifold plays a critical role in the performance of the entire system. It determines the size of the turbo that can be mounted on the engine, the placement of the turbo, and even the way in which exhaust gasses flow to the turbo.
Turbo Placement
Depending on the application, a turbo system can be mounted in multiple locations. The size of the turbo flange varies depending on the manifold used and its application. Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra engines with large 4-cylinder applications require a turbocharger with a T4 flange. The same applies to those with 6-cylinder and 8 cylinder head engines. A V-band flange is commonly used in V6 and V8 engines.
Exhaust Flow
Exhaust flow is another important factor to consider. A restrictive manifold may place extra exhaust pressure on the turbo, causing it to spool slower. This has a direct impact on its performance. If you can get one that comes with a fuel pressure regulator as well, even better. Keep in mind that these injectors need to be compatible with the turbocharger you pick.
Wastegate
The wastegate is the unsung hero in turbocharger kits. It controls the speed with which the turbocharger spins, which in turn determines how much boost it generates.
That said, the wastegate you get for your turbo needs to be appropriately sized for the application. If it’s too small, it will lead to inconsistent boost control and boost creep, both of which are detrimental to the engine. Greater exhaust flow calls for a larger wastegate, whereas less exhaust flow requires a smaller wastegate.
Turbo wastegates generally come in three sizes: 38mm, 44mm, and 50mm. This begs the question: What size wastegate should you get for your Chevy Silverado?
A 38mm wastegate is better suited for sub-500 horsepower applications. It will, however, need to be properly placed for optimum exhaust flow. Higher horsepower applications do well with 44mm and 50mm wastegates.
Oil Feed and Oil Drain
When shopping for a turbo kit for your Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, ensure you get one that includes an oil feed and an oil drain that is specifically made for that turbocharger. Turbos with a journal bearing need to get as much oil as they can. Without the right feed, the lifespan of the turbo will be shortened drastically.
The same applies to the oil drain included in the kit. If it’s too small, the oiling system will clog up, creating unwanted pressure, which can blow out the turbo seals. This can also cause the turbocharger to prematurely fail.
Intercooler
There are generally two types of turbo intercoolers: air-to-water and air-to-air. The one you pick comes down to the application.
Air-to-air intercooler systems are more readily available, more efficient, and don’t require quite as many components as their air-to-water counterparts. On the other hand, air-to-water intercooler kits are better at pulling and storing heat. These are better suited for racing applications, while an air intercooler system is best suited for street applications.
FAQ
How hard is it to install a turbo kit on a Silverado?
The answer to this question depends on how comfortable you are working on your car. If you can confidently do an oil change, it’s safe to say that you’ll enjoy the challenge that comes with installing a turbo engine. If you get a complete kit with all the constituent parts, it’s fairly simple to do it yourself.
Can I install a turbocharger on a non-turbo engine?
Not exactly. Older engines did not have a requirement for turbochargers and were therefore not designed to be supercharged. On the other hand, most modern engines have a turbo provision to allow you to bolt a turbocharger directly onto the motor.
The existing air intake electric fans on non-turbo engines are not designed to take in more air than their capacity. This is why you cannot, and should not, install a turbocharger on a non-turbo engine.
How much horsepower does a supercharger kit add?
Connecting a supercharger directly to your engine intake can give you an extra 100-150 horsepower. In a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, this could translate to anywhere from 500-900 HP on average.
Conclusion
There you have it – our top picks for the best Silverado turbo kit for 2022. While each of the kits we’ve reviewed in this guide would make an excellent choice, if we had to pick a winner, it would no doubt be the MMI Motorsports single T4 turbo kit. The high-quality components it comes with coupled with the 500-900 horsepower boost it generates are hard to beat.
