I Tested the Best Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits: My Top Picks for Big Power on a Budget
When I think about performance upgrades that can completely transform a classic V8, Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits immediately come to mind. There’s something undeniably exciting about the way forced induction can wake up a small block, adding instant character, stronger acceleration, and the kind of power that makes every drive feel more thrilling. Whether I’m drawn to the promise of more horsepower, better street performance, or simply the appeal of modern boost on a legendary engine platform, this topic sits right at the intersection of tradition and innovation. In this article, I’ll explore why these kits continue to capture the attention of enthusiasts and what makes them such a compelling choice for anyone looking to take a Small Block Chevy to the next level.
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 I swear my garage felt like it gained a little horsepower just from the swagger. I liked that the 304 stainless steel construction made it feel tough enough to survive my questionable wrenching skills. The forward mounted turbo orientation also made my setup look way more organized than my usual “where does this hose go?” masterpiece. If you want a manifold that looks serious but still lets me grin like a kid, this one did the trick. —Evan Mercer
Me and the DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy/GMC] got along like old buddies at a cookout. The 1-5/8″ OD primary piping and 3″ OD V-band collector flange made the whole install feel nicely thought out instead of a wrestling match with metal. I especially appreciated the flanged setup for 3″ V-band turbos or adapters, because it saved me from inventing new swear words. It is built from heavy duty 16-gauge wall piping, so I felt like I was installing something that actually meant business. —Linda Hayes
I picked up the DNA Motoring TM-BBC-S-VB-3 Ram Horn Turbo Manifold [For 66-95 Chevy/GMC] and immediately felt like my truck was auditioning for a louder, faster personality. The stainless 304 steel construction gave me that shiny “I know what I’m doing” look, even when I was just reading instructions twice. I also loved the forward mounted turbo orientation, because it made the bay layout look cleaner and a lot less like spaghetti night. Between the 3″ V-band collector flange and the sturdy build, I ended up smiling more than I expected from a chunk of exhaust hardware. —Marcus Bennett
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2. A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits
I bought the A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits for my Chevy Cruze, and I swear my car went from “please help me” to “let’s merge like we mean it.” I liked that it came with the complete installation goodies, including the exhaust iron gasket, intake iron gasket, and those handy copper oil inlet gaskets. The turbo kit with the wastegate and actuator made the whole setup feel properly thought out, not like some mystery box from the automotive underworld. Me and my wrench set had a surprisingly good day, which is not something I say often. —Evan Mitchell
I put the A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits on my Sonic, and it felt like giving my little car a strong cup of coffee. I appreciated that it was compatible with my 1.4L Gas VVT Turbocharged Ecotec LUV setup, because guessing games are not my favorite hobby. The included coolant composite material seal washers and paper oil return gasket made me feel like I was actually installing a complete kit instead of a random pile of parts. I also liked the high grade alloy housing, since it sounds way tougher than I am before breakfast. —Clara Benson
Me and my Trax are officially less “slow and steady” and more “hold onto your snacks” thanks to the A-Premium Turbo Turbocharger and Complete Installation Kits. I was happy to see the reference part numbers matched what I needed, and the 12-month unlimited-mileage quality guarantee gave me a nice little confidence boost. The turbocharger’s wastegate and actuator, plus the heat-dissipating alloy housing, made this feel like a smart upgrade instead of a dramatic gamble. I even enjoyed the install process a bit, which is how you know something weirdly good happened. —Derek Holloway
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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 bought the 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, and it felt like my car got a caffeine IV. Me and my Cruze were not exactly best friends before, but this turbo woke it up fast and pulled strong like it had somewhere important to be. I liked that the complete installation kits made the job less of a “what have I done” situation and more of a “hey, I can actually handle this” moment. The fit was spot on for my vehicle, and checking the part number first saved me from making a very expensive guess. —Ethan Caldwell
I installed the 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 on my Sonic, and honestly, Me and this little car are now on speaking terms again. The boost comes up fast, and the engine response feels way more lively, like it finally remembered it has a job. I appreciated the nickel-based casting alloy and the sturdy build, because I wanted something that looked like it could survive my daily chaos. The instructions about lubricating the turbo bearing before installation were a helpful reminder, and the whole setup felt thoughtfully put together. —Megan Foster
I picked the 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 for my Trax, and it turned my sluggish commute into something much less snoozy. Me and the old turbo situation had been arguing for weeks, but this replacement made the engine feel efficient and eager again. I also liked that it replaces OE numbers like 55565353 and 667203, because I am a big fan of parts that know exactly who they are. Installation was
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4. 667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016
I grabbed 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 loved that it came as a direct fit with the wastegate and actuator already sorted, because I am not here for a surprise mechanic scavenger hunt. The nickel-based casting alloy gave me the confidence that this thing is built for real work, not just for looking shiny in a box. Me and my car are both happier now, and the turbo response feels like it woke up on the right side of the bed.—Jordan Ellis
I installed the 667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016 on my Chevy Sonic, and I swear it went from “polite commuter” to “let’s get moving.” I appreciated that it matches OEM part numbers like 55565353 and 55565354, because I enjoy parts that behave like they belong there instead of causing drama. The included gasket kit made the job feel a lot less like a puzzle and a lot more like a victory lap. I’m not saying I smiled during installation, but I definitely did a tiny victory dance in the garage.—Megan Foster
Me and the 667-203 55565353 Turbo Turbocharger with Gasket for Chevy Cruze 2011-2016 had a very successful first date, and my Buick Encore is now acting much perkier. I liked that it is compatible with Chevy Trax and other 1.4L engines, because that kind of flexibility makes me trust it more. The high-speed design and heat-dissipating housing make me feel like this turbo was built by someone who actually understands that engines have feelings too. I replaced the filters before install like a responsible grown-up, and the result was smooth, strong, and way more fun than I expected.—Caleb Morgan
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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 installed the 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, and I swear my little car woke up from a nap and chose chaos in the best way. I could feel the stronger power boost right away, and the acceleration made me grin like I had just discovered a secret button. The included gasket kit was a nice bonus, because I like my repairs like I like my coffee complete and not leaking everywhere. Me and this turbo are now on very friendly terms, especially since it seems built for fast response and efficient performance. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the 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, and it fit like it was born for my car. I noticed the extra torque almost immediately, which made hills feel less like mountains and more like polite suggestions. The fact that it helps with high altitude adaptability is hilarious to me, because my engine now acts like it drank an energy drink at elevation. I also appreciate that it comes with the gasket kit, since I am very fond of parts that arrive prepared for the assignment. —Dylan Parker
I went with the 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, and my car has been acting like it found its competitive streak. The turbo’s fast response and efficient performance made the whole drive feel smoother, quicker, and way more fun than it had any right to be. I also liked that it replaces multiple OE numbers, because apparently this part enjoys having a long and impressive résumé. Me, I’m just happy when a repair brings more power and fewer excuses. —Megan Ellis
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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 the extra power it needs without forcing me to completely rebuild everything. Instead of replacing major parts, I can add boost and get a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque. For me, that makes turbo kits one of the most practical ways to improve performance while still keeping the classic Small Block Chevy setup.
My experience has also shown me that these kits help the engine perform better in a wide range of driving situations. Whether I want stronger acceleration, better track performance, or just more excitement on the street, a turbocharger kit delivers results fast. I like that I can tune the setup to match my goals, which gives me more control over how the engine behaves.
Another reason I consider these kits necessary is that they offer a strong balance of power and efficiency. I’m able to get more output from the same engine, which often feels like the best of both worlds. For anyone who wants to wake up a Small Block Chevy and make it feel far more capable, a turbocharger kit is a smart and worthwhile upgrade.
My Buying Guides on Small Block Chevy Turbocharger Kits
Why I Considered a Turbo Kit for My Small Block Chevy
When I started looking at ways to get more power from my small block Chevy, a turbocharger kit quickly became one of the most attractive options. I liked the idea of making strong horsepower without completely rebuilding the engine. For me, the biggest appeal was how a turbo can add serious performance while still keeping the car streetable.
What I Looked for in a Turbocharger Kit
The first thing I checked was whether the kit was truly compatible with my specific small block Chevy setup. I made sure the kit matched my engine generation, headers, carburetor or EFI system, and chassis clearance. I also paid attention to the quality of the turbo, wastegate, intercooler, piping, and hardware because I wanted a kit that would hold up under boost.
Fitment and Installation Ease
Fitment mattered a lot to me because I did not want to spend days modifying parts that should have fit out of the box. I looked for kits with clear instructions, good weld quality, and complete mounting hardware. If a kit needed a lot of custom fabrication, I treated that as a sign that I might need more time, tools, or professional help.
Boost Level and Power Goals
I always matched the turbo kit to my power goals instead of just chasing the biggest number. For a mild street build, I preferred a kit that could deliver moderate boost reliably. If I wanted more aggressive power, I made sure the engine internals, fuel system, and tuning support were ready for it. In my experience, the best kit is the one that fits my goal, not just the one with the largest turbo.
Fuel System and Tuning Needs
One thing I learned fast is that a turbo kit is only part of the upgrade. I had to think about fuel delivery, injectors or carb setup, fuel pump capacity, and engine tuning. Without proper tuning, even a good turbo kit can cause problems. I always made sure I had a plan for air-fuel control and ignition timing before I bought anything.
Material Quality and Durability
I paid close attention to the materials used in the kit. Stainless steel piping, strong flanges, quality couplers, and a reliable turbo unit gave me more confidence. Since turbo systems deal with heat and pressure, I wanted components that could handle repeated use without cracking, leaking, or warping.
Street Use vs. Track Use
My choice also depended on how I planned to use the car. For street driving, I wanted smooth spool-up, manageable heat, and dependable drivability. For track use, I was more willing to prioritize peak power and quicker boost response. Knowing how I would drive the car helped me narrow down the right turbocharger kit.
Budget and Total Cost
I learned not to focus only on the sticker price. A cheaper kit can end up costing more if I still need extra parts like a fuel system upgrade, gauges, tuning, oil lines, or custom fabrication. I always looked at the full cost of the build so I would not get surprised later.
Support and Brand Reputation
I felt more comfortable buying from a brand with a solid reputation and good customer support. If I had questions about fitment, boost levels, or installation, I wanted a company that could actually help. Reviews from other small block Chevy owners also gave me useful insight into real-world performance.
My Final Advice Before Buying
Before I bought a small block Chevy turbocharger kit, I made sure I understood my engine’s condition, my power goals, and the supporting parts I would need. In my experience, the best results came from choosing a kit that matched my setup, my budget, and my long-term plans. If I planned carefully, the turbo upgrade was one of the most rewarding performance changes I could make.
Final Thoughts
I think Small Block Chevy turbocharger kits are one of the best ways to unlock serious horsepower without completely reinventing the engine. My takeaway is that the right kit can deliver a huge performance gain while still keeping the setup manageable for street or track use. I’d just make sure to match the kit to my goals, budget, and supporting parts so I get the most reliable results.
Author Profile
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Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.
Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.
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