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Installation Guide

INSTALLATION GUIDE

1. Overview

Thank you for choosing Comp Turbo Technology Inc. Our turbochargers are engineered, balanced, and assembled in the USA to deliver unmatched performance and reliability. Proper installation is critical to ensure maximum efficiency, prevent failure, and maintain warranty coverage.

This guide outlines the recommended procedures for installing Comp Turbo turbochargers, including oil-less units, Triplex Ceramic™ bearing systems, and standard oil-lubricated setups.

2. Safety Precautions

  • Installation should be performed by a qualified technician.

  • Allow the engine to cool completely before beginning work.

  • Disconnect the battery before installation.

  • Wear proper PPE (gloves, eye protection).

  • Ensure all fasteners meet OEM torque specifications.

  • Never start the engine without proper lubrication (oil-lubed models).

3. Turbocharger Requirements

For Oil-Lubricated Turbos

  • Clean, filtered oil supply is mandatory.

  • Oil feed line must be 3AN (Ball Bearing) or 4AN (Journal Bearing).

  • Oil pressure at the turbo should be 40–60 PSI.

  • Oil drain must be angled downward with no dips, restrictions, or upward angles.

For Oil-Less Turbos

  • No oil feed or oil drain required.

  • Mount turbo with the center housing between horizontal and vertical orientation.

  • Reapply Comp Turbo grease every 1,500–3,000 miles (street) or more frequently for racing.

5. Installation Steps

5.1. Mounting the Turbocharger

  • Position turbo onto manifold or mount.

  • Ensure flange surfaces are flat and use new gaskets or V-band seals.

  • Tighten all fasteners or V-band clamps evenly to avoid housing distortion.

  • Verify the compressor housing outlet clocking before final tightening.

5.2. Oil Feed Line (Oil-Lubricated Models Only)

  • Install a fresh oil feed line — never reuse dirty or clogged lines.

  • Use a restrictor only if oil pressure exceeds 60 PSI.

  • Prime the turbo by filling the oil feed port with clean oil before startup.

  • Attach oil feed line securely and check for leaks.

5.3. Oil Drain Line

  • Install a straight-down, gravity-fed oil drain to the oil pan.

  • Maintain at least 1 inch of clearance from heat sources.

  • Avoid sharp bends, dips, or upward angles.

  • Ensure the oil drain fitting on the pan is above the oil level.

5.4. Coolant Lines (If Applicable)

Some CTR / CTRX Oil-Less units are water-cooled.

  • Route coolant lines away from heat.

  • Use high-temperature silicone or braided coolant lines.

  • Bleed the cooling system after installation.

5.5. Intercooler & Intake System

  • Use high-quality silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps.

  • Pressure test system to 20–40 PSI to check for leaks.

  • Ensure the air filter is properly sized for the turbocharger.

5.6. Wastegate Setup

  • Confirm correct spring pressure for target boost.

  • Verify the valve opens smoothly without sticking.

  • Route boost reference lines using high-quality vacuum hose.

  • Check all fittings for leaks.

5.7. Blow-Off Valve

  • Install as close to the throttle body as possible.

  • Verify the diaphragm moves freely.

  • Adjust spring tension based on engine vacuum.

6. First Startup Procedure

Oil-Lubricated Turbos

  • Disable ignition/fuel so the engine cranks without starting.

  • Crank engine for 10–15 seconds to build oil pressure.

  • Reconnect ignition/fuel.

  • Start engine and idle for 2–3 minutes while checking for leaks.

(You may want to add the break-in procedure here later.)

8. Maintenance

Oil-Lubricated Models

  • Use high-quality synthetic oil.

  • Change oil every 2,500–3,500 miles (street) or after each race event.

  • Inspect turbo for shaft play or unusual noise at each oil change.

Oil-Less Models

  • Re-grease every 1,500–8,000 miles, depending on usage.

9. Failure Prevention

Most turbo failures come from:

  • Oil starvation

  •  Dirty oil feed lines

  • Improper drain line angle

  • Boost leaks

  •  Lean air/fuel ratios

  •  Excessive exhaust backpressure

  •  Wastegate malfunction

  • Foreign object ingestion

Always diagnose the root cause before reinstalling a turbo.

10. Warranty Notes

  • Warranty is void if the turbo fails due to improper installation, oil contamination, incorrect oil line routing, overspeeding, or foreign object damage.

  • For oil-less turbos, failure to replace bearing grease at recommended intervals voids coverage.