Ford Raptor Turbo Upgrade – Can the Beast Truck Go Even Better

Are you looking to boost your Ford Raptor to the next level? Or perhaps you're looking to indulge in an upgrading project?

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2010-now
• Average lifespan of 3.5L EcoBoost:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:310-660 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:intercooler problems, timing chain stretching, carbon buildup on intake valves, coolant and oil leaks.

Is Ford Raptor a Good Truck?

It's one of the top-selling trucks around the globe for a reason.

Powerful Engine

The truck comes with very sturdy engine hardware. The engine bay houses a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. The EcoBoost technology gives the engine the ability to use power efficiently resulting in a good fuel economy. The previous versions (first generation) had a beefier V8 engine. However, the EcoBoost engine is more efficient than the previous engine.

Reliable

Have you ever wondered how a Ford Raptor practically cruises smoothly over brutal terrain? It is because of its rear (15 inches) and front (14 inches) suspension. 

The newer version has a beefed-up front and rear suspension. Ford designed the suspensions to absorb a decent amount of shocks which comes with the off-roading experience. They can absorb more dips, jumps, huge bumps, and all the hurdles that come with rough inclines and declines.  

A Tough Shock Absorber

Ford Raptor has a bad-ass shock absorber. It's bigger than a standard one and has more valves that provide exceptional pressure regulation. The extra shock-absorbing capability comes in handy when riding in rough conditions. The shock absorbers also offer outstanding passive support. 

Bigger Wheels

Unlike most trucks, Ford Raptor has bigger tires that give it more ground clearance. The wheels give your Ford Raptor a better approach and departure angles. What's more, the wheels lift the desert runner off the ground. 

Outstanding Payload and Towing Capacity

Ford Raptor has a towing capacity of 8200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1400. It can tow and carry more load than most Ford trucks. 

Lighter Body Weight

Ford Raptor has a lighter body than its peer trucks like Ram TRX. The less weight makes it more manageable on and off the road.  

What more do you need from a beastly truck? Is there any upgrade that can add an oomph to an already powerful truck?

Ford Raptor Turbo Upgrade

You can make it superior by investing in a turbo upgrade. Larger turbochargers will unleash the power hiding behind your Ford Raptor's engine and stock turbo system. But can your desert runner handle a Turbo upgrade? 

The Ford Raptors stock engine is not invincible. If you push the engine to its extremes, it may exhibit signs of abuse. Besides, the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost is slightly small. Hence, it experiences lots of low-end torque. At this lower speed, the piston may move at a slower rate. The slow-moving piston, in turn, causes high pressure within the engine. It strains the engine in the long run. Also, the high pressure increases the risk of pre-ignition, a primary cause of bent rods and broken pistons. 

Therefore, an upgraded turbo system will boost your truck's performance at the same time, helping the engine hold more torque and power. 

There are various options to choose from. Let's take a look at the best options.

Attention! Before you keep on reading, please take into consideration: any turbo upgrades will likely reduce the lifespan of your Ford Raptor's engine. Sometimes the reduction may be extremely significant!

The Best Turbo Upgrades

Garrett PowerMax Stage 2 Upgrade (2017-2020 models)

The Garret PowerMax stage 2 turbocharger is a suitable upgrade for the 2017+ Ford Raptors, 3.5L B6 EcoBoost engine. The upgrade will increase your truck's engine performance without changing the OEM installation specifications. Moreover, they come fully assembled, ready to power your Ford Raptor.  

The PowerMax stage 2 kit goes for about $ 3000. 

Upgrades:

• The turbo upgrade supports 700+ wheel horsepower.
• It provides more flow than a stock turbo.
• The upgrade also causes an improved compressor efficiency and a 54% increase in the flow due to the 60mm billet compressor wheel.
• It also increases the turbine flow rate. The Inconel turbine wheel causes a 52% increase in turbine flow rate than a stock turbo.
• It also comes with an improved intercooler that steps up the airflow in your engine.

Additionally, the stage 2 PowerMax upgrade doesn't require any adjustment. It's a direct drop-in. It also has electronically-actuated wastegates that perfectly fit the truck's OEM hardware. 

CR Performance Stage 5 Turbo (2018+ models)

It's a supercharger. It's not for the faint-hearted. The turbo upgrade works for the 2018+ Ford Raptor models. 

It costs about $2400 to $4300. 

Upgrades:

• The turbocharger comes with a 46mm or 55mm billet compressor wheel paired with an 8-blade turbine.
• It supports up to 560 horsepower on pump gas and can go up to 700+ wheel horsepower while on E85 gas.
• The turbine gives it a high flow rate compared to the stock turbine.

CR Performance Stage 4&5 Turbo (2011-2017 models)

The stage 4 turbo fits all the 2011 to 2017 Ford Raptor models. But stage 5 fits only the 2013 to 2017 models. 

It costs between $2500 to $3000. 

Upgrades:

• The turbo is slightly bigger than the stage 3 6-blade 42mm turbo. The turbo comes as a stage 4 45mm billet compressor wheel paired with an 8-blade turbine or 42 mm billet compressor wheel paired with an 8-blade turbine. You can also use a stock turbine.
• Stage 5 has a 50mm billet wheel compressor paired with an 8-blade turbine. Or simply pair it with a stock turbine.
• All these are machined in-house and digitally assembled and balanced.
• Stage 4 supports 525+ wheel horsepower and goes up to 550-575 with the additional modifications.
• Stage 5 supports up to 650+ wheel horsepower on E85 gas.

CR Performance Stage 3 and 4 Turbo (2018-2020 models)

The CR performance stage 3 option is suitable for the 2018+ Ford Raptors. It is bigger and offers more power gains than the stage 3 42 mm turbo. It supports up to 550+ wheel horsepower. The stage 4 CR performance turbo will provide more wheel horsepower gains. It supports up to 660+ wheel horsepower if you use E85 fuel.

It costs about $1750 to $4000. 

Upgrades:

• The turbo is capable of 550-660+ wheel brake horsepower.
• It comes with a 6-blade turbine and a 46mm/ 56mm billet compressor wheel machined by the company. But you can also get an 8-blade turbine.
• It comes fully assembled (assembled and digitally balanced). It needs no adjustment. It fits into the stock's location.

Garrett PowerMax Stage 1 Turbo (2011-2016)

If you want better performance and the same OEM appearance, go for the Garrett PowerMax Stage 1 turbo upgrade. Its price ranges from $1350 to $1380

Upgrades:

• As opposed to stage 2 turbo, the stage offers 22% more flow than a stock turbo.
• It supports up to 450 wheel horsepower on pump gas. But it can go up to 500 wheel horsepower on E85 gas.

CR Performance Stage 3 Turbo (2011-2017 models)

The stage 3 turbo upgrade is a perfect choice for the 2011-2017 Ford Raptors. You can use both new or used turbochargers. You can get new turbocharges from Ford and let CR upgrade it. Or buy used turbocharges and then take them to CR for upgrading. Either option works perfectly.

You'll part with more than $ 3000 for a new set and $1650-$ 2000 for a used set. 

Upgrades:

• It supports up to 450 to 460+ wheel horsepower on 93 Octane gas.
• It comes as a 7-blade turbine paired with a 42mm/ 56 mm billet compressor wheel.
• E85 gas gives it an extra boost to 500+ wheel horsepower.

Edelbrock Twin Force

It comes in three stages. 

• Stage 1 

It's more of a slight boost from the stock turbo. It has no extreme modifications. Hence, suitable for daily driving and towing. The turbo upgrade fits 2017+ models and costs between $1995 and $2100.

Upgrades:

• It gives a better intercooler and flow than a stock turbo.
• It also generates an additional 85-wheel horsepower when put side to side with a stock turbo.

• Stage 2

Stage 2 is a step up from stage 1. The price ranges between $5,000 to $5050. 

Upgrades:

• It provides an additional 385 wheel horsepower.
• It offers an additional 54% flow over the stock turbo.
• It also comes with a better intercooler, air inlet, and a better air filter.

• Stage 3

The kit will cost you between $6550 and $6600. 

Upgrades:

• The kit adds an extra 200-wheel horsepower compared to a stock turbo.
• It also has an electric fuel pump booster.
• A larger intercooler, better air inlet, and high flow air filter.
• You don't have to modify the engine to fit the turbo.

Concluding Thoughts

Although the Ford Raptor is already a powerful truck with its stock turbo. A little upgrade won't do your Ford Raptor any harm. It'll make your road and off-road driving exhilarating. Whether you're looking to gain a higher horsepower for the track or lower horsepower for daily driving, there is always an upgrade for your Ford Raptor. Look through these options and pick an upgrade that suits your needs and budget.