How To Install A Turbo Blanket
Posted by Matthew Marks on 2nd Aug 2024
Today, we will cover how to install a turbo blanket, the benefits of using one, and the tools you will need. This installation normally takes 5-10 minutes, depending on your application, so you should be up and running fast!
Turbo blankets are important in stock and tuned applications to keep engine bay temperatures as low as possible. As you probably already know, the more heat generated in the engine bay, the hotter the intake air temperatures get, and the less potential power you can make.
Using a blanket will reduce the temperature around the turbocharger, protect nearby components from heat damage, and reduce the intake air temperatures.
We have a few blanket videos, which I will add below. To read more about blankets and why they are important, check out our guide: What is a turbo blanket?
Please make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel whilst you are there are we are releasing more videos to help you guys out weekly!
It's time to move on to the tools and things you need to install your blanket as quickly as possible.
Tools And Parts You Will Need
To install the blanket, you will need some tools and parts. Some are more important than others, but the more you come prepared, the easier this will be!
To learn how to size a blanket, we have created an image below in the article that shows you how to measure the exhaust side of the turbocharger and how this relates to the sizing of each blanket.
Parts Needed:
- The correct size turbo blanket
- Gloves or hand protection
Optional Parts:
- Tools to remove anything in the way
A blanket installation will vary depending on your exact setup, so before you start collecting parts for it, check the exhaust housing to ensure nothing needs to be removed to get full access.
Turbo Blanket Installation Steps
Now that you have gathered everything you will need for installation let's move to the good bit: installing the blanket!
1. Put on the gloves!
Although we have left this part optional, most turbo blankets are made of fibreglass, silica, titanium weave, or a combination of all 3. It is always recommended to wear gloves to prevent skin irritation.
Any gloves will do here; they don't need to be mega expensive. Just any pair of gloves you have lying around that will stop potential skin irritation.
2. Make sure the turbocharger is cold
The next thing you must check before installing is that the turbocharger is cool to the touch. The last thing you want is to get burns while trying to install something to reduce the risk of burns!
Once you are happy that the engine and turbocharger exhaust housing are cool to the touch, you can proceed to the next step.
3. Remove anything in the way
Depending on your application, something in the way, such as a heat shield, may be stopping you from installing the blanket.
Remove anything like this so you have full access to the turbocharger's exhaust housing and enough room around it to adjust the turbo blanket.
4. Install the turbo blanket
You can now go ahead and place the blanket over the exhaust housing of the turbocharger. It should fit snugly around the exhaust housing and cover from the downpipe to the cartridge width-wise.
One end of the blanket will be slightly wider than the other. As seen in the photo, a good way to know if it has been fitted correctly is that the wider side will sit against the turbocharger flange.
You may have the incorrect blanket size if the turbo blanket does not fit snugly. Please click on the turbo blanket sizing chart below to ensure the blanket you have is correct for your application.
5. Install the springs
Now that you are happy that the blanket has been correctly seated, you can install both springs supplied. These springs will hold the blanket against the exhaust housing to ensure it does not move or fall off the turbo if mounted upside down.
To install the springs, you will want to install them as shown in the photo here; you do not need to wrap the spring all the way around to the opposite side; the springs have been custom-made to fit perfectly.
Once you have done this, try to move the blanket by hand to ensure a tight fitment. You are now all done and can enjoy your brand-new shiny blanket and massively reduced engine bay temperatures.
Product Used In This Guide
For this installation guide, we have used our V1 blanket as a demo product, but we now have the massively improved V3, which is currently one of the strongest on the market and comes with a massive lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
If you want to replace your current blanket or look for options, click the product link below to check out our Exoracing blanket!
If you decide you do want to order one, then please use our specific reader discount code for money off at the checkout:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a turbo blanket?
A. The blanket is an incredibly high-temperature cover that fits over the exhaust housing of a turbocharger to reduce the temperature of the engine bay or surrounding components.
They are incredibly cost-effective and useful for protecting nearby wiring or reducing intake air temperatures.
Q. Why should I use a turbo blanket?
A. You should use a blanket for all of the above points, but for a full breakdown of every turbo blanket feature, visit our What is a Turbo Blanket Guide.
Conclusion
You have now installed your brand-new blanket and can enjoy its benefits! Please comment below if you have learnt anything or want to let us know what car you have installed your new blanket on.
Please contact us if you are struggling with anything, such as correctly sizing your turbo or any other issues. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
For any related guides regarding heat management, head to one of these links: