A good Fuel Pump is vital in turbocharged engines because proper fuel flow at the right pressure is crucial to maintain performance and prevent engine damage. Turbo engines run on higher pressure compared to naturally aspirated engines, often requiring a Fuel Pump that can pump fuel at 50 to 60 PSI. A weak Fuel Pump may not be able to handle these demands, especially when the load is high, and may cause misfires in fuel delivery or even a complete failure of the engine.
When a Turbocharger forces more air into the engine, the fuel injection system needs to inject more fuel to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio for combustion. The increased fuel demand requires a Fuel Pump that can handle higher pressure and deliver a steady, uninterrupted flow. In the absence of a powerful Fuel Pump, the engine may suffer from lean conditions, where not enough fuel is being supplied to the engine, resulting in knocking or overheating. This may lead to damage to vital parts such as pistons or the Turbocharger itself.
According to research by AutoTech News, 30% of all turbocharged engine failures have been related to inadequate fuel delivery, which often could be traced back to a malfunctioning or underpowered Fuel Pump. The report from Car and Driver shared the case of an owner of a Subaru WRX STI who lost considerable power after putting in a larger turbo and didn’t upgrade the Fuel Pump, which became unable to pump enough fuel. This mismatch led to the engine running lean, which kicked in safety limits and eventually resulted in engine failure after only a few thousand miles.
“The fuel system is equally as critical as the turbo system when it comes to keeping an engine healthy,” says Tom Williams, performance specialist at Boost Performance Garage. “If the Fuel Pump can’t keep up, the engine will not only perform poorly but also risk serious damage.”
It all boils down to how well the Fuel Pump, fuel injectors, and air intake are coordinated for the proper extraction of a turbo engine. When not supplied with adequate fuel, turbo engines lose their advantage, and if the situation isn’t acted upon fast, it could lead to catastrophic results. Due to this, the need for a high-performance Fuel Pump matched with the turbo system is absolutely important in ensuring that the engine performs as it should.
Many turbo owners who want more power from their engines use a high-performance Fuel Pump upgrade. By providing the Fuel Pump with a guaranteed continuous fuel supply, it will perform its role without faltering and will work together with the turbo system for maximum engine performance and life. For example, a high-pressure Fuel Pump can work with turbochargers with boost pressure of up to 20 PSI or higher without compromising the quality or health of the fuel.
A good Fuel Pump is an investment in both performance and longevity for turbocharged vehicles. Proper fuel pressure ensures that the turbocharger can operate efficiently, delivering the desired boost without risking the engine’s health.