Welcome!
One thing I've noticed in common with those of us who want more than what the stock car offers, is that picking the right turbo can be tough!
There's quite a few to choose from, and it can be a hard decision to pick the one that suits your goals and style.
Well, not anymore!
I too have been on this quest, and armed with the evils of mathematics, engineering, and Excel, I have put many turbos through the numbers!
I will show you how each turbo's compressor matches the engine under the same ideal conditions, discuss the turbine side and exhaust housing capabilities, and as an added bonus will apply my knowledge of the ST platform to each turbo to explain my thoughts on match.
Below you will find mostly compressor maps laid against a bunch of straight lines. Each line represents a set RPM, and it will show you how as the pressure rises at that RPM, just how much air the engine will ingest under its ideal operation. We plot these lines against the compressor maps to get an idea of how each turbo will respond, how much airflow we can get for a given RPM from that turbo, and more!
Remember, this is all idealized. Real world performance will vary with conditions greatly!
For the horsepower estimates, I built a model based on how much horsepower the 2.0 Ecoboost makes for the amount of fuel injected at a given airflow. It's a rough estimate, but will give you a good idea of potential power from each turbo. Optimal is projected from where efficiency is at, and maximum horsepower is if you're pushing the turbo to it's limit. (which also means that the engine is built to match it, which is not going to be the case if you just strap on one of the big turbos!)
Let me know if there's other turbos that you have compressor maps and data for and would like compared, and I'll try to get it on the list and discuss it.
Expect for this guy to be edited and updated for formatting and content purposes!
Test Conditions
Ambient Temperature: 85*F
Ambient Pressure: 14.70 psi
Volumetric Efficiency: Matched to an educated estimated calculation for each RPM for the 2.0 Ecoboost
Intercooler Efficiency: 100%
How conditions effect these charts:
Garrett Turbos
GT2860RS
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2600-2800RPM
Maximum Airflow @6500RPM of 36lb/min
Optimal WHP: 300
Maximum WHP: 335
This guy is nice and small, and is a classic turbo for 2.0L engines that want a solid 300whp. Spool should be quick, but it wont be quite as quick as the rotating mass is higher than a comparable GTX based wheel of similar size. This wheel isn't design to flow much more than about 23psi of boost, and you should be able to hit the choke region of the map up top. Would make an excellent AutoX turbo, as the response should be top notch with plenty of power for knocking over cones. No fueling upgrades will be required to max this turbo out.
If you look closely, the GTX2860R basically fits on top of this map, but the wheel on this guy is heavier and can't operate at as high of pressures, so you can't expect it to spool quite like the GTX. This guy is cheaper than the GTX however, and makes a great turbo for people wanting an easy path to 300whp.
GTX2860R
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2500RPM
- 25psi @ 2800RPM
Maximum Airflow @5500RPM of 40lb/min
Optimal WHP: 325
Maximum WHP: 375
Looking at the GTX2860R, we see it's a pretty good match for solid midrange. Spool would be quick, and efficiency through the 3-5k RPM range would be in it's prime in the 25psi range.
A noticeable downside is boost will have to taper off after 5.5k RPM to prevent choke and turbo overspeed conditions.
You could expect to get a solid 340whp out of this without issue, and a decent amount of torque down low would be available. This would work well with the stock fuel system and shouldn't require any fueling upgrades.
GTX2863R
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2800RPM
- 25psi @ 3000RPM
Maximum Airflow @6500RPM of 43lb/min
Optimal WHP: 340
Maximum WHP: 400
First thing you should notice, is a good majority of the lines lie within the compressor map. That means this turbo is a great fit for the engine! I'd expect this to drive very similar to the GTX2860 with just a slight spool penalty. Things to note: the efficiency is excellent on this turbo in the midrange, and that means great mid range torque and power. And for the operating conditions above, this guy hits its peak right at red-line! It shouldn't be too difficult to get a solid 355-360 out of this, and if you really pushed it hard and had good supplementary fuel and supporting mods, you could get darn close to 400whp. On the stock fuel system, this guy will push it right up to the edge in its optimal range.
GTX2867R
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2950RPM
- 25psi @ 3300RPM
Maximum Airflow @7000RPM of 47lb/min
Optimal WHP: 370
Maximum WHP: 430
The bread and butter turbo for this car. This turbo is really a mid-high range kind of turbo. This would be an excellent street turbo, with decently quick spool, and plenty of airflow up top. One thing to note is this guy will really be on the limits of stock fueling with pump gas, and to really push it, you'll want some supplemental fueling to take full advantage of the setup. If you're not pushing it, this compressor wheel is very efficient, and as such will do a great job at generating torque from 3k RPM as high as the stock air flow will go. Up top (on the right of the graph) you can probably expect the lines to squeeze together more than I'm demonstrating as the integrated exhaust manifold could start to become a bottleneck in that area.
Honorable Mention: GTX3067R
This guy has the same compressor map as above, but it has a larger turbine side. This means less back pressure which will help high end flow, but you'll lose spool off the bottom end. On a stock head car, this turbo will probably not garner you any benefit up top to make up for the spool loss, and as such, it takes a backseat to it's little brother, the 2867.
GTX3071R
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 3600RPM
- 25psi @ 4000RPM
- 30psi @ 4500RPM
Maximum Airflow @7000RPM: 55lb/min
Optimal WHP: 420
Maximum WHP: 515
Now we're jumping up into the realm of large turbos for a 2.0! Spool is obviously slower now, and you definitely will have a narrower powerband. If you're after power though, you've come to a good place! If you decide to cap it at about 25psi, it'll hold it all the way as high as you want to go, but don't expect to get much past 40 lb/min and 400hp. To really benefit from this turbo you'll definitely want all the supporting mods that go with it, and you'll want to crank that boost up to 11. At 32psi and 7000RPM, you could expect 500whp out of this turbo if you have the fueling to match. The stock headifold will definitely be holding back your top end when you start raising the boost. While I've plotted the lines straight here for simplicity, they really should start curving up as you go higher in boost as the stock head will simply be too restrictive for this. Definitely plan to be making use of extra fueling, getting some good headwork and possible upgrades to increase your red-line capabilities if you really want to take full advantage of this turbo. Do not pick this turbo if you LIKE how the stock car responds and drives. This will definitely have a more traditional high HP, low displacement turbo feel, and simply can't have the response the stock car does down low.
GTX3076R
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 3900RPM
- 25psi @ 4500RPM
- 30psi @ 5100RPM
- 35psi @ 5300RPM
- 40psi @ 5500RPM
Maximum Airflow: 63lb/min @ 7000RPM
Optimal WHP: 520
Maximum WHP: 620
There's a reason this is currently the largest kit offered turbo you'll see. It's big. It'll spool slow. You'll definitely want fueling upgrades, all the bolt-ons, and everything else that comes with it. Yes, it'll take time to spool, but once it does, engage VT 3rd gear mode and hold on tight. You will need to plan for some work to really take advantage of this turbo, as you'll want to push it up into the high 30s low 40s PSI to use it with stock red-line. Hence, I'd actually recommend planning to rev higher and to try to build for it, so you can run a lower pressure to get the same power output. Do not pick this turbo if you want great torque down low. It's the complete opposite of that. This guy is all about downshifting, flooring it, holding on tight, and commencing lift off. Be prepared to upgrade to take advantage of this bad boy.
GTX3582 - The "Why Don't They Make Kits For Bigger Turbos?" turbo
Estimated Spool:
- Eventually. (5000 RPM)
Maximum Airflow: More than you can handle guy.
Optimal WHP: ?
Maximum WHP: 750
This guy is a bad match for the engine in the car. There really comes a time when you simply need more displacement. There is no replacement. A larger engine pulls more air in, and spreads the lines out, and we need it bad here.
To run this turbo you have basically two choices: Increase your displacement or increase your red-line. Your response will suck low end. Your spool will be measured in minutes. You'll be competing with jet engines for who can take off first. But like a jet engine, if you were built to rev higher (which would mean more lines onto the right side!) you could hit 750ish WHP with this bad boy. That's a fast freaking car. It's also going to be near impossible to really enjoy driving it on the street.
So, small market (basically just drag strip people!), small demand = No kits for this guy, or anything bigger.
BorgWarner Turbos
EFR6258
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2400RPM
- 25psi @ 2600RPM
Maximum Airflow: 44lb/min @ 6500RPM
Optimal WHP: 340
Maximum WHP: 400
This guy can spool! The response on this turbo will basically be almost stock like, but the torque and power potentials are much, much greater. In comparison to the GTX turbos, we win in spool and airflow range, but we lose in efficiency and price. The 6258 is not as efficient, which is probably why it has a greater range of flows, but if you have a good intercooler up front, it shouldn't make too much difference. This guy can flow extremely well up top, and if you really push the speeds up, you could get close to the 400whp mark. Like the GTX2860 though, it's clear that this guy would be happiest in the midrange, and would make for an excellent driving car or track car.
EFR6758
Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2800RPM
- 25psi @ 3300RPM
Maximum Airflow: 48lb/min @ 6500RPM
Optimal WHP: 380
Maximum WHP: 450
Definite competition for the GTX2867! Spool is better, and top end flow should be better as well. Yet again though, it comes at the cost of efficiency, which this turbo is comparatively poor on compared to the GTX2867. It's still not something I'd consider "bad" at all though, and again, I think just having an upgraded intercooler will handle any loss in compressor efficiency. This is another excellent choice for someone who wants a driveable car, but wants to pack a punch.
EFR7163
Estimated Spool
- 20 psi @ 3000-3100RPM
- 25 psi @ 4000RPM
Maximum Airflow: 61lb/min @7000RPM
Optimal WHP: 450
Maximum WHP: 575
Now we're flowing! The first thing you should notice is this compressor map has a nice fat range of airflows. Combined with its lightweight turbine side, this guy can spool quicker than the comparative GTX30 series turbo, while giving airflow in the similar neighborhood. The efficiency ranges are perfect for high RPM power, and it will definitely outflow the stock fuel system. Another benefit is the compressor matches the engine a bit better than the GTX's as well, so you shouldn't need to increase the redline drastically to use its full potential flow.
A great competitor to the GTX30 series, but like other BW vs Garrett setups, the difference is in price and in peak efficiency numbers.
One thing I've noticed in common with those of us who want more than what the stock car offers, is that picking the right turbo can be tough!
There's quite a few to choose from, and it can be a hard decision to pick the one that suits your goals and style.
Well, not anymore!
I too have been on this quest, and armed with the evils of mathematics, engineering, and Excel, I have put many turbos through the numbers!
I will show you how each turbo's compressor matches the engine under the same ideal conditions, discuss the turbine side and exhaust housing capabilities, and as an added bonus will apply my knowledge of the ST platform to each turbo to explain my thoughts on match.
Below you will find mostly compressor maps laid against a bunch of straight lines. Each line represents a set RPM, and it will show you how as the pressure rises at that RPM, just how much air the engine will ingest under its ideal operation. We plot these lines against the compressor maps to get an idea of how each turbo will respond, how much airflow we can get for a given RPM from that turbo, and more!
Remember, this is all idealized. Real world performance will vary with conditions greatly!
For the horsepower estimates, I built a model based on how much horsepower the 2.0 Ecoboost makes for the amount of fuel injected at a given airflow. It's a rough estimate, but will give you a good idea of potential power from each turbo. Optimal is projected from where efficiency is at, and maximum horsepower is if you're pushing the turbo to it's limit. (which also means that the engine is built to match it, which is not going to be the case if you just strap on one of the big turbos!)
Let me know if there's other turbos that you have compressor maps and data for and would like compared, and I'll try to get it on the list and discuss it.
Expect for this guy to be edited and updated for formatting and content purposes!
Test Conditions
Ambient Temperature: 85*F
Ambient Pressure: 14.70 psi
Volumetric Efficiency: Matched to an educated estimated calculation for each RPM for the 2.0 Ecoboost
Intercooler Efficiency: 100%
How conditions effect these charts:
Conition | Increase | Decrease |
Ambient Temperature | Tighter grouped lines - Air is less dense | Expanded lines - Air is more dense |
Ambient Pressure | Expanded lines - More air for same pressure | Tighter grouped Lines - Less air for same pressure |
Volumetric Efficiency | Expanded lines - More air for same work | Tighter grouped - Less air for same work |
Turbine A/R | Worse VE down low, Better VE up top - Line spacing gets larger as you move right on the chart | Better VE down low, Lower VE up top - Line spacing gets smaller as you move right on the chart |
Backpressure (pre and post-turbo) | Tighter grouped lines - Decreased VE | Expanded lines - Increased VE |
Intercooler Efficiency | Expanded lines - Cooler, denser air | Tighter grouped lines - Warmer, less dense air |
Intercooler Pressure Drop | Less manifold pressure - Less airflow | More manifold pressure - More airflow |
Garrett Turbos
GT2860RS

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2600-2800RPM
Maximum Airflow @6500RPM of 36lb/min
Optimal WHP: 300
Maximum WHP: 335
This guy is nice and small, and is a classic turbo for 2.0L engines that want a solid 300whp. Spool should be quick, but it wont be quite as quick as the rotating mass is higher than a comparable GTX based wheel of similar size. This wheel isn't design to flow much more than about 23psi of boost, and you should be able to hit the choke region of the map up top. Would make an excellent AutoX turbo, as the response should be top notch with plenty of power for knocking over cones. No fueling upgrades will be required to max this turbo out.
If you look closely, the GTX2860R basically fits on top of this map, but the wheel on this guy is heavier and can't operate at as high of pressures, so you can't expect it to spool quite like the GTX. This guy is cheaper than the GTX however, and makes a great turbo for people wanting an easy path to 300whp.
GTX2860R

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2500RPM
- 25psi @ 2800RPM
Maximum Airflow @5500RPM of 40lb/min
Optimal WHP: 325
Maximum WHP: 375
Looking at the GTX2860R, we see it's a pretty good match for solid midrange. Spool would be quick, and efficiency through the 3-5k RPM range would be in it's prime in the 25psi range.
A noticeable downside is boost will have to taper off after 5.5k RPM to prevent choke and turbo overspeed conditions.
You could expect to get a solid 340whp out of this without issue, and a decent amount of torque down low would be available. This would work well with the stock fuel system and shouldn't require any fueling upgrades.
GTX2863R

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2800RPM
- 25psi @ 3000RPM
Maximum Airflow @6500RPM of 43lb/min
Optimal WHP: 340
Maximum WHP: 400
First thing you should notice, is a good majority of the lines lie within the compressor map. That means this turbo is a great fit for the engine! I'd expect this to drive very similar to the GTX2860 with just a slight spool penalty. Things to note: the efficiency is excellent on this turbo in the midrange, and that means great mid range torque and power. And for the operating conditions above, this guy hits its peak right at red-line! It shouldn't be too difficult to get a solid 355-360 out of this, and if you really pushed it hard and had good supplementary fuel and supporting mods, you could get darn close to 400whp. On the stock fuel system, this guy will push it right up to the edge in its optimal range.
GTX2867R

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2950RPM
- 25psi @ 3300RPM
Maximum Airflow @7000RPM of 47lb/min
Optimal WHP: 370
Maximum WHP: 430
The bread and butter turbo for this car. This turbo is really a mid-high range kind of turbo. This would be an excellent street turbo, with decently quick spool, and plenty of airflow up top. One thing to note is this guy will really be on the limits of stock fueling with pump gas, and to really push it, you'll want some supplemental fueling to take full advantage of the setup. If you're not pushing it, this compressor wheel is very efficient, and as such will do a great job at generating torque from 3k RPM as high as the stock air flow will go. Up top (on the right of the graph) you can probably expect the lines to squeeze together more than I'm demonstrating as the integrated exhaust manifold could start to become a bottleneck in that area.
Honorable Mention: GTX3067R
This guy has the same compressor map as above, but it has a larger turbine side. This means less back pressure which will help high end flow, but you'll lose spool off the bottom end. On a stock head car, this turbo will probably not garner you any benefit up top to make up for the spool loss, and as such, it takes a backseat to it's little brother, the 2867.
GTX3071R

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 3600RPM
- 25psi @ 4000RPM
- 30psi @ 4500RPM
Maximum Airflow @7000RPM: 55lb/min
Optimal WHP: 420
Maximum WHP: 515
Now we're jumping up into the realm of large turbos for a 2.0! Spool is obviously slower now, and you definitely will have a narrower powerband. If you're after power though, you've come to a good place! If you decide to cap it at about 25psi, it'll hold it all the way as high as you want to go, but don't expect to get much past 40 lb/min and 400hp. To really benefit from this turbo you'll definitely want all the supporting mods that go with it, and you'll want to crank that boost up to 11. At 32psi and 7000RPM, you could expect 500whp out of this turbo if you have the fueling to match. The stock headifold will definitely be holding back your top end when you start raising the boost. While I've plotted the lines straight here for simplicity, they really should start curving up as you go higher in boost as the stock head will simply be too restrictive for this. Definitely plan to be making use of extra fueling, getting some good headwork and possible upgrades to increase your red-line capabilities if you really want to take full advantage of this turbo. Do not pick this turbo if you LIKE how the stock car responds and drives. This will definitely have a more traditional high HP, low displacement turbo feel, and simply can't have the response the stock car does down low.
GTX3076R

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 3900RPM
- 25psi @ 4500RPM
- 30psi @ 5100RPM
- 35psi @ 5300RPM
- 40psi @ 5500RPM
Maximum Airflow: 63lb/min @ 7000RPM
Optimal WHP: 520
Maximum WHP: 620
There's a reason this is currently the largest kit offered turbo you'll see. It's big. It'll spool slow. You'll definitely want fueling upgrades, all the bolt-ons, and everything else that comes with it. Yes, it'll take time to spool, but once it does, engage VT 3rd gear mode and hold on tight. You will need to plan for some work to really take advantage of this turbo, as you'll want to push it up into the high 30s low 40s PSI to use it with stock red-line. Hence, I'd actually recommend planning to rev higher and to try to build for it, so you can run a lower pressure to get the same power output. Do not pick this turbo if you want great torque down low. It's the complete opposite of that. This guy is all about downshifting, flooring it, holding on tight, and commencing lift off. Be prepared to upgrade to take advantage of this bad boy.
GTX3582 - The "Why Don't They Make Kits For Bigger Turbos?" turbo

Estimated Spool:
- Eventually. (5000 RPM)
Maximum Airflow: More than you can handle guy.
Optimal WHP: ?
Maximum WHP: 750
This guy is a bad match for the engine in the car. There really comes a time when you simply need more displacement. There is no replacement. A larger engine pulls more air in, and spreads the lines out, and we need it bad here.
To run this turbo you have basically two choices: Increase your displacement or increase your red-line. Your response will suck low end. Your spool will be measured in minutes. You'll be competing with jet engines for who can take off first. But like a jet engine, if you were built to rev higher (which would mean more lines onto the right side!) you could hit 750ish WHP with this bad boy. That's a fast freaking car. It's also going to be near impossible to really enjoy driving it on the street.
So, small market (basically just drag strip people!), small demand = No kits for this guy, or anything bigger.
BorgWarner Turbos
EFR6258

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2400RPM
- 25psi @ 2600RPM
Maximum Airflow: 44lb/min @ 6500RPM
Optimal WHP: 340
Maximum WHP: 400
This guy can spool! The response on this turbo will basically be almost stock like, but the torque and power potentials are much, much greater. In comparison to the GTX turbos, we win in spool and airflow range, but we lose in efficiency and price. The 6258 is not as efficient, which is probably why it has a greater range of flows, but if you have a good intercooler up front, it shouldn't make too much difference. This guy can flow extremely well up top, and if you really push the speeds up, you could get close to the 400whp mark. Like the GTX2860 though, it's clear that this guy would be happiest in the midrange, and would make for an excellent driving car or track car.
EFR6758

Estimated Spool:
- 20psi @ 2800RPM
- 25psi @ 3300RPM
Maximum Airflow: 48lb/min @ 6500RPM
Optimal WHP: 380
Maximum WHP: 450
Definite competition for the GTX2867! Spool is better, and top end flow should be better as well. Yet again though, it comes at the cost of efficiency, which this turbo is comparatively poor on compared to the GTX2867. It's still not something I'd consider "bad" at all though, and again, I think just having an upgraded intercooler will handle any loss in compressor efficiency. This is another excellent choice for someone who wants a driveable car, but wants to pack a punch.
EFR7163

Estimated Spool
- 20 psi @ 3000-3100RPM
- 25 psi @ 4000RPM
Maximum Airflow: 61lb/min @7000RPM
Optimal WHP: 450
Maximum WHP: 575
Now we're flowing! The first thing you should notice is this compressor map has a nice fat range of airflows. Combined with its lightweight turbine side, this guy can spool quicker than the comparative GTX30 series turbo, while giving airflow in the similar neighborhood. The efficiency ranges are perfect for high RPM power, and it will definitely outflow the stock fuel system. Another benefit is the compressor matches the engine a bit better than the GTX's as well, so you shouldn't need to increase the redline drastically to use its full potential flow.
A great competitor to the GTX30 series, but like other BW vs Garrett setups, the difference is in price and in peak efficiency numbers.