We’ve mentioned it earlier than: reliability is tough to find out for a myriad of causes. However, as soon as an engine has been in the marketplace for a couple of years, we start to get a fairly good thought of its long-term viability. Unlike figuring out the reliability of a specific vehicle, the place the electronics, infotainment, transmission, and different parts should be thought-about, the engines alone are thought-about for this record—particularly, turbocharged engines.

Turbocharging has been round for a really very long time. Alfred Buchi filed patents for the primary turbocharger throughout Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency in 1905. Due to the added complexity and expense, along with reliability considerations, it did not precisely take off at this level. Still, it later discovered its manner into marine engines within the Nineteen Twenties, turbo-diesel locomotives within the Forties, and ultimately, vans from firms like Scania and Volvo within the Nineteen Fifties.

Surprisingly, given American automotive producers’ well-known dominance on the planet of enormous displacement naturally aspirated engines, the primary turbocharged engine might be discovered beneath the hood of an Oldsmobile. The “Jetfire” was a 3.5-liter V-8 that made 215 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque; a formidable determine for 1962.

Since then, turbocharging has solely turn into extra frequent. However, it did not turn into as commonplace as it’s at the moment till the final 20 years. With no finish in sight to the unfold of turbocharging all through the automotive panorama, let’s take a look at among the most dependable turbocharged engines of the fashionable period.

To provide the newest and correct data potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with MotorReviewer.com, CarComplaints.com, and Tuningpro.co. Engines are ranked by their energy output, however every engine is included attributable to its dependable popularity, lack of recognized points, and the presence of high-mileage examples on the used market.

10 Ford 7.3-liter Powerstroke Turbodiesel

Horsepower: 275 HP

Mercedes launched its first turbodiesel engine in 1978. Though turbocharged engines, particularly turbocharged diesel engines, existed earlier than, the W116 Mercedes 300SD was the primary passenger automotive with a turbodiesel. It wasn’t till the late Eighties that turbodiesel vans turned a typical providing from OEMs.

Apart from the 5.9-liter Cummins, Ford’s huge 7.3-liter Powerstroke, which is not to be confused with the gasoline Godzilla, has the most effective reputations for reliability within the diesel world. With loads of house owners reaching over 500,000 miles and loads of examples on the market with mileage over 300,000, the 7.3 is a crucial inclusion on this record.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from prosourcediesel.com)

A majority of points reported need to do with the high-pressure oil injection system (HEUI). The injection regulator valve and cam place sensor are frequent failure factors of the 7.3-liter Powerstroke. The injector driver module, which sends energy to the under-valve cowl harness, has been recognized to fail, which might trigger sputtering or a no-start situation. The UVCH can really be broken by the warmth and vibrations it experiences beneath the valve cowl and may trigger electrical points in consequence. Though they don’t seem to be recognized for untimely failure, if you happen to substitute the UVCH, it is really useful that you simply substitute the valve cowl gaskets whilst you’re in there.

The solely engine challenge could consequence from a foul o-ring seal between the turbo and the up pipes. Thankfully, due to the dearth of emissions tools clogging up your working area, this job is not all that costly and must be potential for skilled DIYers. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Powerstroke is the epitome of old-school diesel. It’s not notably highly effective, however it’ll final lengthy sufficient that you may go it right down to your great-great-grandchildren.

Pros

• Easy to work on
• Takes abuse and neglect nicely
• Far cheaper than fashionable diesels to take care of

Cons

• Gulps gas
• Up pipes susceptible to leaking
• A number of issues with the high-pressure oil injection system

9 Volkswagen EA888 Inline-4

Horsepower: 292 HP

One of essentially the most difficult issues for automakers to beat is a foul popularity. Audi and Volkswagen developed an unlucky popularity for being unreliable junk within the late Nineties and early to mid-2000s. Cars like the unique Audi Allroad, the B5 S4, something with the Gen-1 EA888, any early Tiptronic-equipped automobile, and the B7 S4 have been cemented VAG within the historical past books as members of the upkeep evening terror membership. In current years, there was a reliability renaissance for the VW-Audi Group, and the Gen-3 EA888 is a primary instance.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Motorreviewer.com and vw.com)

If reliability is a priority, and you end up unable to withstand the temptation for extra energy, the EA888 is the engine for you. Not solely do these 2.0-liter engines make as a lot as 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque out of the field within the Mk7.5 Golf R, however they’re additionally straightforward to tune. With only a $500 Stage 1 tune from APR, you unlock an additional 80 horsepower and torque with out compromising the reliability of your each day driver. Predictably, the EA888 doesn’t come with out flaws.

Oil consumption, even beyond what Volkswagen likes to say is typical, was a problem within the first years of the Gen-3. According to CarComplaints, 2015 marks the worst 12 months for the Golf GTI, with one of many main issues reported being extreme oil consumption. Owners report 2016 because the turning level for reliability, which conveniently marks the introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as customary.

Oil consumption however, earlier years of the Gen-3 noticed plenty of untimely water pump and PCV valve failures. The Gen-3 2.0-liter additionally suffers from the identical downside that plagues nearly all direct-injection motors: carbon deposits within the valves. That mentioned, with common and thorough upkeep, the two.0-liter EA888 is a fairly protected guess as of late (no less than post-2016).

Pros

• Very receptive to tuning and modification
• Extensive aftermarket
• Reliable even when tuned

Cons

• Needs diligent upkeep to be dependable
• Possible oil consumption (particularly pre-2016)

8 Volvo B5254T Inline-5

Horsepower: 300 HP

After Volvo transitioned from rear-wheel drive to primarily front-wheel drive-based autos, their five-cylinder engines turned the model’s calling card. Plopped in practically each mannequin, from the little C30 hatchback to the boxy XC70 wagon to the three-row XC90, the two.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 turned ubiquitous. Power ranges from an appropriate 190 horsepower within the 850 to a whopping 300 horsepower in an S60/V70 R. Though the S60 R’s specs are spectacular, most B5254T engines produce between 200 and 250 horsepower.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from fcpeuro.com)

A failed PCV air breather field plagues most iterations of the B5254T. Later fashions have a PCV diaphragm that may rupture, inflicting a definite whistling sound. One straightforward technique to diagnose a PCV system failure is to take away the oil dipstick. If the whistling stops, there’s a good likelihood it’s possible you’ll want a PCV substitute. Thankfully, the later fashions require much less labor to take away the PCV breather field, however in earlier fashions, the consumption manifold needed to be eliminated to permit entry. Another main concern is the dreaded oil consumption. Now, there are many excessive mileage engines that eat oil attributable to age, however from 2013 to 2016, the two.5-liter turbo had a behavior of consuming oil the way in which school fraternities eat alcohol.

An extended warranty was offered for the 2015 and 2016 model years with the five-cylinder, however a majority of homeowners reported this being a priority as early as 2013. If you keep away from the previous couple of years of the B5254T and price range for a brand new PCV air breather field, you will find yourself with one of many Twenty first-century’s most reliable turbocharged workhorses.

Pros

• Tons of high-mileage examples on the market
• Long historical past of reliability
• Beautiful five-cylinder sound

Cons

• Serious oil consumption challenge 2013-2016
• Some iterations lack energy
• PCV valve/purge field failure

7 Honda K20CI Inline-4

Horsepower: 306 HP

Honda is usually related to high-revving naturally aspirated engines just like the K20A, F20C, and B18. As it seems, they’re additionally fairly good at making turbocharged engines. The K20C1 has an aluminum block and aluminum head, a solid crankshaft, and solid connecting rods. Though it isn’t as endlessly modable because the EA888, Honda at all times has good aftermarket assist and even sells these as crate engines for observe use. In the most recent Type-R, the turbocharged K20 produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Motorreviewer.com)

Unlike the icons of Honda’s previous, the K20C1 is not exceptionally excessive revving with a redline of solely 7,000 RPM, however it does make nice energy and appears to be following within the custom of Honda reliability. Though this engine is mass-produced, it would not stay in as many autos because the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in the base Civic. This and the Type-R’s fanatic standing means we do not have as a lot knowledge to make the most of when figuring out the long-term reliability of its engine. That mentioned, no information is sweet information, as no main points have been reported right now.

There are already a couple of examples in the marketplace which have gone past the 100,000 mark and look like in good mechanical situation. Ultimately, the K20C1 within the Type-R is a strong, well-built engine that should not have any downside hitting 200,000 miles.

Pros

• No main points reported
• It will be run arduous
• Paired with a superb 6-speed handbook within the Type-R

Cons

• Not as simply moddable as EA888
• No 8,000+ RPM redline like older performance-oriented Hondas

6 Nissan RB26DETT Inline-6

Horsepower: 316 HP

Nissan’s RB26DETT, although not quite the pop culture icon the 2JZ is, powers a automotive that could be a good larger legend than the Toyota Supra. The Nissan Skyline is a good instance of wanting what you may’t have—particularly for these of us dwelling exterior of Japan. The Skyline has at all times been a forbidden fruit to the remainder of the world, however with the primary 12 months of the R34 now obtainable for import beneath the 25-year import rule, we will lastly take part (throughout all generations) within the glory of what’s arguably Nissan’s biggest engine. While the Nissan claimed solely 276 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, it’s usually agreed that the numbers had been nearer to 316 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque.

The RB26DETT has an enormous modding group, and on condition that it has been round since 1989, many of the issues have been sorted out. That mentioned, it is vital to know what you are moving into earlier than you throw cash at your favourite automotive from Gran Turismo.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from enginebuildermag.com)

The RB26 is most well-known for its oil pump points. These points are much more prevalent in modified engines however can nonetheless be a priority in inventory type. The early years of the R32 (1989-1991) had an oil pump drive that was machined too small, main to grease pump failures at greater RPM. Nissan up to date to a bigger oil pump drive in later years, however the challenge was not fully gone. An upgraded oil pump from an aftermarket provider is an effective advice, even with inventory energy ranges. That mentioned, if you need huge energy out of your RB26, a 1JZ-inspired “spline drive” is famous by engine builders to be an absolute should if you wish to keep away from oil hunger.

Thankfully, the RB26DETT has been round for ages, so you may profit from the emptied wallets of the previous to assist keep away from most points. Aside from oil pump woes, the RB was forward of its time and continues to be a dependable and fascinating powerplant even in its previous age.

Pros

• Exceptionally dependable in inventory type
• Smooth, balanced energy supply
• Gorgeous sound

Cons

• Oil hunger attributable to unhealthy oil pump (1989-1991)
• Needs mods to remain dependable with elevated energy

5 Toyota 2JZ-GTE 3.0-liter Inline-6

Horsepower: 320 HP

As an totally obsessed automotive nerd, it is uncommon to say an engine’s inner designation with out confused seems to be. The 2JZ stands out as the one engine universally recognized by its “real” identify. Mention “2JZ” to most individuals vaguely aware of automotive tradition, and so they’ll have a fairly good thought of what you are speaking about—even when the Fast and Furious franchise is their fundamental supply. The 2JZ is famous for its surprisingly sturdy internals and talent to make huge energy. Not solely is the 2J a major a part of the Supra’s icon standing, however it’s additionally an LS-level swap candidate.

The 2J we wish to spotlight is the 2JZ-GTE. This is the twin-turbocharged model that powers the MK4 Toyota Supra Turbo. In inventory type, it produces 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, however it’s turn into nearly frequent to see 1000+ horsepower builds. It’s mentioned that 600-700 horsepower is concerning the restrict with out upgrading the internals or touching the block.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Motorreviewer.com)

Big energy is feasible, however the 2JZ, regardless of its popularity, will not be good. Issues embody a poor-flowing cylinder head, a crank pulley recognized for ultimately breaking up, and an oil pump seal recognized for blowing itself out. Some even report the sequential turbo setup to be a bit finicky at instances, however this can be a extra distinguished challenge when house owners begin to add energy. In truth, apart from the issues talked about, the 2JZ would not have a lot to report when it is left in inventory type or with a light energy enhance. Even the reported challenge with the timing tensioner bracket is not as large of a deal when contemplating the 2JZ is a non-interference engine. This means the valves and pistons by no means occupy the identical area, so dropping timing would not flip the engine into a ship anchor.

Reputation apart, the 2JZ-GTE is about as sturdy and dependable as individuals say. It’s actually not as straightforward to make 1,000 horsepower as individuals make it appear, however if you need a dependable engine with years of analysis and aftermarket assist behind it, the 2JZ actually hits the mark.

Pros

• Tons of aftermarket assist
• Incredibly sturdy and receptive to modification
• Easy to work on in comparison with extra fashionable engines

Cons

• Timing belt tensioner bracket susceptible to breaking
• Poor flowing head, modifications required for giant energy
• Crank pulley can come aside

4 BMW B58 3.0-liter Inline-6

Horsepower: 382 HP

The B58 is dubbed “the modern 2JZ.” In some ways, it’s just like the 2JZ. They are each turbocharged inline-six engines, they each make a major quantity of energy on inventory internals, and each require dearer modifications to run a loopy excessive enhance all day lengthy. Stock for inventory, the B58 will simply outpace a 2JZ-GTE with 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque straight from the manufacturing facility. In a really BMW manner, some house owners report dyno outcomes that present that the early years of the B58 put practically as a lot energy on the wheels as BMW and Toyota declare it makes on the crank.

The engine started growth again in 2012 and has been in the marketplace since solely 2016. Though not with out flaws, the B58 is likely one of the most dependable BMW engines produced this century.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from r44performance.com)

The weirdest concern about earlier B58s was oil filter disintegration. BMW has launched a number of revisions to the oil filter, and the issue now not appears prevalent. It’s greater than doubtless that low cost aftermarket filters or prolonged oil change intervals are at fault for this weird challenge. Like most BMWs, the B58 does are likely to leak some oil, particularly from the valve cowl gaskets, which are likely to fail prematurely. Another BMW cliché the B58 displays is VANOS solenoid points and untimely failures.

Coolant loss has been reported, however many speculate that the cap on the coolant reservoir might be releasing extra strain and, thus, extra coolant than designed. Look, the B58 is not 2GR-FE V-6 dependable, however it’s an extremely potent engine with a strong historical past of reliability because it hit the market in 2016.

Pros

• Tons of tuning potential
• Good projected reliability inventory
• Toyota’s B58 has some vital modifications

Cons

• Potential coolant loss challenge
• Premature valve cowl gasket failures
• Oil filter disintegration

Note: If you are curious concerning the modifications Toyota made to their model of the B58, click here.

3 Audi EA855 Inline-5

Horsepower: 401 HP

EVs are extremely cool and, although not one of the best match for the common individual simply but, will proceed to develop and enhance over time. For some automotive fanatics, the moment torque and low middle of gravity are greater than sufficient to make EVs very thrilling. For others, nothing can fairly substitute the sounds and vibrations of an inner combustion engine.

If you are an audiophile or musician, you are in all probability aware of scales and intervals. Intervals are merely the measurement between two pitches, however sure intervals are extra pleasing to the ear than others. Five-cylinder engines make a serious third interval (although the third is technically an octave above), which creates a singular and lovely sound. V-10s even have this interval, which, if you happen to’ve heard of the Lexus LFA, places the EA855 in good firm. However, it would not simply sound good, it is also a really highly effective and very dependable engine as nicely.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from lifeonfour.com)

Powering essentially the most recent RS3 and TTRS, this engine pumps out practically 400 horsepower and practically 370- lb-ft of torque. The commonest challenge reported by house owners is a faulty gas pump. Given these are direct-injection engines, the high-pressure gas pumps will be costly, however this challenge would not look like as widespread as one thing just like the oil consumption within the 2013-2016 Volvo 2.5-liter. As with different direct-injection engines, carbon build-up within the valves will want consideration because the engine approaches the 100,000-mile mark.

Some early RS3 fashions are reported to have had points with the timing chain tensioners and massive energy builds have been recognized to undergo turbo failure, however these stories are few and much between. They will not be notably low cost to personal, however the EA855 has been round for fairly some time and has confirmed itself to be one in all VAG’s most dependable turbocharged engines.

Pros

• Gorgeous induction and exhaust notice
• Minimal recognized points
• Paired with a handbook on the MK2 TTRS

Cons

• Reported oil pump failures
• Possibility of extreme oil consumption at greater mileage
• Carbon build-up

2 Porsche “Mezger” 3.6-liter Boxer-6

Horsepower: 473 HP

The non-Mezger M96 engines could also be notorious for his or her IMS bearing points, however the turbocharged Mezger engines plopped behind the rear axle of the 996 and 997 Turbo are sometimes thought-about Porsche’s most well-known and dependable engines. Technically, the Mezger engine dates again to the air-cooled 2.0-liter H-6 within the 1963 911. This means the center of the 996 and 997 Mezger is definitely air-cooled. Porsche determined they wished to stay with a recognized amount and as a substitute of utilizing the M96 from the 996 Carrera, they primarily made the 993 engine water-cooled. It has a crankcase from the 993, a cylinder head and block design primarily based on the GT1, and valve heads primarily based on the 959.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from fcpeuro.com)

Though the Mezger engine is mainly bulletproof, it does have a couple of issues to be careful for. Given the crankcase was primarily based on the air-cooled 993/964 design, coolant traces run all around the engine. The pipes are related utilizing adhesive, which might fail over time, leading to a really messy coolant evacuation. There is a everlasting repair that primarily has them welded collectively and must be good for the lifetime of the automobile. The repair, although everlasting, does require dropping the engine out of the automotive, which makes for fairly an costly day on the store.

The popularity of the Mezger is nicely documented, and in consequence, we will not suggest Porsches geared up with this engine sufficient. In the 996 Turbo, it produces 414 horsepower, and an much more spectacular 473 within the 997. It is probably not low cost relating to upkeep, however it ought to at all times make it via that final lap and even get you residence after, too.

Pros

• “Bulletproof” reliability
• Proven sturdiness on the observe
• Lots of energy and a handbook

Cons

• Repairs are costly
• Coolant pipe failure
• VarioCam solenoid delicate to soiled oil

1 Ford 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6

Horsepower: 647 HP

The 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6 has been a giant shock to truck house owners over the past 10–15 years. It’s uncommon for a turbocharged V-6 to garner such a popularity for reliability in its first iteration. The EcoBoost is definitely primarily based on one other dependable Ford engine known as the Duratec 35. The EcoBoost makes use of the identical block and the identical bore and stroke because the naturally aspirated Duratec 35. It’s all aluminum and has an open deck design for optimized cooling. Similar to Toyota, when Ford up to date the three.5-liter for the Gen-2 model of the engine in 2017, they added multi-port gas injection to associate with direct injection. This ought to forestall the carbon buildup on the valves that the majority DI engines undergo from.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Motorreviewer.com)

In addition to Ford’s replace to the injection system, they added a second timing chain to the Gen-2. Instead of a single chain, every cylinder financial institution has its personal chain, lowering the potential of stretching and failure. This really helps to eradicate two of the first points seen within the Gen-1: carbon build-up and timing chain points. Despite the updates, ignition coils and spark plugs nonetheless solely final 40,000-60,000 miles, and these engines nonetheless value extra to take care of correctly than their naturally aspirated counterparts.

That mentioned, energy is big, and these engines will be modded to make much more energy. The 3.5 EcoBoost is primarily seen within the F-150 (together with the Raptor), however it has additionally discovered its manner into the Ford Flex, Ford Taurus SHO, and plenty of Lincoln autos as nicely. Perhaps the most important declare to fame is the model of the three.5-liter that powers the third-generation Ford GT. Though completely different in some methods from the extra frequent EcoBoost, within the Ford GT, it makes an astonishing 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque.

It is probably not as low cost to take care of as older Ford engines, however it’s gained a popularity as a reliable workhorse. Even the Gen-1 hardly ever sees severe points till 150,000-200,000 miles.

Pros

• Gen-2 made reliability updates
• Massive energy and tuning functionality

Cons

• Timing chain points in Gen-1
• Carbon build-up with solely direct injection
• Limited life on coils and plugs