I have done very little research on this but everything i search, i end up looking on one of these forums so i thought why not make one myself. I have a 2006 Scion tC , I bought it cheap with a blown head gasket and me, my dad and my grandpa have just fixed it so its time for aftermarket parts, I know little about engines but i want to make my scion tc fast. Not crazy fast just around 230-260hp around that area. I have no interest for a turbo because i don't see it reliable if something was to happen i don't have a backup car to drive and i don't have the money for constant tune ups, my budget is $2500 let me know what all i can do. Thanks
p.s the first things i plan is a K&N Typhoon Cold Air intake and a TRD Axle Back exhaust (heard you can only get about 4hp from it) if you have better suggestions lmk

 

You will never get to that power level without a turbo unfortunately. The highest anyone got naturally aspirated was maybe 220hp, but that was with such an extensive engine build that a turbo would have been much cheaper. With 2500, you can do intake exhaust and headers, with some left over for suspension. That would get you to around 180hp, but would also be loud and raspy.

 

Thats what i was expecting to hear looking all of this up, thank you so much though!

 

How much does a turbo usually cost? for the parts? and from what I've read, there is some extensive work needed to be done to the engine before considering a turbo?

 

Dezod turbo kit is about $3900, then you will need an exhaust as well ($300 for cheap ebay). You will also need a clutch (~$350) and gauges (at least wideband and boost, ~$250 for both) and some means of mounting the gauges like a pod or similar ($100).

So your at 3900+300+350+250+100= $4900 for parts.
Labor will be roughly $1000 for the turbo kit and $600 for the clutch, and finally a dyno tune for $500, so you're 7k all in.

You don't need to build the engine unless you're running more than 10 psi, provided you have a healthy engine, of course. Need to to compression test, etc.

 

Ive been running my turbo for about 30k miles over the last 2-3 years on a stock engine with 135k miles on it now. I drag race at least twice a month in the summer. I am running 260 hp at the engine. Longevity is really about the tune and maintenance.

Depending on how thrifty you are, you can get in under 7k if you are mechanically capable and don't mind using used parts... but if you aren't, used will cause you more headache if someone is trying to dump some junk off on you. There is a lot of information in the Forced Induction section of the forum that I would HIGHLY recommend reading if you want more power. I was looking at getting a new turbo setup though, just saying

 

Ooh, are you going to sell yours?! And are you on west side of USA?

 

Maybe one day, but I think you should start with some basic maintenance first. Starting with some basic stuff will allow you to become more familiar with your car. Sounds like dad and grandpa are used to the old school imports running janky turbo setups. Reliability is greatly improved since those days but still, get familiar with the basics. A massive tower is only as strong as its base.