The purpose of a turbo blanket is to insulate the turbocharger so it does not transfer heat to surrounding components. Of course, the most beneficial gain from a turbo blanket is quicker spooling along with cooler intake air temperatures (IAT). By retaining heat within the turbocharger, the air passing through is thinner and travels much quicker.

How Does a Turbo Blanket Improve Spooling?

First, let’s discuss what happens inside your engine. Cold air is dense which means it exerts a higher oxygen rating. After entering the engine, the oxygen breaks down and combines with the hydrogen and carbon during the combustion stroke. This process then heats up the air and thins it out. The hot air exits the engine through the turbocharger which results in the turbo and exhaust piping dispersing all the heat.

Since the turbo absorbs the heat, it transfers to its surroundings in the engine bay which, in turn, cools the exhaust gasses inside. This can actually cause the turbo to lag when coming on to boost since the air has a higher density and requires more effort to spin the turbine.

Using a turbo blanket will allow the turbocharger and exhaust to maintain their heat and keep the gasses flowing through hot. This results in an increase in spooling rate as the passing air is thin and can move much quicker. The air passes through the turbine with less resistance and directly translates to a significant power gain.

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Does a Turbo Blanket Decrease Intake Air Temperature?

The short answer is yes, installing a turbo blanket will decrease your intake air temperature. Since the blanket sits on the exhaust housing, it is isolating the heat to that particular side of the turbocharger. Since the compressor side of the turbocharger isn’t seeing radiant heat, the housing stays cool which keeps the air inside cooler. Keeping the air cool on the compressor side of the turbocharger will result in lower IATs and produce more power thanks to the dense oxygen entering the engine.

An added benefit of a turbo blanket is significantly reducing your engine bay temperature in your machine. Maintaining the heat in your engine bay is highly important. Surrounding components can wear out quicker due to extreme temperatures and turbochargers produce a hefty amount of heat which means sensors and wiring might not last as long.

By isolating the heat to the turbocharger and exhaust system, engine bay temperatures are reduced by 60%. Installing a turbo blanket will save you time and money down the road as you won’t be required to replace sensors and wiring.

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What Are Turbo Blankets Made Of?

The Agency Power turbo blanket consists of a magnesium silicate wool inner layer. This helps absorb the heat radiating off the turbocharger and disperse it efficiently. The magnesium silicate wool can withstand incredible heat compared to materials used in cheaper turbo blankets.

The outer layer is made of pulverized volcanic lava rock material. The lava rock outer layer helps trap and deflect the heat back into the inner layer. Since the turbo blanket is doing most of the heat retention, the bearings inside your turbo will not be impacted in any way.

A common myth is turbo blankets destroy bearings when in reality it is a matter of inefficient cooling from the oil. Ceramic bearings have been most prone to failure due to their fragile design. If the turbocharger is receiving adequate cooling, there will be no issues with your bearings while using a turbo blanket.