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Boost Lab offers a variety of visual and audible aesthetic upgrades for OEM and aftermarket performance turbochargers: compressor cover coating, bearing housing heat dissipation coatings, compressor wheel anodizing, T51R billet compressor cover inlet modification, and turbine housing ceramic coatings.
We are the originators of the T51R mod since 2014
Where the precision-machined billet anti-surge insert sits in the compressor inlet.
In 2014, the team at Boost Lab, Inc. set out to solve a problem: how do you give a modern turbocharger the aggressive jet spool and whistle sound that made the old HKS T51R series legendary, without tracking down a discontinued turbo? The answer became the T51R Billet Compressor Cover Modification.
We developed a precision-machined billet anti-surge insert that replicates the inlet geometry responsible for the iconic T51R sound. The result is a turbocharger that spools with the unmistakable jet-like whistle that performance enthusiasts have chased for decades, on virtually any compatible turbo.
Since its creation, the T51R mod has become a viral sensation in the global turbocharger community. Videos of the sound have spread across YouTube, Instagram, and forums worldwide, and demand has grown every year since. Boost Lab, Inc. are the originators of the T51R mod. Every shop offering a version of this modification is following a path we blazed over a decade ago.
This upgrade will add an additional 4-6 week lead time
In most cases, no. Roughly 99% of stock turbochargers do not have enough material in the compressor cover to machine and add the inlet modification. The mod typically requires a 4 inch inlet, and most OEM covers are simply too small. We do take on 3 inch covers from time to time, but almost always on aftermarket universal turbos such as PTE and Garrett units, never factory covers. The compressor cover also must not have any elbows welded on, since that prevents mounting it in our CNC fixture. If you are unsure, include your turbo model and photos on the repair form before shipping anything and we will tell you straight whether it is a candidate.
We typically perform the T51R mod on universal frame turbochargers with 4 inch inlets, with 3 inch covers handled case by case on aftermarket universal units. The most common candidates are Garrett GT28, GT30, and GT35 frame turbos and the Precision (PTE) lineup, including the PTE 5858, 6262, 6266, 6466, 6766, 6870, 7175, 7275, 7675, and most other Gen 1, Gen 2, and Next Gen units. 4 inch inlet covers are the ideal candidates, and most PTE covers from the 6466 up run a 4 inch inlet from the factory. Smaller 3 inch covers are evaluated individually. If your turbo has a compressor cover with room to machine the insert, there is a good chance we can do it. Contact us with your exact turbo model to confirm.
The T51R mod is an audible and visual upgrade. The precision-machined anti-surge insert replicates the inlet geometry responsible for the legendary HKS T51R jet spool and whistle sound. If you are also chasing performance, it pairs well with our billet compressor wheel and turbine wheel upgrades performed at the same time.
Submit our online turbo repair form at repair.theboostlab.com, select Customization Only, and check the T51R Mod option. Include your turbo model in the form so we can confirm fitment before you ship. Once submitted, ship your turbo or compressor cover to our facility in Dade City, FL. Pricing starts at $375 and the modification adds an additional 4-6 week lead time.
Six ways to make your turbocharger unmistakably yours, from protective coatings to the world-famous T51R sound.
We offer professional in-house powder coating services for compressor housings in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Whether you're looking for flat, satin, or gloss finishes, we can mix up about any color you can think of. Contact us to discuss your custom color options before sending your compressor cover in.
Turbine housing ceramic coating using Cerakote provides superior heat protection and corrosion resistance. Ceramic coating the turbine housing will reduce radiant heat from the turbine housing by 20-30%.
As a bonus, the ceramic coating will also prevent the turbine housing from rusting. We strongly suggest the Turbo Black ceramic coating as it was engineered specifically for turbochargers and will hold up to the high heat produced by the turbine housing. Custom colors are also available.
Compressor wheel anodizing is becoming a very popular addition to our custom compressor coating. It also looks great with our Signature Satin Black coating and will give your turbocharger a unique personal touch.
Pairs beautifully with our custom compressor coating or Signature Satin Black for a truly custom look.
Breathe new life into your older turbocharger with a modern billet compressor wheel upgrade. We offer thousands of different wheel options to upgrade outdated aerodynamics to current technology, significantly improving efficiency, response, and overall performance.
Our extensive inventory includes upgraded wheels for vintage OEM turbos, classic performance units, and hard-to-find applications. Modern billet wheel designs feature advanced aerodynamics developed through years of flow testing and real-world results, offering substantial gains over original cast wheels.
The compressor side is only half the equation. We offer several high-flow turbine wheel options depending on the application, allowing your turbo to move more exhaust energy and support a higher horsepower ceiling without stepping up to a larger frame.
Turbine wheel availability varies by turbo model and housing, so contact us with your turbo and power goals and we will tell you which options fit your application. Pairs naturally with a billet compressor wheel upgrade for a complete aero refresh, and every new wheel fitment is VSR balanced before it leaves the shop.
The thrust bearing takes the axial load every time your turbo builds boost, and it is one of the first components to give up under sustained high-boost use. For supported applications we offer a 360-degree thrust bearing upgrade over the standard 270-degree design, providing significantly higher thrust capacity.
This is the same upgrade included in our High Performance Rebuild, available as a standalone customization for high-boost street builds, racing applications, and anything that spends serious time under load. Availability depends on your turbo model, so contact us to confirm fitment for your application.
Submit the turbo repair form, choose Customization Only, and select your upgrades
