The Basic function of the turbocharger is essentially the same as the first turbo designed by the Swiss engineer, Alfred Buchi.

A turbocharger consists of six basic components, the turbine wheel and shaft (hot wheel), a compressor wheel (cool wheel) the bearing housing and bearing system, the compressor and turbine housings and the actuator and wastegate assembly. The shaft of the turbine wheel runs through journal bearings that are lubricated by engine oil.

A turbocharger very simply is an air pump designed to operate on the normally wasted engine exhaust gas energy. THese gases drive the turbine wheel and shaft which is coupled to the compressor wheel. This rotating group provides a high volume of air to the engine combustion chambers. Under load, turbo rataing group speed often exceeds 200.000 revolutions per minute. Turbine exhaust temperatures can easily surpass 1800 degrees fahrenheit.

Although precision built, a turbocharger is basically a very simple but durable component. It does, however, requiere mantenance and care as any other piece of working machinery.