Garrett Turbochargers

The best turbocharger for your build is the one sized to your power goal: the Garrett GT2860RS dual ball bearing turbo is the classic street bolt-on, while the GTX series — like the GTX4202R and the GTX3584RS with its 0.83 A/R V-band housing — steps up to serious high-horsepower territory. Garrett's ball-bearing cartridges made the brand the default choice for responsive upgrades: faster spool and better throttle response than journal-bearing turbos of the same size. Pick the frame that matches your target power, then support it with fueling, cooling, and a proper tune.

Turbochargers and What to Look For

A turbocharger forces more air into the engine so it can burn more fuel and make more power. Key specs are frame size (GT28 through GT42 — bigger flows more), turbine housing A/R (smaller spools sooner, larger flows more up top), and bearing type. This collection spans Garrett's catalog from the street-friendly GT2860RS Dual Ball Bearing Turbocharger (0.64 A/R) to the GTX4202R Super Core CHRA and the GTX3584RS Assembly Kit (V-band, 0.83 A/R), plus data tools like the Garrett turbo speed sensor. Garrett also builds cooling solutions, like the Garrett FA20F air-to-air intercooler rated for 530 HP on the 15-21 WRX. For background, read A Guide to Turbocharger Upgrades for the 2022 WRX.

Featured Brands

Garrett is the turbocharger brand that defined the modern aftermarket upgrade path — its GT series turbos were the standard-bearers of the import tuning era, and the GTX generation moves more air per frame size with redesigned compressor wheels. The collection showcases that range: the dual ball bearing GT2860RS that became the go-to response upgrade on countless turbo builds, the GTX4202R CHRA for high-horsepower applications, and the GTX3584RS assembly with its 0.83 A/R V-band turbine housing. When a shop says "go Garrett," it usually means proven, rebuildable hardware with catalog parts support.

Garrett ball-bearing cartridges are the technical heart of the brand's reputation. A dual ball bearing CHRA spools faster than a journal-bearing turbo of the same size, which is why the GT2860RS became legendary for street cars — big-turbo flow without the full lag penalty. The trade-off is cost, but for a street or autocross car where response matters, the premium is worth it.

Garrett Turbocharger FAQ

Do I need a tune after upgrading the turbo?

Absolutely. A larger turbo changes airflow at every RPM, and the ECU must be recalibrated for the new fuel and timing requirements. Never drive hard on a new turbo with the stock tune.

What supporting mods does a turbo upgrade need?

At minimum: larger injectors, an upgraded fuel pump, an intercooler sized for the new airflow, and a less restrictive exhaust. Bigger builds add internals, clutch upgrades, and boost control.

What does the A/R number mean?

A/R is the area-to-radius ratio of the turbine housing — a smaller A/R spools sooner for better response, while a larger A/R flows more exhaust at high RPM for top-end power. The 0.64 A/R on the GT2860RS favors response; the 0.83 A/R on the GTX3584RS favors top-end flow.

Ball bearing vs. journal bearing — does it matter?

Garrett's dual ball bearing cartridges spool faster and react quicker to throttle than journal-bearing turbos of similar size. Journal bearings are cheaper, but most street buyers prefer the ball-bearing upgrade.