You’re blasting down a fire road, kicking up dust, and the roar of your Polaris General’s ProStar engine is music to your ears. You hit a steep incline, mash the throttle, and while it climbs like a champ… you can’t help but wish for just a little more. A little more punch out of the corners, a little more authority cresting that dune, a little more raw, unadulterated power.
If that feeling sounds familiar, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: can you turbo a Polaris General? The idea of bolting on a turbo and unlocking a massive performance boost is incredibly tempting. You want to transform your reliable work-and-play machine into an absolute trail monster.
We’re here to tell you that it’s not just possible—it’s a game-changer. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the massive benefits to the critical steps and potential pitfalls. Keep reading, and we’ll show you how to do it right.
So, Can You Turbo a Polaris General? The Short and Long Answer
The short answer is a resounding YES. The Polaris General, with its robust 1000cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine, is an excellent platform for forced induction. It shares a lot of its DNA with its sportier RZR cousin, which has a long history in the turbo world.
But the long answer is a bit more involved. Turbocharging your General isn’t like adding a new set of tires or a light bar. It is a significant mechanical undertaking that fundamentally changes how your engine operates. It requires a complete system—not just a turbocharger—and a deep respect for the new stresses you’ll be putting on your machine’s components.
Think of it as a heart transplant for your UTV’s performance. When done correctly, it brings incredible new life and power. When done carelessly, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure. This is where a detailed can you turbo a polaris general guide becomes your most important tool.
The Undeniable Benefits of Turbocharging Your General
Why go through all the trouble? Because the payoff is immense. When you properly install a turbo kit, you’re not just getting a small bump in speed. You’re unlocking a whole new level of capability. Here are the core benefits of can you turbo a polaris general:
- Massive Horsepower and Torque Gains: This is the number one reason. A quality, low-boost (5-7 PSI) turbo kit can easily increase your General’s stock 100 horsepower to 140-160 horsepower. That’s a 40-60% increase you will feel every single time you touch the gas pedal.
- Conquer High Altitudes: Naturally aspirated engines lose about 3% of their power for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. A turbocharger compresses the thin air, forcing more of it into the engine and effectively eliminating power loss at high altitudes. Your rig will pull just as hard in the mountains as it does at sea level.
- Unmatched Trail Performance: The instant torque from a turbo makes a world of difference. You’ll have explosive acceleration out of tight corners, effortless power for climbing the steepest hills, and the ability to spin those big mud tires with authority.
- The “Wow” Factor: Let’s be honest—it’s just plain cool. The subtle whistle of the turbo spooling up followed by a rush of acceleration is an addicting experience that will put a smile on your face every single time.
The Reality Check: Common Problems and What to Watch For
Before you start ordering parts, it’s crucial to understand the challenges. Being aware of the common problems with can you turbo a polaris general setups will save you from costly mistakes. This isn’t to scare you off, but to prepare you for a successful build.
Engine Internals Have Limits
The stock pistons, connecting rods, and head gasket in your ProStar engine were designed for 100 horsepower, not 160. On a low-boost setup (around 5-7 PSI), the stock internals can often hold up, provided the tuning is perfect. Pushing for more boost without upgrading to forged pistons and stronger rods is a recipe for disaster.
Clutching is NOT Optional
Your factory clutch is calibrated for stock power. When you add 40-60% more torque, the stock clutch will slip, burn up your belt, and deliver poor performance. You MUST install an aftermarket clutch kit. A proper kit includes different weights and springs for the primary and secondary clutches to effectively harness the new power and transfer it to the wheels.
Fueling and Tuning are Everything
A turbo forces more air into the engine; to compensate, you must add more fuel. Running “lean” (too much air, not enough fuel) will cause detonation and melt your pistons in seconds. Every turbo kit must include larger fuel injectors and, most importantly, an ECU tuner with a specific “map” or “tune” for your setup. This reprogramming of the engine’s computer is the single most critical factor for engine longevity.
Heat is the Enemy
Compressing air creates heat. Hot air is less dense and more prone to detonation. That’s why most quality turbo kits include an intercooler. An intercooler is a small radiator that cools the compressed air (the “charge”) after it leaves the turbo and before it enters the engine, resulting in safer, more consistent power.
A High-Level Guide: How to Turbo a Polaris General
This is a major project, but it’s achievable for a skilled DIYer. This how to can you turbo a polaris general overview covers the critical phases. Always, always follow the specific instructions that come with your chosen turbo kit.
Step 1: Choose a Complete, Reputable Turbo Kit
Don’t try to piece together a kit from eBay parts. Go with a well-known manufacturer like Silber Turbos, Packard Performance, or K&T Performance. A complete kit should include:
- The turbocharger itself
- Exhaust manifold and downpipe
- Intercooler and piping (charge tubes)
- Larger fuel injectors
- An ECU tuner (like a DynoJet Power Vision) with a pre-loaded turbo tune
- All necessary oil lines, air filter, clamps, and hardware
Step 2: Assess and Prep Your Engine
Before you even turn a wrench, make sure your engine is healthy. Perform a compression test and a leak-down test. Installing a turbo on a tired, worn-out engine will only accelerate its failure. This is also the time to decide if you want to build the motor with forged internals for higher boost levels down the road.
Step 3: The Installation – Follow Best Practices
Patience is key. Set aside a full weekend for the install. Following the can you turbo a polaris general best practices will ensure a reliable result.
Clear your workspace and lay out all your parts. The basic process involves removing the bed and exhaust, installing the new turbo manifold, mounting the turbo, plumbing the oil feed and drain lines, fitting the intercooler and charge tubes, and installing the new exhaust.
Pro Tip: Use high-temp anti-seize on all exhaust bolts and make sure you pre-oil the turbo by squirting a little engine oil into the oil feed port before you start it for the first time. This ensures the bearings are lubricated from the very first rotation.
Step 4: The Critical Tuning and Clutching Phase
Once the hardware is installed, the job is only half done. First, install your new clutch kit according to its instructions. This involves disassembling the primary and secondary clutches to swap out weights and springs. Next, follow the instructions to “flash” the new tune to your General’s ECU using the provided tuner. Do not start the engine until the correct fuel injectors are in and the ECU has been flashed.
Sustainable Power: Your Turbo Polaris General Care Guide
You’ve done the work, and now you have a beast on your hands. To ensure it lasts, you need to adjust your maintenance routine. This can you turbo a polaris general care guide is key to a long-lasting, sustainable can you turbo a polaris general build.
- More Frequent Oil Changes: Turbochargers are cooled and lubricated by engine oil and are very hard on it. Switch to a high-quality, full synthetic oil and change it more frequently—every 25-30 hours of use is a good rule of thumb.
- Let It Warm Up and Cool Down: Always let the engine idle for a minute or two before driving to get oil circulating to the turbo. Just as importantly, let it idle for 30-60 seconds after a hard run before shutting it off. This prevents “oil coking” (burnt oil) in the turbo’s bearings.
- Monitor Your Gauges: Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and consider adding an Air/Fuel Ratio (AFR) gauge and a boost gauge. These provide vital information about your engine’s health.
- Regularly Check for Leaks: Periodically inspect all your charge tube clamps, oil lines, and exhaust connections to ensure everything is tight and sealed. A boost or exhaust leak can wreak havoc on performance and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turboing a Polaris General
Will adding a turbo void my Polaris warranty?
Yes, almost certainly. Any modification to the engine, especially one as significant as a turbocharger, will give the manufacturer grounds to deny a warranty claim on any part of the powertrain. This is a “pay to play” modification.
How much does it cost to turbo a Polaris General?
A complete, reputable turbo kit typically costs between $3,500 and $5,000. If you plan to build the engine with forged internals or pay for professional installation, you should budget for several thousand dollars more.
Can I install a turbo kit myself?
If you are a confident DIY mechanic who is comfortable with tasks like changing your own clutch, replacing axles, or doing significant engine work, then yes. If you are hesitant or new to advanced mechanics, it is highly recommended to have the kit professionally installed.
Is a turbocharger an eco-friendly can you turbo a polaris general modification?
This is a complex question. While a turbo engine consumes more fuel when you’re using the extra power (“under boost”), a properly tuned turbo engine can be very efficient during normal cruising. By forcing the engine to operate more efficiently, you can sometimes see comparable or even slightly better fuel economy than a stock machine when driven gently. The power is there on demand, rather than being used all the time.
Turbocharging your Polaris General is one of the most exciting and transformative upgrades you can make. It’s a serious project that demands research, the right parts, and careful work, but the reward is a machine with breathtaking power and capability.
Follow the steps, respect the new power, and stay on top of your maintenance. Now get out there, wrench safely, and prepare to experience your General in a whole new way. We’ll see you on the trail!
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