Can a car run without a turbocharger?

A turbocharged engine can still operate in naturally aspirated mode after the turbocharger is removed or damaged, but this will cause a series of serious problems. The power output will drop significantly-for example, a 1.5T engine may lose more than 40% of its power, leading to deteriorated driving experience such as acceleration lag and difficulty climbing hills. Fuel economy will decrease instead of improving: since the ECU still injects fuel according to the boosted condition, insufficient air intake results in an overly rich air-fuel mixture, which not only increases fuel consumption but also accelerates carbon deposit formation. More critically, components like the cylinder block and pistons of a turbocharged engine are designed specifically for high pressure and high temperature; forcibly disabling the turbo may cause mechanical damage such as detonation and valve ablation. Additionally, the complex intake system of a turbocharged engine will create airflow resistance after removal, further weakening performance. Unauthorized removal of the turbocharger is an illegal modification, which will invalidate the warranty and result in insurance refusal. Currently, some models on the market such as the Nissan Teana and Mazda Atenza still use naturally aspirated engines, whose smoothness and reliability are more suitable for users who are not sensitive to turbochargers. Overall, the turbo system is highly integrated with the engine; forcibly converting it to naturally aspirated mode is neither legal nor reasonable, and scientific maintenance is the key to ensuring the turbocharger’s lifespan.