Ultimate Turbo Blanket Guide

Joe Terrell
06/21/202121st June, 2021
Filed under Universal Guides

Fitting a turbo blanket can provide many advantages. We explain why we run them on our cars and look at our favorite blankets in this guide.

turbo blanket


In a hurry? Here are our favorite Turbo Blankets:

Budget Choice Drifted Choice Runner-Up Choice
isr performance mishimoto ptp
ISR Performance Turbo Blankets Mishimoto Turbo Blankets PTP Turbo Blankets
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Introduction & Turbo Blanket FAQ

We’re often asked whether there are advantages to running a turbo blanket and whether they genuinely provide benefits.

Therefore, we’ve opted to create this guide to answer all the questions you may have when deciding whether a turbo blanket will suit your needs.

Now, as you’ve hopefully guessed, turbo blankets are only going to be a consideration for those with turbocharged cars.

While you’re not likely to see much benefit with an OEM turbocharger, we would certainly recommend considering a turbo blanket for those of you with upgraded aftermarket turbos.

What is a turbo blanket?

If you’ve ever seen a turbocharger in an engine bay wrapped in material, the owner has opted to install a turbo blanket.

clean white drift 2jz silvia engine bay dressed

A turbo blanket wraps around the exhaust port of your turbocharger, providing a snug fit to ensure that temperatures are contained within the blanket and stopping it from spreading to other areas.

Sometimes known as a ‘turbo jacket,’ turbo blankets are a custom-sized product that behaves similarly to heat wrap, ensuring that the correct components in the bay remain hot while also allowing other parts to stay at ideal temperatures.

Turbo blanket benefits

It’ll come as no surprise that turbochargers generate a LOT of heat. The larger the turbo and power output, the higher the generated heat will be.

Without a turbo blanket, heat generated from the turbocharger will disperse around the engine bay, which can cause many heat-related performance issues and prematurely age the rubber and plastic components.

Turbo jackets are made from various materials that are fully capable of withstanding the insane temperatures that a turbocharger can reach.

2jz gte engine blue head

While basic options are constructed from fiberglass and steel mesh, premium products are often volcanic lava or titanium, capable of withstanding even higher temperatures.

If you’re interested to see the benefits of a turbo blanket, make sure you check out this fascinating three-rotor Mazda RX7 video, where the turbochargers were generating so much heat, the hood paint was cracking:

As you can see from this video, the mind-blowing results from wrapping the turbo in a blanket make a remarkable difference, proving why we feel a turbo blanket is a vital upgrade on uprated turbos.

While many believe that the only benefit is to keep the heat within the turbo, the effects of a turbo blanket can even help protect your engine from head gasket failure.

Without a blanket, the difference in temperatures between the side of the engine closest to the turbocharger and the opposite end running at cooler temps can become so drastically different that it’s capable of warping the head over time.

With a turbo blanket installed, the heat is now contained, and the temperatures are no longer drastically different between the two ends of the engine. Therefore, you’ll no longer need to be concerned about premature head gasket failure caused by the turbo’s heat.

The final benefits of a turbo blanket are that it helps keep the ‘hot side hot’ and the ‘cool side cool,’ ensuring that your engine performance isn’t getting restricted by heat soak, allowing the engine to benefit from far cooler temperatures.

close up 2jz silvia turbo charger

By keeping the turbocharger hot, you also improve efficiency thanks to increased pressure, enhancing the turbo’s spool time, and improved responsiveness in the process - benefits that drifters will certainly appreciate!

For those of you that wish to know more, this video should explain everything you could ever need to know when it comes to turbo blankets:

Turbo blanket install

Provided you have space in your engine bay, installing a turbo blanket couldn’t be much simpler and is likely to take a matter of seconds.

Although the designs vary between brands, this video should give you an idea of how simple the installation procedure is:

Fake/cheap products

As with just about every automotive accessory, you’re going to have to keep an eye out for fake products on the market.

Not only that, but given the temperatures in question and the risks that could potentially arise with an unbranded product using inferior materials, we’d certainly recommend opting for brands that you know and trust, such as the ones in this guide.

We’ve only selected the finest products in the market, and we’ve intentionally left out any products that we wouldn’t happily use on our vehicles.

nissan silvia s13 180sx 240sx 200sx s15

If you’re on a tight budget, then the cheaper fiberglass options are more than likely to be up to the task, assuming you’re not running an insanely high-powered, high-boost setup.

With that covered, let’s take a look at our turbo blanket choices.


Best Turbo Blankets

In this section, we’ll be checking out our recommended products on the market to help you find the perfect turbo blanket for your needs.

ISR Performance T25/T28 Turbo Blanket

isr performance t25 t28

Our comment: Previously known as ISIS, ISR Performance brings fantastic quality to the market at a tremendous price point.

Although we do not doubt that the titanium material used in these blankets can deal with impressively high temperatures, ISR hasn’t put a claim on the temperature limitations, which is why we’ve marked it down a score in our rating.

For those of you that aren’t going for crazy power or boost levels, this will be more than capable, but if you’re aiming for a crazy high-horsepower build, you’ll want to ensure you opt for the correct temperature blanket for your needs.

Manufacturer description:ISR Performance turbo blankets include a hi-temp rated silica insulation padding under the tight outer layer for extra added protection against extreme turbo-generated heat.

This means retaining more heat in the turbine and less damaging underhood heat. The result is a cooler air intake temperature and a boost in horsepower!


PTP T25/T28 Turbo Blanket

ptp t25 t28 lava

Our comment: Although pricier than the ISR Performance option above, PTP is known for exceptional quality. Having carried out thorough research and testing on their products, they provide precise temperature capabilities, which are essential for those with high-boost setups.

Those of you keen to ensure that you opt for nothing but the best products will want to look at this fantastic offering from PTP, capable of withstanding up to 2500°F radiant heat.

There’s also the option of the more reasonably priced fiberglass Black alternative for those of you running moderate boost levels, rated for 1100°F radiant heat.

Manufacturer description:The PTP Lava Turbo Blankets are constructed with an outer layer made from pulverized volcanic lava rock (Rated 1800°F Direct Heat / 2500°F Radiant Heat) formed into fabric and woven into a tight mesh weave.

These turbo blankets are internally insulated with high temperature calcium magnesium silicate wool (Rated 1832°F Continuous / 2300°F Peak) overlaid with a high temperature stainless steel mesh for increased durability and improved thermal resistance.

The Lava Turbo Blankets are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.


Mishimoto T25/T28 Turbo Blanket

mishimoto t25 t28

Our comment: It’s a close call between the PTP above and this Mishimoto kit, and it may simply come down to personal preference.

With both companies having a fantastic reputation in the tuning scene and both blankets capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2300°F, it can be challenging to decide between them.

However, one consideration is that the Mishimoto comes with a lifetime warranty, where the PTP turbo blanket warranty lasts just one year. So overall, it’s Mishimoto that gets the win here.

Manufacturer description:With the combination of a volcanic lava rock outer layer, and 96% silica inner layer, The Mishimoto Turbo blankets have no trouble keeping the heat from permeating throughout the engine bay.

Our Turbo blankets interior are rated to 2300°f, and can withstand up to 1800°f direct exterior heat. The Mishimoto Turbo blankets are available in a selection of sizes and also include the Mishimoto Lifetime warranty for a worry free installation.


PTP T3 Turbo Blanket

ptp t3 lava

Our comment: PTP brings three options to the market for T3 turbo owners with their Lava, Black, and Silver offerings.

Those looking to run high boost pressure will want to opt for the Lava blanket, capable of withstanding 2500°F radiant heat.

If you’re sticking with a simple, sensible-boost road setup, then the more reasonably priced fiberglass Black or Silver alternatives, rated for 1100°F radiant heat, are likely to be more than up to the task.

Whichever option you choose, you can count on PTP delivering a fantastic product.

Manufacturer description:The PTP Lava Turbo Blankets are constructed with an outer layer made from pulverized volcanic lava rock (Rated 1800°F Direct Heat / 2500°F Radiant Heat) formed into fabric and woven into a tight mesh weave.

These turbo blankets are internally insulated with high temperature calcium magnesium silicate wool (Rated 1832°F Continuous / 2300°F Peak) overlaid with a high temperature stainless steel mesh for increased durability and improved thermal resistance.

The Lava Turbo Blankets are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.


Mishimoto T3 Turbo Blanket

mishimoto t3 titanium

  • Manufacturer: Mishimoto
  • Fitment: T3
  • Material: Volcanic Lava Rock/Titanium
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Purchase link: Mishimoto T3 Turbo Blanket

Our comment: Mishimoto comes through with the goods once again for T3 owners.

Once again, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2300°F, you can count on Mishimoto to provide a fantastic product.

For those looking for the ultimate Lava choice for T3 turbos, this could well be a perfect option since Mishimoto provides a lifetime warranty with their turbo jackets.

Manufacturer description:With the combination of a volcanic lava rock outer layer, and 96% silica inner layer, The Mishimoto Turbo blankets have no trouble keeping the heat from permeating throughout the engine bay.

Our Turbo blankets interior are rated to 2300°f, and can withstand up to 1800°f direct exterior heat. The Mishimoto Turbo blankets are available in a selection of sizes and also include the Mishimoto Lifetime warranty for a worry free installation.


ISR Performance T3/T4 Turbo Blanket

isr performance t3 t4

Our comment: Although we have complete confidence that ISR Performance will deliver a solid product, we’re left frustrated by the transparency in their descriptions regarding their turbo blankets.

With other manufacturers clearly stating their products’ temperature capabilities and materials, ISR instead opts to leave things to the imagination.

While we would consider this reasonably-priced option for lower-powered setups, we would be looking at the alternative products on the market if you’ve got bigger power goals.

Manufacturer description:Keep heat away from critical engine bay components with this turbo blanket. Helps protect brake/clutch master cylinders, etc. Will not fit T25 exhaust housing!


PTP T3/T4 Turbo Blanket

ptp t3 t4 red blue silver black

Our comment: PTP once again brings some fantastic choices, whether you’re looking to brighten up your bay or go for the sensible, high-temp Lava option.

Those looking to run high boost pressure will want to opt for the Lava blanket, capable of withstanding 2500°F radiant heat.

Suppose you’re sticking with a simple, sensible-boost road setup. In that case, the more reasonably priced, colorful fiberglass alternatives, capable of withstanding 1100°F radiant heat, are likely to be more than up to the task.

Manufacturer description:The PTP Lava Turbo Blankets are constructed with an outer layer made from pulverized volcanic lava rock (Rated 1800°F Direct Heat / 2500°F Radiant Heat) formed into fabric and woven into a tight mesh weave.

These turbo blankets are internally insulated with high temperature calcium magnesium silicate wool (Rated 1832°F Continuous / 2300°F Peak) overlaid with a high temperature stainless steel mesh for increased durability and improved thermal resistance.

The Lava Turbo Blankets are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.


PTP Large T4 Turbo Blanket

ptp lava large t4

  • Manufacturer: PTP
  • Fitment: T4 – 1.32-1.44 A/R
  • Material: Volcanic Lava Rock
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Purchase link: PTP Large T4 Turbo Blanket

Our comment: This offering from PTP has been designed for larger T4 turbochargers with 1.32-1.44 A/R housings, and we wouldn’t recommend using it on smaller alternatives.

Since this is a niche product, it will suit some owners perfectly, but we’d ensure that you’re ordering the right size to avoid disappointment.

If it’s ideal for your needs, then we’re sure you won’t be disappointed, and with its potential to withstanding 2500°F radiant heat, you can run it with confidence even on high-boost setups.

Manufacturer description:The PTP Lava Turbo Blankets are constructed with an outer layer made from pulverized volcanic lava rock (Rated 1800°F Direct Heat / 2500°F Radiant Heat) formed into fabric and woven into a tight mesh weave.

These turbo blankets are internally insulated with high temperature calcium magnesium silicate wool (Rated 1832°F Continuous / 2300°F Peak) overlaid with a high temperature stainless steel mesh for increased durability and improved thermal resistance.

The Lava Turbo Blankets are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.


Mishimoto T4 Turbo Blanket

mishimoto t4 titanium

  • Manufacturer: Mishimoto
  • Fitment: T4
  • Material: Volcanic Lava Rock/Titanium
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Purchase link: Mishimoto T4 Turbo Blanket

Our comment: This Mishimoto turbo blanket could be a perfect choice for those who don’t require the ‘larger’ offering from PTP above.

Like the rest of their Lava/Titanium product line, these jackets can withstand temperatures up to 2300°F and come with the Mishimoto lifetime warranty for ultimate peace of mind.

Manufacturer description:With the combination of a volcanic lava rock outer layer, and 96% silica inner layer, The Mishimoto Turbo blankets have no trouble keeping the heat from permeating throughout the engine bay.

Our Turbo blankets interior are rated to 2300°f, and can withstand up to 1800°f direct exterior heat. The Mishimoto Turbo blankets are available in a selection of sizes and also include the Mishimoto Lifetime warranty for a worry free installation.


PTP T6 Turbo Blanket

 ptp lava t6

Our comment: PTP once again brings some fantastic offerings for T6 owners, whether you’re looking for a subtle black turbo blanket or the sensible, high-temp Lava option.

If you’re going for a high-boost setup, we highly recommend opting for the Lava blanket, capable of withstanding 2500°F radiant heat.

For lower-boost setups, the cheaper black fiberglass alternative, capable of withstanding 1100°F radiant heat, is likely to be up to the task.

Manufacturer description:The PTP Lava Turbo Blankets are constructed with an outer layer made from pulverized volcanic lava rock (Rated 1800°F Direct Heat / 2500°F Radiant Heat) formed into fabric and woven into a tight mesh weave.

These turbo blankets are internally insulated with high temperature calcium magnesium silicate wool (Rated 1832°F Continuous / 2300°F Peak) overlaid with a high temperature stainless steel mesh for increased durability and improved thermal resistance.

The Lava Turbo Blankets are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.


Mishimoto T6 Turbo Blanket

mishimoto t6 titanium

  • Manufacturer: Mishimoto
  • Fitment: T6
  • Material: Volcanic Lava Rock/Titanium
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Purchase link: Mishimoto T6 Turbo Blanket

Our comment: Our final T6 offering comes from Mishimoto, with their exceptional quality lava turbo blanket.

If you’re looking for a T6 option that is capable of withstanding the highest temperatures, then look no further, as this interior is rated to a max temperature of 2300°F.)

Combine this with Mishimoto’s lifetime warranty, and it’s easy to see why we feel that this is the ultimate turbo blanket for T6 owners.

Manufacturer description:With the combination of a volcanic lava rock outer layer, and 96% silica inner layer, The Mishimoto Turbo blankets have no trouble keeping the heat from permeating throughout the engine bay.

Our Turbo blankets interior are rated to 2300°f, and can withstand up to 1800°f direct exterior heat. The Mishimoto Turbo blankets are available in a selection of sizes and also include the Mishimoto Lifetime warranty for a worry free installation.


Our winners


Our Drifted Choice goes to Mishimoto

Mishimoto provides our favorite turbo blankets.

Given that there’s very little to choose between the excellent products from both Mishimoto and PTP, it mainly comes down to the fact that Mishimoto offers a lifetime warranty on their products.

Since turbo blankets will frequently be operating at insanely high temperatures, we feel that a lifetime warranty goes a long way.

Capable of withstanding the highest temperatures in the guide and known for their impressive quality, we’re sure that you’ll be delighted with any of the Mishimoto products in this guide.

Mishimoto Turbo Blankets

mishimoto t3 titanium


Our Runner-Up

PTP is a serious contender for the crown.

While many would agree that their turbo blankets are on-par with the Mishimoto offerings, with some even preferring PTP, it was Mishimoto’s lifetime warranty that handed them the win.

With various colors, sizes, and materials to choose from, we’re confident that PTP’s products will be a perfect solution, and they do still come with a one-year warranty.

While some of the color choices may be tempting, remember that you’ll want to opt for their Lava options if you’re going for a high-boost, high-temperature setup.

PTP Turbo Blankets

ptp t3 lava


Our Budget Consideration

ISR Performance delivers on price.

Although they offer the most affordable products in our guide, we were disappointed by the lack of transparency from ISR Performance.

For that reason, we would only recommend considering their turbo jackets on lower-boost setups that aren’t going to be reaching higher temperatures.f

Given ISR Performance’s reputation in the industry, we do not doubt that they’ll provide a great product; we wish they could inform owners of the precise temperatures they’re capable of withstanding.

ISR Performance Turbo Blankets

isr performance t3 t4

Thank you for reading our Turbo Blanket guide.


Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

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author avatar Written by Joe Terrell Drifted.com founder, motoring journalist and all-round car enthusiast. Read more about Joe and the Drifted team on our about us page.

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