# A-Premium 2Pcs Turbocharger Kit Review: Restoring Power to Your Ford’s 3.5L Engine

Complete Turbo Kit That Brings Your Ford Back to Life

When we first encountered a Ford Explorer limping into the shop with that telltale whistle and power loss, we knew the turbos were on their way out. After installing the A-Premium 2Pcs Left and Right Complete Turbo Turbocharger Kit on multiple Ford vehicles over the past year, we’ve gained valuable insights into this replacement option that we’re excited to share with fellow DIY mechanics and automotive enthusiasts.

This isn’t just another aftermarket turbo kit—it’s a complete solution designed specifically for Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5L engines found in Explorers, Flexes, Police Interceptors, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS/MKT models. Let’s dive into what makes this kit stand out and whether it’s the right choice for your turbocharged Ford.

What’s Actually in the Box: Our Unboxing Experience

Opening the A-Premium package, we immediately appreciated the comprehensive nature of this kit. Unlike some competitors that require hunting down additional components, this set arrives ready for installation:

**Left and Right Turbochargers:** Both units come fully assembled with wastegate actuators already installed and calibrated. We measured the actuator spring tension and found it consistent with OEM specifications—a critical detail for proper boost control.

**Complete Gasket Set:** Quality gaskets for both turbos, oil feed lines, and return lines are included. We’ve noticed these gaskets compress evenly during installation, which prevented any oil seepage issues we’ve experienced with cheaper alternatives.

**Installation Hardware:** All necessary bolts and clamps come in the package, though we still recommend having extras on hand (more on this in our installation section).

The packaging itself deserves mention—each turbo arrives individually boxed with protective foam, preventing shipping damage that can plague these delicate components.

Key Features That Matter in Real-World Use

Direct OEM Replacement Design

The A-Premium kit replaces Ford part number AA5E-9G438-GD with precision fitment. During our installations, we found zero modification required for mounting—the bolt patterns align perfectly, and the compressor and turbine housings match factory orientation. This matters tremendously when you’re working in the tight confines of a Ford engine bay.

Pre-Installed Wastegate Actuators

This feature saved us considerable time. The wastegate actuators come pre-calibrated, eliminating the tedious process of adjusting boost pressure settings. In our dyno testing, the boost curves matched OEM specifications across the RPM range without any adjustment needed.

Complete Turbo System Integration

Both hot and cold sides feature the correct port configurations for coolant lines, oil feed, and oil return. We’ve seen cheaper kits require adapters or modifications here, which introduces potential leak points. The A-Premium turbos connected directly to existing lines on all applications we tested.

Heat-Resistant Construction

The turbine housings handle exhaust gas temperatures without discoloration or warping. After 5,000+ miles on our test vehicles, we performed visual inspections and found no heat-related deterioration—a common failure point in budget turbos.

Performance Testing: How These Turbos Actually Perform

We installed this kit on three different vehicles: a 2013 Ford Explorer with 142,000 miles, a 2015 Taurus Police Interceptor with 98,000 miles, and a 2014 Lincoln MKT with 115,000 miles. Here’s what we discovered:

**Boost Response:** Spooling characteristics closely mirror OEM behavior. Turbo lag is minimal, with full boost achieved by approximately 2,200 RPM—right where Ford engineered these engines to perform. Daily driving feels natural without the jerky power delivery some aftermarket turbos exhibit.

**Power Restoration:** Vehicles that previously struggled with acceleration and threw low boost codes regained their peppy character. The Explorer, which previously wheezed up highway on-ramps, now merges confidently with traffic. We measured 0-60 times that returned to factory specifications.

**Noise Levels:** The turbos produce the characteristic whoosh under acceleration without excessive whine or bearing noise. Even after several thousand miles, we haven’t detected the bearing deterioration sounds (high-pitched screaming) that indicate imminent failure.

**Temperature Management:** Exhaust gas temperatures remained within normal parameters. We monitored EGT sensors during extended highway runs and saw no concerning spikes that would indicate restricted flow or inefficient operation.

Installation Reality Check: What to Actually Expect

Skill Level Required

We rate this as an intermediate to advanced DIY job. If you’ve successfully tackled timing belts or head gaskets, you have the necessary skills. First-time turbo installers should budget extra time and patience.

**Time Investment:** Our first installation took approximately 8 hours with two experienced technicians. Subsequent installations dropped to 6 hours as we refined our process. Solo DIYers should plan for a full weekend.

Tools You’ll Actually Need

Beyond basic socket sets, these specialized tools proved essential:

– Oxygen sensor socket (offset design prevents rounding)
– Flexible ratcheting wrenches for hard-to-reach bolts
– Turbo oil feed line wrench set
– Proper jack stands rated for vehicle weight (safety first!)
– Impact wrench for stubborn exhaust manifold bolts

Installation Tips We Learned the Hard Way

**Pre-Installation Prep:** Before removing old turbos, we now spray all exhaust bolts with penetrating oil 24 hours in advance. This simple step prevented at least three broken studs.

**Oil System Cleanliness:** Flushing oil feed and return lines is critical. We use brake cleaner followed by compressed air. Old turbo debris can destroy new turbos within hours if it enters the bearing system.

**Gasket Application:** We apply a thin bead of high-temperature silicone to both sides of exhaust gaskets. While not strictly necessary, this eliminated a persistent exhaust leak on our first installation.

**Actuator Rod Verification:** Before final assembly, manually operate the wastegate to ensure smooth movement. We found one actuator slightly sticky out of the box—a quick spray of penetrating oil resolved it.

**First Start Procedure:** Prime the oil system by cranking the engine without starting (remove fuel pump fuse) for 30 seconds. This builds oil pressure before the turbos spin at high speed. We monitored oil pressure with a mechanical gauge to confirm proper flow.

Why Choose A-Premium Over Other Options?

Cost-Effectiveness Without Compromise

OEM Ford turbos retail for $1,800-$2,500 per side—that’s potentially $5,000 for a pair. Dealership labor adds another $1,500-$2,000. The A-Premium kit delivers comparable performance at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for vehicles with higher mileage where total repair costs need consideration.

Complete Kit Convenience

We’ve experienced the frustration of ordering turbos only to discover wastegate actuators, gaskets, or hardware sold separately. The A-Premium package includes everything needed (except fluids and basic consumables), eliminating multiple orders and shipping delays.

Broad Vehicle Compatibility

This single kit fits multiple Ford and Lincoln models with 3.5L EcoBoost engines:

– Ford Explorer (2011-2019)
– Ford Flex (2013-2019)
– Ford Taurus (2010-2019)
– Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility
– Lincoln MKS (2010-2016)
– Lincoln MKT (2010-2019)

Always verify your specific year and engine configuration, but this broad compatibility simplifies parts sourcing for mixed fleets or multi-vehicle households.