Factory vs. Aftermarket Turbo: What's Worth It?

Factory vs. Aftermarket Turbo: What's Worth It?

From LET'S ASSESS by Brent Cook

August 12, 2025 · 29 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the pros and cons of factory versus aftermarket turbos for snowmobiles.

In this episode of the Let's Assess podcast, we dive into a debate in the snowmobile world: factory turbos vs. aftermarket turbos. If you've ever wondered which route to take for your sled—Polaris, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, or even Lynx—this discussion is packed with insights to help you decide. From power and performance to reliability, cost, and riding preferences, we break it all down.We cover: The advantages and disadvantages of factory turbos, including unbeatable reliability, smooth throttle response, and resale value. Why aftermarket turbos can be a cost-effective option for turbocharging your existing naturally aspirated snowmobile. How the used snowmobile market impacts your decision and what you should consider before upgrading. The performance ceiling of turbocharged sleds and why more power isn’t always better in mountain riding. Real-world experiences, opinions, and the challenges that come with aftermarket setups. Whether you're a die-hard mountain rider chasing peak performance or someone looking to make a smarter financial choice, this episode could help you decide. Let us know what you think—are you team factory turbo or aftermarket turbo? Drop your thoughts in the…

People in this episode

Host: Brent Cook

Topics covered

  • snowmobiles
  • turbocharging
  • factory vs aftermarket
  • performance
  • reliability
  • cost
  • riding preferences

Keywords

  • turbo
  • snowmobile
  • performance
  • factory turbo
  • aftermarket turbo
  • reliability
  • cost
  • mountain riding

Mentioned in this episode

Products: factory turbos, aftermarket turbos

Places: Polaris, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, Lynx

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