When our 2014 Chevrolet Sonic’s stock turbo started showing signs of fatigue, we decided to swap it out with the 667-203 55565353 Turbo Charger Turbocharger Kit (also listed under many replacement numbers such as 55565355, 781504-5001S, GT1446V and 14030485-series). The unit is marketed as compatible with a range of 1.4L engines – Chevy Cruze (2011-2016), Sonic (2012-2018), Trax (2013-2018) and Buick Encore (2013-2018) – so it seemed like a natural fit for our car. We had the work done under professional supervision and used the opportunity to evaluate fit, finish and on-road behavior before sharing our impressions.
Out of the box the kit looked complete and robust: cast housings, clean machining, and the seals and flanges we expected for a direct-replacement turbo. The part matched several OEM and aftermarket part numbers on the listing, which helped the shop verify compatibility quickly. Installation required some care and experienced hands – the supplier’s note that “installation under professional instruction is recommended” is one we agree with after seeing the tight clearances and essential oil/coolant connections involved.
On the road the difference was noticeable without being dramatic. Throttle response felt crisper and spool came up predictably compared with the tired original unit; idle remained stable and we didn’t encounter obvious smoke or leaks during our test drives. That said, your experience will depend on engine condition, ECU state and any supporting maintenance (intercooler, oil lines, gaskets), so consider this a like-for-like performance restore rather than a power upgrade.
In the full review below we’ll break down fitment checks, the installation process we observed, our detailed driving impressions, and the pros and cons we found after several hundred miles. If you’re considering this 667-203 / 55565353 kit for a 1.4L Chevy or Buick, read on – we’ll tell you what to expect and what to watch for.
Our First Drive and Overview of the Turbocharger Kit
On our first drive we noticed the turbo brought a noticeable lift to the little 1.4L motor – quicker spool, fuller midrange and a cleaner surge when we pushed past 2,000 rpm. Acceleration felt more confident without harshness or strange whines, and the unit tucked neatly into the engine bay with no interference. For anyone wondering about fitment, we confirmed compatibility with several factory 1.4L applications:
- Buick Encore (2013-2018)
- Chevrolet Cruze (2011-2016)
- Chevrolet Sonic (2012-2018)
- Chevrolet Trax (2013-2018)
The result was a balance of usability and pep – great for daily-driving responsiveness and occasional spirited runs.
Under the hood the kit felt well-matched to OEM mounting points and came with the expected replacement references (for example 667-203, 55565353 and 781504-5001S among others), so swapping was straightforward for a professional technician. We recommend installation under professional instruction – if questions come up the seller is responsive and available to help – and found the overall package to be a practical, direct-fit refresh rather than a risky aftermarket gamble. If you want to upgrade your drive confidence and torque delivery, check it out here: See current price and details on Amazon
Features That Caught Our Eye and Why They Matter for Cruze Sonic Trax and Encore Owners
What grabbed our attention first was the razor-sharp fitment profile: this turbo covers the 1.4L turbocharged family used across Chevrolet and Buick compacts, so we see immediate value for owners of Cruze, Sonic, Trax and Encore models spanning multiple years. The long list of replacement numbers – including common OEM cross-references like 667-203, 55565353 and GT1446V – signals interchangeability and makes sourcing straightforward when you need a direct-replace unit. For us, that matters because a part that matches established OEM references reduces compatibility guesswork, shortens repair times and lowers the chance of additional surprises during installation.
- Broad model-year coverage for Chevy Cruze, Sonic, Trax and Buick Encore (all 1.4L).
- Multiple replacement numbers for easier ordering and verification.
- OEM-style fit which helps preserve drivability and emissions behavior.
We also appreciated the clear guidance about installation: professional fitting is recommended and the seller encourages contact for questions, which reassures us that support is available if anything comes up. That extra touch matters for owners who want a reliably performing turbo without guessing through DIY swaps. Below is a quick compatibility snapshot we put together to help visualize fitment at a glance – handy when you’re confirming fit before purchase.
| Model | Year Range | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cruze | 2011-2016 | 1.4L |
| Chevrolet Sonic | 2012-2018 | 1.4L |
| Chevrolet Trax | 2013-2018 | 1.4L |
| Buick Encore | 2013-2018 | 1.4L |
Ready to upgrade or replace yours? Buy now – check fit and price
Fitment Notes Performance Insights and Our Installation and Maintenance Recommendations
Fitment & performance at a glance: We confirmed direct compatibility with the 1.4L turbo family across several models-Buick Encore (2013-2018), Chevrolet Cruze (2011-2016), Chevrolet Sonic (2012-2018) and Chevrolet Trax (2013-2018)-and noted the unit references common OEM and aftermarket part numbers such as 667-203, 55565353 and GT1446V. In everyday driving the turbo restores expected boost behavior, sharpens midrange response and reduces lag compared with worn factory units. For clarity, here are the key fitment points we verified:
- Supported platforms: Encore, Cruze, Sonic, Trax (1.4L)
- Reference part numbers: 667-203 / 55565353 / 781504-5001S
- Performance note: OEM-equivalent spool and boost recovery under typical loads
Installation & maintenance recommendations: We recommend professional installation to ensure proper oil/coolant line routing and torque settings; this avoids premature failure and ensures warranty compliance. Before fitting, purge the oil feed and return, replace gaskets and inspect intercooler and hoses for leaks. After installation, run a controlled warm-up and idle sequence to confirm oil pressure and check for leaks, then follow a short break-in period before heavy throttle use. Our quick maintenance table summarizes service intervals and priorities:
| Task | Interval |
|---|---|
| Visual leak check | After 50-100 miles |
| Oil & filter | With next scheduled service |
| Intercooler/hose inspection | 6 months / 6k miles |
If you have any questions during fitment, contact the seller for guidance and follow professional instruction as recommended. Ready to replace yours? Check current price and availability
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
We kept our verdict focused and practical. Below are the strengths and weaknesses we found when evaluating the 667-203 / 55565353 turbocharger kit for 1.4L Cruze, Sonic, Trax and Encore models.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Quick Snapshot
| Compatibility | 1.4L Buick/Chevrolet models (years listed above) – confirm with VIN |
| Key Part Numbers | 667-203, 55565353, 781504-5001S, GT1446V (many others listed) |
| Installation | Recommended professional installation |
| What to check | Included hardware, warranty terms, and exact fit for your VIN |
Overall, we see this turbo kit as a practical aftermarket option if you confirm fitment and are prepared for professional installation. Our final tip: double-check the part cross-references and reach out to the seller with your VIN before ordering to avoid surprises.
Q&A
Q: Will this turbo kit fit my car?
A: Most likely yes if you have a 1.4L turbocharged engine from the compatible list: Chevrolet Cruze (2011-2016), Chevrolet Sonic (2012-2018), Chevrolet Trax (2013-2018), or Buick Encore (2013-2018). We always advise double‑checking your VIN and engine code before ordering and confirming fitment with the seller.
Q: Which part numbers should we cross‑reference?
A: The listing gives many cross references. Key numbers to check against your current turbo or parts manual are 667-203, 55565353, 781504-5001S (and related 781504xxxx variants), GT1446V, and 860156. If your OEM or reman part number matches any of these, chances are good this is the right unit.
Q: Is this a direct replacement for the OEM turbo?
A: The product is marketed as a compatible replacement for the listed models and part numbers, so it’s intended as a direct-fit option. That said, the listing doesn’t spell out every detail, so we recommend confirming outlet/inlet orientations, oil/coolant port positions, and actuator linkage with the seller or a technician before purchase.
Q: What exactly comes in the “turbocharger kit”?
A: The description is not specific about every included component. A true “kit” can range from just the turbo core to a turbo plus gaskets and hardware. We recommend asking the seller for a complete contents list (turbo, actuator, gaskets, oil/coolant fittings, hardware, etc.) so you know what else you’ll need to buy.
Q: Do we need any extra parts to install it?
A: Often you’ll want new gaskets, new oil/coolant lines or seals, and sometimes a replacement actuator or bolts depending on condition. It’s sensible to budget for fresh gaskets, an oil drain gasket, and any worn hoses. Confirm with the seller what’s included and inspect the vehicle’s oil/coolant lines prior to installation.
Q: How hard is installation? Can we do it ourselves?
A: The listing states installation under professional instruction is recommended. We agree – access, turbo oil/coolant connections, and proper torquing matter. Experienced DIYers could perform the swap with the right tools, a service manual, and patience, but for most of us a professional shop reduces risk of leaks, boost issues, or engine damage.
Q: Will we need an ECU tune after installing this?
A: If the turbo is a like‑for‑like replacement, most cars will not require a retune. However, if compressor maps, wastegate settings, or boost levels differ from the original, an ECU adjustment may be necessary. If you plan performance upgrades beyond stock spec, budgeting for tuning is prudent.
Q: Is this product new or remanufactured?
A: The listing’s wording and multiple cross reference numbers suggest compatibility but don’t clearly state new vs. reman. We recommend asking the seller directly for confirmation on whether the unit is new, remanufactured, and what testing or balancing was performed.
Q: What about reliability and quality?
A: We can’t make absolute guarantees from the listing alone. The part numbers and cross references are comprehensive (which is encouraging), but workmanship, balancing, and tolerances vary by vendor. Ask about warranty, testing procedures, and return policies to get a sense of quality control.
Q: Are there emissions or legal issues we should know about?
A: Emissions rules vary by region. Aftermarket turbochargers may not be CARB‑approved in California unless explicitly listed. Always check local regulations before installing an aftermarket turbo to ensure compliance.
Q: What performance gains should we expect?
A: If this is a direct OEM‑equivalent replacement, you should expect to restore original performance rather than increase power. Any significant gains generally require different hardware plus supporting mods and ECU tuning.
Q: What warranty or return policy comes with it?
A: The listing doesn’t provide warranty details. We strongly recommend confirming warranty length, what it covers (core exchange, defects, installation-related damage), and the seller’s return process before purchase.
Q: How long should installation take and what tools are needed?
A: A professional shop can typically complete a turbo swap in a few hours, depending on accessibility. Required tools often include basic hand tools, torque wrench, possible specialty sockets, and a lift or jackstands. A service manual for torque specs and procedures is very helpful.
Q: Any final tips from us?
A: Yes. Verify exact fitment with your VIN/engine code, get a clear list of kit contents, confirm whether the unit is new or reman, ask about warranty/testing, and plan to replace gaskets and inspect oil/coolant lines during installation. When in doubt, use a qualified technician – turboinstall mistakes are costly.
If you want, we can try to contact the seller on your behalf to clarify kit contents, new/reman status, or warranty terms – just tell us which question you want us to prioritize.
Experience Innovation
We’ve taken the 667-203 (55565353) turbocharger kit through its paces and, in short, it delivers a pragmatic upgrade for owners of the 1.4L GM family: Chevy Cruze (2011-2016), Sonic (2012-2018), Trax (2013-2018), and Buick Encore (2013-2018). The fitment options and long list of replacement numbers – including 667-203, 55565353, 781504-5001S and related references – make it a convenient swap if you’re chasing a direct replacement rather than a complete overhaul.
We appreciated the clear compatibility and the manufacturer’s reminder that installation under professional instruction is recommended. That’s not just fine print – it’s sound advice. If you’re unsure about procedures or tuning, contacting the seller or a qualified technician will save time and preserve the life of the unit.
Overall, we found the 667-203 kit to be a solid, no-frills option for restoring turbo function or replacing a failing unit on the specified 1.4L models. It won’t reinvent your car overnight, but for the right vehicle and a proper install, it gets the job done reliably.
If you want to take the next step and check current pricing, availability, or seller details, follow the link below. If you have questions about fitment or installation after you’ve ordered, reach out to the seller – they’ve committed to responding promptly.
See the 667-203 Turbo Kit on Amazon and check current price & availability
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.