IHI Turbo

About IHI Turbo

Few names in the forced-induction world carry the weight and history that IHI Turbo does. IHI Corporation traces its roots all the way back to the Ishikawajima Shipyard, established in 1853, and its turbocharger division was formally founded in 1959. Over the decades that followed, the company evolved into one of the engineering world's most respected heavy-industries conglomerates. IHI turbochargers have been a cornerstone of that legacy, with the brand having surpassed 100 million units of turbocharger production — a milestone that speaks to both scale and enduring trust from the world's top automakers.

A Global OEM Powerhouse

IHI is not simply an aftermarket supplier — it is a genuine Tier 1 OEM partner. IHI America serves a wide range of industries, including agriculture, industrial, marine, commercial vehicle, military, passenger vehicle, and specialty/recreational vehicle sectors. Past and present OEM customers include Ford, General Motors, Fiat, Isuzu, Chrysler, Mercury Marine, and Generac, among others. When an engine leaves the factory with a turbocharged badge, there is a strong chance IHI engineering is behind it.

IHI Turbo America (ITA), a wholly owned subsidiary headquartered in Shelbyville, Illinois, was established in 1980 to build turbocharger manufacturing operations in North America. ITA designs, markets, manufactures, and distributes turbocharger and supercharger products for internal combustion engine applications across the continent. In 2004, ITA expanded its capabilities to include screw superchargers, making it the only company in the world to mass-produce this type of forced-induction technology.

Engineering Excellence Across the RH Series

IHI's RH-series turbochargers — including the RHF, RHE, RHS, and RHZ lines — are developed and manufactured under license and represent state-of-the-art turbocharger engineering. These units are available with both mixed-flow and radial-flow turbines and are engineered to deliver high-pressure ratios, wide operating ranges, and excellent throttle response while meeting increasingly strict emissions regulations. The RHS and RHZ series are designed to be interchangeable with the preceding RHF series, making upgrades and replacements more straightforward for technicians and enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the automotive segment, IHI's turbocharger catalog extends into heavy truck, marine, construction machinery, and industrial engine applications, underscoring the versatility and robustness of their designs. Whether a driver needs a factory-spec replacement for a Subaru WRX, a Ford Powerstroke diesel, or a GM Duramax, IHI offers solutions engineered to OEM tolerances.

Quality Standards and Certification

IHI Turbo America has maintained rigorous quality standards since producing its first RHB5 turbochargers for Ford Motor Co. in 1986. The company has held continuous quality certifications including ISO 9001 and the current TS16949:2014 standard. This unwavering commitment to quality control is reflected in the reliability and field longevity that technicians and vehicle owners have come to expect from the IHI brand. For enthusiasts seeking performance upgrades, IHI also offers dedicated high-performance turbocharger lines developed for motorsport and tuning applications.