Can somebody enlighten me on this? I'm so confused right now.

 

Turbo's are not cooled, they are oiled at their bearing(s), which are in the center between the intake and exhaust housings.

 

Thanks man.

 

Well, actually, that's not quite right.
Yes, of course turbos are oiled. However, the oil does actually help to carry some heat away, as it is absorbed through the metal of the turbo, and into the oil as it flows through, and then back into the pan, to be run through the oil cooler. That's pretty much the same concept as any oiled bearings or surfaces on the vehicle ( gears in trans and diff, bearings in the motor, pistons being sprayed by the COOLING jets, etc..) Oil is of course a lubricant, but it heat absorption/removal is also an important aspect of its function
Also, the fresh air being pulled through the compressor side also absorbs and carries away some heat (via convection), to be dissipated by the intercooler.

Further, while it doesn't apply to our stock turbos, there are some turbos that are water cooled. https://turbobygarrett.com/turbobyga...water_plumbing

 

More info:
http://www.turbobygarrett.com/turbob...er_Cooling.pdf