Post by gibbscp on Mar 11, 2009 21:59:10 GMT
Turbos are one of the best innovations in automotive engine technology.
They allow a small engine to produce similar power to much larger engines.
This enables the engine to be more efficient and with the move away from large V6 and V8 engines the turbo enables a manufacturer to build a car which has both economy and performance.
Your main aim in tuning a turbo is to enhance the airflow through the turbo. This applies equally well on the exhaust and intake side. Enlarging the intake channel and polishing the internal surfaces will dramatically reduce internal friction.
Many turbos and exhaust manifolds are cast and the casting process leaves seams and pits which dramatically affect air flow.
Using ball bearings instead of thrust bearings will allow the turbo to spool up more quickly. Ball bearings also last longer than thrust bearings. Ceramic bearings have also been used for their heat resistant properties.
We should add that the larger capacity engines including the V6 and lazy V8's will produce phenomenal power gains if they were turboed as some serious drag racing members have discovered.
A 2.5 litre engine in NASP form will usually produce around 200-260 bhp. When the same engine is setup for a turbo we see power figures from 400 to 1000bhp.
Just a word of warning from GCC - the turbo is spinning at 100,000's of RPM so be cautious when you switch off it needs oil if it is going to survive. If you switch off the engine whilst the turbo is hot you will burn off the oil inside the turbo causing excessive friction and wear.
Switching off the engine also stops the delivery of fresh oil. So allow the turbo to cool down by slowing up towards the end of your journey. Sadly people are generally ignorant of the oil and heat problem and will just switch off their engine after a spirited run.
They allow a small engine to produce similar power to much larger engines.
This enables the engine to be more efficient and with the move away from large V6 and V8 engines the turbo enables a manufacturer to build a car which has both economy and performance.
Your main aim in tuning a turbo is to enhance the airflow through the turbo. This applies equally well on the exhaust and intake side. Enlarging the intake channel and polishing the internal surfaces will dramatically reduce internal friction.
Many turbos and exhaust manifolds are cast and the casting process leaves seams and pits which dramatically affect air flow.
Using ball bearings instead of thrust bearings will allow the turbo to spool up more quickly. Ball bearings also last longer than thrust bearings. Ceramic bearings have also been used for their heat resistant properties.
We should add that the larger capacity engines including the V6 and lazy V8's will produce phenomenal power gains if they were turboed as some serious drag racing members have discovered.
A 2.5 litre engine in NASP form will usually produce around 200-260 bhp. When the same engine is setup for a turbo we see power figures from 400 to 1000bhp.
Just a word of warning from GCC - the turbo is spinning at 100,000's of RPM so be cautious when you switch off it needs oil if it is going to survive. If you switch off the engine whilst the turbo is hot you will burn off the oil inside the turbo causing excessive friction and wear.
Switching off the engine also stops the delivery of fresh oil. So allow the turbo to cool down by slowing up towards the end of your journey. Sadly people are generally ignorant of the oil and heat problem and will just switch off their engine after a spirited run.
