Boosted Cars, Read.

[SRinside]

My statement first, the question follows.

I daily drive my 240, as you know it is turbo'd. After getting over the fact that "OMGWTFSR20LOL"... I hardly get into boost anymore. Whenever i'm driving to work/home or just driving around i'll consistently hold 10 vacuum when accelerating. I'll MAYBE take it to 0 if i'm going up a hill, even then I usually just downshift to a lower gear. Last time I got into full boost "12psi" was at the drift event a couple weeks ago.

My question is, am I prolonging/shortening my engine's life in any way? How do you people drive your turbo'd cars? Should I get into boost more often?

I'm not really looking for input directed specifically towards me, but towards the idea itself.

Post any and all thoughts, experience, and opinions.

[Jserman]

your not really prolonging but more like reducing the chance of something bad happening..

your motor is designed to handle the boost and yes the more you use it the more it will wear but nothing out of the ordinary.

[vteclol]

just boost everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DOOOOOOOOO ITTTTTTTTTTTT NOW O.o

[APEXMX5]

driving like that is easier on everything. Fuel pump, bushings, bearings, waterpump, etc...

not only have you reduced cyl pressures, but also your engine is spending less time at higher rpms, running cooler, chassis is feeling less Gs, you are going slower so your brakes are getting a rest.

having said all that, your motor is designed for boost but there is always some normal wear, and your new driving habits are def slowing that wear.

If a person must DD there track car then you are doing the way it should be done. Nice and eeeZZZZ LOL!

[Rob]

As I said on IMS;

The argument that you need to clean the carbon out of your motor died a long time ago. Fuel, ignition systems and most importantly cylinder head design has come a long way since when that statement had any merit. Feel free to drive it however you want, grandma it forever if you want.

The fact of the matter is that most modern engines will put up with a whole hell of a lot of abuse and if all is well (ecu has access to all it's sensors and injectors aren't clogged, etc.) you'd be hard pressed to do any real damage in or out of boost. But there is obviously less stress on the rotating assembly and your wallet if you keep your foot out of it. Generally speaking not being in boost constantly will prolong the life of your motor.

[SRinside]

I pretty much agree with you Rob, the thing about getting into boost helping the motor was really directed towards the turbocharger itself, I don't want it to get lazy or something since i'm never spooling it up.

[beanerstyle]

it won't get lazy. it does the same thing everyday. the only thing that would kill it is improper maintenance and always being in boost. makes it work harder.

[zenkiderek]

I BOOST EVERYWHERE.

[jfrolang]

Boost is the whole reason you have a turbo, I'd feel like it was a waste of money if I didn't get into positive pressure once in a while.

[Squarl]

lol a turbo isnt a muscle, its not gonna die if you dont push it. The fact is that no matter what your turbo is always going, if its not pushing positive pressure or not doesnt really matter. These things are designed to spin at over 45,000 rpm. and when idling are going at 15,000 IIR. just keep it oiled and cool and you shouldn’t have a problem with it for 100,000 or so miles or more, there was a saab with a garett turbo, and engine, that lasted more then 1 million miles that still boosted as smooth as cream. You really dont have to worry, turbo technology has been around for more then 100 years...

cliff notes: stop pussy footing, its a solid technology with proper maintenance, like what bozo said.

[zenkiderek]

Boost is the whole reason you have a turbo, I'd feel like it was a waste of money if I didn't get into positive pressure once in a while.

ever since i did that pull with you i've had a coolant leak that produces smoke from my turbo area. need to get that figured out.

[SRinside]

STFU your not booztid :D

[turbo2cam]

the turbo is spinning constantly, ALL the time....from start up to shut down. so there is no worries about it getting "lazy". guess i missed that part in the conversations on ims.