What do I need to turbo?
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wildsk810
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2000 12:01 am
What do I need to turbo?
I've seen different turbo kits and I don't know exactly what I need. Is it actually better to have electronics or do I even need them? Can I just use a turbo and a blow off valve?
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Sharkey
- Posts: 966
- Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2000 12:01 am
What do I need to turbo?
Actually, you cannot control boost with what many people call a "blow-off valve". A true blow-off valve is nothing more than a spring-loaded valve similar to the ones that come on compressed gas cannisters.
What you may be thinking of is what the magazines call a blow-off valve but in actuality is called a "compressor surge/relief valve". It is controlled by engine vacuum and opens when you close the throttle plates to vent the pressure spike that follows. If a turbo car makes a "whoosh" sound between shifts, it has a surge valve.
To answer your question, a wastegate is required to properly control boost on most turbochargers. While the spring-loaded blow-off valve would perform similarly, it wouldn't limit turbo RPMs. A wastegate vents exhaust gases so the turbo can't overspin.
If you use a special turbo called a VATN (Variable Area Turbine Nozzle) a wastegate is not required. These turbos are more expensive, more complicated, and not as dependable as standard turbochargers.
What you may be thinking of is what the magazines call a blow-off valve but in actuality is called a "compressor surge/relief valve". It is controlled by engine vacuum and opens when you close the throttle plates to vent the pressure spike that follows. If a turbo car makes a "whoosh" sound between shifts, it has a surge valve.
To answer your question, a wastegate is required to properly control boost on most turbochargers. While the spring-loaded blow-off valve would perform similarly, it wouldn't limit turbo RPMs. A wastegate vents exhaust gases so the turbo can't overspin.
If you use a special turbo called a VATN (Variable Area Turbine Nozzle) a wastegate is not required. These turbos are more expensive, more complicated, and not as dependable as standard turbochargers.