turbo basics

here are a few guides to turbocharging basics..thought id post them.. they might help out those just learning...

http://overboost.com/story.asp?id=1232

http://overboost.com/story.asp?id=1048

http://overboost.com/story.asp?id=101

feel free to add anything..

good info

The book "Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell is another good reference

havent checked them out but i will when i get the chance. thanks buddy

AF has their own turbo 101 and turbo vs supercharger 101 for all you information seekers.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=201348

that thread is an awesome one too^^

overboost has a great auto tech section, make sure to check it out sometime... i think its an overall pretty good site...

Wow, thanks! Those links were really helpful. I didn't really realize how basic a turbo system is.

Couple of questions though:
1. Is the wastegate a preset pressure relief valve?
2. Is the blow-off valve a pressure relieve valve, or does it just open as soon as the throttle shuts?

Thanks again for the links.

Wow, thanks! Those links were really helpful. I didn't really realize how basic a turbo system is.

Couple of questions though:
1. Is the wastegate a preset pressure relief valve?
2. Is the blow-off valve a pressure relieve valve, or does it just open as soon as the throttle shuts?

Thanks again for the links.

1. In short, yes.. say the boost level is set at 10psi... the wastegate is activated when that pressure level is hit.. and from there, the exhaust gas is directed down the downpipe and out your exhaust.
2. the blow off valve is a pressure release valve, when the throttle is closed there is still boost flowing, so it needs a place to go (because the throttle body is closed). The blow off valve then opens to release this extra pressure. this is all mentioned in the above articles, so read up.

I don't want to sound like a smart ass, but it's actually not mentioned in the articles above, which is why I asked. I understand what a blowoff valve does, and why it is used. The question I asked is if it's a pressure relief valve or if it opens as the throttles are shut. It doesn't say which it does, all it says is exactly what you said, throttle shuts, pressure builds up and needs somewhere to go, I just wanted to know exactly how it got there.

Also, about the wastegate, I just wanted to know if it was a pressure regulator or a pressure relief. After reading the article again, it seems to be a diaphragm pressure regulator, since it slowly opens and closes.

I am a mechanic. So just because I'm new to turbos, doesn't mean I'm new to mechanical theory and basic mechanics.

I am a mechanic. So just because I'm new to turbos, doesn't mean I'm new to mechanical theory and basic mechanics.

I understand that definately, my dad has been a mechanic for about 25 years, but he doesnt really know that much about the modern turbo systems and such, yet when it comes to rebuilding a tranny he'll make me look like an idiot in a few seconds (hes learning all this quickly from helping me work on my car though).

The wastegate is a preset valve, but there are many ways to get around/adjust to your own needs. If your interested in some basic affordable methods let me know.

The BOV has a line going to the throttle body, and under boost the pressure keeps the BOV shut, but when the throttle closes the vacuum inside the intake manifold sucks the BOV opening. This is why you have to mount your BOV line after the throttle plate. I think that pretty much answered your question.

I am a mechanic. So just because I'm new to turbos, doesn't mean I'm new to mechanical theory and basic mechanics.

i didnt mean to make it sound like i was patronizing you.. thats not what i was doing.. i thought i had read it in one of the articles tho. but yes, like hit_n_run-player said.. the wastegate is a preset (using a boost controller) pressure regulator compared to the bov, which is a pressure relief. hopefully this answers your questions, but let us know if it doesnt.

Haha, just seems like some miscommunication :). Everything is clear now. Those were some really awesome articles, too. Thanks for posting that, you saved me a long time of searching to find such a good compendium.

no problem, glad i could be some help to you. theres some great articles out there... finding them is the challenge lol.

Haha, just seems like some miscommunication :). Everything is clear now. Those were some really awesome articles, too. Thanks for posting that, you saved me a long time of searching to find such a good compendium.

most articles today, arent really all that descriptive about turbochargers, or anything else. Take the BOV section in the article as an example, they explain what it does, but they dont talk about how it works or what makes it work. Thats why if you really want to know, the best way is to get ahold of a turbocharged car and start working on one yourself. Ask questions and you'll figure out quick. As long as you have some mechanic skills and have the gift to figure out how things work, most likely you can just look at it and run through the system and then go "ohhh, so thats what does it".. Thats how i run atleast.

^^very true... hands on experience>articles. nothing beats good old elbow grease

Yeah, that's the plan. Money is the problem. I can't really afford anything decent for now. I figured I'll just study up on whatever I can for now, and when the time comes, I'll be able to work my way through it. I think the first project will be KA-T. That's whenever I blow my 150k mi KA now.

yea, trust me i hear you there. my project is so dragged out because of the money situation. If youre planning on going KA-T... ka-t.org is an awesome site for support, tech articles etc (if you didnt already know about it)... alot of the guys here are on the forums there too.

I'll definitely check it out. This project probably won't start for a few more years. Being in the Navy and being in and out to sea all the time, just no stablility for it. I'll probably just wait for shore duty :frown:. Reading all the articles just make me want to go outside right now and start working. Then I realize I don't have anything to work with...

rb>ka>sr .. in some cases..

turbo rocks!

Very true, in a perfect world. However, repair parts aren't readily available for SR stateside. If I'm just working on my first engine, I probably should have one with parts available when I blow stuff up.

Can someone give me information on variable vane turbo's like what they are using on the new 911's? It has something to do with egr keeping the turbo spooled. If anyone has any tech info on this please post it.(I know the shit is exspensive I just want to know how it works.)

post a thread about this in the main or tech section, more people will see it than if its in here