Turbonator

ginzy · #1 05-24-2005, 05:33 PM

Has anyone heard about this shit? Has anyone installed on thier ride?
This what the site says
"the Turbonator increases horsepower and fuel economy. An emissions lab, licensed by the EPA conducted tests on non-moving vortex generators that produced results as high as 20 horsepower and 24% increases in mileage. Other independent studies yielded results as high as 35 HP and 31% MPG"

Or its just throwing your money.....

ginzy · #2 06-08-2005, 05:03 PM

C'mon guys not even a single input so far . I m curious to know does it really improves HP

ScarabEpic22 · #3 06-08-2005, 08:48 PM

I have heard mixed reviews. Some say it helps w/mileage, some say it is a POS and is a waste of money. Personally, I went with the throttle Body spacer instead, which I can now say is well worth the money.

Erik

dach95 · #4 06-08-2005, 09:53 PM

I have the Tornado which is similar to the Turbonator.

There are numerous good reviews and bad ones as well. I personally think it helps with power and mpg, but not as the box claims.

I was considering the throttle spacer but backed away because of annoying whistle noise it produce.

UPDATE (10/13): NO NOISE, it's the V8 version that has the annoying noise issue. I now have one installed in lieu of the tornado. Both device swirls the air essentially. But, the spacer does it better with no restriction.

Most people say they are useless because it does not supercharge your TB and give you "massive power gain and performance" that they want.

Tornado worked well for me at the lower rpm range, and does save me gas driving on city roads.

balboasdelight · #5 06-09-2005, 10:37 AM

Never heard of it. OTOH, I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday. Their web site is a case study in snake oil sales.

"The Turbonator is a non-moving vortex generator..." Um, OK...

"An emissions lab, licensed by the EPA conducted tests on vortex generators that produced [fabulous results]" Wait a second. First, AN emissions lab? Why is it anonymous? If I had scientific proof of the efficacy of my product, I'd put the whole report on my web site for all to read. They won't even name the alleged lab.

Second, I detect some VERY careful wording here. The anonymous emissions lab "conducted tests on vortex generators." Hmmm. Did they conduct tests on NON-MOVING vortex generators, which is what the Turbonator is very carefully (and repeatedly) described as being? Or were their tests (that produced such dramatic effects) on ACTIVE vortex generators? Without a citation to the test results -- or even the name of the lab -- there is no way to tell. (BTW, I believe there is a term for an active vortex generator -- it's called a turbocharger).

Finally, what IS a "non-moving vortex generator?" It's a bunch of fixed, helical fins inside a section of air tube that impart a circular spin to airflow in the tube. I suppose it is possible that such a simple trick may improve engine performance. I suppose it is even possible that GM -- with all its scientists and engineers, under market pressure to produce vehicles with more power and under regulatory pressure to raise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions -- could (a) be totally unaware that spinning airflow increases power and efficiency with no detremental effect, or (b) never happened to think of the simple expedient of forming some helical fins inside the air tube to induce that spin. I suppose it's also possible the dietary supplement on last night's info-mercial really does cure male pattern baldness and burns fat without exercise and increases my sexual performance -- but I still ain't buying any.

Enjoy your Turbonators, guys. Skeptics like me will just miss out on all this massive power and performanace gain. Our loss, I'm sure...

.

ginzy · #6 06-09-2005, 06:20 PM

Ok got it . Its worthless... What about the JET Stage 2 PCM. I read many good reviews only. Are there any negative also?? Should I go for it?

ScarabEpic22 · #7 06-09-2005, 08:26 PM

BTW, after installing the spacer in my TB, I can barely hear it even under acceleration. If you dont have the radio on at all, and really put the pedal to the metal, then it is noticeable, but otherwise you will probably never hear it.

Just my .02.

agustincorrea · #8 06-14-2005, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dach95

I have the Tornado which is similar to the Turbonator.

There are numerous good reviews and bad ones as well. I personally think it helps with power and mpg, but not as the box claims.

I was considering the throttle spacer but backed away because of annoying whistle noise it produce.

We're I can find the Spacer for my 2004 Trailblazer? Does it really helps improve power and millage? Mine stals sometimes. Had a 2005 rented for one week also 6 cyl and had much more power than mine.

ginzy · #9 06-14-2005, 04:41 PM

You can get it for $97 but below is offering FREE SHIPPING @ $ 99.86

http://www.car-stuff.com/performance...=throttle_body

I have already ordered mine along the cold air intake. Hear good views about it. Hope it works out....

TruthSeeker · #10 09-28-2005, 07:53 AM

Okay People here it is. Tornados, Throttle Body Spacers and ALL that type of crap ONLY work if the air and fuel are mixed at the throttle body, or Carb. The concept here is to blend the two better by giving it more time to mix with a spacer or to speed up the air (swirl it) with the tornado. If your vehicale is a 95 or newer I'm sure your up to date with fuel injection in the head where the air/fuel is actually mixed rendering the products useless. It MIGHT make a 1/2 ml/gal of differance on the interstate at best when the flow is strong but it's doubtful. The Tornado will surely help restrict your air flow along with the air mass sensor and filter. Want power try Headers, Power Programer, Chips, Cold Air Intake, After Maket Air Mass Sensor, and thats about it. You can only inprove performance with these mods but they do work. Want muscle pull the engine do a cam swap and a hole lot of high $ stuff. If you'd like to argue show me a Dyno test with a spacer on a newer model OR explain why the tornado infomercial shows Dyno test on a carburated vehicale, thier both the same concept. Any other arguement will be ignored due to your lack of knowledge on the subject.

ScarabEpic22 · #11 09-28-2005, 10:01 PM

I agree, the Tornado/etc is crap, and it doesnt work. I have to disagree with you on the TBS though, as I am getting 2mpg better with it. Personal preference, but it works for me, so I dont care what anyone says. I think the TBS would be more effective on a carburated or Throttle Body injected setup, but it works great on my TB. Also, they dont make programmers for the 4.2L I6 yet, no one makes headers, and there is not a MAF on the 4.2L I6 either. The 5.3L V8 has a few programmers and a MAF, but thats it.

TruthSeeker · #12 09-28-2005, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScarabEpic22

I agree, the Tornado/etc is crap, and it doesnt work. I have to disagree with you on the TBS though, as I am getting 2mpg better with it. Personal preference, but it works for me, so I dont care what anyone says. I think the TBS would be more effective on a carburated or Throttle Body injected setup, but it works great on my TB. Also, they dont make programmers for the 4.2L I6 yet, no one makes headers, and there is not a MAF on the 4.2L I6 either. The 5.3L V8 has a few programmers and a MAF, but thats it.

I think you mean a 4.3L not 4.2 maybe thats why you can't find other stuff. Hypertech has a programmer for the 4.3L, and headers are out there to I just don't remember where I seen them. Question I have for you though is, was the CAI installed at the same time as the TBS? And I did say "it might save gas on the interstate" but it seems to take to long to pay off at the small gain they achieve and ONLY on the highway.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why multi-million dollar automotive engineers haven't tried this or even use it? Maybe it saves gas only while using specific driving habits but overall downs performance to the multi-million dollar designers intentions on overall performance. Want an easy gain try a after market air mass sensor. Thier about $350 for the 4.3L, they will drink fuel but is far better than a CAI for the money.

And for ANYONE who reads this "Breath in Breath out" don't suck it in if it can't blow it out. Intake and Exhaust are a married couple so don't wreck the marrage!!!

ScarabEpic22 · #13 09-29-2005, 12:27 AM

No, there is not a 4.3L V6 for the 2002-2006 TrailBlazer. The 4.3L V6 was in the 99-00 TrailBlazer package for the Blazer, this is a completely different truck, as not one single part is shared. The 4.2L Inline 6 is the only GM inline 6 on the market as of now, and it is 4.2L. It is only used on about 6 different GM models, the TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Olds Bravada, Buick Ranier, Saab 9-7X, and Isuzu Ascender.
No, no CAI is installed on my TB, only the TBS and a drop in K&N filter. The filter was installed 6 months before the TBS, so no gain there. I havent added any other engine mods, except for after having the TBS for 2 months, I switched completely to AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. Mileage improved slightly with the AMSOIL, but I was still getting 2mpg better before I switched to it. And, there is no MAF on the 4.2L I6, it has a IAT. Intake Air Temperature sensor. Check out www.chevrolet.com/trailblazer for the specs on the 4.2L I6.
Yes, I agree, that if you get an intake, you need an exhaust system to complement it for maxium performance, but the exhausts for the TB are limited and the Borla is 1K.

TruthSeeker · #14 09-29-2005, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScarabEpic22

No, there is not a 4.3L V6 for the 2002-2006 TrailBlazer. The 4.3L V6 was in the 99-00 TrailBlazer package for the Blazer, this is a completely different truck, as not one single part is shared. The 4.2L Inline 6 is the only GM inline 6 on the market as of now, and it is 4.2L. It is only used on about 6 different GM models, the TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Olds Bravada, Buick Ranier, Saab 9-7X, and Isuzu Ascender.
No, no CAI is installed on my TB, only the TBS and a drop in K&N filter. The filter was installed 6 months before the TBS, so no gain there. I havent added any other engine mods, except for after having the TBS for 2 months, I switched completely to AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. Mileage improved slightly with the AMSOIL, but I was still getting 2mpg better before I switched to it. And, there is no MAF on the 4.2L I6, it has a IAT. Intake Air Temperature sensor. Check out www.chevrolet.com/trailblazer for the specs on the 4.2L I6.
Yes, I agree, that if you get an intake, you need an exhaust system to complement it for maxium performance, but the exhausts for the TB are limited and the Borla is 1K.

I guess I stand corrected. I'm glad the TBS did do something for your engine I still myself am very skeptical of them though. (just mt opinion though right)
My Dad tried the tornado I told him it wouldn't work but he also told me he got about a 2mi/gal increase on the highway with a 5.3L. However he also said his overall average went down with town driving combined by almost a 1-1/2 mi/gal so he took it out. This probably confirms my lower flow theory on that one though. TBS doesn't get in the way of flow but $75-$100 is a lot to pay for a cheaply produced hunk of metal and takes a LONG time to pay off if it does work for a paticular engine. Like I said ever wonder why engineers don't use the method. (in spacers anyway) Where are the producers of TBS test results for these things and what are they on?

I'm glad to know your hip to the oil filters though thats a must. Better flow AND filtration you can't go wrong. If the auto manufacturers thought everyday grannies and so on so forth could handle cleaning & re-oiling them or didn't mind paying a higher cost at the dealer for it, they would probably be in ALL vehicales. I geuss it would be a higher production cost also.

One question for U I have is though. Do U do alot of highway travel? If so mayby thats where your gain is and others MIGHT want to try it on the 4.2L. How did the TB cable linkage work out with it. (ok 2 ?'s)

Richmond has a 3.90 gears for my rearend they might have them for you, I don't know which one you have. Most dealerships can ajust your odometer for about $70. If thats the route you take you might want to check to see which gears they can recalibrate your tranny to. I'm sure they can go 4.10 but if your just lookin to save gas than I guess that won't work either. It will make it a true stop light take off beast though.

TRANSFORMDEZIGN · #15 09-29-2005, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginzy

Has anyone heard about this shit? Has anyone installed on thier ride?
This what the site says
"the Turbonator increases horsepower and fuel economy. An emissions lab, licensed by the EPA conducted tests on non-moving vortex generators that produced results as high as 20 horsepower and 24% increases in mileage. Other independent studies yielded results as high as 35 HP and 31% MPG"

Or its just throwing your money.....

IT WORKED GREAT ON MY SIERRA. I PUT IT IN AND IT WENT SIDEWAYS IN 2ND. IT HELPED WITH THE GAS MILAGE IN MY TAHOE,BUT NOT WITH POWER.

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