Turbo engine wear

[Thepeug]

Is it true that a turboed engine wears dowm more quickly than an NA engine? If so, why?

[Polygon]

If the turbo was installed correctly and the engine and computer is tuned to handle the turbo then no. Any proper turbo install will last as long as any N/A version of the engine will. You just have to maintain it properly.

[turbo2nr]

that is the problem with alot of pople. they cannot maintain a turbo car properly.

1

[Thepeug]

What kind of maintenance is required for a turbo?

[turbo2nr]

itz little things people tend to forget.
changing the oil on time is very important when it comes to turbos.. they rely on the oil to cool off the turbo..
also to let the turbo cool down after runnig it hard,
make sure everything under the hood is running properly, no small problems,
proper fuel delivery..

and other things i forgot...

[Polygon]

Originally posted by Thepeug
What kind of maintenance is required for a turbo?

1. Always, ALWAYS let your turbo cool down before shutting the car off. If you have been driving normally then let the engine idle for 30 seconds before you shut the car off. If you have been driving it hard drive around normally for about five minuets then let it idle for about 30 seconds before you shut it off.

2. Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles. I don't care what people say, change them both EVERY 3,000 miles. Oil is a turbos life blood.

3. Don't run the car hard until the engine has reached normal operating temperatures. This should be done with ANY car.

4. If you want use synthetic. It is better for the turbo and engine and it lubricates much better. Do NOT use synthetic if you are breaking in an engine. Only use it AFTER the engine has been broken in.

5. Make sure that you get a good functional Blow Off Valve or Diverter Valve. This is most important if you have a sleeve bearing turbo but is a good idea even with ball bearing turbos. Back pressure is bad.

6. Cooling. Make sure that you coolant system is always up to par and make sure that you have a proper intercooler if you're running enough boost to warrant one.

If you do these things your engine will last just as long as if it were N/A.

[Thepeug]

Thanks, man. Doesn't sound too bad. Like someone said, it's the kind of maintenance and attention to detail one would expect if they really cared about their car.

[Teampurevision]

Originally posted by Thepeug
Is it true that a turboed engine wears dowm more quickly than an NA engine? If so, why?

You see theres a general Idea that people have that all performance parts do their own job when it comes to wearing out an engine. Its a proven fact that if you have a lot of aftermarket parts, your engine will have more power, but with that power comes more wear. Regular tune ups and maintenance are sometimes not enough.

[Thepeug]

Ok, thanks man. I've heard that before, and for that reason, plus the fact that tuning is an expensive hobby, I'm not looking to put huge amounts of hp in my car. I'd like to run high 13's. In a light civic hatch, that shouldn't take too much hp. Maybe 220?

[KrazyD]

great info!

[94tegRS]

a ITR swap into a hatch should get you to break into the 13's if you live close to sea level and it aint too hot out, I saw a 5th gen hatch with a B18C1 and CAI, focuz headers and a muffler run a 14.2 w/ 16" rims that didnt look like they were expensive lightweight ones, just like some cheap AR rims, and full interior. so with light wheels, no backseat/spare/jack low fuel level and some quality boltons with a B18C5 id say a high 13 is no problem, boosted LS would be cheaper though and youd be deep in the 13's I saw a daily driven LSVTEC turbo hatch, full interior and all run a 11.7.