Turbocharger Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Import Car
Tech Talk: Boosting Your Technical Knowledge on Turbos

Supercharger and turbocharger Q & A with Dave Hobbs,
Delphi Product & Service Solutions service trainer. In addition to his work with Delphi, Dave Hobbs serves as an instructor for Indiana’s Ivy Tech Community College. He is also a frequent speaker at national training seminars, is a qualified hybrid instructor and writes for various industry magazines.

The DeLorean – Back From the Past Part II

This article explores performance modifications that have been developed for the DeLorean from the time of its release to the present day. Although anything is possible, performance modifications over the past 30 years have focused primarily on the areas of engine modification (or replacement), and suspension modifications. I won’t be getting into time travel modifications – those are beyond the scope of this article.

Tech Tip: Exhaust Restriction Leads to Turbo Destruction

Turbos in gasoline applications operate at extremely high temperatures and RPM. If the exhaust stream, including the catalytic converter, is even partially blocked, the increase in exhaust backpressure can lead to thrust bearing failure.

Tech Tip: Performance Diesel Engine Service Notes

Diesels are setting all kinds of records from land speed to elapsed time. So if you’re not already dabbling in diesel performance, you may be soon. Diesel engines are a different type of animal when compared to gasoline engines. While both use the same four-stroke cycle of combustion, diesels use the heat of compression rather than a spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture.

Tech Feature: Taking on Diesel Turbo Service

In the aftermarket, there are so many upgrades for turbos, especially on the mid-size diesel trucks. So how do you determine which one is right for your application?

Tech Tip: Turbocharger Installation Tips and Hints

Ninety percent of all turbocharger failures are caused by preventable problems or adverse operating conditions. Because of the close tolerances and clearances of these units, and the high speeds at which they operate, it is imperative that they are installed correctly and maintained properly.

Tech Feature: General Motor’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Engine

General Motors introduced its powerful Ecotec 2.0L direct

Tech Feature: Sports Compacts – Performing in a ‘Maturing’ Market

What started out in the 1990s as an affordable way for kids to bang around with cars that were often handed down from their parents or siblings, later grew into a fledgling market all its own.

Tech Spec: 100 Years of Changing Internal Combustion Technology

It would be interesting to hear what Nicolaus Otto, credited as the father of the first functional four-stroke IC engine, would say after seeing some of the advanced powerplants dropped into vehicles today.

Tech Feature: Northstar Supernova

Introduced in 1993, GM’s 4.6L 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum V8 engine – housed in the Cadillac Allante, Eldorado and Seville STS – was considered a quantum leap forward for U.S. automakers. Initially rated at 295 horsepower, the Northstar V8 has grown over the years to an incredible 469 hp at 6,400 rpm (STS-V Supercharged Northstar engine).

Z Sport, Part 2: Powering Subaru WRX Engine & Chassis Upgrades

A few months back, I highlighted a project car being built by Z Sport. The car is now back together and running. Charles Damewood, the car’s owner and a principle at Z Sport, has been driving the car to break in the engine, and get an idea of what needs to be sorted out as far as engine management before doing a full on dynamometer test. As soon as fuel mapping and software issues are resolved, we will get full performance testing data and publish a follow up.

Tech Feature: Boosting Profits Through Turbocharger Services

A turbo’s basic purpose is to boost power, so when an otherwise healthy engine suddenly becomes anemic, it often (but not always) means turbo trouble.