Looks like I'm gonna need some advice guys on an up and coming SUV that I want to buy ('03 to '05)... one with a turbo charger.

I've never had one, and would like to hear from some of you that have had these stock performance devices.

I've heard that you really got to watch the oil changes, and that they can be tempermental...going at the rpms that they work on, I could see this happening!?

Was wondering if they reduce gas mileage, or if they can shorten engine life over time.

I've heard that there is little or no trubo lag as there has been the past, and thought that it would be a nice option to get. The cost is only about $1000 to 1500 to get this device.

Any info would be appreciated... and the turbo would be a Mitsibushi product in a standard trans, but not a Mitsibushi vehicle.

Thanks in advance,

capt

We turbo charged my sons 93 Honda Accord last winter WOW what a diff. that thing went from around 125hp @ flywheel to 220hp @ 8psi boost to the wheels, his fuel mileage acually increased. As for doing this mod for 1000.00 to 1500.00 I dont think thats possible. You have turbo,turbo manifold, wastegate, blow off valve, oil lines, inter cooler & piping, exhaust downpipe, bigger injectors , ecu calibration and dyno time. That was his car , maybe your application is different but thats what it took to do his. I think he ended up with round 3k in his.

Yea, oil changes are critical. The turbo needs good clean oil, otherwise the bearings will go south in a short amount of time. Generally, change the oil like you normally would, but keep your eye on the color. If it gets dark....no matter what, change it and the filter.

Yes, any addition to a forced induction would increase fuel mileage. And yes, if setup properly, a turbo engine could last much longer than a n/a motor....again, from the efficiency of the turbo......that is if you didn't run the hell out of it all the time, then maybe it would shorten the life of your motor.

Turbo lag? Well, that's gonna be a long post, but if you do some research, you can find ways to make TL nonexistent.

the cost of the unit itself might be about $1000 to $1500, but the installation items such as brackets, intake tubes, lines, filters, BOV, injectors, wastegate, optional (but reccommended) intercooler, manifold/exhaust mods, and a TUNE would be just as much as the initial turbo cost. So, in my opinoin, unless you bought a setup used from someone, it's gonna cost 2500 to 3500 to get it done.

Also, depending on what kind of performance you are looking to get, if you are looking for alot, you would need to upgrade internal engine parts such as the rods, pistons, and possibly the crankshaft. Otherwise, you may blow up a stock motor if you give it too much air.

Hope this helps,

Joe

I am a turbo fanatic. Every car I have is turbocharged with the exception of my Camaro and I would like to change that in the future:) Never any problems . Oil flow to the turbos is important to keep the shaft or ball bearings lubricated and a proper system to scavenge that oil and return it to the oil pan or tank is important otherwise you will blow the seals and the excess oil burns off through the exhaust making you look like the mosquito abatement team . I have a dry sump race motor that returns the oil via the valve covers. What does this kit come with ? I hear talk about the turbo and it sounds like an aftermarket set up . Compression ratio of the motor effects performance and longevity as does boost levels. Does the set up have an intercooler ? Some are air to air or water , water to air .... waste gates ? It is a late car so it has an ECU so is there software with the kit . Also make sure the kit does not violate any EPA requirements in your state .

Basically just making sure you maintain your engine with a good quality oil , and if you drive the car hard where you are in the boost , like towing up a hill/towing, then you just stop and shut the car down killing the oil supply to the turbo without giving the turbo a chance to cool down can contribute to wear . If there is little lag it is probably a very small turbo, small housings .

Thanks for the heads up info that you guys have supplied to date.

As far as the $1500 or so... that's not to buy the unit, but the additional cost to purchase the model that has the turbo in it...as it's a Subaru, Forester. I'm well aquainted with this make, but have no past experience whatsoever with any turbo application. I was just hesitant to buy a vehicle with this performance option, but I think I will after the favorable comments that have been made on its use.

capt

Ted,

I work in the Subaru business. Subaru's turbocharged engines are among the best in the industry.
If you are looking at a used Forester Xt be 1000% sure that you have perfect service history on the car. Any grey areas then pass it by. If you are not sure about anything at all send me an email or PM and I will get the answers you need.

I have seen turbo engines go over 160,000 KM without any issues, but miss one oil change and the whole story changes.

Fuel economy is directly proportional to the pressure applied by the right foot. One of my customers complained that he could not net any better than 10 MPG with his WRX. I drove it like a preacher for two days and averaged 27 MPG.
I drove an STI to Blackfoot Motor Sports Park from Airdrie and used almost a quarter tank of gas. (but it was a fun ride!!!)

Turbo's are the way to go. just remember that they need to drink premium fuel only.

Hope that helps.

Paul :beers:

Oh, Oh! Premium fuel?:o This puts another light on my intended buy.

And sounds pretty critical on the oil change thingy... although, I am pretty careful about oil changes.

As I get closer to a purchase may contact ya again.

And say hi to Daryl and the rest of the crew @ CCC, eh?

Capt