Re: Nissan Z, step aside

On Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:31:51 GMT, still me <wheeledBob@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:

>Most turbo's today blow heavy by about 2K RPM, so it's really not
>"higher revs" anymore. Once you are off the line, it's cranking. I
>have to admit, it took me over a year to figure out how to have it
>blowing as you take off. 

By brake-torquing it? :)

>Back to your question "is it worth the hassle?". Traditionally, the
>turbo will get better mileage than the non-turbo for the same amount
>of power as it is more efficient. 

Then turbos are different than belt-driven superchargers. My 2003
Cobra had a 4.6L engine with a Roots supercharger, and its gas mileage
sucked so bad I had to pay a $1000 Gas Guzzler Tax when I bought it.
The fuel economy was MUCH worse than the normally-aspirated 4.6L
engine in my previous Cobra (or in the Mustang GT). 

>Also, they aren't really very complicated. Every car is already fuel
>injected and run by a computer metering fuel and/or air these days.
>Engine controls throw feedback to the computer and it adjusts. Same
>old thing. The turbo system just adds a little plumbing and a couple
>more controls. It's actually very simple and easy to get your hands
>around. 

All right, you've convinced me to not dismiss a turbocharged car
out-of-hand.

>I think the real draw is the incredible torque in mid to upper range.
>With most NA engines I've driven, they can pull pretty hard but the
>pull is fairly straight then it drops off. With the turbo, as boost
>builds, the pull just starts increasing as the boost builds, like an
>invisible hand pu****ng you along.  

Kinda like a Honda VTEC engine. :)

>I don't think any designs have used that since the mid-90's, but I'm
>no industry expert. Synthetic oil has made a big difference as dino
>oil will coke up turbo bearings at shutoff. Previously, turbos guys
>would let the engine idle for a little bit when pulling in to let the
>turbo cool. I haven't heard of that being an issue in any recent model
>turbos. 

Good to know. Thanks for the info!