Is it possible to have no turbo lag?

Some engines have nearly zero turbo lag, some have a ton. But there isn't an engine out there that can deliver an immediate hit of boost below its boost threshold RPM. It's simply not possible.

Do all turbos have lag?

In a word, no! At one time, turbo lag was very noticeable in the majority of turbocharged vehicles, and was cited as one of the main downsides of the turbo. However, today things are much different.

How do I get zero turbo lag?

1: Add Nitrous Oxide

If you're looking for a way to reduce turbo lag that's akin to magic, look no further than nitrous oxide. Since a shot of nitrous makes cylinder pressures go crazy, that same energy then gets directed out of the exhaust, spooling a turbo in almost no time.

Is turbo lag common?

Conclusion. Turbo lag is a normal hesitation when hitting the throttle on a turbocharged car. This delay is a small compromise when considering the significant power boost a turbo system provides. While there are ways to reduce turbo lag, these methods are generally best left to professionals and enthusiasts.

What is normal turbo lag?

In short, turbo lag is the delay between pressing the accelerator and feeling the turbo kick in. This usually takes about 1 second in newer cars.

What Is Turbo Lag & How To Avoid it. [Tips]

At what RPM is turbo activated?

The turbine in the turbocharger usually spins at speeds between 80,000 and 200,000 rotations per minute (rpm) — that's up to 30 times faster than most car engines can go. And since it is hooked up to the exhaust, the turbine also runs at very high temperatures.

How do I know if my turbo is weak?

Is a little turbo flutter bad?

Turbo Flutter is Harmless

In short, flutter is the sound of a turbocharger trying to push air. However, failing due to closed throttle. Therefore, it dramatically increases the load on the bearings of the turbo. If it occurs at higher engine loads or boost levels, it can cause premature wear to your turbo.

What is the failure rate of turbos?

Less than 1% of turbos fail because of manufacturing defects. Most failures are caused by the three 'turbo killers' of oil starvation, oil contamination and foreign object damage.

Do twin turbos have turbo lag?

Both systems have their merits, but the benefit of a twin-turbo is that it has the potential for reductions in turbo lag compared to one single turbocharger doing all the work. The twin-turbo delivers lower boost pressures to reduce turbo lag, but the combination of the two turbines creates plenty of power.

Why doesn't my turbo flutter?

You might've heard a hissing noise in turbo engines when you let go of the throttle. This is the blow-off valve at work. With a BOV introduced into the system, excess air will not go back to the turbo. Hence, the turbo will not flutter.

How much HP does turbo add?

Supercharger or turbocharger

A turbocharger works with the exhaust system and can potentially give you gains of 70-150 horsepower. A supercharger is connected directly to the engine intake and could provide an extra 50-100 horsepower.

What kills a turbo?

Extreme exhaust heat is what powers the turbine side of the turbocharger, and over time, 2000° temps will take a toll. Prolonged exposure to that kind of heat will eventually kill anything, guaranteed.

What should you not do with a turbo engine?

Can you have too much turbo?

Increasing boost (within reason) will force more air into the engine, so more fuel can be added to increase the power. So in general, if you add more boost and have an engine tuned to suit will give you more power. Too much boost can cause turbo or engine failure.

How much play is OK in a turbo?

Turbochargers have very tight tolerances, therefore we consider forward and shaft play more than 1mm as excessive shaft play, this will generally lead to turbo failure as the turbocharger continues to run.

What does a healthy turbo sound like?

As many fans of a turbocharged engine will know, a turbo often makes a whistling sound. This whistle is the sound of the turbo operating effectively, also known as 'spooling up'.

Is it bad for a turbo to idle?

In turn, doing this for a sustained period means one will end up damaging the turbocharger, with the heat getting onto other components. To prevent this, most manufacturers recommend that at start-up, you idle the car for at least two minutes.

What does an unhealthy turbo sound like?

Loud noises: If your vehicle has a bad turbo, you may hear loud noises that sound like whining or screeching. So if your vehicle is running and you hear a loud whining sound that increases in volume as the problem goes unfixed, this is most likely to do a turbo problem.

How do I know if my turbo is in good condition?

How long does it take to break in a turbo?

Allow the vehicle to idle for 10-15 minutes without applying any throttle. Even at idle, the turbo can be spinning at as much as 28,000 RPM's on certain models. Use this time to check for any loose fittings, hoses, exhaust leaks, and to bleed the cooling system of any trapped air.

Should you rev a turbo?

Cold engine revving

It does not matter if the engine is naturally aspirated or turbocharged, a cold engine should not be revved hard. In turbocharged engines, the damage can be much more. The engine oil lubricates the engine and keeps it safe from any wear and tear.

What is the idling rule for turbo engine?

Every time you start your turbo-charged car for the first time in a day, keep it idle for around 30 seconds. During this period do not rev the engine or accelerate unnecessarily. Idling will ensure that lubricant reaches the turbocharger unit as it starts at a very high RPM and requires a good amount of lubrication.

How long should a turbo car idle before driving?

For the first 10 minutes of driving a cold car, go easy on the accelerator pedal to limit the strain on the oil pump and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the turbo system. Wait at least 10 minutes before going full throttle, or watch the oil gauge for when it's reached its optimum temperature.

Why do turbos scream?

Turbo whistle is the sound of the compressor inside the turbocharger speeding up (also known as 'spooling up', which is why it kicks in at the boost threshold (when the turbo starts to kick in) as you accelerate up the rev range.