Turbo Timer & Turbo Related Questions
 

I've been reading up on how to care for a turbocharged engine just to make sure I'm doing things right. I've read that you are supposed to let your car idle for several minutes after driving to let the turbo cool down. Is this true? If so do you guys recommend a turbo timer-- are they hard to install?

Also, is there anything different I should do compared to a N/A engine in regards to maintenance and upkeep?

a TT can help, but it's just as easy to let the car idle for a minute after beating on it to let the oil circulate and cool down.

OK, I mean is it ALWAYS necessary to let it idle? I don't really beat on it so what is a reasonable time to idle for.

I usually let my Evo idle for 30 seconds unless I was beating on it then I'd let it idle for 1m30s. But I don't think you NEED to always let it idle, i just did for my own satisfaction.

thanks for the advice... any other tips for maintaining / owning a turbo car?

definately keep your eye/ear out for gasket leaks, such as header gasket(s), turbo flange gaskets. Also, make sure you change your oil correctly as the oil in turbo cars is under more stress than normal n/a vehicles. and enjoy the whooossshhhh :lol:

I would use a good synthetic oil.

letting it idle helps cool down the turbo so you don't "cook" the oil that will be sitting in it. seeing as front mounts get retard hot. the turbo timer does the time calculation for ya in that aspect. heres just an fyi, make sure you're running the correct oil pressure to the turbo. there have been a few cases where the turbo only needs like 7psi and guys tap into their system which has like 40+ its a good way to kill a turbo.

Well its a stock turbo car (2008 Cobalt SS) I feel like the stock setup is correct in regards to oil pressure? Does the turbo heat up even when the boost gauge isn't engaging? On my way to / from work I rarely even get above like 3-5psi unless I am accelerating from a stop.