turbo boost controllers for diesel engines
Submitted: Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 13:45
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27981
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flyology
Has anyone out there used a boost controller on an early model mechanically controlled turbo diesel?
I am considering fitting a Turbosmart single stage boost controller to my HJ61 cruiser.
I dont want bucket loads of power, just a SLIGHT increase when I am loaded up and towing the boat, usually when going away on holidays.
Basically run stock boost all of the time, then when I want it, hit a switch for a 1-2lb increase in boost, say when I want to overtake or up a big
hill.
If I go ahead with this I intend on fitting boost gauge and pyrometer also.
comments?
Reply By: Member - Oskar (Bris) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 14:34
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 14:34
Flyboy
Use the search facility to acces info. ie. "boost controller" (probably "archived" by now) Google "Turbotech"
I fitted a cheap one (Aussie made .. $35 delvered) and the results have been very good. They aren't that complicated until you get to in cab control models.
Advice I got was that it isn't wise to boost a non intercooled turbo diesel.
The basic Turbosmart is expensive for what you get. IMHO.
Cheers
Oskar
AnswerID:
138807
Follow Up By: flyology - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 15:27
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 15:27
Oskar, what sort of vehicle did you fit your boost controller on?
Did they say why it is not wise to fit a controller to a non intercooled vehicle??
I have a single stage Turbosmart controller, bought it for $100.
I was thinking of fitting an intercooler, but from initial inquiries, they a pretty expensive, and in my vehicle the best option would be a air to air via a bonnet scoop like a late model patrol.
FollowupID:
392571
Reply By: mars - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:17
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:17
i have fitted a turbosmart boost controller to my gu 4.2 and it works very
well.
AnswerID:
138828
Reply By: Member - Oskar (Bris) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:18
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:18
I believe the Turbosmart is very good .. if not a bit expensive for what they are.
The reason for the advice I received (and it wasn't "expert" advice necessarily) was that the turbo system adds extra heat to the engine anyway (because compressed air is hot air and can be quite hot) and the booster adds even more heat due to the increase in hot air (under extra compression from the turbo) going into the engine.
My TD is intercooled anyway so the boost controller was OK (according to the scenario above)
I am in the middle of intercooling my other TD vehicle and will then make my own boost controller as they can be made from plumbing store small brass fittings etc for about $15 and work extremely
well.
I'm not an expert so others will be able to give more accurate advice anyway.
Cheers
Oskar
AnswerID:
138838
Follow Up By: kev.h - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:58
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:58
Hi Oskar
Read your rig profile did the bigger exhaust make a difference i was considering doing it to
mine ( a 95 Terrano ) ?
Your lift 2 in what did you do up front to get 2 ins ?
also considering the boost controller but he quoted me $35 +plus freight and p&h added about $10 from memory
Regards Kev
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Follow Up By: Member - Oskar (Bris) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 21:19
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 21:19
Kev
I can't really say that the bigger exhaust made a drastic difference as I went to larger diameter tyres at the same time. The 31X10½” Goodyear Wrangler ATR’s suck a lot of power.
Fabricating the 3" dump pipe was the tricky bit but I had an exhaust mob do the rest of the system.
The extra front height came via a torsion bar wind-up and then a thorough sort-out of the front end (wheel alignment) by a crew familiar with the vehicle.
I do all the replacement of front end
The ball joints and tie-rod ends seem to be handling it OK (so far).
I found that tired wish-bone and radius rod bushes caused a lot of inside-edge tyre wear and since replacing them the wear is quite even.
I've spent a lot of $$$ getting the front end right as I went through several sets of tyres before I twigged to the bushes (they were the original ones).
Cheers
Oskar
FollowupID:
392636
Reply By: Member - John - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 18:22
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 18:22
flyology, I have one on a 4.2 TD Patrol, running 12 lb boost,
mine is the single stage, set and forget, very good unit. You must be looking at the two stage unit, with the in cab switch? Stage one is one pressure, the second stage is another pressure, flick the swithch and away you go? With a TD you can safely boost 3 or 4 psi for long term, short periods you could go to more. Good move to fit a pyro and boost gauge, find a good turbo diesel mech and spend some time on the dyno and set it up to your needs. The pyro will be the deciding factor. Exhaust and I/C certainly help too. Hope this helps a little.
AnswerID:
138851