Turbo Timers

[Alburypete]

G'day all, until i bought the GUI was a turbo virgin. Want to keep the new girl happy and cared for.
would appreciate any information regarding the pro's and cons to adding a turbo timer. Tried searching for information but couldn't find anythig specific.

Also told installing a turbo timer could effect insurance cover.

Pete.

[the evil twin]

Fair bit of confusion abounds in regards Turbo Timers and motor vehicles.

They used to be "clearly" illegal under the sections in ADR's regarding operation of anti-theft and ignition systems. That section was susbsequently amended and is now vague on TT's to say the least. The amendments weren't for TT's per se but the new generation of keyless technologies

In some states individual transport Dept's (S.A. is one) have issued notifications making the use in a motor vehicle illegal. Some states say you must remain in the vicinity of the vehicle. Other states appear to have no written policy.

The common denominator if there is one is that you cannot have a device such that you can lock the vehicle and walk away with the engine running.

I have a TT fitted by prev owner and hardle ever use it. I can't be stuffed pulling it out. I pretty much always sit there and switch off when EGT is below 200 and Water temp is below 88 degrees (if they aren't already when I pull up).

Bottom line - If you do fit one declare it as a modification on the Insurance proposal so it is in writing that your insurer knows about it. As for the Police, well, I think you would need to upset them pretty badly before they will care.

[Ben-e-boy]

G'day all, until i bought the GUI was a turbo virgin. Want to keep the new girl happy and cared for.
would appreciate any information regarding the pro's and cons to adding a turbo timer. Tried searching for information but couldn't find anythig specific.

Also told installing a turbo timer could effect insurance cover.

Pete.


If you work the turbo hard get it hot then shut it down the (now) radiant heat from the center bearing will cook the oil trapped in the galleries surrounding the bearing.
The turbo is cooled by oil and coolant, but it is also cooled by lack of work. If the motor is at ide, the turbo is not working at all so it is not generating heat and there is still a flow of oil and coolant to cool it further. and that is what the turbo timer allows you to do automatcally.


Like evil twin I shut mine down on my exhaust temps. My timer is set for a long idle down period, but if it dosnt need it I sit and wait then shut it down.

[macca86]

I have heard the oil can crystallize with the heat that's why you have a timer to let it wind down? I just installed one to my wagon. I have it set for either 1 or 2 mins to cool down except last night drove rockhampton to brisbane in one go 7.5 hrs and set it to 5 mins as the turbo is working hard on the highway (10 to 15 psi)

[bazzad]

Save your money and spend it on air filters. Yes turbo timers do work but the main job they do is allow the temps in and around the engine to normalise. No boost equals no temp so as long as you back off as you are getting to your destination and give it a minute as you are getting out it should be fine. A blocked air filter will stuff a turbo well before no idle will.

[macca86]

and give it a minute as you are getting out it should be fine

That's what I do with the timer as I'm lazy haha same thing.

[Bigrig]

I'm getting used to letting mine cool down - as per other post, usually taper off a bit as I know I'm getting close to destination so it's half done by the time I pull up ...

[Sir Roofy]

save your money and spend it on air filters. Yes turbo timers do work but the main job they do is allow the temps in and around the engine to normalise. No boost equals no temp so as long as you back off as you are getting to your destination and give it a minute as you are getting out it should be fine. A blocked air filter will stuff a turbo well before no idle will.

agree on this also if you back off before journeys end alls sweet to shutdown after you get in the drive

[sparra 1]

i think that if you do some river crossing your car needs some time to dry things out eg. wirering looms and electrics whether it be by a turbo timer or off your own acord

[the evil twin]

How much is a decent timer these days? I would have one waaaay down the list of "I wants" anyway but if they are more than $100 probably wouldn't even make the list, ever.

[boots]

Bought one of you guessed it - ebay , bout 3 years ago now. universal fit , it takes the place of a switch blank in your dash . digital 0 to 9 minute rundown with audible beep . cost $125 . took about 45 minutes to wire it up . so far so good . pretty sure I got a photo of it for all to see in my build up thread .

[macca86]

you can get timers for as little as $20 not much to them really not much to go wrong either. harder to wind down a 3lt turbo on the drive home as it works even being gentle with the the right foot

[Rip'n'Shred]

Should be doing this even WITH.a turbo timer, at least a minute or two idle time afterwards.