do you really need a turbo timer?
 

Just wanted to find out what you guys thought about turbo timers...

So bubba says I don't really need it long as I don't turn off my car right after
Reving it high it will be ok...says if I do rev it high cruise around for a little bit
Then shut off or let idle for 30 secs to a min

Also what couple of my other turbo buddies say...

He also said turbo timers are used mostly for track cars that go for a couple hard
Runs then get shut off right after the run...

I daily driver my car so gets turn on an off throughout the day with the occaisonal
Pull if someone pulls up to me....other than that I baby my car

So what do you guys think do I really need a turbo timer?

My set up....

2.0 sleeved LSV
GT35R 63. Hotside

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

yes u do.. lets the oil out of the turbo so it dont sludge up n stuff. keep it clean, no risks its a DD.. i will be boosted soon too, and plan on getting one... pretty cheap yo on the forums here go for like 50 bux..

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

Nope. Don't need one. GT35R is water cooled too, so even less of an issue.

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

I have a turbo timer and I like it because usually when I go somewhere, I don't have time to wait for the oil to leave the turbo and cool down. In your situation, if you have a water-cooled turbo (yours should be) it isn't absolutely necessary but considering you can get one pretty cheap, its definitely an addition I would invest in. I'd much rather spend 50 or 60 dollars on a turbo timer than 1000 dollars because of problems with my turbo due to not letting the car sit for 60 seconds :)

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

A GT35R or Journal bearing turbo is less likely to require a turbo timer for keeping hot oil from coking within the cartridge, because of the use of the water jacket, that doesn't mean that it isn't a requirement, or at least used as additional insurance for protection of the cartridge, (the turbine shaft, specifically).

Turbo timers are used to keep hot oil from damaging the turbine shaft in the way of metal fatigue and possible warpage. Its always best to use one, even in water cooled jackets. for most daily runs to work or the store, only 30 seconds of idle is really necessary. For longer runs, hot runs on the street, etc, about 1-2 minutes at the most is needed.

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

Not needed, however I would get one. Its a hassle having to sit and let ur car idle for a minute to cool down and protect the turbo. I look at it this way, theirs alot of days im running late for work and im on it and boosting to get there on time if I didn have one I would have to a. Turn the car off anyways and cook that oil real good into my turbo or b. Let it idle and be late lol I chose d. Which is none of the above and bought a turbo timer. For anyone wondering what c. Was it was get up earlier, effffff that.

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

Not needed. You can still use one if you if it makes you feel secure. But between modern turbos with water cooled CHRA's and oil quality always getting better there just isn't a need for them. Can you name a turbo charged production car that came with the same type of mechanism installed? I mean even the ones really purpose built...twin turbo Ferrari F40, twin turbo Lotus Esprit. And most factory turbo cars are where the turbine would be considered "undersized" compared to the turbos most of us put on cars. So the CHRA is probably going to be typically hotter then a 1.8L with something the size of a GT30.

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

Hmm well I already have the apexi turbo timer unit was thinking about selling it
But now thinking about just throwing it on now for further safety since this is my only
Means of transportaion...

You guys with turbo timers do u have any issues with arming your car with your alarm
Because your car is still running because of the timer?....I heard this could be a issue where ppl still
Had to wait for the timer to shut off then armed their car which defeats the purpose
Of the timer to begin with

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

I have mine tied into the alarm system.

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

I'm with Shodan ^ on this - its cheap insurance - better safe than sorry :)

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

Question for the Shodan, A local turbo specialist I goto told me that its not good to let the car sit and idle for excessive amounts of time. His theory was turbo timers are bad, its better to let the turbo cool down by driving lightly. Also big rig diesels have their turbos kicking just moving normal and I can't tell you how many times I have seen them pull in to the yard and just shut them off. They seem to last forever, I don't know first hand how often they change them. On my car I have a 35r too a few miles before the house I make sure to drive slowly. On a side note I was thinking about adding a timing circuit to my electric fan to keep it on for 30 sec or so. The extra air over the turbo like that wouldn't hurt.

Re: do you really need a turbo timer?
 

Big rig turbos also don't have wastegates. It's an apples to Bananas comparison, so If someone uses a Big rig turbo example to a gasoline smaller car, I tend to be more skeptical of their reasoning.

idling too long is a term that is relative. Even in large abuse situations like in road racing, where I'm on the turbocharger constantly for about half an hour,I don't cool for more than 3 minutes; Tops.

Idling for 30 seconds to a minute (for spirited runs) is just fine. don't get too paranoid over this phenomenan, similar to this thread...https://honda-tech.com/forums/forced-induction-16/journal-bearing-turbo-cool-down-cycle-turbo-timer-2946185/

You're fine to use one. Just because its not popular doesn't mean you can't use it; it's ok. Put it on, cheap insurance.