everyone is saying for autocross that the turbo guys are slower. im aware of the disadvantges and all but are the turbo cars really that slower than the N/a's?

 

I think it depends on the track on turbo sizing...that, and familiarity with driving a turbo'ed car.

I think the problem with turbo'ed Hondas mostly may be due to lack of knowing how to drive under boost (outside of straight lines) and incorrect turbocharger selection (like having a T4 when you should probably be using a T25 Garret/Mitsubishi for autoX). The latter mentioned is a BIG factor as it will determine when boost can kick up...

Put it this way, if your racing on an autoX course that keeps you in 2nd gear, but doesn't allow you to get up to 4K on the tach through many turns, then having a turbo that doesn't hit full boost until 5500 RPM is kind of a bad idea...great for dragging, but not for autoX'ing.

Some guys I've seen at autoXs like to shift to show off their BOV "Phisssshhh!!", but that makes your turbo re-do it's spooling, AGAIN. So, unlike a NA engine that has a broader (though less "torquey") powerband, your stuck bogging on the course till boost hits, AGAIN...

My advice, get used to driving in boost ranges, ALL/MOST of the time, and work on heel-toe shifting, saves RPM which in turn keeps you in turbo's powerband.

But I got to admit, "PHhhhiiiiiissssshhhh!!!!" is TOO much fun.

 

heel-toe and doulbe clutching are used on a daily basis when i drive my car. once you learn it, you realize how useful these tecniques can be. if it really just comes down to driver and setup then i think id be descent.
anymore opinions on the subject?

 

if you have a good LSD and good tires and know how to drive a boosted FWD well, id say it shouldnt be a problem. just learn the course and try to keep your turbo spooled up.

 

I know a lot of turbo guys brake with their left foot. that way they can keep the throttle open with their right and keep the turbo spooled up. But I think the most important thing, as was mentioned above, is to have the right size turbo.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by robbin &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I know a lot of turbo guys brake with their left foot. that way they can keep the throttle open with their right and keep the turbo spooled up. But I think the most important thing, as was mentioned above, is to have the right size turbo.</TD></TR></TABLE>

you beat me to it.
My opinion is, if the turbo is small and is a great conbination for the engine, you can consider this:
-Driving techniques, (heal and toe, left foot braking *VERY IMPORTANT*)
-Maybe have an aftermarket ECU that lets you program Anti lag by any means
-Know your car, drive it a lot, learn when boost kicks in, etc..
-Good tires, because if the anti lag is functioning comming to the throtttle might be a great torque discharge.

just my $.02

NOTE: remember something, anti lag systems are REALLY bad for your manifold and other parts because of the suddent change in temps

 

If you search using "turbo" as your query - including the archived topics - there's alot of info.

If your car was factory turdblown (Eclipse GSX, etc) it will be plenty reliable. If you're expecting 250whp out of a b-series, it wont be so reliable.

 

'cause you turdblow hunda drivers always spend all your $$ on the engine, and then throw a piece of **** suspension 'kit' on your car and you can't effectively A) put all the power down and B) make the car turn.

 

actually i was referring to adding more power/heat than the stock cooling/oiling systems can effectively handle on track.