Does Turbonator Really Work?

[TurboSeavy]

Does anyone have this turbonator thing installed in the car?

One of my friends recommended it for improving hp + fuel consumption. He ad used it in his Diesel van and says there is a significant improvement in pickup and the fuel usage.

The figures on their website (http://www.turbonator.com/) seems attractive but, I feel that they are quite overwhelming for a piece of metal.

Edited March 15, 2007 by TurboSeavy

[Saturn]

  TurboSeavy said:

Does anyone have this turbonator thing installed in the car?

One of my friends recommended it for improving hp + fuel consumption. He ad used it in his Diesel van and says there is a significant improvement in pickup and the fuel usage.

The figures on their website (http://www.turbonator.com/) seems attractive but, I feel that they are quite overwhelming for a piece of metal.

Hi

You've asked a fantastic question. I can't necessarily give you a direct answer (I'm not sure anyone can, but I will try to give you some info).

1. According to the web site, "The Turbonator is a non-moving vortex generator that goes inside your air intake hose, right after your air filter."

A few notes here. 1. This is not a turbo charger. The turbo bit is just the name. This does NOT speed up air. This merely "swirls" it around a bit. The theory appears to be that swirling air would mix with fuel better and ignite better.

2. If you read reviews on the internet, these reviews are split into two groups - those who call the product snake oil, and those who say it improved their mileage significantly.

3. Looking at the whole debate from a purely theoretical point (and, disclaimer: I'm an IT dude not a car expert), can swirling intake air make such a difference in terms of combustion? Especially on modern fuel injected cars? Does the air keep swirling when it reaches the engine? I can't tell you that but I personally doubt it a bit.

4. You have to consider the whole psycological aspect also. People who use these sort of magic cures always have a 'feeling' that things improved, as they are suddenly focused on performance, and they 'want to believe'.

If you ask me my personal opinion, I would suggest the following to improve fuel mileage:

1. If you use a gasoline vehicle,

a. replace your spark plugs with new plugs (preferrably iridiums. they DO give a measurable performance and efficiency increase). Also replace the wiring harness if it is old

b. Replace the air filter, service the engine. UPGRADE TO A BETTER AIR FILTER. this WILL give a performance increase - e.g. K&N (remember, more oxygen entering engine = better burn = more efficiency!)

c. Switch to a better engine oil - this REALLY does have a measurable difference. If you can switch to Mobil or Havoline. Both are pretty good.

d. Ensure that the timing is set correctly in your vehicle. If it's an EFI vehicle, you can ask Zakie to do a tuneup/checkup?

and last but not least - analyze your driving style. Nothing contributes more to fuel efficiency than how a person drives. 99% of colombo drivers drive like morons (no offense to anyone here). By morons I mean excessive acceleration, jackrabbit starts, and so on.

You might want to research on google about the concept of Hypermiling. OK it isn't necessarily applicable to Sri Lanka (we can't turn off our engine when driving behind a container truck at 70mph) but some of the concepts, ideas, and research are applicable here even.

Edited March 15, 2007 by Saturn

[Pericles]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_length_intake_manifold

[Elvis_Pil]

lol you can attach it to your hoover at home. Worthless junk. If anyone wants one I got one which is used as a paper weight. (As suggested by a buddy in another forum, when this was discussed) Give me a new paper weight and its yours!

But seriously- it will restrict air flow and cause a loss of power.

[euro_auto]

Turbonator by itself probably won't do the trick. Whoever that invests in this technological marvel should also consider the following :

(hope Mods will tolerate these links)

Radiator Insulator:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...;products_id=35

Engine bypass kit:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...p;products_id=8

and for the guy who already has vented/cross drilled/grooved discs and "brembo' stickers on their RED calipers: These Brake Hoses:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...p;products_id=1

Lets not forget this tool; to tackle all those jobs we've all been putting off:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...;products_id=20

lot more fantastic inventions listed on this site, make sure to read product reviews...

Edited March 15, 2007 by euro_auto

[TurboSeavy]

  euro_auto said:

Turbonator by itself probably won't do the trick. Whoever that invests in this technological marvel should also consider the following :

(hope Mods will tolerate these links)

Radiator Insulator:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...;products_id=35

Engine bypass kit:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...p;products_id=8

and for the guy who already has vented/cross drilled/grooved discs and "brembo' stickers on their RED calipers: These Brake Hoses:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...p;products_id=1

Lets not forget this tool; to tackle all those jobs we've all been putting off:

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...;products_id=20

lot more fantastic inventions listed on this site, make sure to read product reviews...

While U R busy upgrading U R ride with the above mentioned stuff, don't forget to buy one of these for you too... http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=...;products_id=40

Edited March 22, 2007 by TurboSeavy