I hope this isnt a repeat post....but i was wondering how long i should let my engine idle before shutting it off to let the turbo cool down (EVO8), and how hard of driving would require this kind of cool down. Im just doing everyday driving no redlining or anything. Occasional 4000rpms maybe, but rare. Thanks! Will invest in a turbo timer later.

 

First thing - get a turbo timer. I have an HKS Type-1 (US spec) set to run for 3 minutes. Depending on your usage, let it cool anywhere from a minute to 3 minutes. A good rule is to wait until the thermostat kicks the fan in to cool the whole engine. BTW, the turbo timer is not expensive. Installed (clean - in the glovebox), it was only $130, and not a Mickey Mouse job. I had the work (and other work) done at the RMR shop. Hope that helps....

 

It depends on how hard you drive the car before shutting it down.. If your basically idling around a parking lot for several minutes before you park.. you can let it sit for 30 seconds or so.. If you've beat the snot out of it during a cruise, and pull into a parking lot.. you should let it idle for 3-5 minutes.. Synthetic oils and new technology means that the turbo is sturdier than the older units that made it necessary for a turbo timer.. But its a good "Safeguard" if your not religious about letting the car cool down a bit before shutting it off. Personally I think a turbo timer fairly useless and potentially dangerous (especially if you park your car in a garage)

 

Turbo timer is a good way of keeping your turbo last long. Once you had a turbo in your car you need to cool it down every time you drive it no matter what distance. For you guys who don't wanna wait in the car to cool it down, the Turbo Timer is the one for your car. I've had my Evo for a week now and the first thing I did get was a turbo timer. Bought it for $113 with a harness that comes from a 95-99 eclipse. It was so easy to install and works perfect in every day use.

 

i always drive easy for the last 2 miles and let the car run for 30sec

 

Why do we get this question daily? do a search people

 

I always let my car idle for about two minutes with the A/C running. If you run the A/C, both of the front cooling fans will run full speed. This helps cool the turbo very quickly...

 

Perhaps an FAQ on turbo cooldown would help. It appears to me that the more experienced owners do not recommend turbo timers. For some reason new owners are adding them to their cars and the reason is more bling bling than technical I guess. I cannot find one technical paper or reference that shows a turbo timer is required or even recommended with modern turbo's and synthetic oil. None.


Speedlimit...

 

You are right, the turbo timer seems to be unnecessary now days. None of the modern turbo car manufacturers recommend or even mention them. I had a turbo timer in my WRX because I was old school and was taught that you always put them in on a turbo car. The truth is that the turbo timer is a big hassle. You always have to leave your car in neutral or shut the thing off, even in super steep grades were the parking brake might not hold. I had a nasty experience with that...

It's also dangerous because it's easy to forget and release the clutch with the car in gear automatically if you are used to doing it and that can cause the car to lurch. Many people are used to leaving the car in gear and setting the parking brake when the stop.. It's hard to break old habits.

Another thing is that the TT wastes a lot of gasoline. those 3 minutes can add up in a hurry. If you use your car many times a day, you'll end up with useless idling time of up to 30 or more minutes (it only takes 10 stops to do it).

Finally, you have to explain it every time some one else drives your car like the valets, oil change guys, service techs, your aunt Polly or whoever. It gets really old...

I'm not adding the TT to my car this time. I generally drive quite reasonably and not under boost for the last minute or so before I stop anyway... If I drive it unusually hard, I'll just sit in it and let it cool down for a minure or so...

 

couple facts to add with a tt:

Cant get stolen because it hooks up to your e-brake sensor so when somebody puts the ebrake down while your out of the car the car will shut off. Plus even if the tt doesnt have that feature it will turn off in about 1-2 mintues, so they wont get very far.

IF your doing many stops you simply push the off button on the tt and it wont idle until you turn it back on.

You also shouldnt let "aunt polly" drive it either and I always tell valet people let me park it, but ill still pay you and they always say ok. They would rather not haave to park your car and still make $. Oil change guys should never drive your car since there is no reason to. you drive it on the ramps, they change it and you drive it off. and if for some reason somebody is going to drive, simply turn the tt off

So in a way, having one does not have a safety issue nor does it impose a gas issue or convenience issue

 

I don't feel like it's old school. To me it's just a tool. I don't ever leave my car unattended while in neutral, but that's me. Modern turbo timers don't really get in the way if you don't want them to. I have the Blitz DTT:

1) I use the boost sensitive mode. If I drive hard, it adds a lot of time for cool down. If I relax and take it easy for 5 minutes at the end of my trip, the time dwindles down to a minimum that I set previously. I don't have to pay attention to the fact that I might have been into the boost on that long hill back there, even though I didn't push it hard. I just look at the timer.

2) I don't leave my car running unattended, I just let the timer watch the clock for me.

3) You can completely shut off the turbo timer if someone else drives the car.

4) You have to break an old habit with or without a turbo timer. If you aren't used to stopping your car with the intent of leaving it running for X minutes, you are going to tend to pull in and shut it off. So, without a turbo timer, the only difference is you leave the key in the ignition. You still have to stop, set the brake and put the car in neutral.

Just my two cents.

 

Bleh! I would just say let it idle and get where you need to early. No need to hack into the wiring if it can be avoided. I let my turbo car idle anywhere from 1 minute to 3. During those time intervals EGT temps are usually below 1000 degrees anyway which would mean that the turbo is fairly cool.

 

I have the Blitz DC II and I can't wait to get it installed. Just waiting to get my harness.
Right now I just let it sit for about 1 minute. I hate letting my friends drive it cuz they keep on forgetting

 

IDK but i was thinkin of getting a turbo timer myself.. lol yes i'm lazy!!! but besides that fact, isn't it true that you can not have an aftermarket alarm system on there, or a proximity sensor or something?? is thsi true?

 

TT's are convenient ..but just be careful about ur car rolling down the street due to the fact that it must be in neutral... ekk... im not for the TT.. i think ill like spending some quality time with my car ^_^