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Turbochargers – Pump It Up

By ChiltonDIY

By Jim Marotta

At 100 horsepower per liter, GM’s newer turbocharged 1.4L has the power of a larger engine but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions.

At 100 horsepower per liter, GM’s newer turbocharged 1.4L has the power of a larger engine but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions. Courtesy GM

 

A naturally aspirated automobile engine uses the downward stroke of a piston to create an area of low pressure in order to draw air into the cylinder through the intake valves. Because the pressure in the atmosphere is no more than 14.7 psi, there is a limit to the amount of airflow entering the combustion chamber.

A turbocharged engine uses a radial fan pump driven by the engine’s exhaust that consists of a turbine and a compressor on a shared shaft. The turbine converts exhaust gases exiting the engine into rotational force, which is used to drive a compressor which draws in ambient air and pumps it at high pressure into the intake manifold to improve the engine’s volumetric efficiency. This results in a greater mass of air entering the cylinders on each intake stroke.

There are four main components to a turbocharger: the housing, the impeller/turbine wheels, the center hub and the bypass.

The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine dictate the performance characteristics of the overall turbocharger. This allows the designer of the engine system to tailor the compromises between performance, response, and efficiency to application or preference.

The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine affect performance,  response, and efficiency. Courtesy Borg-Warner

 

The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine dictate the performance characteristics of the overall turbocharger. This allows the designer of the engine system to tailor the compromises between performance, response, and efficiency to application or preference.

The impeller and turbine wheel sizes also dictate the amount of air or exhaust that can be flowed through the system. Generally, the larger the turbine and compressor wheels, the larger the flow capacity. The shape, curvature and number of blades on the wheels allow infinite variability in design to tailor a turbocharger to a given engine.

Water-cooled turbocharger center hub bearing

Water-cooled bearings, such as the one shown, allow engine coolant to keep the lubricating oil cooler, avoiding possible oil coking from the extreme heat found in the turbine. Courtesy Borg-Warner

 

The center hub connects the compressor impeller and turbine and uses a bearing lubricated by a constant supply of pressurized engine oil. While the engine oil cools some systems, the preferred method is to use engine coolant to keep the lubricating oil cooler, avoiding possible oil coking from the extreme heat found in the turbine.

Turbos use a bypass or wastegate to prevent over-pressurizing the system. At a specific boost pressure, a bypass feeds part of the exhaust gas flow around the turbine. The wastegate which opens or closes the bypass is usually operated by a spring-loaded diaphragm in response to the boost pressure.

There are several tips to maintaining and servicing turbochargers:

  • Engineers design turbochargers to last the lifetime of the engine. They normally do not require any special maintenance; however observe strict adherence to the engine manufacturer’s service instructions. Ninety percent of all turbocharger failures are due to either foreign bodies entering into the turbine or the compressor, dirt in the oil, inadequate oil supply, or high exhaust gas temperatures.
  • The most important maintenance factor is clean oil. Since turbochargers can be easily damaged by dirty or ineffective oil, most manufacturers recommend more frequent oil changes for turbocharged engines. The use of synthetic oils, which tend to flow more readily when cold and do not break down as quickly as conventional oils, is also a common practice.
  • Since the turbocharger generates heat when running, many automakers recommend letting the engine idle before shutting off the engine if the turbocharger was used shortly before stopping. Most manufacturers specify a 10-second period of idling before switching off, for a couple of reasons: (1) to ensure the turbocharger is running at its idle speed, and (2) to prevent damage to the bearings when the oil supply is cut off. Idling lets the turbo rotating assembly cool from the lower exhaust gas temperatures, and ensures that oil is supplied to the turbocharger while the turbine housing and exhaust manifold are still very hot; otherwise coking of the lubricating oil trapped in the unit may occur when the heat soaks into the bearings, causing rapid bearing wear and failure when the car is restarted. Even small particles of burnt oil will accumulate, lead to choking the oil supply, and failure.
  • The easiest way to diagnose a weak turbocharger is to observe the turbo boost. If the turbocharger does not show normal boost at full throttle (typically 9 to 14 psi), the system needs further diagnosis. One common but overlooked condition is excessive exhaust backpressure (often due to a clogged catalytic converter) which can prevent the turbo from developing its normal boost pressure.

Planning to service or repair your vehicle? Chilton can help! Access procedures, specifications, tips, and more at http://www.ChiltonDIY.com/.

James Marotta A muscle car enthusiast and drag racer, Jim Marotta is a freelance automotive writer with more than 20 years experience in the automotive industry.

The Best SUV of 2014: A Buyer’s Guide

By arbel

SUV’s have been around for years, catering to both men on a job site on Monday afternoon as well as soccer moms on a Saturday morning. It is no secret to their success: they offer large capacity seating and storage, are enclosed to protect objects and occupants, and quite frankly, look a lot better than a minivan. The question is, which one is right for you? With so many different makes and models available, it is very easy to get lost in details and end up with a decision you regret later on. This guide’s purpose is to help you avoid such a fate, with descriptions and details of the top SUV models out. With the proper knowledge of the top options, choosing the best SUV of 2014 should be reduced to an easy task for those in the market to buy.

What qualities should you be looking for?

Top SUV’s are rated according to three specific attributes: The quality of the manufacturer’s model, the reliability of the vehicle to sustain years on the road, and the resale value it maintains after it becomes a used car. If an SUV can meet your needs in each of these categories, it is one you can purchase confidently.

The Budget Minded

One quality option for those looking to purchase an SUV is the 2014 Toyota Rav 4. Toyota is well established as a quality, yet affordable auto maker with an excellent track record for satisfying its customers. The 2014 Rav 4 is no different. With a starting price in the mid $20,000 range and 29 mpg highway, the Rav 4 offers affordability both off the lot as well as down the road. Toyota brings the Rav 4 along a classy, stylish interior with leather style seating and push button start to exude luxury. As a 4 cylinder engine, you won’t be towing cruise ships anytime soon, but the majority of people will never come close. Crash testing has proven the Rav 4 to be an extremely safe vehicle, and Toyota is well known to produce quality products that often outlast the competition. On the downside, the Rav 4 is certainly not the most spacious vehicle, being classified as a “Compact Crossover” SUV. This leads to less capacity, and less overall “Utility” usage of the Sports Utility Vehicle package. Despite these drawbacks, the Rav 4 retains tremendous resale value; as all Toyota vehicles are known to do. For the budget minded SUV customer, the Rav 4 might be the way to go – but it is not the best.

More Bang For Your Buck

If we look a little bit higher on the SUV option list, we would find the incredibly versatile and reliable 2014 Nissan Murano S SUV. At a price range entering the mid $30,000 level, the Murano comes with a higher budget. With that, however, comes great reward. Sporting a powerful V6 engine, rear-view camera and even a blind spot notification system, the Murano steps up the game in terms of power and applicability. An excellent navigation system, many packages for towing and cargo, and even a highway mpg in the mid 20’s, Nissan offers an excellent option that can easily perform any duty an SUV could be called on to do. Nissan is known for its reliability, making the vehicle reliable years down the road with standard maintenance. If there is a downside, it is that Nissan vehicles tend to not retain resale value as well as some of their counterparts, as their name is only recently being considered in the more reliable and quality category of car makers. Despite this, it is hard to argue against the Nissan Murano being an excellent SUV to own, and one that will serve you well for years to come. But there is one SUV that stands above it, and it really shouldn’t surprise too many people.

Good, Better… Best

When you think of excellent quality, reliability, resale value and even luxury, Mercedes-Benz has to be the complete picture of all that realized. With a lengthy history of quality car making in the rear-view, a dedication to perfection, and now a dedication to make such quality affordable, it is a no-brainer that Mercedes-Benz makes it to the top of the list. Starting in the mid $30,000 range and approaching 30 mpg highway, the Mercedes-Benz GLK seeks to solve every question your car search has produced. Running a strong V6 engine with a smooth, 7 speed automatic transmission, the GLK has power to walk hand in hand with top of the line luxury and economy. You know you have as reliable a vehicle you could ever dream of with a Mercedes, and lets be honest – it looks flat out stunning. As imagined, resale value is excellent, as its top of the line brand name carries quite a bit of weight in the automobile universe.

Though slightly pricier than the previous SUV’s discussed, the GLX remains affordable; quite a feat considering what you are getting for your money. The GLX is a top of the line SUV, and all it takes is a test drive to make the transition from considering to sold. The Best SUV of 2014 takes the crown with strength, style, luxury and economy; making it truly the SUV to be envied in its class.

The Best SUV for a Family of 5

By arbel

For most people when a baby is born the first thing they want to do is look for a safer vehicle. Once the family has reached, oh say five, then questions arise concerning not only safety, but also room and affordability. Countless families have consigned themselves to a mini-van thinking that was the best way. Thanks to crossover SUVs, larger families are no longer doomed to the mini-van!

Under the hood of the Santa Fe

There are some fantastic crossover SUVs on the market right now that are not only affordable, but dependable and safe as well. When any type of SUV is considered, it is due to a desire for a vehicle that can handle various road and weather conditions, as well as haul various passengers and cargo. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for larger families. There are several trim packages. The Sport is probably the more popular and comes with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine. This smaller engine still offers 190 horsepower without sending its owner to the gas station everyday. The Sport’s estimated miles per gallon is 29city/29hwy. Even the Sport 2.0T that has a turbo charged 2.0 liter engine and pulls 264 horsepower, has an estimated miles per gallon of 20city/27hwy. Not bad at all. The starting MSRP for the Sport is about 24,700 and the Sport 2.0T is 27,950.

Features of the Santa Fe

All of the Santa Fe models come with some basic features such as Bluetooth and iPod capabilities, spacious interiors, satellite radio, and an optional navigation system. However, as stated earlier, families tend to look at some essential things like safety and room, before the other perks. Although the Sport trims are nice they do only seat a maximum of five. If your family is looking to only haul people, and if you are a family of five, and are never planning on having a guest within your vehicle, then the sport is ideal. We all know that scenario is not likely, but for a family of 3-4, the Sport would work nicely. Luckily Hyundai offers a GLS and Limited version for their 2013 Santa Fe. The only true difference is the seating. The GLS can seat up to seven, but the Limited only seats up to six. The reason for this is due to the second seat row in the Limited, now has two captain chairs. Basic perks and options are basically the same across the board for all trim models of the Santa Fe, however, the panoramic sunroof that is offered on the other models is not on the GLS. The GLS has a starting MSRP of 28,350 and the Limited is 33,100. Both have a 3.3 liter V6 engine and a miles per gallon of 18city/25hwy can be expected. This is a decent miles per gallon, and you can still enjoy the subtle yet thrilling feel of 390 horsepower.

The Santa Fe and safety

The big thing now is safety. All models come with anti lock brakes, and traction and stability control. That will guarantee a safer ride on wet or icy roads. The government front and side crash rating for the Santa Fe earned an impressive five stars. The side, curtain, and front airbags are large contributors to that rating, as well as the descent control and what is called “hill hold”.
Standard on all models is Blue Link which is Hyundai’s emergency system. It includes numerous services that include remote access and theft recovery.
Overall the Santa Fe, regardless of model, is the ideal SUV for larger families. There are other comparable SUVs, but none with all of the things in one that families tend to look at. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers affordability, roominess, and safety.

2012 Project Kahn Ford Focus RS

By Carssmart.net
Today Ford Focus RS gets mild upgrade package by Project Kahn. The tuner using alloy wheels available in sizes up to 19-inches, smoked windows, new exhaust tail pipes, and a matte black finish for back spoiler, side vents, rear and front diffuser, and bonnet vents. Ford Focus RS also get other upgrade. The Project Kahn Ford Focus RS run on 305HP-strong 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five intact

2012 Ford F-150 Popular Truck

By Carssmart.net
The Ford F-150 come with mild upgrades for 2012MY. There are including increase performance with find-tuning. Gets two-speed automatic 4x4 system that gains a 4x4 auto mode for Lariat and Hill Start Assist as truck's protect, it for avoid from rolling backward at a stop. Ford F-150 increasing the fuel tank size on all EcoBoost 4×4 models from 26 to 36 gallons. 2012 Ford F-150 offers FX4 and

2012 Ford Mondeo 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine

By Carssmart.net
The Ford Mondeo offer the EcoBoost engine on the Titanium and Titanium S model. Both model will receive 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, will soon be available with a six-speed manual gearbox in addition to the dual-clutch PowerShift transmission. Ford Mondeo EcoBoost engine will available at the end of 2011. Both model of Ford Mondeo EcoBoost engine will start Germany, Netherlands and
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