BOV information

[NC87GN]

When is it necessary to run a blow off valve? A buddy has a te-62 and claims its prevents throwing out a thrust bearing when letting off the gas under high boost. From what I heard Big shaft turbo's, 63's and up, should have one but a 62 series and smaller will hardly make a difference. What do you think???

Mike Banas
87GN

 

[Vendor Defendor]

search on this, you will find a lot of info on it....

this is the best summary ever (i think) by TurboDave:

Yes, you will get many differing opinions on the subject. It pretty much boils down to the following observations.

1. There are a LOT of new and younger guys getting involved in the Turbo Buick craze. They bring a lot of ideas and generallities that they've picked up from the import community. (rule of thumb there is not turbo car should be without one).

2. Those of us that have been involved in the Turbo Buicks now for the last 16+ years are generally of a different generation, and learned how these cars work and perform based on experience and a "different set of rules".

3. For the most part these cars absolutely DO NOT need BOV's, for any reason other than to make that obnoxious noise that so many of the "importers" love to hear.
These cars are automatic tranny'd, so that alone negates the need for the BOV.
They also suffer very very few failures as a result of compressor slam or surge (more annoying than fatal).

I've owned a "few" Turbo Buicks over the past 16 years, and can honestly say I've never suffered a single turbo failure of any kind as a result of not running a BOV. The one failure I did have was a result of FOD (foriegn object damage), pieces of a Champion spark plug ate the turbine wheel (the one and only time I've ever run those things)

And trust me, anyone that knows me can tell you, I'm extremely hard on my cars

Oh, and BTW, no, you also don't need one just because you're running a front mount.

If you think you must have one, fine. Spend (waste) your money, but you won't see a single advantage, other than the afformentioned obnoxious noises. Oh and you'll have fun trying to get it setup right

I'm down off my soap box now. This is one of those subjects that just seems to strike the wrong nerve


For those of you that are die hard believers in the BOV's on Turbo Buicks, and hope to get an arguement from me, and run this thread out adnausium, forget it.
I am of the opinion that they are a pitiful waste of good money (on our cars). This is based not only on my experience, but the experience of the entire Turbo Buick community that have been involved with these cars for a suitable amount of time to actually gain insight.
So, as I said, IMHO. So I will argue the point, NOT.

i got that from this thread:

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=71270&highlight=bov

-Neil

 

[Turbo6inKY]

To NC87GN's credit, a search turns up a lot of threads, but not a lot of information. The only solid opinion against is the one from TurboDave quoted above, and he's pretty much right, except for one specific instance that I have found: autocross.

I have autocrossed my car several times, and under those circumstances, you go from full throttle to off or part throttle and back to full throttle a lot. The backsurge slows the compressor down and induces noticable lag that slows acceleration when you get back on the gas, and causes a sudden surge of power when the compressor gets going again. This can cause unexpected wheelspin and loss of traction or control.

A properly tuned recirculating blow-off valve has the potential to reduce this.

Now, very few people autocross these cars. They simple are not competative without a lot of suspension work along the lines of total replacement, to the degree that the car would be classed in a fully modified category, and thusly destroyed by the first supercharged, 5-linked and K-membered Mustang to come along, but they ARE fun. Big crowd pleasers.

So, unless you fit this very narrow need, follow TurboDave's advice and save your money.

 

[salvageV6]

I think 62's make a ton of intake noise and already have such a bad rep. that I would want one (BOV) on my car with that turbo too.

I took off my 62 for a 70 and it barely makes a sneeze when letting off. Not sure why.

Innovative said it was not necessary for that turbo but synthetic oil was highly recommended.

They also said it wouldn't hurt a bit either and to go ahead and do it at my leisure.

I will do one in the future I guess.