Question from a new cool air person

[Whut]

I have never owned an intercooled GN up until tomorrow when I will pick up my first one.

I have owned an 84 and 85 hot air cars which gave me this great worry about the turbo (that happens when you go through three of them in less than a year).

My question is; what is this turbo saver I have heard about? Does it use a line to feed coolant or oil to the center of the turbo? Is it some sort of timing device allowing the turbo to keep oil while spinning down after the car is shut off?

I would like to do something to the stock turbo thats on the GN I am getting to ensure it will last until I have the money ready to upgrade the heads, intake, turbo, and intercooler all at once.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[trbodon21]

There are turbo savers out there, and I believe they do exactly what you said. Allow turbo to run when engine is off. However, you don't need one of these. Just let engine sit at idle for a few minutes before turning off car. I have had intercooled buick turbos for 5 years. I had a TE34 going low twelves with 30,000 miles on it still running strong and now a TE66 with thats about 2 years old with no problems. Others may disagree with me, but there ar alot others who will agree that the turbo saver is not necessary.

 

[scottyb]

I think you are a little paranoid. Just allow a little warm up and cool down, and you'll be fine. My turbo is unknown age, bought car at 155k, now almost 185k, stock size turbo and no issues. I drive it EFD.

 

[87V6]

Are you talking about a turbo timer? That just performs the same function as letting the car idle for a little bit after running, but allows you to pull the keys out of the ignition and leave the car while it's running. A lot of the turbo import guys run them, it's more of a convenience than anything as long as you remember to let the car idle for a few seconds before shutting it off after running it. If you can afford $60 (search eBay) for the convenience then go for it but they're just that.

 

[Whut]

Thanks for the feedback. I was told with my 84 to wait a few seconds before I shut it off to allow the turbo to spin down. That is such a habit that I have actually found myself sitting in my Camaro letting it spin down and it doesnt even have a turbo.