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Nothing new here... Posted by Larry West [Email] (#1140) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Larry West) on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:15:37 In Reply to: A turbo by any other name, Bruce, Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:16:38 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Turbochargers are NOT always used as a high-performance device. See many large truck diesel engines, railroad locomotives, etc.
Saab was out there 20 years ago with "low pressure turbo" technology, which wasn't much more than keeping the boost low, for the most part. C900s in Europe, 9000s worldwide, and the 9-5 was introduced with ONLY LPT engines, a 150 HP 2.0, the 175 HP 2.3 and the 200 HP Asymmetrically-turbocharged 3.0 liter V6. Not a boost gauge to be found. With the 9-5, only the Aero with its full-pressure turbo got the boost gauge initially, though, eventually, all 9-5s got them. I thought it was pretty silly on my 2002 9-5 Arc, with the tiny turbo in that, running off of only three of the six cylinders boosting into the "red"...
The basic problem is this: to get more power, you need more fuel, and a LOT more air. You can do this by making ever larger cylinders, but that means you have to build a bigger, heavier motor, and, even with todays tech, when you don't need all that power, you're running with a lot less efficiency than a smaller motor. Turbos are about the perfect answer to the conundrum. You can run the motor very efficiently when little power is needed, but you can also get power when you need it. Technology can also minimize "lag" to the point where the average person doesn't even notice.
Yes, people have been "scared off" by turbos, which is probably why Ford downplays it. But again, it is done for efficiency, NOT performance, validating today what Saab was doing twenty years ago.
_______________________________________ Current: 2002 9-5 Aero Kombi Cosmic Blue 2000 9-5 SE sedan, Imola Red 1990 900S Rose Quartz, Auto Past: 1999 9-5 LPT Combi 1999 9-5 LPT sedan 2002 9-5 Arc 1990 900 5-speed 1986 900 turbo Convertible 1991 9000 turbo 1980 99 GLi 1986 900 turbo 1986 900 S 1991 900 turbo 1984 900 turbo 1976 99 GL
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