VATN, blowers, etc.

[Todd....!!]

GREAT info Jason!,

Sounds like ya know a lot!

Some of us can learn alot from you as well!

Do ya have any web pages explainin in detail some of what ya mentioned?

Like the break in tips, etc...?

Would lik eto see em if ya do!

Thanks for the tips!

Later!

Todd....!!

Jason wrote:
> 
> With this talk about superchargers and turbos running rampant, I'll
> throw in my two cents regarding street cars, turbos, and blowers...
> 
> The VATN unit is a good idea, but unfortunately they don't make larger
> trim levels. The concept of having a variable exhaust turbine is great,
> and the Aerodyne VATN does it very well. Also, the VATN unit is the only
> turbo I know of that has a self contained lubrication system. In other
> words, the VATN turbo has a fluid reservoir designed to hold a specified
> amount of special lubricant...no more oil lines to the pan! Simply
> change the fluid in it like you would the oil in the engine. No need to
> "tap" the oil or anything like that. Like I said though, the largest
> VATN unit will only push about 350hp-400hp though. A little Garrett T03
> can do that.
> 
> Garrett (Allied Signal) also has a special variable geometry exhaust
> turbine unit too, although it's not popular in the aftermarket scene.
> Probably does more duty in large turbo diesel engines...
> 
> Apples and Oranges alert: I think that a properly selected and
> configured turbo will easily outperfom any supercharger, on a street
> car. For instance, I've played with the Eaton M60 and Vortech V1
> blowers...and they pale in comparison to a turbo. The Eaton, simply by
> its positive displacement design...is decent for low end torque on V6s.
> The Vortech V1 unit really doesn't impress me. Doesn't matter if you
> stick it on a LT1, or a 302...give me a turbo instead. The linear boost
> thing just doesn't cut it, in my book. Parasitic drag that robs hp is
> another bummer. Then there's that damn gear driven noise...some love
> it...I think maybe I'm too old for that crap now days. It gets old.
> Pulling up to every light and just hearing that "whine" can scare some
> away. I prefer stealth. Give me my T3/T04E ceramic bearing unit...and
> you'll hear a little whistling "whooosh" as I easily run away and hide.
> Very nice.
> 
> Upgrade to more power? Well, with a SCer...you're looking at swapping a
> pulley. Smaller pulley equals more boost. Boost is limited by rpm, and
> it's usually a linear scale. Full boost occurs at max rpm, and it sucks
> to be you at 1500 rpm! Ha ha. Turbo? Easy, just dial up the boost. The
> age of mechanical boost control is gone. It's all about fuzzy logic
> controllers and stepper motors to regulate boost. Extremely repeatable
> and reliable.
> 
> The drawbacks? Lots. Turbos produce heat, more than SCers. The air
> charge is pretty damn hot, and so is the engine compartment. Turbos
> require a few more controllers and gadgets to make things work (blow off
> valve, boost controller, wastegate, usually an intercooler). Fuel
> ecomomy? BUHAHA!! Regulate your mileage with your right foot. Some seem
> to think that the increase in cylinder pressure reduces engine life. I
> say it depends on what level of boost you run (and yout static CR), the
> quality of the engine internals,type of fuel, the type of forced
> induction, the specific model of the blower or turbo, the type of
> driving you do, the fuel/ignition mapping, ambient temps, and a slew of
> other factors. Knowing a few things about turbos can help you ensure
> reliability (don't hammer the car at full boost for twenty seconds, and
> then shut the car off without letting things cool down first). With a
> Vortech blower, always change the oil every 3k miles or so (turbo too),
> using synthetic oil. Always inspect the serpentine drive belt for dry
> rot, cracks, and tightness. There are some "break-in" techniques as
> well, when the blower or turbo is brand new. Lots of little tips and
> tricks that will keep the car on the road, and off the jack stands.
> 
> Anyway, looks like I drifted a little off topic. Bottom line: forced
> induction is far superior to displacement for performance and
> convenience, let alone economics. Oh yeah, a variable geometry intake
> manifold LOVES boost! Some of you guys should try one, or make one.
> Enjoy.
> 
> Jason
> '93 SLC