How not to kill the Impreza Turbo
16 February 2009, 11:03 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
How not to kill the Impreza Turbo
Hello guys
As you know i bought a Impreza Turbo yesterday - I dont know to much about turbo's so im after some info on how to "not kill it"
I have been letting it get warm before hitting boost. And before ending my journey driving off boost.
The turbo timer is set on 20secs...... Not even sure if i need this tbh but it has a very accurate boost gauge on it aswell
I have not been taking the car near red line at all.
The spec is
HKS mushroom filter
HKS ssq blow off valve
Greddy clutch
boost turned up to 0.98bar
magnex full 2.5" system
fancy ignition leads
short shift kit
Think thats it. I may of missed something
Any info would be great
It just got serviced last week
Any tips would be good
As you know i bought a Impreza Turbo yesterday - I dont know to much about turbo's so im after some info on how to "not kill it"
I have been letting it get warm before hitting boost. And before ending my journey driving off boost.
The turbo timer is set on 20secs...... Not even sure if i need this tbh but it has a very accurate boost gauge on it aswell
I have not been taking the car near red line at all.
The spec is
HKS mushroom filter
HKS ssq blow off valve
Greddy clutch
boost turned up to 0.98bar
magnex full 2.5" system
fancy ignition leads
short shift kit
Think thats it. I may of missed something
Any info would be great
It just got serviced last week
Any tips would be good
16 February 2009, 11:16 AM
#4
Scooby Regular
You're doing all the right things. Don't really need a turbo timer unless for some reason you can't drive for a few mins off boost on the way home.
I always tried to avoid prolonged runs at 100+ mph, as the scoop on a classic doesn't really work above 100 seemingly.
I always tried to avoid prolonged runs at 100+ mph, as the scoop on a classic doesn't really work above 100 seemingly.
16 February 2009, 11:17 AM
#5
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: The yorkshire dales - best roads in the UK
Posts: 3,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Get rid of the induction kit and fit a good panel filter, lose the VTA DV as well.
Get it on a rolling road to check the AFR's before you drive it in anger. Change the oil and filter on a regular basis as well. When was the cambelt done?
Get it on a rolling road to check the AFR's before you drive it in anger. Change the oil and filter on a regular basis as well. When was the cambelt done?
16 February 2009, 11:18 AM
#6
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 3,687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When you say "boost turned up2 has the car been mapped for the mods? Could be important especially if it is VTA system etc you have on there.
Roger Clark Motorsport do the Samco kits for sure but others may do as well....
5t.
Roger Clark Motorsport do the Samco kits for sure but others may do as well....
5t.
16 February 2009, 11:19 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
The turbo timer was in the car so i may aswell keep it there
Whats the VTA DV - Im assuming dv means dump valve
Also why looks the air filter?? - Im not been ignorant just want to learn more about the "turbo engine"
Fivetide - The owner said the car was mapped.. Im sure he said "Andy Forest" but im not sure. I will have a look at the receipt when i get home again
Last edited by Connor_scotland; 16 February 2009 at 11:22 AM.
Trending Topics
16 February 2009, 11:23 AM
#9
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: The yorkshire dales - best roads in the UK
Posts: 3,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The previous owner said it was done in October but he couldnt back it up. The water pump looked nwe an shiny an the belt looks "as a belt should" but i think i may just get the belt done.
The turbo timer was in the car so i may aswell keep it there
Whats the VTA DV - Im assuming dv means dump valve
Also why looks the air filter?? - Im not been ignorant just want to learn more about the "turbo engine"
Fivetide - The owner said the car was mapped.. Im sure he said "Andy Forest" but im not sure. I will have a look at the receipt when i get home again
The turbo timer was in the car so i may aswell keep it there
Whats the VTA DV - Im assuming dv means dump valve
Also why looks the air filter?? - Im not been ignorant just want to learn more about the "turbo engine"
Fivetide - The owner said the car was mapped.. Im sure he said "Andy Forest" but im not sure. I will have a look at the receipt when i get home again
Vent to air dump valve - i would stick it on ebay along with the filter and fit oe ones.
Get it on the rolling ASAP just to make sure all is safe.
16 February 2009, 11:33 AM
#10
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 3,071
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If the cars been mapped, then it'll have a different ECU. Your cars at the year where the standard ECU can't have a mappable module put in, like the ESL Live. Pull up the carpet at the passengers feet, you'll see a plate, remove it, the ecu's under it.
Is it a UK car? Does it still have a cat? 300bhp's a bit high i would say, at 1bar. Does it have grey injectors?
Looks nice and clean!
Is it a UK car? Does it still have a cat? 300bhp's a bit high i would say, at 1bar. Does it have grey injectors?
Looks nice and clean!
16 February 2009, 11:37 AM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Mit
I will do this tonight if i get the chance.
It has a decat on it the now.
Its a uk car - R reg 1998
I will check the injector colour aswell
I do mind someone saying the standard ECU is not mappable - Does this mean there will be a piggy back ecu
Will the dump valve hurt the car as i love the sound. Most local Scoobs have them on aswell so i didnt think it would be "dangerous"
I will do this tonight if i get the chance.
It has a decat on it the now.
Its a uk car - R reg 1998
I will check the injector colour aswell
I do mind someone saying the standard ECU is not mappable - Does this mean there will be a piggy back ecu
Will the dump valve hurt the car as i love the sound. Most local Scoobs have them on aswell so i didnt think it would be "dangerous"
16 February 2009, 11:46 AM
#12
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 3,687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Should have changed the ECU full stop if it is mapped i think. Somethign like £1500
If it hasn't been done with the mods that are on it then it has all the worst possible things for engine failure from the issues people have.
Induction kit - screws up the mass air flow (MAF) meter so the car doesn't fuel right potentiasl to go bang.
VTA dump valve - chucks out a load of air after the MAF which the ecu expects to be in the engine. often results in poor running as the car will be too rich. Also less power as the fuel is leaned out to get more go.
De-cat - potential for a boost spike as no back pressure on turbo, possiblity of the turbo going pop and taking the engine with itas it will fill the car with lots of lovely metal bits.
Without wanting to be a doom monger though all of this is potential. However, given the price of a new engine you'd be wise to have it checked. If they said it had been mapped then expect a hefty reciept from Andy. If not they've lied to you and it will want doing if you want to stay safe.
5t.
If it hasn't been done with the mods that are on it then it has all the worst possible things for engine failure from the issues people have.
Induction kit - screws up the mass air flow (MAF) meter so the car doesn't fuel right potentiasl to go bang.
VTA dump valve - chucks out a load of air after the MAF which the ecu expects to be in the engine. often results in poor running as the car will be too rich. Also less power as the fuel is leaned out to get more go.
De-cat - potential for a boost spike as no back pressure on turbo, possiblity of the turbo going pop and taking the engine with itas it will fill the car with lots of lovely metal bits.
Without wanting to be a doom monger though all of this is potential. However, given the price of a new engine you'd be wise to have it checked. If they said it had been mapped then expect a hefty reciept from Andy. If not they've lied to you and it will want doing if you want to stay safe.
5t.
16 February 2009, 11:50 AM
#13
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 3,071
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You may get a nice surprise and find a different ecu! Or piggy back as you say.
I've had bad issues with dump valves, the bailey one i had on my last car made it idle/run funny, and others too. But many have them fitted them with no issues.
Get it on a r/r, just to see how it's running, i did this with both my impreza's, just as a precaution.
Mit
I've had bad issues with dump valves, the bailey one i had on my last car made it idle/run funny, and others too. But many have them fitted them with no issues.
Get it on a r/r, just to see how it's running, i did this with both my impreza's, just as a precaution.
Mit
16 February 2009, 11:55 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Whats the point in companys like HKS selling induction kits if they are pointless and cause engine failure.
Same with the dump valves as 90% of Imprezas have them
Also loads of people decat there cars aswell
So is it absoloutly pointless modifying an Impreza engine?
5t - Im going to try get it on the rollers at the weekend - Cheers for the info tho bud
I got all the standard parts with the car aswell
Also i have driven the car over 300miles yesterday/today an its running bang on with no issues. Idles perfect starts first turn of the key. No smoke,knocks,rattles
Same with the dump valves as 90% of Imprezas have them
Also loads of people decat there cars aswell
So is it absoloutly pointless modifying an Impreza engine?
5t - Im going to try get it on the rollers at the weekend - Cheers for the info tho bud
I got all the standard parts with the car aswell
Also i have driven the car over 300miles yesterday/today an its running bang on with no issues. Idles perfect starts first turn of the key. No smoke,knocks,rattles
Last edited by Connor_scotland; 16 February 2009 at 11:56 AM.
16 February 2009, 11:57 AM
#16
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought DV released back pressure which wouldn't go into the engine anyway?
16 February 2009, 12:00 PM
#17
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 3,071
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, and every standard impreza turbo has a recirc dv fitted from factory. It's the vta's that cause the problems.
Last edited by mit; 16 February 2009 at 12:01 PM.
16 February 2009, 12:17 PM
#19
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: My turbo blows, air lots of it!!
Posts: 9,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whats the point in companys like HKS selling induction kits if they are pointless and cause engine failure.
Same with the dump valves as 90% of Imprezas have them
Also loads of people decat there cars aswell
So is it absoloutly pointless modifying an Impreza engine?
Same with the dump valves as 90% of Imprezas have them
Also loads of people decat there cars aswell
So is it absoloutly pointless modifying an Impreza engine?
16 February 2009, 12:19 PM
#20
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: The yorkshire dales - best roads in the UK
Posts: 3,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whats the point in companys like HKS selling induction kits if they are pointless and cause engine failure.
Same with the dump valves as 90% of Imprezas have them
Also loads of people decat there cars aswell
So is it absoloutly pointless modifying an Impreza engine?
5t - Im going to try get it on the rollers at the weekend - Cheers for the info tho bud
I got all the standard parts with the car aswell
Also i have driven the car over 300miles yesterday/today an its running bang on with no issues. Idles perfect starts first turn of the key. No smoke,knocks,rattles
Same with the dump valves as 90% of Imprezas have them
Also loads of people decat there cars aswell
So is it absoloutly pointless modifying an Impreza engine?
5t - Im going to try get it on the rollers at the weekend - Cheers for the info tho bud
I got all the standard parts with the car aswell
Also i have driven the car over 300miles yesterday/today an its running bang on with no issues. Idles perfect starts first turn of the key. No smoke,knocks,rattles
Last edited by T5OLF; 16 February 2009 at 12:20 PM.
16 February 2009, 12:22 PM
#21
Moderator
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: The Terry Crews of moderation. P P P P P P POWER!!
Posts: 18,687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How not to kill a UK turbo (from a UK Turbo owner with a car running 340bhp and lbs ft torque who's had the car 4 and a half years without any major mishaps):
-Warm up before using boost, can take as much as 10 miles in this really cold weather (it's not when the water temp gauge read normal).
- Use the best petrol and consumables you can afford i.e. V power and A fully synth Ester based oil such as Silkolene Pro S
- Let the car cool down before switching it off after periods of on boost driving, alternatively spend the last mile or two of the journey driving off boost.
- Don't drive it like a prat - e.g. bouncing it off the limiter on every journey is a receipe for disaster
- Service it on time and in accordance with the schedule Subaru provide
- Modify it properly, no short cuts like just upping the boost, get the car's ECU remapped by an expert for the mods you perform.
Treated well, they're very, very reliable cars!
Ns04
-Warm up before using boost, can take as much as 10 miles in this really cold weather (it's not when the water temp gauge read normal).
- Use the best petrol and consumables you can afford i.e. V power and A fully synth Ester based oil such as Silkolene Pro S
- Let the car cool down before switching it off after periods of on boost driving, alternatively spend the last mile or two of the journey driving off boost.
- Don't drive it like a prat - e.g. bouncing it off the limiter on every journey is a receipe for disaster
- Service it on time and in accordance with the schedule Subaru provide
- Modify it properly, no short cuts like just upping the boost, get the car's ECU remapped by an expert for the mods you perform.
Treated well, they're very, very reliable cars!
Ns04
Last edited by New_scooby_04; 16 February 2009 at 12:23 PM.
16 February 2009, 12:40 PM
#22
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 3,687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's good news especially when it comes to MOT time.
HKS etc do make good products. Trouble is they also make some very high end products. People like Andy Forrest and i believe Prodrive will tell you the standard airbox is good for 350bhp no problems. Once you get higher then yes you are looking at an induction kit but right now you don't need it. I would agree it is likely to be costing rather than gaining you power. The standard tuning rules just don't seem to apply to Imprezas.
Also all turbo cars run a dump valve. The standard Subaru one is a recirculating valve not a VTA for a reason. A lot of people have found the car doesn't run as smooth with a VTA kit on. Others don't but i would say the majority of experience says don't bother!
Likewise the decat. As i say it is "potentially" an issue. If you decat a car like Supra for example you have to put restrictor rings in the exhaust to re-create the backpressure the cat should have given and stop turbo one (twin turbo cars) spinning itself to bits.
The induction/samco hoses will be a good mod though.
5t.
16 February 2009, 12:41 PM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Cheers new scooby.
Thanks everyone else for the information
The only reason i ask is every person says something different you know so its hard to change a mod due to one person saying "it will kill your car" an another "its fine"
My mate has had his turbo for years with a dv an induction kit on it. Its not mapped and he has had no issues. I assume it must be luck as people are saying these mods without a map is asking for trouble
It got serviced the other day as there is receipts for oil etc.
Im not planning hammering the car,hitting limiter or any of that ****
I plan to enjoy the power it has an tidy the engine bay up with some nice pipes etc
Just to say im not trying to be a dick with my replies im just curious to find all of this out. Im not saying anyone is lying as i know nothing myself lol
Edit - Cheers Fivetide. Much appreciated. I was reading on Andys site about mods etc some valuable info on there.
I have the spare airbox so will give it a bash the night an see if i notice the difference
Thanks everyone else for the information
The only reason i ask is every person says something different you know so its hard to change a mod due to one person saying "it will kill your car" an another "its fine"
My mate has had his turbo for years with a dv an induction kit on it. Its not mapped and he has had no issues. I assume it must be luck as people are saying these mods without a map is asking for trouble
It got serviced the other day as there is receipts for oil etc.
Im not planning hammering the car,hitting limiter or any of that ****
I plan to enjoy the power it has an tidy the engine bay up with some nice pipes etc
Just to say im not trying to be a dick with my replies im just curious to find all of this out. Im not saying anyone is lying as i know nothing myself lol
Edit - Cheers Fivetide. Much appreciated. I was reading on Andys site about mods etc some valuable info on there.
I have the spare airbox so will give it a bash the night an see if i notice the difference
Last edited by Connor_scotland; 16 February 2009 at 12:43 PM.
16 February 2009, 01:29 PM
#24
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 3,687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not a problem chap.
sounds like you have bought a straight car from a decent owner which is good. The question seems to be has it been mapped or not.
As you say it is down to luck. Personally i'm not one to trust what? 2.5/3k engine replacement to luck so went to Andy for the map.
He advised on improving the intercooler hoses over even a panal filter so feel free to ask him questions if you are looking to book the car in!
See you at some meets perhaps!
5t.
EDIT - not sure on classics but witht he newage there is a snorkel in the wing that can be removed so more air gets in. If you are putting the airbox back on you shouldn't need to connect this up. That way you'll basically have a performance filter, shielded from engine heat and a pipe straight to the cold air. Plus it should be much easier on the MAF. Probably only a few ponies in it so may not be obvious changes but experience would say it is much safer for the engine.
sounds like you have bought a straight car from a decent owner which is good. The question seems to be has it been mapped or not.
As you say it is down to luck. Personally i'm not one to trust what? 2.5/3k engine replacement to luck so went to Andy for the map.
He advised on improving the intercooler hoses over even a panal filter so feel free to ask him questions if you are looking to book the car in!
See you at some meets perhaps!
5t.
EDIT - not sure on classics but witht he newage there is a snorkel in the wing that can be removed so more air gets in. If you are putting the airbox back on you shouldn't need to connect this up. That way you'll basically have a performance filter, shielded from engine heat and a pipe straight to the cold air. Plus it should be much easier on the MAF. Probably only a few ponies in it so may not be obvious changes but experience would say it is much safer for the engine.
Last edited by fivetide; 16 February 2009 at 01:32 PM.
16 February 2009, 01:40 PM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Yea should do mate
I was thinking of giving Andy a call after work to see what he has to say :-)
I never realised Scoobs suffered from "heat soak" on the filters etc.
I would really like a FMIC but they are a bit pricey but they do look the nipples :-)
Hopefully it has been mapped then. Will have a good poke about tonight
I was thinking of giving Andy a call after work to see what he has to say :-)
I never realised Scoobs suffered from "heat soak" on the filters etc.
I would really like a FMIC but they are a bit pricey but they do look the nipples :-)
Hopefully it has been mapped then. Will have a good poke about tonight
16 February 2009, 10:18 PM
#27
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Iv got a sti running at 365 bhp with a blitz side wing induction kit and a hks blow off valve, worked on by slow boy with no problems, i think its personal preferences whether you put them on or not, personly i think my car would not be performing if not for my induction kit! the car needs a good flow of cold air 2 perform at its peak, i think any scooby owner wud know that.
17 February 2009, 12:49 AM
#28
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (16)
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Curlew FPSO
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Connor you could get a front mount but you would need the car mapped for it.
Meaning if u do not already have an aftermarket ECU you would have to buy one meaning 1200+. Keep it as it is an enjoy it.
Ignore all the bull about induction kits and dump valves blowing your engine up its is crap!! Just keep an eye on your MAF sensor and make sure you service it properly and it will be fine
Meaning if u do not already have an aftermarket ECU you would have to buy one meaning 1200+. Keep it as it is an enjoy it.
Ignore all the bull about induction kits and dump valves blowing your engine up its is crap!! Just keep an eye on your MAF sensor and make sure you service it properly and it will be fine
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blockhead
Subaru Parts
19
07 November 2015 11:50 PM
charlesr
General Technical
9
28 September 2015 09:16 AM
