Turbo Timer FAQ: Read if you are thinking of buying one!

Unabomber · 12-07-2003, 12:55 AM

Turbo Timer FAQ

The primary purpose of an aftermarket turbo timer is to allow your engine to idle unattended for a user specified amount of time. This will allow your engine, specifically the turbo, to return from elevated temperature levels to normal temperature levels prior to the engine being turned off. This can prevent oil coking in turbochargers that are cooling by engine oil.

Are these necessary with Subaru Turbos? No.

June 2001 TechTIPS published by Subaru for Subaru Technicians states:

"2002MY WRX TURBO COOL DOWN PROCEDURE
FHI's position regarding this is that it is not necessary to perform a "cool down/idling" procedure, as was recommended with past turbo models. Our current 2.0L turbo engine has a far greater cooling capacity and, coupled with technology advances, makes this practice no longer necessary. This explains why information about cool down is not included in the 2002MY Impreza Owner's Manual.

The heat contained in the turbo charger will begin to vaporize the coolant at the turbo charger after the engine is stopped. This hot vapor will then enter the coolant reservoir tank which is the highest point of the coolant system. At the same time the vapor exits the turbo charger, coolant supplied from the right bank cylinder head flows into the turbo. This action cools the turbo charger down. This process will continue until the vaporizing action in the turbo charger has stopped or cooled down."

Which manufacturer is best? This topic is highly debated. There have been no reported consistent "bad" turbo timers on the market. Obviously, there may have been bad timers sold, but not enough to report as "bad" overall.

Are there any downsides to turbo timers? There have not been significant amounts of problems with turbo timers. It goes without saying that repeated use of turbo timers has obvious effects on gas mileage.

Are there other uses for turbo timers? Yes. A turbo timer makes a great tool to warm up your car during cold days. Jump in, start your car, set the timer, remove your key, exit the vehicle, set the alarm, and enter a toasty vehicle 10 minutes later. It can be a more appealing and cost effective option than conventional remote starting devices. It also eliminates all thought of remote starting in gear (though there are safetys for this on remote starting equipment) for manual transmission vehicles or entering a cold vehicle because you forgot to set the climate controls prior to exiting the vehicle the night before.

Where do I buy turbo timers? Every Subaru/Import performance store sells turbo timers. For purchasing, support your local economy or the NASIOC Vendors.

How hard is it to install turbo timers? Allow around 1-2 hours for install time. Professional installation, depending on your area, is around $100. This is one vehicle modification that is very simple and can be successfully accomplished by even the greenest shade tree mechanic.

How do I install turbo timers? Refer to the turbo timer manufacturer's instructions. For turbo timers without instructions, below is a link to some of the better known turbo timer installation instructions:
scoobymods.com instructions (with photos)
nasioc.com instructions (with photos) catered towards factory alarm users

Editors Note

This post was created because I wasn't able to find a good turbo timer FAQ. I came up with the text based on LOTS of searching here. Upon reading this you should have an idea of whether a turbo timer best suits your needs or not. The manufacturer is up to you.

If you find an error in this FAQ, please PM me with factual details and I will update this post. Responses such as, "I have XXX's turbo timer and it's great!" or "XXX's turbo timers broke after 1 month" are not appreciated here, that is what the Car Parts Review Forum is for.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

HonduHunter · 12-07-2003, 12:41 PM

another great post by unabomber

raptor · 12-09-2003, 03:35 PM

Well.. one of the link doesn't work

oric20 · 03-22-2004, 10:56 AM

unabomber,

you are truly an asset to this club.

thanks

-Ciro

e23k13l420 · 03-30-2004, 08:33 AM

The other day my friend told me i installed my turbo timer wrong, because the whole engine is running? Is there a way so that you just have the turbine running? Thanks

Calamity Jesus · 03-30-2004, 09:09 AM

(my appologies if you were being serious)

Unabomber · 03-30-2004, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by e23k13l420
The other day my friend told me i installed my turbo timer wrong, because the whole engine is running? Is there a way so that you just have the turbine running? Thanks

Seriously, no. Just running the turbine (you can't anyway) without oil flow would be a very bad thing.

cky211 · 03-31-2004, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by e23k13l420
The other day my friend told me i installed my turbo timer wrong, because the whole engine is running? Is there a way so that you just have the turbine running? Thanks

That was a good one

I had a great laugh!

sirbryanclark · 04-17-2004, 12:39 PM

I would go kick your friend in the teeth and them laugh at him

-=Ice-T=- · 04-18-2004, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sirbryanclark
I would go kick your friend in the teeth and them laugh at him

nice bump dude...

zstar50 · 04-19-2004, 02:05 AM

Love your FAQ's unabomber, keep em coming

ofay · 09-26-2004, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e23k13l420

The other day my friend told me i installed my turbo timer wrong, because the whole engine is running? Is there a way so that you just have the turbine running? Thanks

at your friend

olsaltybastard · 09-26-2004, 01:48 PM

I wasn't thinking of buying one, but I read the thread anyways. Is that wrong??

Good post.

kool168 · 11-06-2004, 10:14 PM

even i just beat my car really hard, and i shut down the engine right the way, it still won't hurt the turbo?

Unabomber · 11-06-2004, 10:29 PM

You can run your car at redline for 2 hours and immediately shut it off. As far as the turbo is concerned, it will be fine. That being said, it is a good idea to run your car nicely for a few minutes so ALL the fluids in your car can return to their normal operating temperatures prior to shut down. Obviously this advice only applies if you really tear up your car via autocrossing or HARD driving out in the country. Some people confuse a "power run" or two for hard driving. Getting on the gas pedal once in awhile, or taking a corner or two hard is not hard driving.

DuoMaxwell · 11-06-2004, 10:54 PM

I dont care if I don't need one its still cool to lock your car and walk away whiles its running. People on base that are new give the most messed up look when you do this!!!

brunetmj · 11-07-2004, 10:04 AM

Just wanted to add that although the timer itself isn't necessary the harness itself is useful for such things as alarm installs, remote starting etc.. A good place to hack wires (12 volt constant or accessory) without bothering stock wiring.

Lucky 13 · 11-07-2004, 03:17 PM

Just curious, but are they necessary for aftermarket turbos such as the VF series?

Unabomber · 11-07-2004, 04:50 PM

They are not necessary for any water cooled turbo on a Subaru engine. If it's a purely oil cooled turbo, the answer is yes.

AzSandSlinger · 11-08-2004, 12:47 AM

sticky???

-Shane

bboy · 12-19-2004, 02:57 AM

As long as the engine has cooled sufficiently it would seem to hold true that a timer in unecessary even with oil only turbos (i.e. no water jacket). No?

Unabomber · 12-19-2004, 10:25 AM

That's a pretty accurate statement. The TT for an oil cooled turbo car is merely a safety feature for those without the sense to do what they are supposed to do.

wrxdrftr2002 · 02-27-2005, 09:40 AM

one question...apexi does not make a harness for their turbo timer so has anyone done one with thet apexi where you had to splice into the ignition harness instead of just using the adapter??

Dr. Morbid · 02-27-2005, 09:58 AM

A similar and related question: What about the relevance of an oil catch can then?

Calebz · 02-27-2005, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unabomber

They are not necessary for any water cooled turbo on a Subaru engine. If it's a purely oil cooled turbo, the answer is yes.

Is it accurate to say this applies to ALL subaru turbo motors, or just the 2002 and up Subaru motors?

The older soob turbos are water cooled too

12-07-2003, 12:55 AM	#1
Unabomber Big Ron Super Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	Turbo Timer FAQ: Read if you are thinking of buying one! Turbo Timer FAQ The primary purpose of an aftermarket turbo timer is to allow your engine to idle unattended for a user specified amount of time. This will allow your engine, specifically the turbo, to return from elevated temperature levels to normal temperature levels prior to the engine being turned off. This can prevent oil coking in turbochargers that are cooling by engine oil. Are these necessary with Subaru Turbos? No. June 2001 TechTIPS published by Subaru for Subaru Technicians states: "2002MY WRX TURBO COOL DOWN PROCEDURE FHI's position regarding this is that it is not necessary to perform a "cool down/idling" procedure, as was recommended with past turbo models. Our current 2.0L turbo engine has a far greater cooling capacity and, coupled with technology advances, makes this practice no longer necessary. This explains why information about cool down is not included in the 2002MY Impreza Owner's Manual. The heat contained in the turbo charger will begin to vaporize the coolant at the turbo charger after the engine is stopped. This hot vapor will then enter the coolant reservoir tank which is the highest point of the coolant system. At the same time the vapor exits the turbo charger, coolant supplied from the right bank cylinder head flows into the turbo. This action cools the turbo charger down. This process will continue until the vaporizing action in the turbo charger has stopped or cooled down." Which manufacturer is best? This topic is highly debated. There have been no reported consistent "bad" turbo timers on the market. Obviously, there may have been bad timers sold, but not enough to report as "bad" overall. Are there any downsides to turbo timers? There have not been significant amounts of problems with turbo timers. It goes without saying that repeated use of turbo timers has obvious effects on gas mileage. Are there other uses for turbo timers? Yes. A turbo timer makes a great tool to warm up your car during cold days. Jump in, start your car, set the timer, remove your key, exit the vehicle, set the alarm, and enter a toasty vehicle 10 minutes later. It can be a more appealing and cost effective option than conventional remote starting devices. It also eliminates all thought of remote starting in gear (though there are safetys for this on remote starting equipment) for manual transmission vehicles or entering a cold vehicle because you forgot to set the climate controls prior to exiting the vehicle the night before. Where do I buy turbo timers? Every Subaru/Import performance store sells turbo timers. For purchasing, support your local economy or the NASIOC Vendors. How hard is it to install turbo timers? Allow around 1-2 hours for install time. Professional installation, depending on your area, is around $100. This is one vehicle modification that is very simple and can be successfully accomplished by even the greenest shade tree mechanic. How do I install turbo timers? Refer to the turbo timer manufacturer's instructions. For turbo timers without instructions, below is a link to some of the better known turbo timer installation instructions: scoobymods.com instructions (with photos) nasioc.com instructions (with photos) catered towards factory alarm users Editors Note This post was created because I wasn't able to find a good turbo timer FAQ. I came up with the text based on LOTS of searching here. Upon reading this you should have an idea of whether a turbo timer best suits your needs or not. The manufacturer is up to you. If you find an error in this FAQ, please PM me with factual details and I will update this post. Responses such as, "I have XXX's turbo timer and it's great!" or "XXX's turbo timers broke after 1 month" are not appreciated here, that is what the Car Parts Review Forum is for. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by Unabomber; 04-02-2004 at 11:59 PM.

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12-07-2003, 12:41 PM	#2
HonduHunter Scooby Guru Member#: 28408 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: San Antonio, Tx Vehicle: 2002 vf48ed WRX OBP	another great post by unabomber

12-09-2003, 03:35 PM	#3
raptor Scooby Newbie Member#: 3323 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Chicago, IL	Well.. one of the link doesn't work

03-22-2004, 10:56 AM	#4
oric20 Scooby Specialist Member#: 10235 Join Date: Sep 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Natick, MA	unabomber, you are truly an asset to this club. thanks -Ciro

03-30-2004, 08:33 AM	#5
e23k13l420 Scooby Newbie Member#: 30482 Join Date: Nov 2002	The other day my friend told me i installed my turbo timer wrong, because the whole engine is running? Is there a way so that you just have the turbine running? Thanks

03-30-2004, 09:09 AM	#6
Calamity Jesus Scooby Guru Member#: 44501 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Yeah, well, you know Vehicle: that 's, like, your alternate facts, man.	(my appologies if you were being serious)

04-17-2004, 12:39 PM	#9
sirbryanclark Scooby Specialist Member#: 59643 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 2003 Impreza Wagon Midnight Black Pearl	I would go kick your friend in the teeth and them laugh at him

04-19-2004, 02:05 AM	#11
zstar50 Scooby Newbie Member#: 23330 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Big Sky	Love your FAQ's unabomber, keep em coming

09-26-2004, 01:48 PM	#13
olsaltybastard Scooby Specialist Member#: 54244 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Vehicle: '04 STi	I wasn't thinking of buying one, but I read the thread anyways. Is that wrong?? Good post.

11-06-2004, 10:14 PM	#14
kool168 Scooby Specialist Member#: 61006 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Hong Kong	even i just beat my car really hard, and i shut down the engine right the way, it still won't hurt the turbo?

11-06-2004, 10:29 PM	#15
Unabomber Big Ron Super Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	You can run your car at redline for 2 hours and immediately shut it off. As far as the turbo is concerned, it will be fine. That being said, it is a good idea to run your car nicely for a few minutes so ALL the fluids in your car can return to their normal operating temperatures prior to shut down. Obviously this advice only applies if you really tear up your car via autocrossing or HARD driving out in the country. Some people confuse a "power run" or two for hard driving. Getting on the gas pedal once in awhile, or taking a corner or two hard is not hard driving.

11-06-2004, 10:54 PM	#16
DuoMaxwell Scooby Specialist Member#: 24565 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Misawa Japan Vehicle: 2000 V6 STi RA #856 Blue	I dont care if I don't need one its still cool to lock your car and walk away whiles its running. People on base that are new give the most messed up look when you do this!!!

11-07-2004, 10:04 AM	#17
brunetmj Scooby Specialist Member#: 8023 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Way-upstate , NY Vehicle: 2019 Crosstrek white	Just wanted to add that although the timer itself isn't necessary the harness itself is useful for such things as alarm installs, remote starting etc.. A good place to hack wires (12 volt constant or accessory) without bothering stock wiring.

11-07-2004, 03:17 PM	#18
Lucky 13 Scooby Newbie Member#: 72522 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WA Vehicle: 2003 Impreza WRX MBP	Just curious, but are they necessary for aftermarket turbos such as the VF series?

11-07-2004, 04:50 PM	#19
Unabomber Big Ron Super Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	They are not necessary for any water cooled turbo on a Subaru engine. If it's a purely oil cooled turbo, the answer is yes.

11-08-2004, 12:47 AM	#20
AzSandSlinger Scooby Specialist Member#: 32684 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Maricopa, AZ Vehicle: 2015 STi Ice Silver	sticky??? -Shane

12-19-2004, 02:57 AM	#21
bboy Scooby Specialist Member#: 56468 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA Vehicle: 04 Improved STI Dirty White	As long as the engine has cooled sufficiently it would seem to hold true that a timer in unecessary even with oil only turbos (i.e. no water jacket). No?

12-19-2004, 10:25 AM	#22
Unabomber Big Ron Super Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	That's a pretty accurate statement. The TT for an oil cooled turbo car is merely a safety feature for those without the sense to do what they are supposed to do.

02-27-2005, 09:40 AM	#23
wrxdrftr2002 Scooby Specialist Member#: 70715 Join Date: Sep 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: AKUMA Motorsports Vehicle: 2002 ae86 legacy....SQC #263	one question...apexi does not make a harness for their turbo timer so has anyone done one with thet apexi where you had to splice into the ignition harness instead of just using the adapter??

02-27-2005, 09:58 AM	#24
Dr. Morbid Scooby Newbie Member#: 24945 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Medicine Hat, Alberta Vehicle: 1994 Burnt In Fire White Metal	A similar and related question: What about the relevance of an oil catch can then?