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128 Posts
I’ve had my SFR Stage II turbo kit for about a year now and I’m still learning how best to take advantage of the “hairdryer”. The most vexing issue is learning how to get back on the gas after lifting while under boost without upsetting the ECU.
Here’s a typical scenario: I’m cruising in 5th approaching a long hill climb. I drop into 4th and start accelerating strongly as the boost climbs. I reach my intended speed and hold the throttle position as I pull strongly up the hill. The problem comes in if someone interrupts that flow, say moving into my lane to get around a slower car. I let off and the boost drops, then when I get back on the gas I have to be careful not to open the throttle too much or the car bogs, the engine light starts blinking, and the car goes into a sort of “limp mode” that only clears if I shut off the engine and restart (something I’ve learned to do on the move without pulling over!). Having a diverter valve certainly helps reduce the time lag of the turbo coming back up to boost after letting off the throttle, but I'm still learning how to stay ahead of the turbo when driving hard.
The big lesson driving with the turbo seems to be one of unlearning some "normally aspirated" habits, not reflexively downshifting, giving the turbo time to spool up, and trying not to react too quickly to the boost dropping off. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on all this?
Thanks,
Peter
Here’s a typical scenario: I’m cruising in 5th approaching a long hill climb. I drop into 4th and start accelerating strongly as the boost climbs. I reach my intended speed and hold the throttle position as I pull strongly up the hill. The problem comes in if someone interrupts that flow, say moving into my lane to get around a slower car. I let off and the boost drops, then when I get back on the gas I have to be careful not to open the throttle too much or the car bogs, the engine light starts blinking, and the car goes into a sort of “limp mode” that only clears if I shut off the engine and restart (something I’ve learned to do on the move without pulling over!). Having a diverter valve certainly helps reduce the time lag of the turbo coming back up to boost after letting off the throttle, but I'm still learning how to stay ahead of the turbo when driving hard.
The big lesson driving with the turbo seems to be one of unlearning some "normally aspirated" habits, not reflexively downshifting, giving the turbo time to spool up, and trying not to react too quickly to the boost dropping off. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on all this?
Thanks,
Peter