Turning off the turbo?

[Homerleen]

This is going to sound strange but is it possible to safely "turn off" (disable) your turbo and run it like a n-a motor?

The reason I am asking is I am going to be participating in an 13hour endurance race that strictly regulates the amount I will be able to bring with me in spare parts. If I encounter the dreaded "Boost-Leak" is it possible to quickly and safely shut down the "Boost" and keep running? Being this is a fairly short road course the loss of boost will should not be a big deal.

The motor is bone stock with No mods.

Thanks.

Eric

 

[Nick M]

Sure, dump the exhaust to atmosphere. Have fun fabricating that.

You could also force the wastegate open, but you need to read what your rule book says. The turbo will still operate with the wastegate open, just not very well.

 

[againstdawall06]

You could use something like a MAP ecu to convert it to a speed density. then if you get a boost leak you can just keep going.

 

[starscream5000]

Better make sure that supra can handle those 13 hours. If you think you're going to get boost leak, then there are bigger worries you need to be thinking about.

 

[Homerleen]

I am fairly confident we can make her last the 13 hours. I am just running through "What if" situations with the crew. The turbo system seemed like it could cause some fairly complex and time consuming issues and I am wondering if it is difficult (or even possible)to bypass if needed. I would much rather bypass it in the race (if I can do it without harming the motor) than spend a bunch of time in the pits chasing a problem.

 

[Ric]

lawl

 

[theKnifeArtist]

The turbo I/O switch is in the glovebox.

 

[OneJoeZee]

If you're that worried, just run an NA car... Or make sure your turbo, IC, and pipes are all in spec and tight before starting the race.

 

[starscream5000]

If your turbo is in good condition (check by inspecting the shaft play when the accordian hose is off), then check the rubber hoses and worm clamps. The hoses like to crack over time and that's where most boost leaks start. A quick fix is some exhaust piping from a muffler shop. Use silicone couplers and t-bolt clamps.

 

[Homerleen]

I love the Light switch!!! LOL

I will have all new piping and hoses prior to the race.

I only have a Turbo supra so buying a non-turbo seems a bit expensive.

Obviously by the responces I have recieved it's not something you can quickly and safley bypass... (I will check for the turbo switch in the glove box as well :naughty: )... Thanks for the responces.

Eric

 

[starscream5000]

You could also force the wastegate open, but you need to read what your rule book says. The turbo will still operate with the wastegate open, just not very well.

This works too.

 

[lagged]

why not just do things the right way and make sure your car is running well?

 

[Homerleen]

why not just do things the right way and make sure your car is running well?

I guess I really messed up on how I asked the question. :nono:

I have every intention of making sure the car is running perfect ahead of time. I can handle most other kinds of breakdowns during the race I just wanted a simple plan if the turbo gives me trouble.

 

[Homerleen]

This works too.

Thanks... any chance I could hurt the motor doing this?

 

[Kai]

This might sound dumb....but what about just putting on the manifold from an N/A and removing the turbo? Plumb the AFM out straight to the 3000 pipe. Ding. Problem solved

 

[twinturbozs]

13hrs of racing in a turbo MKIII? I hope youve already changed your HG and rebuilt the turbo.

 

[7MGTEsup]

Thanks... any chance I could hurt the motor doing this?

Nope, had my wastgate arm come off a few months back just makes the car drive like a under powered N/A.

 

[starscream5000]

You may possibly over work your turbo this way, but I'm not sure really how fast it will spin with the wastegate open, but I'm thinking it shouldn't spin fast at all as that's what the wastegate is designed to do, slow down the RPM's of the turbo.