How to properly break in a turbo? [Merged 5-8]

onegee · Jan 17, 2003

so just wondering, what is the PROPER way to break in a new turbo? i'm buying a used turbo from a 3g guy w/ 1k miles on it and want to know if he properly broke it in or not...and if he didn't what would be some of the problems? ### reply with any insight and information..i'd really appreciate it..thanks

doug · Jan 17, 2003

From all the threads I've ever read on this subject, the consensus seems to be that there's no break-in period required. Only when first installed, crank the car without starting it for 5-10 seconds to allow oil to get into it. And some don't even believe it's that important. IMO, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

onegee · Jan 17, 2003

sweet, ur the man..appreciate the quick response

Nos~4G63 · Jan 17, 2003

Drive it like you stole it!

nine5raptor · Jan 17, 2003

if you crank it w/o starting do short bursts with time in between. you don't want to burn out the starter do you? =)

DSM91 · Jan 17, 2003

You won't burn out the starter from running it for 10-15 seconds. How do you think people do compression tests?

5 minutes after installing my Green I was hitting 20psi out on the streets. Though the problem with that was it was raining, and the rear of the car didn't like staying put when all 4 wheels were spinning at the top of third gear

OmegaGS-T · Jan 17, 2003

I drove mine around for 300 miles for break in... got that all in one day.... by that night I was boosting the 16G

nine5raptor · Jan 17, 2003

Originally posted by DSM91
You won't burn out the starter from running it for 10-15 seconds. How do you think people do compression tests?

just a precaution. btw. i cranked mine for less than 15 and the magnetic switch burned out that night. most manuals i've seen (don't know if the factory one does as well) say to run the starter for less than 15 consecutively.

2GTsiAWD · Jan 17, 2003

All you need to do is spin the engine over with the crank sensor off so the engine won't fire, but just do it long enough to get the oil gauge to move. Once it moves pllug the crank sensor in then run the engine. Basically, get some temps in it and check for leaks. Beyond that take it out and spool it carefully to see where the controller is set. After that have fun.

HyperGSX · Jan 17, 2003

I don't think there really is a break-in period for a new turbo. From what I heard most turbo's are tested/heated from the factory and that's why the don't need to be broken in. I don't know if that is true though.

davo345 · Jul 15, 2003

Before i get my new star performance stg II turbo kit, im trying to gather facts about everything. Anyone know how to properly break in the turbo system before you can unleash h3ll on the world? OMG

supergoat · Jul 15, 2003

Um. Crank the car. There it's broken in.

davo345 · Jul 16, 2003

hehe ya, but i guess i was referring to oil changes increments etc.

slodsm · Jul 16, 2003

Same as always, about 3k with regular oil or however long you go with synthetic.

davo345 · Jul 16, 2003

ive heard of people changing their oil right after a 30 min warm up just to be sure to rid an possible metal shavings or whatever. and then again at 500. do you think that is a little excessive?

TimG · Jul 16, 2003

That's for a newely installed rebuilt motor. Not a turbo kit.

davo345 · Jul 16, 2003

gotcha, thanks

red91tsiawd · Nov 15, 2003

how many miles do you need to break in a turbo or do you need to break in a turbo?

someone today was telling me i could go from putting the turbo on to the dyno tune but i thought you had to break it in. who's correct?

Defiant · Nov 16, 2003

There's not really anything in there to break in, as nothing touches. I'm with you, though, I'd just feel better to have taken it out for a few hundred miles before going straight to a dyno.

red91tsiawd · Nov 16, 2003

btw- i'm tuning for 24psi

DSMJim · Nov 16, 2003

Crank over without starting for 30seconds to build oil pressure. Voila your broken in. Turn up boost to 24psi and hit the dyno. You don't need to break anything in, pre-oiling the turbo is plenty.

nineD5_GS-T · Nov 16, 2003

Just "prime" your car like Jim said, then drive for the rest of the day on low boost, then turn it up the next day.

jake98gst · Nov 16, 2003

I read somewhere that you shoudl crank it for 30 secs after disengaging the ignition system. Is this true and if so, how do you disengage ignition? Just take out the plug wires?? because I know you car isn't going anywhere without spark.

Thanks,
Jake

ModInProgress · Nov 16, 2003

yea or you can disconnect the fuel pump wire, right at the top of the fuel pump, there is an electrical connector, disconnect that and crank

jake98gst · Nov 16, 2003

...Seems easier to just take the plug wires out. Nevermind, I forgot you were installing a turbo. So I guess taking out the seats isn't that much harder. Whatever, I guess just personal preferance.

The Central Hub for DSM Community and Information

How to properly break in a turbo? [Merged 5-8]

onegee

doug

onegee

Nos~4G63

nine5raptor

DSM91

OmegaGS-T

nine5raptor

2GTsiAWD

HyperGSX

davo345

supergoat

davo345

slodsm

davo345

TimG

N/T Moderator

davo345

red91tsiawd

Defiant

red91tsiawd

DSMJim

nineD5_GS-T

jake98gst

ModInProgress

jake98gst

Similar threads

Latest posts

Build Thread Updates

Vendor Updates

Latest Classifieds