Polish the compressor housing inside?

[big_eskimo]

I'm wondering if I should polish the inside of my compressor housing to a smooth surface. I know that your not supposed to port the compressor housing at all, but it seems like having a smooth surface rather than the bumpy surface thats left after the aluminum has been cast would reduce turbulence and improve flow. If anyone has any experience or any tips I'd appreciate the input.

 

[Boosted98gsx]

The amount of flow you would get from that is minimal. Definately not worth the risk of hitting the comp inlet and effing up the clearances.

 

[big_eskimo]

The amount of flow you would get from that is minimal. Definately not worth the risk of hitting the comp inlet and effing up the clearances.

You really think that smoothing that surface out wouldn't help much? It seems like how rough it is from the casting process is would really cause some turbulence. I bet with just a spring with some sand paper wrapped around it you could smooth it out pretty easily.

 

[Boosted98gsx]

At the velocity that the air is moving inside the compressor housing, that turbulence is the least of your worries. It's just like someone wanting to port the outlet of a TD05h compressor housing. That close to the compressor, those slight mods aren't going to do anything.

 

[Mike1992]

The amount of flow you would get from that is minimal. Definately not worth the risk of hitting the comp inlet and effing up the clearances.

I agree, not worth the risk.

 

[big_eskimo]

I'll take your guys' word for it considering I don't have too much hands on experience and for sure don't want ding up the compressor inlet.

 

[pneumo]

Here's a pic of my 14b. I ported the inlet so it would blend with a 3" intake, instead of the airflow hitting a square edged inlet. You can see the curve of the bell-shaped inlet if you look at the top, around 11 to 1 O'clock. You can really see the polishing, too.

I once smoothed the entire inside of a couple turbo compressor housings with some fine sandpaper. It's a lot of work and only worth it if you really need every last bit of flow and efficiency from your turbo. Also, some turbos have a smoother finish already. The 14B that came off my '90 had a rougher, sharper texture. The 14B from my '92 was smoother.

Make sure you stay away from the area right next to the compressor blades. You don't want to mess with the clearances there. Also stay away from the surface where the housing seals against the center section. Consider these two locations to be Off Limits. If you touch them with any porting tool or sandpaper -GAME OVER!