Oilless Turbos

[8pack]

Has anyone tried oilless turbochargers? I don't know much about them - I only know that they require more regular maintenance. Positives, negatives?

 

[ihiryu]

like an aerocharger?

 

[FoPar]

i've heard good things about the Comp Turbo's a few guys in the US and Europe are using them. fast spool & big power from what they say.

 

[8pack]

i've heard good things about the Comp Turbo's a few guys in the US and Europe are using them. fast spool & big power from what they say.

Yeah, I've been looking at Comp Turbos. How do they compare to your normal oil-fed turbo (comparing like for like housings, turbines etc.) in terms of reliability, spool speed, flow and power output?

 

[FoPar]

Yeah, I've been looking at Comp Turbos. How do they compare to your normal oil-fed turbo (comparing like for like housings, turbines etc.) in terms of reliability, spool speed, flow and power output?

from what i have heard spool and reliability are very good. power output matches or exceeds pretty much anything of similar design. my tuner uses them on one of his mates cars, so far he has been very impressed.

 

[JustenGT8]

What are the service intervals on these...given a pretty hard life rather than a street use life?

 

[ZFast88Z]

The same or better then a standard oil lubricated center section.

 

[8pack]

Sounds like a really good solution for the cramped Soarer/SC400 engine bays, as you can mount them in virtually any position since you don't need to gravity drain the oil lines.

 

[ZFast88Z]

Ive swapped my two GT3582R for Comp oilless turbos on my 300Zx. I have nothing but good things to say.

 

[stevechumo]

Very interesting turbo with no oil. After reading on its website, it uses the grease in the bearing (it sounds like an electric fan) and coolant water to cool the bearing. I wonder how often the grease needs to be changed, and how long the turbo lasts.

http://www.compturbo.com/spotlights/oil_less

If it's so good, I guess it'll take over the market very soon.

 

[extractors]

These do look very interesting, would like to see a compressor graph to a comparable oil fed turbo.

 

[JBrady]

If these really do have acceptible reliability they will be outstanding for many uses especially low mount and remote mount where a pump is normally used.

Does anyone have pricing?

 

[FoPar]

If these really do have acceptible reliability they will be outstanding for many uses especially low mount and remote mount where a pump is normally used.

Does anyone have pricing?

prices aren't too bad. they are a few hundred bucks more than a nice billet Precision. price list here http://www.theboostlab.com/products/comp-turbo.html

 

[ZFast88Z]

These do look very interesting, would like to see a compressor graph to a comparable oil fed turbo.

Maps will be identical to the oil fed version.

 

[stevechumo]

I think they have 2 versions. One is standard oil turbo, and the other is upgraded to oiless for $600. So the price is only for oil turbo plus $600, if it's to be oiless. I'm wondering if I can send in my turbo to be oiless.

 

[JBrady]

Maps will be identical to the oil fed version.

Only on models utilizing an off the shelf compressor and housing.

Their site details changing the ratio of blade to center on compressor wheels and that increases air flow area for a given inlet diameter.

They also use essentiallly axial turbine wheels giving a larger exhaust outlet and lower backpressure all else equal.

I am somewhat suspect on the long term durability but definitely like the possibilities.

 

[spf_lexus]

I am somewhat suspect on the long term durability but definitely like the possibilities.
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I like that the bearings are re greasable. Thats definently a big selling point. If the turbo is top mount, changing the grease every 2 weeks or so doesnt sound to laborsome. I always wanted to give turbocharging a try and the idea of not requiring oil feed/drain lines w/ tuned restrictor valves, and engine oil heat soak definently simplify the process and reduce variables. Tap a coolant circuit and off you go. Obviously heat will be an issue any way you cut it. In the end, requiring one less step/variable to a FI application is progress.


I didnt scope out all their models but if they offer a twin scroll design im very interested.

 

[JBrady]

Notice anything unusual here???

http://www.compturbo.com/projects/theshop_viper

 

[stevechumo]

Shiny engine? lol. Sideway turbo. Very cool!

 

[BigKriss]

" changing the grease every 2 weeks or so doesnt sound to laborsome."

Your`e kidding , right ?