Hey fellas,

I'm picking up my new (second hand '05 model) turbo tomorrow and I just wanted to see if I could get your guys' advice on a few things to make sure that I get the most enjoyable and headache free time from the car that I can.

First off, it's only my second car and my first turbo so I need a few things demistified for me.

1. Heating up: How long should I wait for the car to warm up before I start givin' it a bit? I know it's probably dependant on oil temp, etc but without some aftermarket guages (soon to come I reckon) what is a good rule of thumb? 5 mins? 10?

2. Cooling down: I realise it's important to let the engine, turbo, etc cool down before parking it. My question is, is it just a matter of taking it easy on the right foot for a few streets while keeping some air running through the cooler? Or should I leave it idling for a minute or so after I get out from a hardish drive? What do you guys do?

3. Traction control: On or Off as a general rule? I've read around here that if things are moving quick when the TC kicks in it has the potential to do some nasty sh1t to your drivetrain and it seems to make sense. I'm happy to have it off as I'm well aware of what the car will do if I'm giving it bad advice through the pedal...

4. Fuel: I know that ideally it would never drink anything other than quality 98 RON juice but if I'm relegated to using 95, will the dead stock motor have any issues with pinging or anything?? I'm planning on getting an edit and custom tune fairly soon and after that it'll be 98 all the way but in the mean time should I be concerned about running 95?

5. Last stupid question, I promise. Mods: When I do get the cash for an edit and custom tune, I'm wondering about whether it'll be putting my engine and drivetrain at much higher risk of crapping out? I know it depends mostly on the tuner and I would be sure to get it done by someone reputable with this forum. I'm also only looking for a max of around 250kw at the wheels, hopefully without adding much in the way of springs or squirters? Fraud detune these puppies to the sh1thouse don't they? Or am I kidding myself by thinking that a good, safe 250rwkw tune is really achievable without beefing up a few other things?

Wow... sorry for the wall of text, I promise I'll shutup for a while after this and I'll post some pics of the new rig when I pick it up tomorrow.

By the way, just wanted to say I'm so stoked that I've found this forum full of helpful and chilled out dudes. I'm lookin' forward to hangin around and havin' a laugh :D

Cheers.

P.S. I know it's probably largely a personal preference thing but tuners... I'm in Frankston in Melb's SE and I know there are quite a few around. Any that stand out as good (or bad) places that might be able to do a tune that's safe and reliable as well as adding extra grunt? I'm not after a 300kw beast, just something that will have it over a few ricers and other stock T's. F@ck it I'm starting again. Seacrest out!

Edited 13/05/08 09:57 AM13/05/08 09:57 AM by Ghosti

There's a place in Frankston that a few of the guys from here go to, but can't remember the name of it at the minute.

I allow the needle to get to the 1/4 mark before taking the car over 2500rpm. It doesn't take long believe me.. (you don't need to warm it up in my experiences in the driveway, just run it in slowly).

Cooling down I just ease off 5 mins from home. Not sure if this is right or wrong but I've never had any problems.

TC off when it's dry and on when it's wet. Imagine your car on ice without spikes and you're getting the picture of what it does in the wet. I can't stop mine from stepping out every which way and it's pretty much stock. Others will tell you different but it's what suits me and you can only make that decision yourself trying both ways.

Can't tell you about the fuel cos I only use 98 (BP Ult). Sorry..

I'll leave the tuning questions to the guys that know what they are talking about and not from someone that has read all about it on this site.

Hey Ghosti!

Common sense seems to prevail with most of your questions mate, so you are on the right track. Keep searching through the forum and you'll find topics on all of your Q's

Enjoy your new ride mate - that's the most important thing!

the warm up is all about clearances on the engine parts.

when the engine is at running temp all the clearances are perfect and wear on components is minimal.

the cool down is all about the temperature of the turbo core, if its red hot and you shut the thing down the oil that is sitting on the bearings will obviously burn as it is not flowing anymore.

allow the turbo temperature to come down and the oil that does get stuck in the core will not be damaged as badly.

1: I always try & wait till the gauge shows temp gauge shows about 1/4 before I give mine any stick

2: Unless your giving it an absolute pizzling I dont normally worry about idling it down before shut off.

3: My traction control is always off rain, hail or shine.

4: 98 octane always but my cars tuned, 95's fine on a stocker.

5: 250 rwkw is very acheivable with a good custom tune & little else in the way of mods.

Ya see, this is exactly why I decided to join this place after reading around for a week or 2.

It's been under an hour and I've got 4 useful, friendly responses.

Cheers boys.

And don't worry Senna, coming from a dunga v6 commonwhore ute I'll be enjoying the f@ck out of my new ride haha

Thanks for the welcome.

Edited 13/05/08 11:40 AM13/05/08 11:40 AM by Ghosti

noice

1. Heating up: How long should I wait for the car to warm up before I start givin' it a bit? I know it's probably dependant on oil temp, etc but without some aftermarket guages (soon to come I reckon) what is a good rule of thumb? 5 mins? 10?

My oil temp takes a good 15mins worth of driving before its up to normal operating temp.

Gosthi, good to have you here!!

I'm starting to automatically turn my TC off now; 1: get in, turn car on, 2: headlights, lock doors, decide on beats verses riffs,TC off! having heard one of the more respected members on here stating that he would 'rather keep his oil pump gears', that's what I've decided.

is your new girl an auto or manual? mine's an auto, and I always drive it in manual mode, just in case she decides to step out on me.

Dan

Thanks Dan.

It's an auto, I spend too much time in hardcore traffic to get a manual. At least I have manual mode now, beats the hell out of the 4 speed COLUMN shift in the VS. That's right people... bench seats.