Water Cooled ONLY Turbo (No Oil Necessary)

[xs420240sx]

well maybe in a couple years or so the oil less turbos will have evolved enough to be reliable. i guess until then, im draining into the pan or perhaps tapping the block and utilizing a block drain such as the sr. the biggest concern regarding ka-t oil draining was backing it up on right turns and i was weighing my option on preventing this.

[S14DB]

Originally Posted by xs420240sx

well maybe in a couple years or so the oil less turbos will have evolved enough to be reliable. i guess until then, im draining into the pan or perhaps tapping the block and utilizing a block drain such as the sr. the biggest concern regarding ka-t oil draining was backing it up on right turns and i was weighing my option on preventing this.

Garrett developed it in the 60's and never put it into automotive. The current automotive designs have been around for 10yrs.

The tolerances, load and heat of automotive applications do not lend themselves to oil less bearings.

[xs420240sx]

Originally Posted by S14DB

Garrett developed it in the 60's and never put it into automotive. The current automotive designs have been around for 10yrs.

The tolerances, load and heat of automotive applications do not lend themselves to oil less bearings.

thanks for the letdown. haha. well maybe journal bearing is just the way to go. no water, just oil

[Kingtal0n]

Rear mount oil-less comp turbochargers work VERY well from what I have read on the V8 (LSx) forums. I know of at least one 1000RWHP vette using them quite effectively. Try google searching "comp turbo LSx" or "comp turbo vette" sometime


The reason I do not like the traditional oil-only top mount is because of the heat retention I have noticed some of them are capable of. The compressor housing of a small-ish T04E 50 trim that has been polished can feel as hot as the exhaust manifold. I know because... I melted some of my skin on one recently. IMO, Peace of mind when shutting your engine off is knowing that water flows through the CHRA.

[Def]

Originally Posted by xs420240sx

well maybe in a couple years or so the oil less turbos will have evolved enough to be reliable. i guess until then, im draining into the pan or perhaps tapping the block and utilizing a block drain such as the sr. the biggest concern regarding ka-t oil draining was backing it up on right turns and i was weighing my option on preventing this.

If the turbo is anywhere close to stock SR height or higher you will *NEVER* *NEVER* get oil up to the CHRA level. You'd be pulling about 3-4 G's lateral to do that, and that's not happening in your S chassis no matter how many Megan Racing and Stance parts you slap on it.

[kamilitaryman]

I see what you're saying now. I can definitely see that happening with a time attack/road course car, where it would take some serious prolonged lateral forces to get the oil to sit there long enough to create a blockage. Perhaps draining it to the back of the pan would work. As long as there isn't any 90* bends in the return, it should work. I wouldn't worry about this on a DD/street car.

S14DB hit the nail on the head with that thread.