How to actually drive these things??

[zuku26]

This is my first turbo car, so I'm still trying to figure out how to extract every ounce of performance and quickness from her. I recently installed a boost gauge, and have been trying to arrange my habits according to it.
Currently I try to get to full boost (5-6 psi) quickly and keep it there till I shift at around 3500-4000 RPM. I feel some drag sometimes though. It may be the fact the I need a new WGA and turbo, but am I on point with my tactics?

Should I be trying to build boost slowly then shift when I get to full boost?
Build it quick and keep it there?
Build it slow and keep it there?
ect...ect
What's my best course of action?

For the person that's thinking "how bout get a new turbo and WGA"...Already on order....(Thanks Ken). Working on driving technique here!!

[mgerst1]

I would like an answer to this as well

[Deathspeed]

Well it depends on what you want your car to do. Because any turbo'd car will have some lag, so it takes time to build boost. the bigger the turbo the bigger the lag. the 28rs is an all around good turbo. but to your question you want your boost to build the fastest you can

[dmention7]

In general if you're trying to accelerate as fast as you can, figure out what the lowest RPM you can achieve full boost at and make sure your engine stays above that speed at all times. (probably 2500-3000rpms) In other words, "building" boost should never even really factor into the equation. Otherwise, it's just like any other car--the further you open the throttle, the more quickly you'll accelerate. Traction issues aside, that is.... (since they really aren't a concern for the MSP)

Shifting at 3500-4000 rpms is far too early--you're going to fall out of boost with every shift. Depending on the shape of your individual torque curve, you're going to want to wind it out to at least 5k, probably 6k, before shifting. Otherwise you're just wasting the mechanical advantage of the lower gear.

I mean, there is a certain fun-factor to feeling the turbo slowly build up boost when you shift at lower rpms, but that sensation of increasing torque by no means translates into quicker acceleration--you want to be at maximum boost immediately after each shift.

[ForceFed]

Shifting at 3500-4000 rpms is far too early. Depending on the shape of your individual torque curve, you're going to want to wind it out to at least 5k, probably 6k, before shifting.+1 on this...Geez dude..are you a granny driver.

And just drive it..there is no "Special" technique to drive these.
You will find out what works for you...But for the love of god....Please run some RPM's out of that thing.

My cars see almost Daily Winding to near redline.
Never a problem for me.

[mgerst1]

^damn never knew, i was always under the impresion 4k was the most you should do. thanks for the info

[dstmsp03]

4k if you are trying to save some gas.. these things arent 8 cyls that redline to 5000.. i usually put mine around 5500-6000 before shifting if i am playing.. if not i usually shift around 3500-4000 just driving around..

[justanothermp5]

dang, i normally shift at 3k lol but im trying to save gas
i normally get like ~380miles per tank

[terbow]

4k if you are trying to save some gas.. these things arent 8 cyls that redline to 5000.. i usually put mine around 5500-6000 before shifting if i am playing.. if not i usually shift around 3500-4000 just driving around..

same here.


to the op:

A good rule of thumb is not to boost under 2k either. You can, but its alot of load and our cars are fickle. Id hover around 2500-3000 and then gas it. our cars like to rev. and dont boost in 5th if u can, the overdrive is too much load.

[dstmsp03]

i have the Caddy CTS for gas mileage.. the MSP for fun

[zuku26]

Great info guys!!!
I have taken it to the 5000+ range but feel a power drop off...I'm going to assume that's due to the WGA not holding boost, ect. Once I get all that taken care of, I'll most likely really feel her wake up.
I'll take her for a sprint at higher RPM's on the way to work and let you know how she faired

justanothermp5: 380 per tank!! I see your not turbo...but I'm only getting 220 of premium, with downtown Chicago gas prices!!

[dstmsp03]

justanothermp5: 380 per tank!! I see your not turbo...but I'm only getting 220 of premium, with downtown Chicago gas prices!!

lol.. too true! just be safe out there if your WGA is failing.. dont wanna see a boost spike..

[terbow]

Great info guys!!!
I have taken it to the 5000+ range but feel a power drop off...I'm going to assume that's due to the WGA not holding boost, ect. Once I get all that taken care of, I'll most likely really feel her wake up.
I'll take her for a sprint at higher RPM's on the way to work and let you know how she faired

justanothermp5: 380 per tank!! I see your not turbo...but I'm only getting 220 of premium, with downtown Chicago gas prices!!

the falloff is primarily the turbo. but yea th WG doesnt help. the turbo is configured for down low tq. so up top it does out.

[justanothermp5]

jesus 220? i was looking forward to the hiboost kit but now im sorta doubtful lol

the gas mileage cuts in half and the gas prices double? not very persuasive haha

[BOOSTR]

I like to wind my first gear out over 6K so it falls right back to the sweet spot after shifting. The other gears I wind out to about 5200 for the same result. Normal driving I shift between 3500-4000 no matter the gear. The price of gas now has me driving more in normal mode than I like.

[Driver_X]

Just curious, someone said earlier not to boost in 5th if possible. Can someone explain why the load/ boost is a problem in this gear?

[terbow]

Just curious, someone said earlier not to boost in 5th if possible. Can someone explain why the load/ boost is a problem in this gear?

its an overdrive gear. for gas mileage. you can boost in5th, but try not to, like dont pound on it. im talking about those of u without ems to adjust, even then with a piggy i wouldnt.

[Knox Joe]

I usually use the steering wheel, shifter, and the gas, brake, and clutch pedals to drive these things.


I've tried telekenesis but I didn't get very far.

[dstmsp03]

I usually use the steering wheel, shifter, and the gas, brake, and clutch pedals to drive these things.


I've tried telekenesis but I didn't get very far.

lmao.. i didnt even think of doing something like that.. glad you did.. i needed a good laugh here at work!

[zuku26]

WOW!! Is all I can say.
I tried the higher rpm shifting and it felt like a totally different car!!
The turbo starts screaming over 4000 rpm and I felt a nice kick in the ass up around 5200!!! I'm amazed. Now I really can't wait to get the gt28rs in along with the new turbo. Parts should be delivered sometime next week, then it's off to PG!!!

[solo.]

Have fun blowing up the motor if you decide to get a GT28RS before you go forge. ;)

[MikeLikesMazda]

im kinda glad im N/A after looking at the mileage reports you guys are putting out. i get like 230 miles out of a half tank. but thats also when im driving like grandma. for daily driving i usually shift around 3k but when i want to have some fun i shift around 5500. i love the sound of a screaming engine :)

[DE31]

damn alot of you guys shift pretty late LOL i shift the evo at around 2.2-2.4k staying in vacuum the hole time. it takes alot of discipline to stay low rpm in the evo while traffic gets pissy and cuts me off.... my wallet on the other hand likes it more since i save some gas.

[zuku26]

Have fun blowing up the motor if you decide to get a GT28RS before you go forge. ;)

Only going to run stock boost. As long as you don't boost over 10 psi your OK.

[terbow]

Only going to run stock boost. As long as you don't boost over 10 psi your OK.

when u get that make sure ur driving it in th upper rpms, cause at stock boost u are wasting that turbo. however, your powerband will shift from low to mid range, to mid to high range. but dont expect much at 10 psi, youll lose that spunky low end the car has now in liu of top end.

im not tryin to talk u out of it but i had one at 9.8 psi and i sold it cause it just wasnt matched well to teh car. but thats just me.

[Kaldonis]

im kinda glad im N/A after looking at the mileage reports you guys are putting out. i get like 230 miles out of a half tank. but thats also when im driving like grandma. for daily driving i usually shift around 3k but when i want to have some fun i shift around 5500. i love the sound of a screaming engine :)

If I stay out of boost I can hit 400 miles on a tank.

[zuku26]

when u get that make sure ur driving it in th upper rpms, cause at stock boost u are wasting that turbo. however, your powerband will shift from low to mid range, to mid to high range. but dont expect much at 10 psi, youll lose that spunky low end the car has now in liu of top end.

im not tryin to talk u out of it but i had one at 9.8 psi and i sold it cause it just wasnt matched well to teh car. but thats just me.

I totally understand where you are coming from about my powerband shifting up. I'm also planning in the future to build up my low end power to catch up with the top end increase I'll be seeing with the "disco" I was thinking 626 intake mani for now, and downpipe might help in that respect.
I hadn't planned on swapping the turbo tell later down the road, but due to it's failure and a nice warranty deal, I figure I'd upgrade on their dollar!!

[terbow]

I totally understand where you are coming from about my powerband shifting up. I'm also planning in the future to build up my low end power to catch up with the top end increase I'll be seeing with the "disco" I was thinking 626 intake mani for now, and downpipe might help in that respect.
I hadn't planned on swapping the turbo tell later down the road, but due to it's failure and a nice warranty deal, I figure I'd upgrade on their dollar!!

ahh. well that makes sense! Id prolly do the same haha

[MSP2k3]

+1 I get 330 when boosting hard. Can get around 400 if I keep my foot out of it. 220 is awful low



If I stay out of boost I can hit 400 miles on a tank.

[dstmsp03]

I usually get 220 city.. 320 hw

[MikeLikesMazda]

last i checked, i was getting 29 highway and 26 city

mpg that is lol. if that was per full tank i would shoot myself

[ForceFed]

When did this turn into a Gas mialage thread...Seriously....
You farts drive like Some Grannies.

[zuku26]

When did this turn into a Gas mialage thread...Seriously....
You farts drive like Some Grannies.

LOL I was thinking the same thing.
I made this posting to figure out how to burn more gas, quicker!!!

[mgerst1]

^simple spread in a small area, light match toss and move away

[jeremy1210]

Is downshifting from like 5th gear to 4th gear which would put me in to the higher rpm's a bad thing? I don't like to do it cause I'm not sure how the pressure with a turbo works since i"m not boosting, then suddenly at like 4-5k rpms.

Thanks

[Knox Joe]

Is downshifting from like 5th gear to 4th gear which would put me in to the higher rpm's a bad thing? I don't like to do it cause I'm not sure how the pressure with a turbo works since i"m not boosting, then suddenly at like 4-5k rpms.

Thanks

You're car would rather have you downshift, and rev it, rather than bog it.

[Subsparx]

Turbo's spool up. If you downshift, the turbo isn't instantly spooling at max boost, it builds it up. Try shifting from 5th to 4th and don't accelerate, just stay in 4th. You'll see what I mean, the turbo won't spool at all, as you aren't under load. The turbo spools as load is put on the engine, not at all times. :) Same effect if your cruising at 4k and you slam the accelerator down.

[dmention7]

I think the bottom line is, if your car is stock or mostly stock and you find yourself asking how to drive the car to get the most out of the motor, the answer is going to be "Just like any other car".

In other words, if you have to ask, then it's not worth worrying about.

[Velocifero]

jesus 220? i was looking forward to the hiboost kit but now im sorta doubtful lol

the gas mileage cuts in half and the gas prices double? not very persuasive haha

I get 310 a tank and I am not lightly modded and don't drive very slow either. That is with taking the tank from full to light on. I recently have been watching half tanks and from full to half tank I get 190 miles so I have begun to fill up at half a tank now and I am gonna measure two halves (top halves) to see if it is correct and I should be getting stellar milage. I am not forged but run 10psi daily with all supporting mods and have for two years.

[fr0st]

i get 192 on a full tank of 91

LOL

[zuku26]

I think the bottom line is, if your car is stock or mostly stock and you find yourself asking how to drive the car to get the most out of the motor, the answer is going to be "Just like any other car".

In other words, if you have to ask, then it's not worth worrying about.

Not true! I obviously just learned that my 4k shifting was too early. With any other of my cars a 4k shift would be fine. Once modifying my shifting to the higher rpm range my car came alive. It's a whole different beast now.
Maybe your just used to driving a boost car, I'm not.

[Velocifero]

Not true! I obviously just learned that my 4k shifting was too early. With any other of my cars a 4k shift would be fine. Once modifying my shifting to the higher rpm range my car came alive. It's a whole different beast now.
Maybe your just used to driving a boost car, I'm not.

On that note though, you can drive the car normally (staying out of boost) and the car should behave like any other car. Don't beat it everytime or things will wear out a lot sooner. You'll see better gas milage that way as well.

[SteelWarrior]

After playing with mine heres what i do

For Top end speed (my cars almost stock, few upgrades)

At the red. hold clutch in about 60-70%, so not to the floor but not to the point your RPM is dropping, near the light turning green, rev to around 2k and float, right as it goes green, punch it to 3.5-4k, pop the clutch (WARNING: Hard on clutch, do at your own risk lol), then i push the gas to the floor and hold the Redline (my cars tires burn for about 3-4 seconds redlining at 6000), as soon as you feel the car catch the cement and your not squeeling i spike it 6.5 (edge of redline), double clutch, shift to 2nd, and giver, your RPM should be sitting at around 3.5k and you should be doing about 60-70 km/h at the moment, the advantage of this is at 3.5 your turbo is already spinning and you dont get down time. at the end of 2nd i switch at 6000 rpm since im not squeeling anymore and after 3rd i basically stop racing but im already going 120km +

Just takes a bit of practice and expirmenting, if your bypass valve is loud your doing something right


should be like vrrrroooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM <Shift> PSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTT <---- bypass valve :D

[RoadkillGrill22]

This maybe off topic but to the OP have you been out to Homer Glen within the past 2 or so weeks?

[zuku26]

This maybe off topic but to the OP have you been out to Homer Glen within the past 2 or so weeks?

Can't say that I have. I know there are 2 other spicy's I know of in the area, one works at the aurora Premium outlet mall, the other lives or goes to school near depaul. Maybe one of them.