Turbo engine life

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Ah, that old chestnut out in the open again. May I once again correct that 
misapprehension that turbo engines are doomed to shorter service lives than 
aspro engines, 'tain't so.

A street engine properly turbocharged will produce more power and torque 
for far longer than any higher strung normally aspirated engine of similar 
power output. Pound for pound, lb ft for lb ft, a turbo engine is the best 
power producer for a street car in terms of longevity and efficiency. VW is 
learning this with their sweet 1.8 t which can be tuned to give over 300 hp 
reliably for the street, just don't expect 200,000 miles. At 180 hp that 
little mill will run essentially forever, and blow many larger engines 
(including VW Group's various bigger and heavier V6 engines) well into the 
weeds.

Now if you blow the bejeezus out of it (for example SAAB's stock 900 engine 
at 2.0 litres produces 205 hp and will do so for upwards of 200,000 miles 
no problem, that same block design can be persuaded to put out over 800 hp 
for most of an afternoon with headbolts that go right through from the head 
to the sump!).

Cheers


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta,Canada
91 Alfa 164L
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