Re: Turbos

["Paul Misencik" <paul@domain.elided>]

There are always going to be people who love turbo engines and those that
don't like them as much.  You can't discount the fact that turbocharging is
a great way to make torque from a given engine displacement, but they
certainly do have their disadvantages.

Personally, I've always loved naturally-aspirated engines, especially in
Alfas.  I love smaller-displacement engines that have exceptional throttle
response, rev freely, sound magnificent, and make good high-RPM power.
Turbocharging degrades pretty much all of these characteristics.  I'm not
racing anyone for a living, so absolute speed isn't really my goal.  Rather,
I like to enjoy the sporting nature of an engine - the sensory nature.

The turbocharger itself is a big, muffling restriction in the exhaust
system.  When the engine is not making full boost, they lack response and
power.  Then the power comes on in a big wicked rush, and then it's gone
again, because the engine can't breathe as well as high RPM.  They are cool
in a way, and in certain applications they can be pretty addicting, but in
my (admittedly biased and personal) opinion, they aren't as true to why I
love Alfas in the first place.  Add to that the complexity, reliability,
driveability and emissions issues that come with 95% of the aftermarket
turbo kits on the market and it's my opinion that your money and time could
be better spent elsewhere.

Of course, that's just my opionion.  I could be wrong.

Paul Misencik
16928-A Birkdale Commons Pkwy
Huntersville, NC  28078
email: paul@domain.elided
www.paoloroman.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Manley" <WarpOMatic@domain.elided>
To: "Alfa Digest" <alfa-digest@domain.elided>
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2003 4:07 PM
Subject: Turbos


>     In response to the idea of turbos being a waste of time:
>   Check out this:
>
>
http://216.239.33.100/search?q=cache:fQclDMDfQNUC:www.gavlecars.nu/filmgalle
ri.html+alfa+vs+corvette&
> hl=en&ie=UTF-8
>
>        (wondering if Mike "livebait1" is baiting us but I love this clip
of the alfa spitting tire smoke)
>
>                                     Mark Manley
>
> Tulsa,Ok
> '84 GTV6
> X1/9 x3
> --
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