[robertm]

I've seen this issue pop up a few times in the several months I've been on these forums. I'm still very new to this motor and vehicle so please forgive my ignorance.

Can someone please give a quick run down on when/why the turbo seals (right?) seem to be going? Is it more prevalent in tuned cars? What's the typical life expectancy of FBO tuned turbos? Are there things which can be done to somewhat alleviate the proclivity of this happening - like letting them cool before shut off?

Or possibly it has nothing to do with tuned/non-tuned cars and is caused soley by crankcase pressure at idle?

I'm not that worried about changing the turbos if I can get 40k+ out of them. If they start to let go 15-20k that’s a big deal.

I guess what I’m wondering is if FBO tuning the motor will exacerbate the problem or not?

Thanks for the info and sorry for the newbie questions.

[E90SoFlo]

I am at 98k miles with original turbo's.

I think its more luck of the draw.

[eric@helix]

It will take years to get a clear picture of the effect of FBO on turbo life. Remember that those who do FBO also drive their car harder than granny with no mods, so there's no control group. Evidence shows that these motors are pretty hardy: easily handling 100 whp increases for extended periods of time.

[BQTuning]

I always thought the problem starts early in the period of the turbos when people turn up boost first then progressively start with bolt ons rather than the other way around. So by time they hit FBO its too late and then turbo problems occure.

If your going to do it , do it right....

[mave198]

Exactly why I'm going FBO first (suspension too) then increasin boost with a tune.

[marv85]

I'm at 75k now, been tuned for the last 20k. turbos are fine. My first mod was DPs. I always thought I should put supporting mods in before the tune.

[Syndicategt]

Turbo's are failing party due to their cooling. If you want to increase their longevity, DONT push the car hard before oil temps are warmed up. There's a reason these new tunes make you wait until 180F before their added boost kicks in. Also, since we don't have a turbo timer to cool down the turbos after you shutdown, it's smart to let them cool for a few minutes before turning off the engine. Finally, although it hasn't been proven, bigger downpipes can put less of a strain on the turbos since they allow for more unrestricted air flow.

That being said. Any additional power mods will put extra heat and stress on the engine, which could lead to premature failure of components as they were designed for 300/300.

[Infamous]

The stock downpipes are a huge choke point and heat is one of the factors working against your turboes.

Find two of your buddies, one stock and one with downpipes. The stock car will be warmer under the hood and will get the oil up to operating temp faster.

[robertm]

Reading through the replies is reassuring. Especially since the route I've planned to add pieces matches with the advice given. Berk midpipe is already on the car. Helix intercooler has already been fitted (just need to find an hour to do final install) and Macht Schnell DPs with BMS DP fix are sitting on a shelf. Once all that's done I'll eventually get piggyback tune. Sounds like adding the DP and intercooler will go a long way towards helping the turbos rather than hurt them.

Would adding a OCC be benefitial as well? Anyone know if BMS OCC increases crankcase pressure? That's the only thing I'm a little hesitant about with that mod.

Will also be more diligent about getting the car up to temp and allowing the tubros to run light before shutting down.


Thanks for the info!

[BQTuning]

after FMIC I would get an OC upgrade also

[Brey335i]

FBO actually helps the turbos. It's the increased boost that causes wear (plus other issues). Good quality FBO parts only help. They don't harm.