Turbonetics Blog

There is a lot of information floating around out there on all kinds of topics and as my daddy said, “It is always better to get your info straight from the horse’s mouth”. So I guess I will play the horse here and give an easy explanation as to why billet impellers are better then cast aluminum ones and also why Turbonetics Forged Billet Compressor Wheels are even better than standard billet wheels. The eastiest way to learn is to watch the short video embedded but here are the main points;

Tyler Tanaka talks about the new Turbonetics Forged Billet Compressor Wheels

1. Billet aluminum wheels are much stronger than cast aluminum wheels for a couple of reasons. The first is that there are no porosity issues to have to worry about. This means that there is no chance of minute air bubbles being in the metal. Turbonetics uses a special process called HIP’ing. Hot Isostatic Processing that virtually eliminates porosity in its cast wheels but because the wheel is cast and the metal is still smushed together (laymans terms) the hotter the wheel gets, the faster it spins and the greater the pressure ratio conditions it runs at the greater the chance of metal fatigue, blade straightening or in the worst case bursting. The second is the metal material that can be selected to be used is a much stronger grade than the same cast material. This is where Turbonetics forged billet compressor wheels shine. They are even stronger than standard billet wheels because the grains of metal have been moved in such a way as to align in a specific direction. See article here on forging (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forging)

Turbonetics Forged Billet Comp Wheel

2. Because Turbonetics uses  Forged Billet to machine the compressor wheel on a 5-Axis mill, the nose and hub of the compressor wheel can be made significantly smaller to allow for a greater blade diameter for a givine inducer size. The nose is where the compressor nut gets fastened down and the hub is the area around the bore of the wheel that the impeller blades are attacheed to. A cast wheel has to have a certain size nose and hub to allow the wheel to be cast number one and secondly it has to be able to be pulled from the mold itself. So simply stated a 61mm Forged Billet turbo will flow more air and have the opportunity to make more power than the same 61mm turbo with a cast compressor wheel.

3. The specific metal material used in Turbonetics forged wheels also gives the wheel tremendous blade strength and lowers the chance of the blades straightening at high speeds (ie. high boost pressures). When the boost pressure is raised many things occur including causing increased friction with the air and thus increasing temperatures, the pressure the wheel is under and finally the great centrifugal force the blades are under spinning at such high speeds. These three factors can cause the blades to contact the compressor housing causing serious damage to the turbocharger and could possibly lead to immediate destruction or greatly decrease the life span of the turbocharger.

122mm Pro Stock Forged Billet Turbo

4. With forged billet impellers the blades of the wheel can be machined much thinner because they are so much stronger. This allows the wheel to have a greater efficiency range becuase their is less blade thickness to contact the air and heat it up. It also means that with less blade thickness and lower hub area that there is a greater area in-between the blades to squeeze more air and build boost pressure. The more efficient a wheel is the lower the intake temps and everyone knows the cooler the air going into the engine the more horsepower you can make.

5. Being a 5-axis machined part means that this wheel is not cheap as it takes a long time to machine these wheels and it is expensive to program the mill. Hence the increased price of the TNX line of Turboentics turbos but being a machined part allows Turbonetics to continually make improvements in a quicker manner and lower cost method than creating very costly tools and molds for casting compressor wheels. This gives us an advantage in that we can make small changes to the comp wheel and continually improve the airflow and efficiency of the turbo for specific types of applications.

Keep It In Boost,
TurboT2

Turbonetics Forged Billet Compressor Wheel

Well I just returned from Las Vegas and the 2009 SEMA show and it took a couple of days to get back into the swing of things here at T-Netics. I was pretty much working for a month straight to plan, physically get ready and then working the event itself. For those of you that are automotive enthusiasts and have never experienced the show let me tell you that it is imperative that you get it on your life’s to do list. For those of us that have to plan, setup, work the show and then tear down the excitement level is a little bit different. The highs and joys of SEMA after 12 years are not the same as that incredible first trip. ”Seeing” the show is not that important now but what remains incredibly exciting is doing good work and getting business done on the show floor.

First I want to start off by saying that being on the show floor and getting our booth ready to open the show allows me to hear and participate in all kinds of conversations. I like to equate these verbal encounters to playing the game “pitching pennies”. You know where you are flipping coins against a wall to see who can get closer or better yet stand the coin up against the wall vertically. For three days everyone is guessing and “flipping quarters” out there as to how disastrous the show will be this year. For the past three years now all anyone wants to do is talk doom and gloom leading up to the shows opening and I am frankly getting kind of sick of it. The first thing out of everyone’s mouth is that there are less exhibitors this year or that there are a bunch of open spaces, and so-and-so dropped out and you know who didn’t come… GOOD! The automotive industry needed a good thorough shakeup to sort out the winners and all the others because when Tuesday morning came and the show began Turbonetics was off to a fantastic and very successful SEMA show.

Turbonetics SEMA 2009 Booth

As the SEMA Street Performance Councils Chair Elect  (find out more about the SPC here) I firmly believe in the good that the SEMA organization has to offer its member companies but it’s like going to church; until you get involved in a deeper more personal level and jump into the programs behind the sermons you will never get the full value of the church body just by showing up on Sundays. All too often people become disenchanted and feeling as if they are not getting something meaningful because they are just going through the motions. There is a tremendous push going on inside SEMA to really deliver valuable returns on the membership dues and for buyers and exhibitors alike, to have a successful show. The education and business programs that have been initiated in the past 18 months have been a long time coming and I am proud to say that the groups that Turbonetics and I are involved with are leading the way forward. But I digress so back to my original point, while I am not happy that the economy has struck a particularly mighty blow to many automotive companies and SEMA and CONVEXX won’t necessarily appreciate my opinion, I know that the org’s coffers don’t, but I am glad that there are less exhibitors and here’s why;

1. Dilution:
   1. Prior to the 2008 show the rate of growth was phenomenal. Truly staggering in my opinion. The parking lots were filled with tents and cars and the registration area for crying out loud was what seemed a city block away. There were chotski vendors and cheap overseas knock-offs, some of which splashed castings of my own parts and some potentially questionable booths that could be argued did not belong at the show.
2. Inflated Attendance:
   1. While I still think that the shows attendance gets a boost in some areas, the sheer number of people at the show was growing and growing year after year. Combined with the number of booths out there it made it increasingly difficult for people to get to my booth and then to conduct good meaningful, full value conversations once they arrived because I had a line of people waiting to talk to me about sponsoring their 1972 Gremlin… “it’s gonna be an insane project maaaan” 
3. Quality vs. Quantity:
   1. The same serious buyers are going to be at the show year in and year out because SEMA remains a wonderful place to do business. It is also the single greatest place to debut new products each year because the volume of purchasing decision makers present and press coverage is second to none. With less booths for them to be distracted by or in some cases not there at all the greater the opportunity I have to meet new people, open new opportunities and most importantly close new sales.
4. Return on Investment:
   1. With the general climate of shrinking marketing dollars and being forced to do more with less, a concentrated SEMA means that I get more out of the show. Our dollars are hard earned and I expect to get maximum value from them. With the SEMA show the current size or even 10-15% still smaller, it makes spending the massive dollars involved with exhibiting at the show an easier decision to make.

Here’s the thing about being an exhibitor at shows like SEMA and PRI and any other large trade gathering for that matter. You get what you put into it! Anyone that thinks they can just show up and they will automatically make rain is sorely mistaken. It is a combined effort for our engineering, quality, production, sales and marketing team to drive success to our business. You make your own traffic at shows sometimes, whether through revolutionary new products, sales promotions or fantastic PR and communications. If you are reading this and you are a buyer or shop owner, did you fly in on Monday to take advantage of the Internet Marketing classes? Did you attend any one of the myriad business seminars during the week? How about listen to the panels of speakers giving their advice and real world experiences that were making them successful in the current economic climate? As an exhibitor did you do everything in your power to make it a successful show? I know I didn’t and we had still had a great show, that’s why I am so excited to do an even better job next year. See you in Vegas in 2010 for what I hope is an even better and stronger auto industry and SEMA show.

Keep It In Boost,
TurboT2

WordPress Video

Have you always wanted to go to SEMA and party like a rockstar? Couldn’t go because you weren’t an industry insider, well here is your chance. This is the Turbonetics Oct/Nov. bonus for fans, friends and visitors. If you can make it to Las Vegas for the SEMA show, Turbonetics will get you a pass to get into the world’s largest aftermarket automotive show, autographed posters from Jessica Barton and VIP passes to join us at Club Prive in Planet Hollywood on Thursday night.

Read the rest of this entry »

This was way too good to pass up sharing with the T-Netics Nation. Jessica Barton model extrordinaire and one of our race team members (1150 hp Toyota Supra that she pilots to current best of 9.13 @ 160 mph) flew out to shoot our annual SEMA show poster this week. She will be in the Turbonetics booth #22767 at SEMA so make sure to come by and get a signed copy.

Jessica Barton

We have actually been trying to work some modeling gigs out with her for quite some time, ever since she helped us to develop the turbocharger that carries her signature. The “Jessica” Mid-Frame is absolutlely rocking the 1000+ hp street turbo scene and has won multiple races on Supras and other vehicles that need big power in a standard size to fit under the hood.

The "Jessica" Mid-Frame Turbo

We are at KAR Studios in Camarillo, CA working with the incredibly talented Kyle Richardson, known in the industry for his fantastic work with Modified Magazine and their ”After Hours” features. If you have seen any of Turbonetics posters in the past (see here for all the pics, there are multiple albums so cruise around) you know that we take pride on coming up with very creative and unique photo shoots. This year is no different and we are introducing the brand new TN Series of turbos and the Hurricane Series of turbos at SEMA.

Here are some behind the scenes pics of the the photo shoot so far. Make sure to stop by the Turbonetics SEMA booth # 22767 for a signed copy or hit us up after the show to order one. Enjoy!

WordPress Video

• Turbo Blog – Turbonetics Weekly Twitter Update for 2009-09-27 http://ow.ly/15RupC #
• Part 2: How it usually ends up! http://bit.ly/3umeZW #
• BMW M5 to come with twin turbo V8… 555 HP & 500 lbs./ft. now we’re talking! http://bit.ly/lgL2Y #
• Audi sees the light and brings back the goods (a 333 HP twin turbo V6) for the new S4. http://bit.ly/3JoNpF #
• Really good video showing the build of Jay Leno’s EcoJet http://bit.ly/3XBeZq #
• Fernando Alonso to sign with Ferrari http://bit.ly/2c6a7C #
• Nice… GT-R Luxury Edition to released! http://bit.ly/46ygob #
• Being in Cali we wondered how “successful” this could be when the reserves were the same to buy at dealers. Not… http://bit.ly/4Eo0J0 #
• The most ridiculous, self pretentious car accessory ever! http://bit.ly/14jfda #
• Finally official, this season isn’t over yet and we’re already looking forward to 2010! http://bit.ly/3XuY9c #
• That is seriously a lot of Miatas! http://bit.ly/10Efx7 #
• Andy Jensen & the World’s Quickest small block Chevy runs 5’s again with an off the shelf Turbonetics T-106mm… http://bit.ly/2Wy61l #

• Turbo Blog – Turbonetics Weekly Twitter Update for 2009-09-20 http://ow.ly/15Q2bj #
• Back from my road trip last week and F1 continues to amaze me. At least Flavio gets to go home to a serious… http://bit.ly/3euCN0 #
• Side question is should there be anyone with a handicap parking sticker out playing golf? http://bit.ly/4o6Qv #
• Puma store features “home built” F1 Ferrari. Pretty cool vid! http://bit.ly/9BWF2 #
• Would you pay $225,000 for a “sorta-wanna-be-the-real-original-gullwing” Mercedes? http://bit.ly/JF7dW #
• We used to say “only in Dubai” but now we gotta give Moscow props too? http://bit.ly/s9AHa #
• Is the recession over…Toyota is thinking ahead thats for sure http://bit.ly/4bFtlk #
• Ya baby! Top Gear in HIGH DEF for season 14… whoo-hoo! http://bit.ly/mMhtU #
• We posted about this before but we can’t wait… 10 days ’til WRC in HD on Discovery Channel! http://bit.ly/4tYHPN #
• Smash mouth time again about ‘Ring lap times. We really wish someone would sanction Nurburgring lap times http://bit.ly/24FGDx #
• Benzo CLK’s for sale! Better start digging through the seat cushions for all that loose change huh? http://bit.ly/Nlksb #
• Have fun cringing at these awesome World Rally Championship wrecks http://bit.ly/LSrX7 #
• This little kitty cat looks seriously tough! Jags new XKR GT2 http://bit.ly/dQ2jU #
• Keep building new factory race cars people! Aston prepares for new LeMans Proto! http://bit.ly/15h4U1 #
• Cue funeral music… GT-R crashes in Houston, Texas http://bit.ly/gFm91 #
• The shame, the inhumanity, the travesty…. http://bit.ly/2RWT50 #
• Part One: How it’s doneHave a great weekend everyone! http://bit.ly/3Gp4pU #

• Turbo Blog – Turbonetics Weekly Twitter Update for 2009-09-06 http://ow.ly/15NZTu #
• Turbo Blog – Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Experience With Jim Russell http://ow.ly/15O7jS #
• One of the best driving/riding roads in the nation goes down for the count. Hopefully it get back up soon. http://bit.ly/BQw0D #
• Ken Block vs. Rob Drydek in Gymkana 2.1… some funny stuff here folks. http://bit.ly/Dqgat #
• Been looking forward to the McLaren P11 reveal and we are kind of disappointed. Kinda R8 & F430 hybrid don’tcha think? http://bit.ly/3xH7el #
• Mercedes to McLaren “Take that why don’t you”. The new SLS AMG Gullwing in full high res glory http://bit.ly/jZxp4 #
• Note to $250K+ wannabe supercar builder: Get an undented air filter and spit shine the engine bay for next photo shoot http://bit.ly/jfT44 #
• The new Audi R8 Spyder looks good. Almost as if it was meant to be made as a drop top. http://bit.ly/v3V60 #
• Tom Green and his funky fresh beard need to be taken out to the woodshed & beaten for disrespecting this Lambo http://bit.ly/3JDX7W #
• New Turbonetics Blog Post: Rat Rod Ricer and Kraut Mobiles? http://bit.ly/HiyNo #
• Turbo Blog – Rat Rod Ricer & Kraut Mobiles? – The saying goes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As I have grown… http://ow.ly/15Oz7w #
• We want your ideas! Make a topic suggestion in the BLOG’s comments and “Ice” will select one to write about. Each… http://bit.ly/2g7Ero #
• Turbo Blog – New Guest Speaker: “Ask Ice” – Here at Turbonetics we are always trying to keep things fresh so we tho… http://ow.ly/15OHPy #
• Turbo Blog – SEMA Enthusiast Program – Calling all car, truck and motorsports enthusiasts if you ever wanted to at… http://ow.ly/15ONJJ #

• Turbo Blog – Turbonetics Weekly Twitter Update for 2009-08-30 http://ow.ly/15N4k2 #
• A happy Monday to you all… started out with the new Audi R8 V-10 now finally with supercar power levels http://bit.ly/10oiz1 #
• Last day to post some pics to win a free DVD of Fast & Furious. Throw pictures of Turbonetics gear and cars up on… http://bit.ly/iDBYV #
• Where was this LEGO set when I was a kid? http://bit.ly/XE1TG #
• Mini Coupe to be built? We can’t decide if we love it or hate it yet. What do you think? http://bit.ly/iKsXv #
• Lose a tire at 217mph & jack up your ride something fierce! Dai san scrubbed enough speed though to walk away from… http://bit.ly/zBkkC #
• For you Subbie fans out there, the all new ltd. production WRX STi Spec C http://bit.ly/3vcVrZ #
• This one is for the Vette lovers. Corvette concepts on display this week at the Bowling Green museum. http://bit.ly/oyZIJ #
• Future Aston Martin? Either stunning or vulgar in looks depending on who you ask. Let the comments roll… http://bit.ly/1594n9 #
• Alfa MiTo denim edition? We don’t get it but hey their Italian, what do you expect. http://bit.ly/wfYwx #
• I posted 3 photos on Facebook in the album “LOL Cars / You’re doing it wrong!”: http://bit.ly/JKcdJ #
• Question: Would you wear these if you didn’t own a Ferrari or Ducati? Would you wear them even if you did :/ http://bit.ly/Xl31r #
• What the heck… Angry at mom and dad, next time just steal their car. Now we have to use the CLUB in our own garages? http://bit.ly/HGQcl #
• Lots of Porsche activity lately. Now there is a Sport offering. Lots of models from a company that only makes 90K… http://bit.ly/oWGz9 #
• “Blah blah blah blah blah” – Translation = “We are great, we are the best, we are Ferrari… p.s. you too can wear… http://bit.ly/KI0xr #
• When it comes to Gran Turismo we turn back into 7 year olds playing Atari for the first time. Ver.5 looks sick! http://bit.ly/QgbLf #
• 617HP V12 and barely over 2000 lbs. the F1-GTR is quite possibly the baddest “street car” ever placed on earths… http://bit.ly/eeQT6 #
• I posted 3 photos on Facebook in the album “LOL Cars / You’re doing it wrong!”: http://bit.ly/JKcdJ #
• Way to go “Oddy” el presidente… open mouth and insert foot. Not that we necessarily think more of ev cars but hey http://bit.ly/PETGq #
• Some behind the scenes video of durability testing on the new Duo-35 BOV. Check it out http://bit.ly/18l3R5 #
• August contest winners are… (drum-roll please) – John Goddard (Roush Mustang), Zach Jones (twin turbo racecar),… http://bit.ly/36LE9Q #
• Turbo Blog – August Facebook Fan Contest Winners – Up for grabs were 5 copies of the newly released Fast & Furious … http://ow.ly/15NOdC #

Up for grabs were 5 copies of the newly released Fast & Furious DVD. This past months contest involved finding pictures or videos featuring Turbonetics products. It could be something on a car, a model, a video, whatever. Thanks to everyone that participated and congratualtions to the 5 winners of the August Turbonetics Facebook Fan contest. And the winners are… Read the rest of this entry »

It is great to see the engineering and R&D that go into the products that eventually make it to market. So I thought I would start to share a little more  behind the scenes looks at some of the stuff that we have going on here at Turbonetics. First up is the new Duo-35 BOV. Read the rest of this entry »