Turbo blanket...

[ALFAitalia]

As I mentioned in the "recent purchase" thread I have been gifted a turbo blanket....always seemed like a gimmick to me....but with a possible advantage of less under bonnet heat...always a good thing and compared to other cars I've had the OM642 runs quite a few wires pretty close to the turbo.
But in the video below (I recommend that guy by the way...does a lot of interesting tech stuff on his channel with minimum BS) there does seem more to it than that. The dyno figures at the end a pretty surprising....no more ultimate power....but more torque in the rev range, faster spool up and more boost. Ok is a massive cummins but its a turbo derv like mine at least. So as its free I'm going to fit it. I'm not going to be dynoing it...and I doubt there will be enough extra torque to notice with the butt dyno....but I'll let you no if I notice any other benefits.
Anyone fitted one on here...any issues or problems....or even obvious improvements?

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[W1ghty]

Never even heard of one on the forums buddy .
Interesting vid though .

 

[carat 3.6]

In a real world application like yours you won't notice any changes, they are purely to help manage engine bay temps.

 

[colinallcars]

As I mentioned in the "recent purchase" thread I have been gifted a turbo blanket....always seemed like a gimmick to me....but with a possible advantage of less under bonnet heat...always a good thing and compared to other cars I've had the OM642 runs quite a few wires pretty close to the turbo.
But in the video below (I recommend that guy by the way...does a lot of interesting tech stuff on his channel with minimum BS) there does seem more to it than that. The dyno figures at the end a pretty surprising....no more ultimate power....but more torque in the rev range, faster spool up and more boost. Ok is a massive cummins but its a turbo derv like mine at least. So as its free I'm going to fit it. I'm not going to be dynoing it...and I doubt there will be enough extra torque to notice with the butt dyno....but I'll let you no if I notice any other benefits.
Anyone fitted one on here...any issues or problems....or even obvious improvements?

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Are you sure it’s a good idea? Haven’t you just fitted a new turbo? I’d leave it standard and enjoy the car as it is, why risk it for no assured gain? Don’t go into ‘tinkering’ mode!

 

[ALFAitalia]

Always tinkering.....NEVER had a car that stayed stock for more than a few months!! But obviously I would not do it if anyone had a good reason not to.....hence this thread.

 

[DaveE320CDI]

I get the idea of reducing under bonnet temps regarding wiring looms etc, but i would be more concerned about increasing the actual oil flow temperature in the turbo bearings which as already been mentioned would surely reduce the life expectancy of your new turbo cheers

 

[Larkone]

Is the heat on an OM642 a known problem that needs a fix?

 

[ALFAitalia]

I was more looking at it from the increased response and boost angle......lowering under bonnet heat would just be a bonus.

 

[colinallcars]

Always tinkering.....NEVER had a car that stayed stock for more than a few months!! But obviously I would not do it if anyone had a good reason not to.....hence this thread.

One good reason I can think of is that the turbo will have been designed with cooling in mind, this would certainly change those characteristics.
Another, engine bay temperatures are not a problem.

You’ve got a solution looking for a problem.

 

[W1ghty]

@Gazwould this is your wheelhouse ?

 

[toteimerced]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, comes to mind.

 

[ALFAitalia]

One good reason I can think of is that the turbo will have been designed with cooling in mind, this would certainly change those characteristics.
Another, engine bay temperatures are not a problem.

You’ve got a solution looking for a problem.

Googled.......

Does a turbo blanket shorten turbo life?

No, turbo blankets do not typically shorten turbocharger life. In fact, they can potentially help prolong turbo life by reducing heat soak and protecting surrounding components from excessive heat.

Here's a more detailed explanation:
How turbo blankets work:

• They insulate the turbocharger's hot side, keeping the heat in and away from surrounding components like intercooler pipes, fuel lines, and oil lines.
  
  
• This can help maintain a more consistent and controlled heat environment within the turbine, potentially allowing the turbo to spool up faster and more efficiently.
  
  
• By minimizing heat radiating outward, turbo blankets can also help protect other engine bay components from damage caused by excessive heat.
  

Benefits of using turbo blankets:

• Reduced Heat Soak:
  By keeping the heat contained within the turbo, the blanket helps prevent heat from being transferred to surrounding components and causing heat soak, which can lead to reduced performance and potential damage.
  
  
• Protection of Surrounding Components:
  The blanket acts as a heat shield, protecting sensitive parts like wiring, connectors, and other engine components from the intense heat produced by the turbocharger.
  
  
• 
  
• Potential for Improved Performance:
  By maintaining consistent heat levels within the turbo, the blanket can contribute to better spooling and overall engine performance.
  

• Slightly Reduced Spooling Time:
  Some users have noted that turbo blankets can slightly decrease spool time due to the heat retention.
• 
  
• Potential drawbacks (which are generally minimal):
• 
  
• Increased Heat Transfer to Other Components:
  While the blanket primarily keeps heat in the turbo, some users have also reported increased heat transfer to other components if the blanket is not properly insulated or if other components are not properly insulated, according to the Bronco6G forum.
  

In summary:
Turbo blankets are generally considered a beneficial addition for turbo-charged vehicles. They can help to maintain a more controlled and consistent heat environment within the turbocharger, potentially leading to improved performance and a longer lifespan for the turbo and other engine components.

 

[ToeKnee]

I'm a believer in if something was beneficial it'd be standard fitment! As turbo blankets aren't standard I'll take any claimed benefits with a pinch of salt. JMHO

 

[ALFAitalia]

Lol.... did you read what you just wrote? So upgraded brakes, suspension, remaps, grippier tyres, better exhaust, hybrid turbos etc etc etc.... must all be rubbish and offer no improvement as none of them are std factory fit!!! Also all the aftermarket companies offereing tuning and upgrades and additional parts are all wasting their time. Behave! Cars are built to a price, spec and compromise that will appeal to the most possible people. If money is no object then there is barely anything on a car that can't be improved upon.
Claimed benefits are just that.... but when there is data to back them up it's more than just a claim. Posts like they just make me want to try it more.
Many race cars use them too... including the Peugeot P1 LeMans cars. They are also used OEM by McLaren Automotive, Aston Martin, Radical and so on.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I get now that you lot, by and large, think its a bad idea.... so I'm going to fit it anyway!....and after a time I will give my honest review....tbh I'm not expecting enough of a change that I could feel......be equally I'm not going to dyno it to find out either. Lots of dyno results online though if anyone cares....including the ones in the video I posted. I'll be back...but I'll shut up on the subject until then.

Funny how mods are generally not a thing or frowned upon on here....whilst on other sites I'm on it's often supported or even encouraged as a way of getting data/info/opinions for other members. Might be an average age thing I guess.

 

[ToeKnee]

Lol.... did you read what you just wrote? So upgraded brakes, suspension, remaps, grippier tyres, better exhaust, hybrid turbos etc etc etc.... must all be rubbish and offer no improvement as none of them are std factory fit!!! Also all the aftermarket companies offereing tuning and upgrades and additional parts are all wasting their time. Behave! Cars are built to a price, spec and compromise that will appeal to the most possible people. If money is no object then there is barely anything on a car that can't be improved upon.
Claimed benefits are just that.... but when there is data to back them up it's more than just a claim. Posts like they just make me want to try it more.
Many race cars use them too... including the Peugeot P1 LeMans cars. They are also used OEM by McLaren Automotive, Aston Martin, Radical and so on.

Caught a nerve there, did I?

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Is the heat on an OM642 a known problem that needs a fix?

If you look on the bonnet of any om642 , you'll always see paint peel above where the turbo is .

Think the op should also carry a scotch blanket incase of a breakdown ...

 

[Larkone]

If you look on the bonnet of any om642 , you'll always see paint peel above where the turbo is .

Think the op should also carry a scotch blanket incase of a breakdown ...

Always?? My 17 year old 170K miles CLS with OM642 doesn't have that problem

 

[DSM10000]

Always?? My 17 year old 170K miles CLS with OM642 doesn't have that problem

My W211 with the OM642 didn't have any noticeable damage to the paint above the Turbocharger either.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I think you most missed his irony!!!