Single engine lifespan

[JohnnyP]

What\'s the average life expectancy of a single turbo engine? I know this is a very open question, but if it\'s a fresh rebuild by a reputable tuner, with all the necessary upgrades, power fc, running about 350whp on standard boost with regular oil/coolant/plug changes, driven hard but not thrashed - then what could I expect? Anyone out there own a long term reliable single?

[Red and Single]

You basically describe my setup.

I hope for a good 40K easy, given better cooling from my uprated intercooler, radiator and more efficient turbo.

[JohnnyP]

Thanks Dave. So if well maintained I should expect at least 30, 40 or 50k miles before rebuild. Is there a common reason why they go pop before that?

[A7NTY]

Thanks Dave. So if well maintained I should expect at least 30, 40 or 50k miles before rebuild. Is there a common reason why they go pop before that?

They are generally reliable its normally non engine related problems that cause the engines to fail, anything that can cause pre-ignition for one thing. Some of the main issues are wiring problems, weak fuel pump, bad fuel, bad fuelling/ignition (nasty japanese mapped stock ECU\'s), blocked injectors, insufficent cooling, boost creep etc. etc. The other bit of advice is to try to stay clear of the rev limiter, its real bad news.

If you are lucky and it all goes without issue then most likely the engine will just slowly loose compression as the tips wear out or the water seals will fail.

Ant.

[JohnnyP]

Thanks Ant, that\'s good to hear. But what\'s the wrong with hitting the rev limiter??

[Iain C]

^^ i thought u had to run it to the limiter to clear out the carbon?

[JohnnyP]

I\'d heard that the rotary engine likes to be redlined at least once a journey. Out of interest when does the limiter kick in?

I\'ve never done it, but isn\'t it possible to do clutchless gear changes by bouncing off the rev limiter!

[nikp]

I\'ve never done it, but isn\'t it possible to do clutchless gear changes by bouncing off the rev limiter!

It\'s possible to change gear without the clutch, but why would you want to!? Get it wrong, and you\'ll be destroying the synchro on the gearbox. A clutch is cheaper to replace than a gearbox!

[JohnnyP]

I would never do it - not rich enough to risk it!! - but if you get the revs right clutchless gear changes are possible in any car and as I understand it, bouncing off the rev limiter is possible - but probably not recommended!