Turbo speed sensor - might be useful

Got this press release today, thought I'd stick it on here as it sounded like something that might be useful. Seb.

"Turbocharger Speed Sensors - already an important part used in today’s commercial vehicles - are now available for use in passenger cars.

Turbocharger specialists, Turbo Dynamics (TD) have added the new speed sensors to their vast range of turbocharger and performance products to enable everyday drivers and commuters to get the most out of their car turbos. A step forward for the industry, the speed sensors will allow people to monitor the inner workings of their turbos, even when driving or the car bonnet is closed.

TD also introduce the speed sensors at an ideal time; with EGR rates and rising power densities in modern cars, turbos are being pushed closer to their limits. However, by introducing the speed sensors to these vehicles, maximum power can be achieved without consequential reductions to the turbos’ reliability.

The nifty sensors, which can be used with any turbocharger, work by monitoring the turbo’s shaft speed either through a data logger or a speed sensor gauge. The information gained detailing the turbo compressor wheel’s speed, then enables drivers to get both maximum performance and a longer life from their turbos.

Further data can be extracted with the speed sensors by comparing the boost levels and shaft speed on a compressor flow map, from which ideal operating conditions can be determined. By then running turbos under these conditions, peak power can be reached over a larger operating range resulting in better power and response for drivers.

By studying the data it is also easy to closely estimate the car engine’s flow behaviour, for which a Flow Bench would normally be required. This invaluable information then enables drivers to determine if their turbos are reaching their maximum performance or if they’re over-speeding, which could be potentially damaging to the components involved. The outcome also means that drivers can validate whether or not they have fitted the correct turbos to their cars for their needs.

TD supply two Speed Sensor Kits for use on all turbocharged vehicles: the ‘Speed Sensor Pro Kit’, which includes speed sensor, wiring harness and installation instructions, and the ‘Speed Sensor Street Kit’, which also includes a turbo speed gauge. Both of the kits’ speed sensors are compatible with data loggers to enhance engine tuning capability and can be used in conjunction with aftermarket ECUs to limit compressor speeds.

The informative installation instructions contain detailed technical drawings of the exact machining specifications for Garrett turbochargers, as well as guidelines for other compressor housing types and the wiring, also included, allows for easy installation of the sensors.

Dorset based innovators, TD recommend the use of the Street Kit’s turbo speed gauge, which boasts a useful maximum speed recall function with the ability to retain the highest wheel speed for five minutes, thus allowing for easier mapping. A practical and immensely useful gadget, the gauge has the appearance of a speedometer and can be fitted to the dashboard at the driver’s preferred position.

TD Managing Director, Peter Marsh said of the new Speed Sensors, “They will enable more accurate mapping and tuning of turbocharged engines, which is fantastic news for all concerned. It means better power output, less lag, better fuel economy and in a time where Global Warming is of upmost concern, this couldn’t be better news.”

TD’s Speed Sensor Pro Kit (PN: 781328-0002) is currently available at an introductory price of £260.00 + VAT and the Speed Sensor Street Kit with speed gauge (PN: 781328-0001) is available for just £300.00 + VAT."

Nice! i just love read outs!

These have been around for ages now, Owen Developments have had them on their adverts, for example. What worries me is people will buy all such of instrumenttation then bolt it on to a diesel turbo bought off Ebay.