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Old 10-13-2012, 12:05 AM   #6 (permalink)
redpoint5
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
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Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX
90 day: 24.19 mpg (US)

Lafawnda - CBR600 - '01 Honda CBR600 F4i
90 day: 47.32 mpg (US)

Big Yeller - Dodge/Cummins - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base
90 day: 21.82 mpg (US)

Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2
90 day: 17.14 mpg (US)

Model Y - '24 Tesla Y LR AWD

Pacifica Hybrid - '21 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
90 day: 38.47 mpg (US)
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Unless you get the turbo for free, you will never recoup the cost. Plus you have the added cost of having to run premium, and the extra wear on the engine that will necessitate rebuilding it sooner (or scrapping it).

If you want a fun project and a car that goes faster, get the turbo. If you think the project can be considered "green" while saving some green in the long run, think again.

I've thought about a turbo for my TSX, but the relative lack of aftermarket support and scarce examples of successful builds has all but killed my enthusiasm. If I had a car that has lots of support for turbo builds, such as a Civic, I would be tempted to build it just to see if I can realize fuel savings and quantify those savings for communities such as this. I'd never recoup the cost, but then again, hobbies rarely ever do.

If 40mpg is the goal, you need to spin your engine slower at 55mph. 2,500 RPM is quite high. Start thinking final gear change, etc.
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