Miatapower List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: (email redacted)


Steve,
I would also like to add a couple items to the list. More than likely, you will
want to get new silicone turbo hoses that join all of the air pipes together.
The aerodyne is a "oil consumption" type turbo... that is, the oil that goes in
the reservoir is actually slowly consumed through the turbo bearings and, under
normal operation, ends up leaving a thin film of oil on the inside of the air
pipes (and intercooler). This is nothing to really be worried about but the oil
(and pressure from the hose clamps) does cause the turbo hoses to degrade over
time. Once you get the kit, you'll know if any of your hoses need to be
replaced because they will be pretty torn up. BEGI has these hoses. Also, new
clamps are good to have too.

On a side note... I have some bad news. My turbo failed today. Yep, something
seized up. I talked to Gerhard and I have arranged to get my turbo to him
within the next few days. It drove pretty good at Deals Gap but I had been
hearing a new noise that sounded like a bearing going out. Guess I was right.

Please don't take this as a discouragement to buy an aerodyne as I still think
they are great turbos but in my experience, I've had some unfortunate and
unexplainable problems. Gerhard Schruff has commented that there have been many
satisfied owners with no problems, and a few owners with a lot of problems.
Unfortunately, I'm one of the later. I'm not sure why. I slowly let the engine
warm up and even wait until the oil pressure stabilizes before I ever get into
boost. The nature of the failure I experienced today was at full boost (about
10psi). A whining noise got a hair louder then silence... and no more boost.
The car is still drivable but acts like a slower normally aspirated miata
(probably due to stuck turbines in the exhaust path). I'm going to have it
fixed with the stronger billet aluminum backplate and even converted to the new
style actuator/controller so that I can more reliably run at 12psi at the intake
manifold (i.e. after intercooler losses). Gerhard said this is possible, and so
this is my goal.

Well, I'll keep you posted with the progress but for now, it's a slow ride home
from work... ;-)

Later,
Lee Bohon
(at work right now, please reply at home email: (email redacted))


>The only thing that might need replacing would be the signal lines. You can
>get a length of 4mm tube at a parts store...at least I think it's 4 mm. The
>other stuff should last a long time.
>
>Ralph Alder
>Tustin, CA
>'90 Classic Red w/Yellow Stripes
>Team Aerodyne
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Steve <(email redacted)>
>To: Miata Power <(email redacted)>
>Date: Monday, August 02, 1999 16:17
>Subject: Parts needed for Aerodyne Install?
>
>
>>
>>Guys,
>>
>>I am in the process of purchasing a used Aerodyne system and
>>would like to know what gaskets/hoses/etc do I need to replace
>>for the install? Is there any other parts that I should consider
>>replacing within the turbo system? Where can I purchase these
>>items?
>>On a side note, I would like to thank Lee Bonham(sp?) and his
>>friend John for answering my questions and showing me the Aerodyne
>>system at Deal's Gap this weekend!
>>
>>
>>Later,
>>Steve Daniels
>>90 Red B
>>