R c wrote:

I understand that the turbo?s used for aircraft applications should have a
inconel wheel.  Does anyone know which turbo make and model is commonly
being used for turbo 13b and 20b aircraft applications.  Any idea on the
pricing of these units?

Last time a checked an Air Research TO4 with Inconel wheel from
Turbonetics was $750. See the ACRE NL web site for the Turbonetics
URL. I think Chuck has one on his three rotor as I recall. Right
Chuck?

Paul Lamar

How long until a turbo needs rebuilding & what exactly needs replacing
?

Rich

Good question. I have no answers yet. I imagine it depends on what
temperature you run it at. I would opt for water cooled bearings
as they seem to help.

Paul Lamar

charles.harbert wrote:

To Rc:

You may want to get the std books for Turbocharging (Hugh McInness(HP Books &
Corky Bell's) to learn exactly what you'll need to do this correctly. Talk to
Ola at Turbonetics as he knows aircraft applications. I do have a T04, but it's
beem modified by Turbonetics.

The turbo should last indefinitely provided you don't do the usual mistakes:

1. Overheat the wheel (Mazda's can do this easily because of the basic design)
1700 degF TIT (turbine inlet temp)is max or you'll start eroding the Inconel
wheel. Temp is a function of air fuel ratio and boost. You also need to direct
airflow around the turbo, plus use heat shields to insulate it from the aircraft
and engine parts i.e. intake manifold, wiring, etc.

2. Inadequate oil flow - With this kind of heat in the turbo you need to get a
good flow into the unit, and (most important), you must get it out the drain
without restriction (I use a scavenge pump).

3. Clean Air- Turbos spin up to 100+K rpms, so you don't want anything of any
size going into the compressor.

4. Overreving-If you fly at higher altitudes, you must not exceed the limit for
compressor ratio, or the unit could self destruct.

Hope this helps.

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