Turbonator? Or?
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, Az
Turbonator? Or?
There is a "device" on the market, that goes by several names, but is basically the same. Turbonator, Vortec Cyclone, Tornado, etc. It fits into the intake hose, between the air filter and the throttle body. The makers/sellers claim it can increase mileage and horsepower, by up to +- 35%.
Now, in my opinion, I think it is "snake oil", and sales depend on people who have no clue. A friend of mine was talking about buying one to put in his truck. He says a co-worker has one and swears by it, claiming a $30 a week savings in fuel.
Opinions?
Now, in my opinion, I think it is "snake oil", and sales depend on people who have no clue. A friend of mine was talking about buying one to put in his truck. He says a co-worker has one and swears by it, claiming a $30 a week savings in fuel.
Opinions?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From: Florida Parishes, LA
I haven't used one so no help there, but I can tell you how I look at it. If there were a way for the factory to add 35% better fuel economy, for less than $50, I would think they would do it from the factory and enjoy higher sales numbers and less stress from the EPA for there gas guzzlers. That is just my opinion.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
It's worthless. Consumer Reports and various other places have tested these devices over and over again with no noticable gain, and sometimes even a reduction in performance and mileage.
If your friend swears by it, ask him to prove it. Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 4 tanks of gas, same routes, and track mileage. Then install one of those devices and track mileage the same way as before over 4 tanks of gas. Then compare the two results. You can also run dyno tests with and without the device installed and compare results for actual power output. If he can't provide data from at least one of those tests, then he's full of it.
If your friend swears by it, ask him to prove it. Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 4 tanks of gas, same routes, and track mileage. Then install one of those devices and track mileage the same way as before over 4 tanks of gas. Then compare the two results. You can also run dyno tests with and without the device installed and compare results for actual power output. If he can't provide data from at least one of those tests, then he's full of it.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I once tried one on my F250 SD, and well I didn't see any increase on my truck which is a Gas truck.. I actually lost MPG with it installed. and upon removing suddenly gain MPG
Now a friend of mine had a Chevy 3500 Duramax Dually which he installed it on after the turbo and actually did gain. The truck went from 18mpg on the highway to 23 mpg.. This one I personally seen as I drove it with the device installed and then took it out and drove it again. This MPG was from the instant reading setting from the display on the dash.
Now a friend of mine had a Chevy 3500 Duramax Dually which he installed it on after the turbo and actually did gain. The truck went from 18mpg on the highway to 23 mpg.. This one I personally seen as I drove it with the device installed and then took it out and drove it again. This MPG was from the instant reading setting from the display on the dash.
Last edited by Fishsimion; Nov 6, 2006 at 12:18 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Originally Posted by Fishsimion
This MPG was from the instant reading setting from the display on the dash.
