The Invention of the Turbocharger
The history of turbocharging dates back to the late 19th Century. In contrast, both Gottlieb Daimler and Rudolf Diesel were tinkering with forced induction. The first patent for a practical turbocharger (applied for in 1896) belongs to Swiss Mechanical Engineer Alfred Buchi (pictured below).
1900's - General Electric
The first mass-produced turbochargers came out of the General Electric factory in the early 1900s. Interested in the possibility of aviation usage, the company’s head engineer, Sanford Moss, conducted tests to produce and maintain boost pressure at the altitude of over 14,000 feet at the top of Pike’s Peak in Colorado. Furthermore, it was his experiments that paved the way for the usage of turbochargers in aeroplane engines.
1920 - The first Turbocharged Aeroplane
In 1920 the first turbocharged plane was tested. A LaPere bi-plane fitted with a 12-cylinder Liberty engine. It managed to get up to 33,000 feet without any loss of boost. The tests were repeated over the next year with the highest recorded altitude of 40,000 feet. Turbocharging was about to take over the aviation industry. By the mid-1920s turbocharged diesel engines also started appearing on ships and locomotives.
The turbo design and manufacturing technology advanced rapidly. During the Second World War, numerous fighter and bomber planes were fitted with turbochargers. In short, this made them faster and more efficient.
Without turbo technology, the B-36 bomber would require 90 cylinders in each of its six engines. With turbocharging, that number was cut down to 28.
1936 - The Garrett Corporation was Formed
One of the biggest names in the turbo world – the Garrett Corporation was formed in 1936 by J. C. “Cliff” Garrett. Their first product was a charged air cooler for the B-17 bomber. Garrett’s main products at that time were small gas turbine engines. However, it wasn’t until 1954 that Cliff Garrett split the growing turbocharger division from the gas turbine division. The newly formed turbocharger group would later be named Garrett Automotive.
Turbocharging’s first for a foray into the automotive industry was not well received. The Chevrolet Corvair Monza (above) and the Oldsmobile Jetfire (below). They were launched in 1962 and suffered from reliability issues, and were quickly withdrawn from sale.
1970's - Turbocharging Technology Evolved
By the time the first oil crisis came in 1973, the automotive turbocharging technology had evolved enough to make inroads within the commercial diesel market. But as the emission standards became more stringent, turbocharging grew in popularity, becoming a virtual standard in the transport industry by the late 1980s. The 1970s also mark the entry of turbochargers into motorsport, most notably into Formula 1. As with most automotive inventions, motorsport popularised turbocharging to the point where it became a familiar term to the general public.
1978 - The First Turbocharged Diesel Passenger Car
The first turbocharged diesel passenger car, a Mercedes Benz 300SD, was introduced in 1978. It featured low emissions, greater efficiency and a driveability akin to a petrol car. The 300SD is widely considered a “breakthrough” car that “sold” the public on the benefits of turbocharging.
By the early 1980s, turbocharged vehicles were a common sight in dealer showrooms and all forms of motorsport. Turbo cars were winning Formula 1, World Rally Championships and successfully competing against larger naturally aspirated vehicles.
The Future of Turbochargers
Today, a turbocharged engine is widely accepted not just as a performance option but as an economical, low-emission alternative. Turbo technology is particularly beneficial in small cars where restrictive engine bays make fitting a more prominent engine impractical or impossible. The problems that plagued early turbo engines; reliability, lag, fuel consumption have been mainly eliminated, and today’s turbocharged engines are as reliable and easy to drive as their naturally aspirated counterparts.
The future looks bright for the turbo engine. With the hybrid/electric cars suffering from credibility, pricing issues and other inherent shortcomings, it’s easy to see why the clean, economical and reliable turbo diesel cars are quickly becoming the choice of environmentally conscious buyers. In fact, on numerous tests, small capacity, turbocharged diesel passenger cars have proven to be more economical and ecologically sound than hybrid or electric cars.
The Motorsport Perspective
Performance enthusiasts have always been quick to adopt new technologies, and turbocharging is no different. Used and loved by loyal legions of racers and engine builders, turbocharging is starting to dominate a large portion of the motorsport market. From drag racing, circuit racing to rally, sprint or time attack, turbocharged cars, bikes, planes, and boats are forging ahead, pushing aside the naturally aspirated and even supercharged competitors and heralding the dawn of a new turbo era.
Interview with General Manager Marty Staggs of Turbosmart USA
We caught up with Marty Staggs, General Manager of Turbosmart USA, to get his take on the popularity of turbocharging in the performance and racing circles.
1. Turbocharging seems to be gaining in popularity in the motorsport sectors traditionally dominated by superchargers. Why do you think that is?
“Computer software and CNC technology have allowed engineers to both simulate and test a multitude of designs before ever making a production part. This has helped them refine the wheels and housing to get that increased power output and efficiency. The compressor wheel technology has gotten so good that the exhaust back-pressure they used to create has been dramatically reduced, thereby reducing any negative impact they may have on an engine.”
2. Performance gains are not the only reason turbochargers are gaining more followers every day. Every engine builder and racer knows that price plays a significant part in all purchase decisions.
3. What do you see as the “next big thing” on the turbo market?
“I am sure other materials are being investigated for both the wheels and housings that will continue to make the Turbochargers even more efficient and responsive.”
4. Where do you see Turbosmart expand to within the next five years regarding the overall performance scene?
Turbosmart continues to advance its technology and products right along with the Turbocharger manufacturers, so we are progressing together.”
“The kit builders and turbo system manufacturers do not have to “settle” for whatever may be available to control and modulate the power their systems make. Turbosmart is right there working with them to provide the highest quality product that is right for the job.”
“The other good news is that superchargers are not “dead”. There is still a large market for them that is progressing, and Turbosmart makes products for their applications. We are not just a turbocharger accessory manufacturer, and Turbosmart is a TOTAL boost and fuel management manufacturer. Whatever your choice for forced induction is, Turbosmart most likely has the products to help you achieve your goals.”
Here is a handy self-help guide to helping you with your Turbosmart install and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get here. Turbosmart recommends that you get your products fitted and tuned by a qualified technician. If you choose to install the product yourself, ensure you have all the necessary tools and technical knowledge to perform this task.
Thank you for picking up the latest Turbosmart catalogue. As we look back on 25 fantastic years of innovation and growth, we continue to look towards the future as we release some revolutionary new products that will cement our reputation as innovators and market leaders.
Please contact us here and fill out a quick form so that our team can efficiently help you!
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About Turbosmart
From our humble beginnings to establishing ourselves as a global brand, Turbosmart is well on track to lead the future in turbo technology.
Our engineers build and track-test all products in-house. Therefore, we ensure we continuously produce the highest quality blow-off valves, wastegates, boost controllers, gauges, pressure regulators, and hoses. Furthermore, our products are designed and built for track and street applications.
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