We finally figured out why we weren't selling as many magazines as Cosmo-the quizzes. So here's a turbo IQ test we pulled off the Garrett website for you and the boys to try and then discuss while waiting for the manicure (or Hondabond) to dry. Special thanks to Honeywell Turbo Technologies, the makers of Garrett Turbochargers.
Turbo IQ Test Please choose only one answer. Each correct answer equals one point.
1. The first exhaust-driven turbocharger, or 'supercharger', was developed between: A.1905-1908B. 1909-1912 C. 1915-1918D. 1921-1924
2. The turbo derives its energy source from: A. The temperature of the exhaust gasB. The pressure of the exhaust gas C. Both the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gasD. The engine power
3. Charge air coolers are used with turbochargers because: A. They de-moisturize the intake air to prevent corrosion of the cylinder linersB. Cooling leads to increased air density, thereby more oxygen for combustion.C. They increase engine and turbo life due to reduced exhaust gas temperature.D. All of the above.
4. The cooling medium of a charge air cooler can be: A. Ambient air only B. Coolant water from the engine onlyC. Either ambient air or coolant waterD. Ambient air, coolant water, or coolant oil
5. Charge air cooling provides: A. An increase in engine powerB. A reduction in NOx C. Increased engine durabilityD. All of the above
6. Which of the following is not one of the three general types of compressors? A. RadialB. Single-flow C. Mixed-flowD. Axial-flow
7. Aluminum is generally not used for turbocharger turbine wheels because: A. It is not strong enough to withstand foreign object damage B. It cannot be cast to the required precision C. It would melt at the temperature of engine exhaust gasD. It could, but no one has tried it yet
8. The term 'free floating turbocharger' refers to: A. A turbocharger that floats in the engineB. A variable geometry turbocharger such as VNT?. C. A turbocharger with a wastegate.D. A turbocharger whose maximum speed is set by wheel size
9. The purpose of a wastegate in relation to turbocharging is: A. Control the boost from a turbochargerB. Bypass exhaust gas around the turbine.C. Allow a smaller turbine to be used for improved low speed engine performance. D. All of the above
10. A variable geometry turbo such as Garrett VNT? (Variable Nozzle Turbine) turbo delivers better performance than a wastegate turbo by: A. Providing rapid movement of the vanes.B. Making the turbocharger more complex.C. Using moveable vanes to control the amount of air supplied to the engine.D. Providing increased boost at low engine speed only.
11. Which of the following bearings is not commonly used in turbochargers? A. Plain journal bearingB. Semi-floating bearingC. Fully-floating bearing D. Ball bearing
12. Which of the following is commonly used for turbine end seals? A.Piston ring sealsB. Labyrinth sealsC. Brush sealsD. Carbon face seals
13. Which of the following auto racing series does not have turbocharged cars? A. World RallyB.24 Hours of Le MansC. Formula OneD. Pikes Peak Hillclimb
Turbo guru status?12-13 points: Maximum efficiency10-11 points: Near surge8-9 points: Blowing hot air8 points or less: Choke point
This test was devised by Honeywell Turbo Technologies, the maker of Garrett turbochargers. For the full test and answers, go to Garrett's website at http://www.honeywell.com/sites/ts/tt/turbofactsbenifits_IQtest.htm
Answers:1: C2: C3: B4: C5: D6: B7: C8: D9: D10: C11: A12: A13: C