Why are turbos like tyres? SOUTH PACIFIC TURBOCHARGERS OUTLINES WHY A TURBO SPECIALIST CAN GIVE BETTER VALUE AND OFTEN BETTER PERFORMANCE any turbochargers can be overhauled and rebuilt for considerably less than the replacement cost. It is also true that some turbos aren’t economical to repair, especially if the rotor assembly needs replacing. However, as South Pacific Turbochargers NZ managing director Craig Mills explains, having a wide range of quality turbos and parts in stock, or readily available from Australasia and Europe, means this specialist company can usually offer far better options than those available from the vehicle manufacturer. “After all, vehicle manufacturers don’t make the turbos themselves,” says Craig. “Turbochargers are like tyres. Ford doesn’t make the tyres for its Ranger; nor do they make the turbocharger for it. These parts and many more like them are outsourced and simply fitted during assembly.” Craig says turbos are designed to suit different engine models, power ratings, and emission standards but, even so, there are often a range of different turbos — sometimes even different brands — fitted to the same vehicle model in different markets. “Again, like the humble tyre, you might have a turbo off a Nissan Navara, but which of the many
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different turbos is it? Like the tyre, there are many different types for a 15-inch wheel.” To get an exact match, Craig’s team needs the part number off the ID plate on the actual turbo (not the rego number) when quoting jobs. “This way we can give you the right price and be confident it will fit right the first time.” Or for specific needs, the team can suggest a different or better solution. Craig says one of their core skills is troubleshooting and fault-finding. “Turbos tell us a lot about the condition of the engine. Some vehicles will log a fault code relating to the turbo, but often the turbo isn’t the root cause. We are happy to
discuss what we have learnt and we can often diagnose a problem that isn’t the turbo’s fault.” The company dates back to 1981 and was originally set up to service large-frame turbochargers typically found in ships and power stations. Craig says marine engines making anything from 500hp to 100,000hp use turbos that can range in size up to 12 tonnes. Very large engines — often two-stroke — can have up to four turbochargers. “We still service these large turbochargers with specialised training and tools, but we also have a core business of servicing and supplying smaller, automotive, commercial, and performance-type turbos. With a fully equipped workshop in central Nelson, we see all types of turbos in all sorts of conditions for overhauling or replacement.” South Pacific Turbochargers is a Blackfern supplier and Blackfern is offering a draw of 10,000 reward points for all members using South Pacific Turbos during December and January. Call South Pacific Turbos on 03 545 8506, or email service@spturbos.co.nz.
