Why are turbos like tyres?

Haynes manuals and a digital ally

SOUTH PACIFIC TURBOCHARGERS OUTLINES WHY A TURBO SPECIALIST CAN GIVE BETTER VALUE AND OFTEN BETTER PERFORMANCE

Many 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 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.

Sift the sands for the remaining Parts Connection Gold Rush nuggets

THE SEAM OF PARTS CONNECTION LUCKY GOLD NUGGET CARDS RAN OUT ON 30 NOVEMBER 2021, BUT THERE’S STILL GOLD TO BE FOUND IN THE SPOIL

Parts Connection’s Pam McNickle says that while Gold Rush nugget cards stopped being issued on 30 November, unclaimed cards can still be checked at pcgold.co.nz right up until midnight on 15 December 2021.

The Parts Connection Gold Rush promotion has run for several months for the past three years. It was open to trade customers who purchased parts from the 16 different Parts Connection members during the promotion period. Purchases made before 30 November qualified for Gold Rush cards, so customers can look up those unclaimed gold nugget cards — there could still be cash to be mined from the promotion.

“It’s been a great promotion this year despite not being able to run for the month of September due to the Covid restrictions in Auckland,” Pam says. “We have had over 150 different winners and we have given out over $100,000 worth of cash to lucky Parts Connection customers around the country.” And others could still strike gold. “Don’t miss your opportunity to claim prizes and maybe cash by not checking your lucky nugget cards in time,” says Pam.

Will the promotion be running again next year? Of course, Pam doesn’t want to spill the beans just yet but she has said she has been working on something just as spectacular for the coming year.

In the meantime, Pam and Parts Connection want to recognise and celebrate the many winners among the company’s customers this year. Collision Repairs Takanini, who won $20,000 cash, and Moselle Panel & Paint, who won $15,000 cash, were the big jackpot winners this year, but Pam says there were plenty of excited customers who also won cash. Pam personally visited the majority of winning customers around the country to get a photo and drop off some nugget treats for the whole team to enjoy.

Parts Connection is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most experienced auto parts supplier groups. It is made up of 16 different specialist companies that all specialise in particular brands of vehicle, meaning they are experts. This iconic group of dismantlers has evolved and changed throughout the years to support the automotive industry, supplying quality recycled parts and new genuine and aftermarket parts. For all your car part needs, contact Parts Connection on 0800 70 70 40, or www.partsconnection.co.nz.