Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How well does the TAG work?

[EGaskamp]

I was just looking on a web site and they were advertizing the TAG (Turbo Air Guide) System and I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with it?



Eric

 

[nps]

I think with a TAG and a new muffler bearing you should get 10-12MPG improvement, and another 250HP. :-laf



Seems odd that something that is a restriction in the airflow would help. Plus, once into the intake manifold there are so many obstacles that any airflow is disrupted by internal castings.

 

[darkhorse]

I was just looking on a web site and they were advertizing the TAG (Turbo Air Guide) System and I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with it?



Eric

I have used TAG1 & TAG 3. It has it's critics but most have not used it. The results are subtile but real. It may clip top end power slightly but it does improve low end response & milage. I improved milage slightly ( around 1 mpg) Another advantage that some don't like is that it reduces turbo whine considerably.

 

[nps]

I have used TAG1 & TAG 3. It has it's critics but most have not used it.

I resemble that remark.



Good to hear real world feedback.

 

[darkhorse]

I resemble that remark.



Good to hear real world feedback.

:-laf :-laf Not a big bang for the buck but it does have it's place.

 

[RustyJC]

The theory behind the TAG is to reduce/eliminate turbulence going into the turbocharger impeller. Laminar flow going into the impeller (as opposed to turbulent flow) improves compressor efficiency which means more air is compressed at a lower discharge temperature with less power (from the turbocharger's turbine section) required. If you want to dig more deeply into the theory, do a Google on "honeycomb flow straightener".



The benefits are subtle, but the TAG does what I bought it to do.



Rusty

 

[Forrest]

Did anyone upgrade from the Tag 1 to the Tag 3 ... any difference?





tia

 

[RAndrae]

pay off

I have used all three TAG models in various applications. There is a difference although not a kick in the pants huge feel. I have noticed slight a milage increase, slightly quicker spool up, and quieter turbo whine.



This isnt one of those magnet on the fuel line things or a turbo get a million horse power devices. The concept is simple and it works.



I cracks me up to hear the criticism, when many have purchased 500 $$ exhaust systems, 300$$ intake horns, or 70 $$ air filters when those items have little to no "seat of the pants feel" or significant gain. I think for the money the TAG is worth it.

 

[TowPro]

Do you think the plastic "air straighteners" in the 06 tube between the air box and the turbo do about the same thing?

 

[HAkers]

I've just installed a cool blue tube and the tag 3. on my other wise stock '04 305 ctd.

I pull a 5th wh. and the difference is huge enough to make my wife notice.

More torque, better acceleration and maybe better mpg.



Herb

2004 QC 4x4 305 tubed and tagged

 

[RustyJC]

Do you think the plastic "air straighteners" in the 06 tube between the air box and the turbo do about the same thing?

I haven't seen the specific application you cite, but turning vanes are also used to lessen turbulence induced when air goes around a bend. They're trying to do the same thing, but farther upstream of the compressor impeller, it would appear.



Rusty

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Where the TAG works best is in towing situations. I know Kent Earnest has one on his HX40 and the improvement was quite noticeable.



It's not a dyno piece, if you want top HP from your rig you're better off to pull it out. But for reduced EGTs and response towing keep the TAG in.



Vaughn

 

[wcjp]

When I had my 96' I had the Tag I. It reduced the turbo whine generated by the Scotty II. Didn't notice any EGT or mileage difference. The reduced turbo whine was appreciated by the wife. In that respect it was worth it.

 

[MUDDY]

as vaughn said 'It's not a dyno piece, if you want top HP from your rig you're better off to pull it out. '



its good for a 7hp decrease to the rear wheels on a dynojet

 

[RAJohnson]

muddymess, Vaughn I Have been running a TAG 1 for many years. I got it for my 95 and installed it on my 02 until recently when I went to see them again and they exchanged it for a TAG 3 at no cost. (for those of you who do not know, they are right here in town, Pasco 10 miles from my place where they are manufactured) Any way I have or did notice a difference when I installed it on my 95 (bone stock) as far as spool up time is concerned. But to be honest I have not noticed a difference on my 02, more than likely because I have had it on since day one. I am anal about keeping records as far as milage and Maintenance items being done on my truck so if I were to pull it off for a little while I should be able to tell if there is a milage difference as well as a performance improvement.



I will do this and report the experience and milage differences after a little time or a few tanks of fuel have been run thru.



By the way I did Dyno my 02 (stock) with it off and on to establish a base line prior to starting the Bombing process. ON= 215hp OFF=215hp.



Rusty You stated (They're trying to do the same thing, but farther upstream of the compressor impeller, it would appear. ) Mine and I believe all others are located right at the Turbo, not before the bend. The ides is to straiten out the air going in to the turbo to increase spool time and throttle response.



nps You stated (Seems odd that something that is a restriction in the airflow would help. Plus, once into the intake manifold there are so many obstacles that any airflow is disrupted by internal castings. ) Its not designed to help with the air you see in the intake manifold, it is for the turbo spool time, and throttle response.



Sorry to be so long winded on this, and I am not trying to dis respect anyone But I feel making statements with out all the facts is a dis service to the product and manufacturer.



Rob

 

[Regcabguy]

I have noticed a slight reduction in turbo whine with the BHAF especially from the passenger side, but I haven't felt any more power or recorded any MPG increase. EGT's have been uneffected.

 

[TowPro]

I haven't seen the specific application you cite, but turning vanes are also used to lessen turbulence induced when air goes around a bend. They're trying to do the same thing, but farther upstream of the compressor impeller, it would appear.



Rusty

Here is a picture of the 06 stock setup in the first message of this thread

 

[jgil104]

totally agree with you im useing a tag 3 put in 05/05 than alaska and back ouieted the turbo a bit showed about 1gpm increase towing 5er triaxle trislide 36' ive seen as highas23>mpg steady driveing on cruise.

 

[RustyJC]

Rusty You stated (They're trying to do the same thing, but farther upstream of the compressor impeller, it would appear. ) Mine and I believe all others are located right at the Turbo, not before the bend. The ides is to straiten out the air going in to the turbo to increase spool time and throttle response.

Rob,



I was asked a question about the vanes in the inlet piping of an 06. If you read my post, the first thing I said was that I had not seen the inlet piping of an 06. I merely stated that this might be an application where Dodge/Cummins were using turning vanes to reduce turbulence (which, by the way, will have the secondary benefit of reducing turbo noise). Not having seen the inlet piping of the 06, I can't confirm if this is the case or not.



Since I have the TAG1 on my 2002, I know firsthand that the TAG fits at the turbo inlet as opposed to upstream.



Rusty

 

[RustyJC]

Here is a picture of the 06 stock setup in the first message of this thread

TowPro,



Yep, as I suspected, those are turning vanes to reduce turbulence and improve airflow around the 90* bend.



Rusty