CUMMINZ said:
I The space age rubber 90 degree elbow that is connected to the turbo has a 2 bladed plastic fin that helps turn the air around the elbow. How does the TAG help air make this turn?
CUMMINZ, keep in mind that not all of this is directed at you.
The air doesn't need help making the turn. The factory guide vanes attempt to eliminate the turbulence created
from the air making the turn so it's somewhat straight at the turbo inlet. The TAG works a little different (and better IMO) by allowing the air to make the turn any way it chooses, then makes it arrow straight at the turbo inlet where it's important. Dodge chose to accomplish flow control with some cheap plastic fins. The TAG accomplishes the same task, far more accurately, using expensive honeycomb material. People keep asking "If the TAG is any good, why doesn't dodge use one"...
they do, in the form of plastic fins.
On a related topic. The "huffing", "chuffing" sounds that some folks complain about while towing have 2 likely causes... a faulty wastegate (on a wastegated turbo) or a turbo compressor stall.
Compressor stalls are usually the result of turbulent air at the turbo inlet and is most pronounced when the turbo is loaded (there are other causes but not as likely). Not all turbos will do this and the reasons can be very subtle to nondetectable. If you look at the factory intake plumbing you'll notice that it's constructed of the finest recycled plastic that money can buy... not exactly "Space Shuttle" quality. It can take little more than a "zit" in the right spot in the plumbing, or a slightly oval shaped tube, to make one vehicle more prone than others, as the velocity of the air in the tube can be quite high, and the spool spins at astronomical speeds.
While I don't buy into the Tornado, the TAG not only works, but is
essential... meaning that
an air straightening device is essential for proper turbo operation. Don't believe me? Take out your white factory fins and go for a ride, preferrably hauling a load and post your results here. The results will likely be...
On some trucks... no noticeable difference.
On some trucks... runs like crap, excessive turbo lag, compressor stalls, and in rare circumstances, the turbo will grenade.
I've watched this happen with my own eyes to an aircraft air multiplier (essentially a turbo used for airconditioning systems) more times than I could count by partially obstructing an inlet which induces turbulence. One half of one finger placed over a 4 inch opening is capable of producing all of the turbulence needed to produce the symptoms I've described... and this is on an inlet that's open to the atmosphere on the side of an aircraft, with no tubing or plumbing at all. Just imaging what an elbow before the inlet does when combined with cheesey plumbing.
Essentially, to say that the TAG or similar device for controlling turbo inlet flow doesn't work, is pretty much beyond foolish. It flat out works. Having said that, let's define "works"...
If you're looking for horsepower... not gonna happen.
If you're looking for increased mileage... you'll get it BUT it may be immeasureable to some due do variances between engines, components, computers, injectors and a myriad of other reasons.
Turbo lag will be reduced greatly. IMO this is my biggest gripe with the CR Cummins and is largely the fault of the intercooler and related plumbing (more area to pressurize). Turbo lag is the number one factor in determining throttle response on an otherwise well designed turbo diesel.
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