Mister 2

iTrader: (14)

Has anyone removed their coolant reservoir tank (near the turbo)? As far as I can tell the only purpose is to provide coolant to the turbo after shut down. Does it provide any other function?

rustokman

And why would you want to remove that may I ask? It was put there for a very good reason. Notice how it is above the turbo. That keeps coolent flowing prepetually aslong as the turbo is hot enough to boil the coolant. Once the turbo has cooled it doesn't boil the coolant anymore and the job is done. Basically, it is pretty important there. It also looks to be the the place where you would add coolant if your car was overheating.

rustokman

Sorry, I may have come off a bit brash there. Didn't mean to.

Mister 2

iTrader: (14)

^^^no worries . I knew it would be asked. Here are my reasons.

1) I like to clean up and simplify the engine compartment as much as possible so I remove anything I can. For example, my cruise control. I don't use it so it's gone. Daytime running lights-disabled and removed. The vacuum line from the solenoid to the intake - gone. Coolant to the throttle body - gone and bypassed. etc...

2) I'm considering an upgraded turbo that is not water cooled. Instead of plugging the water lines to and from the turbo, I'd rather go back and remove as much as possible.

3) My turbo upgrade plans may also involve custom IC piping so the extra space could be useful.

4) As far as turbo longevity. I always use a turbo timer and synthetic oil. My previous car had a GReddy turbo (no water cooling) and it's 5 years old and still running strong.

To summerize, IMO the coolant reservoir is useful for the average owner that doesn't want to worry about letting the car idle before shutting down and doesn't bother with the expense of regular oil changes w/ synthetic oil. I do consider the turbo a wear item and would have no problems replacing it every 3-5 years or so if need be. The location of the reservoir tank is nice because it is high up and allows one to fully fill the coolant system but I can achieve the same thing by hooking up a level/breather hose to the nipple whenever I change coolant (like my MR-2).