Since Subaru says it's not needed I think they will not like it:



more details here

 

I talked to the service manager at my dealer and he said there is no need for a turbo timer. He talked about how the coolant still flows and such even after the motor is off.

 

Probably the same reason the guy at my local dealership told me the break-in period was 2k miles and not to go over 5k rmps. As we all know, it's actually 1k miles and 4k rpms. He also told me to let the car idle for a minute or so.

I've learned to take advice from dealerships with a grain of salt over the years. I think some folks just choose to continue using "old school" methods and/or take a "better safe than sorry" approach rather than researching the issue for themselves. So far, I haven't seen anything that would make me believe that FHI/SOA is wrong regarding their own design. Here's a couple of links that may be of interest:

http://www.spdusa.com/turbo_timer.htm
http://www33.brinkster.com/cammiecam/turbo.htm

- Kean

 

Even though the turbo timer is not necessary, and the extended break in is not necessary, the extra precautions are not a bad thing to consider.

And to answer your initial question, my dealer made a big stink regarding my turbo timer. They told me the cutting/splicing of wires necessary to install it voids my electrical system completely. Even though I am using an HKS wiring harness, I still had to splice into the e-brake to install it. Also had to splice into the ECU wires to make all the functions on the HKS Type-1 work.

So in the dealers words "hacking into your electrical system voids your warranty." Hope this answers your question.

 

Are all new turbos water cooled, so that if I were to upgrade to a new turbo, such as a VF34, I still wouldn't need to buy a turbo timer?

Jason

 

Personally, my research only went as far as the WRX and it's stock configuration (since that's what I currently own). The impact an aftermarket turbo would have on heat and the efficiency of the stock water cooling design, I couldn't tell you.

- Kean

 

So...
... a turbo timer may not be necessary but I won't hurt, but what about the warranty? Does it void it or anything?

 

Technically, I wouldn't think so unless the problem was a direct result of splicing/installation of the timer itself.

 

I know this was answer about 1000+ times but one more time just for me please. Turbo Timer voids all warranty or just electric? And what type of damage TT can do? If something happened it is better uninstall before to take to dealer?