by Jay » Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:38 pm
The short answer is yes. The manually controlled wastegate RayJay installation on Comanches allows you to fly around normally aspirated and only use the turbos when you want to.
The more complicated answer is that a turbo Comanche operating normally aspirated is not quite as efficient as a pure normally aspirated Comanche. The inlet system is not as efficient and if nothing else you are carrying the extra weight of the turbo and it's associated plumbing. How much less efficient? I've never done a side by side comparison on a single, maybe someone else can chime in.
One factor to consider is that that turbos, like most things, need to be excercised now and again. I've been told by a shop that I respect a lot that it's a good idea to use your turbos for at least five minutes or so on every flight. That heats them up and expands the metal seals, preventing oil leaks that can occur.
Jay
Jay
PA 30 N7702Y