Turbo "wheeze"

[saturn George]

Hello

I just bought a used Saturn Sky RL with all the bells and whistles but have a question regarding a consistent sound I discovered while driving.

When you release the gas peddle (typically while putting in clutch) there is a slight "wheezing" or aspirating sound. It sounds suspiciously like a compression issue... but upon discussing with dealer they feel strongly it is just the turbo "unwinding" (ie not while accelerating).

I am used to turbos having had Audi turbo, but any sound like that (as well as lag!!) was upon acceleration not while somewhat revving down.

Does this symptom sound familiar?? I made my offer contingent upon compression test and it is under warranty so I am not OVERLY concerned but interested in your thoughts.

Also.. as an aside... I think I got a good deal but am interested in other's opinion: Midnight Blue 2007 with 11k miles... overall very nice body / paint condition.... all the bells and whistles including monsoon, upgraded CD, upgraded wheels and spoiler for $21,500. Did a lot of research and (I think) I got a good deal especially considering it comes from a dealer..... yes /no??

[cerberus]

Sounds like a very good deal to me.

Pardon me with my own Summer time cold wheeze as I use all the wrong terms in the present fuzzed over condition. No doubt folks can fix me up.

You have no problem with what you're hearing. That little very fast spinning high boost turbo has got to blow off when you pull of the gas, and with an internal BOV the sound is muted. No worries.

[Helios]

Yeah, that's just the BOV (blowoff valve) releasing pressure.

[saturn George]

Thanks Cerberus... for BOTH your answers

I had pretty much figured that they were right re turbo.. but since they are car dealers a healthy amt of skepticism creeps in

The best part of my deal is that I used an internet "tease" ad from another local dealer to drive down their price by over $4K from original asking price (it was set too high anyway).... but the "other deal" didnt really have the car on the lot even though the ad was on 4 different internet sites including the other dealer....

Cant say I feel overly guilty lol

[forkee]

you probably wouldn't believe it but that "wheeze" excites people. get it to chirp with a dual stage bov like a super sequential from HKS and you'll really turn heads. its definitely a normal thing. i like to hear it =) the only downfall to vent to atmosphere bovs is that you're throwing away the boost compared to recirculating ones that at least make use of some of it.

[xmicro_Redline]

It is more of a ppsssswwwwwweeeeeewwwwww than a Wheeze. I love the BOV. Sometimes if I am cruising along a highway at one speed for a while, I goose the gas pedel just to hear it!

[SKY888]

try changing your stock airbox to an aftermarket air intake......

then you'll really hear your BOV!

pppffffffshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

[kudelt07]

As Cerberus said, you got a great deal.

Not that it really matters, and I may be way off here, but I believe a BOV refers to a valve that vents to atmosphere. A CBV(Compressor Bypass Valve), which we have, sends air from the high pressure side of the intake to the low pressure side.

[saturn George]

Thank you all... I officially pick up the car on Saturday and I will be looking forward to revving up the engine and getting my ppppffssshhhhpppssskkk turbo sound in order

[G8TR]

Congratultions, let the permagrin begin.

[Booster_RL]

Damn good deal buddy!

And the "Wheeze" as mentioned here is not only normal but highly desirable for some people. The turbo is venting waste gas and if you want to make every Fast & Furious type jealous get yourself a nice upgraded blow-off valve to be sure you can hear it at least 4 lanes away.

[Wolfheart]

WOW, you did get a great deal, GOOD JOB!

You know about the turbo and blow off sound, I hardly notice it on my Saturn, but it is very loud in my Talon.