I just noticed the ad on this site for the Turbonator, a finned non-moving vortex producing device that makes some very bold claims.
" An emissions lab, licensed by the EPA conducted tests on non-moving vortex generators that produced results as high as 20 horsepower and 24% increases in mileage. Other independent studies yielded results as high as 35 HP and 31% MPG. Although results varied from vehicle to vehicle, gains were evident".
So why don't they make these test reports available? I'd like to look at one. Who was the lab? Where are the dyno tests to prove the increase in HP.
Anyone can understand the benefits of better fuel atomization but its hard to believe that the "swirling effect" produced in the cold air intake hose continues to swirl down into the throttle body past the butterfly valve, into the intake plenum and then into the intake mainifold past the valves and into the cylinders. Especially in direct injection engines.
Has anyone on this site actually used this thing?

 

i wouldnt rely to heavily on this product. I have met people who use them and swear on them, but i never would spend the money. i guess its not a scam because some people have experienced gains, but their claims are ridiculous.

 

I wasn't questioning the placement of the ad by those running the site, or the honesty of the administrators, I was just trying to stimulate some discussion on a product that has not given me any credible reason to try it. I would suspect that on a carbureted vehicle if the device was located directly on top of the carb intake there may (big may) be some better mixing of the
fuel/air, but on direct injection engines with the device located in the intake tube right after the air cleaner I can not envision any effect. This reasoning is of course seat-of-the-pants engineering theory.
If the manufacturer offered a double your money back guarantee I would certainly try it. It seems they're so convinced on the product's effectiveness that they only offer a no-risk-to-them promotion with the buyer risking the shipping in both directions. I find a lot of people who try such things and swear by them do not have any hard before and after data to back up their emotional conclusions. If it did really give the increases they say at such a low, energy free price, I think they would be standard equipment on at least one vehicle.

 

i wasnt being defensive...just giving you my input.

i have heard stories of them coming apart and damaging engines...

 

i, used it once, w/ the stock rubber / plastic intake, not much gains. but w/ aftermarket intake, it actually gains....and all i,can say is...dont spend that much money for a vortex that aint gonna give you the power you crave. just a thought, save your money and get a turbo instead.

 

Its not the swirling effect thats sposed to give you the hp... its supposed to force your car to intake more air causing a ratio of air:gasoline

 

***BETTER ratio

 

Well if you look at their little plastic bottle demo, the reason the liquid drains so fast is the vortex creates a spot at the center so air can get inside the bottle as the liquid drains. Believe me these little "turbos" don't force more air in there, if anything they add a restriction to flow.

 

its too expensive....