Vortex generators? do they really work???

SinfulNeon · Post by **SinfulNeon** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:32 pm

Okay I have looked at this thing called a Turbonator
http://www.turbonator.com
and it claims that it increases your power as well as increase gas mileage and I have seen a different sorta knock off version on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAVALIER ... QQtcZphoto

Well anyhow it states that it creates a vortex to speed airflow into the engine as well as mix the air better with the gas which all of this makes since like Im running a AEM CAI so I can see the air traveling in a nice vortex throughout the pipe but wouldnt that vortex be interrupted when it went through the butterfly opening on the TB and when it went into the main chamber of the intake manifold before being channeled in each runner, dont see how that vorex is maintained when it gets to were the fuel is delivered to mix with the air, the only thing I see is possible the increase rate of air. So if I am completely wrong on my thinking please let me know and clarify or if Im right and it would be a waste of money.

Thanks I would like as much input as possible as I was considering buying the ebay version of it to try and see if it did work but figured I would get your guys info ahead of time.

Well thanks everyone in advance for your help.

03blackrt · Post by **03blackrt** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:48 pm

It won't help your engine in any way.

srt4evah · Post by **srt4evah** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:56 pm

It's garbage, it impedes airflow and reduces performance and mpg.

If $10 pieces of metal like this, or like those "gas magnets", actually DID anything, do you think they'd be standard equipment from the factory?

relaxiknowarchie · Post by **relaxiknowarchie** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:40 pm

can you believe they were selling them for $100.00 Canadian (yes hundred) at a "As seen on TV" store for the tin metal.

I opened the box and nearly died laughing... I asked the guy working how he could honestly sell them with a straight face.

snake oil at it best.

SinfulNeon · Post by **SinfulNeon** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 9:58 pm

ya I figured as much but figured I would ask and see what people thought.

Marthby · Post by **Marthby** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:12 pm

Want good gas mileage? By a Prius...

Want more horsepower? By a Viper...

Post by **racer12306** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:20 pm

Marthby wrote:Want good gas mileage? By a Prius...

not really, but thats another topic.

on neons the tornado or turbonator does not help. i tried it because it did help with mpg on my monte. the intake system on the neon is probably pretty efficient so nothing will help it.

OB · Post by OB » Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:58 pm

I thought this was gonna be about the aero vortex generator...

The turbonator/tornado is a good idea, that in theory should actually do something. Most cars see no effect upon installing one, but some do have small gains in hp and mileage. every car is different with regards to the way their intake systems are designed, so a universal product like this could never work in all situations. unfortunatly, most modern (and many older) cars already have solid designs from the factory. These cars can actually have problems when installing something like this, as it might make the engine have to work harder to breathe normally.