what is the reason for this thing ? do any of you guys use one ? (those with turbo upgrades)

 

2 reasons....

1.It gives the turbine time to wind down from operation speeds before the engine is shut off and the oil pressure is gone.

2.It gives the turbo time to dissipte heat into the oil/water cooling systems before shutdown.This helps prevent oil coking in the bearings.

For the most part,turbo timers are un-needed,unless you are in the habit of abusing/mis-using your turbocharged vehicle.Water cooled turbos will cool very effectively after the engine is shut off,through natural convection currents in the cooling system.And if you rev up your engine and then turn it off immediatly afterwards.....well then, you deserve to have a blown turbo.
If you just drive calmly the last mile or two before shutdown and/or just let the engine idle for 10-20 seconds before turning the key off,a turbo timer is nearly useless.Straight oil-cooled turbos have more use for a timer,but still its not neccesary.
I bought and installed mine years ago,never used it,probably never will......

 

I have one.

I also happen to have an oil temp meter.

After highway use, or spirited driving, oil temp goes up, sometimes really up. Even if you drive slow for the last mile or two.

I let the car sit in the garage for about 2 minutes running on the turbo timer while I go home.

 

thanks guys