[Rob@RBTurbo]

Thanks sir! Appreciate it and glad you are having fun with them!!

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

Good to see you here with official vendor status.

I've had my RBs for over a year now and the car drives very well with them, together with a dedicated map from ProTuningFreaks (20.6 to 18psi on 98 octane gas, for the record).

Alpina_B3_Lux

Thanks Altec, and I agree. The OEM PCV is really not cut out for big boost IMO.

Originally Posted by AltecBX

Welcome & Congratulations!
I purchase the RB PCV valve and their great compared to the oem.

Haha, yeah thats life of modifying isn't it. They don't call it a mod bug for nothing! Fortunately this car you can get away with very few parts and still go fast thanks to a great engine, outstanding fuel system, and some very good tuners out there like Terry, Shiv, and the guys over at PTF.

Originally Posted by JamesM3M5

Nice! Can't wait for my stockers to go out so I can upgrade, but then I'd need a better clutch. And Flexfuel. And upgraded rear suspension and diff. And...

YES. Actually had a solid plan to pursue but it all fall through just the other day, unfortunately. But, I am considering completely revamping the entire system at this point... or pondering an alternative. More information has been made public over at n54tech.

Originally Posted by JETmn

Any plans for an upgraded N55 turbo?

Thank you, and I will try to shoot you over a PM.

Originally Posted by poloace

Hey rob- id be interested in forum pricing too! Welcome. Glad to have you!

I actually do not have a install facilities unfortunately. To date it simply has not made sense, as most of my clients are International or otherwise not near St. Louis. I believe I've only sold 2 sets to locals, 1 being robc1976 (who has brought you guys many awesome write-ups), and another who was part of a recent Group Buy who is still yet to get them. I've connections and could partner in order to make it happen, but there's been just a total lack of demand to date for local installs. The great news is that since they install identical to the OEM turbos, any shop who can replace the turbos should be competent enough to handle the RB install.

As for the PCV valve. Theres been lots of questions on it. I probably should cut and paste some stuff over to this forum for easy reference. I am not sure about rules and what not about posting links here to other forums but I believe it is ok to say for now that over at n54tech under forced induction there is a really detailed thread about the upgrade. As for your "is it worth it question"... I'd say yes. The reason being is that this is a PCV valve. They tend to be standard maintenance items and with time they lose their ability to function as they did when new. So that said I think it would behoove anyone to order one even if stock turbo'd after some mileage.

Originally Posted by phipark

Hey Rob, couple questions. Since you're local, do you have a shop and do installs? Or just primarily a machine shop of some sort? Also, curious about this PCV. Is there a link about it? Any benefits to a non rb turbo'd car (stock turbos)?

[E90Company]

Rob, let me ask you something since I can't seem to find any direct/clear answer on where this turbo "siren" noise comes from. As I'm sure you are aware, many people seem to have this low RPM howl sound that is louder when the oil is cold, and either quiets down as the oil warms up but is still audible or goes away. It seems to not effect performance in any way. My first turbo set first did it when the oil was cold, and progressed to be quite loud and heard in cabin. When they were replaced with new stock turbos, they appreared fine (no shaft play or signs of oil leakage). I know you get stock cores in and out each day, what seems to cause this and what is it from? Is it something to worry about? My new set didn't do it in the beginning, but after 1,000 miles I am now getting a loud when cold, faint when warm siren that seems to gradually get worse?

Here's a good video demonstrating the sound? Any explanation or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I'm worried about it as this is my second set doing this. Thanks so much.

[Rob@RBTurbo]

Please post your entire mod list and I will ponder what you maybe hearing.

Originally Posted by E90Company

Rob, let me ask you something since I can't seem to find any direct/clear answer on where this turbo "siren" noise comes from. As I'm sure you are aware, many people seem to have this low RPM howl sound that is louder when the oil is cold, and either quiets down as the oil warms up but is still audible or goes away. It seems to not effect performance in any way. My first turbo set first did it when the oil was cold, and progressed to be quite loud and heard in cabin. When they were replaced with new stock turbos, they appreared fine (no shaft play or signs of oil leakage). I know you get stock cores in and out each day, what seems to cause this and what is it from? Is it something to worry about? My new set didn't do it in the beginning, but after 1,000 miles I am now getting a loud when cold, faint when warm siren that seems to gradually get worse?

Here's a good video demonstrating the sound? Any explanation or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I'm worried about it as this is my second set doing this. Thanks so much.

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by Rob@RBTurbo

Please post your entire mod list and I will ponder what you maybe hearing.

Ok.
COBB
aFe sealed intake
BMS DP's stock catback
Helix IC
ER CP Forge DV
AT flash and a bunch of small stuff

If I have the stock downpipes on, the siren is actually a bit clearer because the spooling whistle is masked out a bit more, though the overall siren volume is lower. Same with the stock intake, if that is in place the wooshing is masked out and this noise becomes more aparent.

[Rob@RBTurbo]

Sounds like you've already done some work that I was going to recommend. Swapping back in some OEM equipment is usually a good move to help isolate issues. Did you try swapping back in the OEM DV's?

At the end of the day, I would not be worried about it. I do not think it is abnormal per se or more importantly I do not see how anything could be harming the turbos; and if it was... you'd know it by now.

I'd be leaning towards the DVs or Air Intake as the cause.

Originally Posted by E90Company

Ok.
COBB
aFe sealed intake
BMS DP's stock catback
Helix IC
ER CP Forge DV
AT flash and a bunch of small stuff

If I have the stock downpipes on, the siren is actually a bit clearer because the spooling whistle is masked out a bit more, though the overall siren volume is lower. Same with the stock intake, if that is in place the wooshing is masked out and this noise becomes more aparent.

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by Rob@RBTurbo

Sounds like you've already done some work that I was going to recommend. Swapping back in some OEM equipment is usually a good move to help isolate issues. Did you try swapping back in the OEM DV's?

At the end of the day, I would not be worried about it. I do not think it is abnormal per se or more importantly I do not see how anything could be harming the turbos; and if it was... you'd know it by now.

I'd be leaning towards the DVs or Air Intake as the cause.

Thanks for the info, Rob. Appreciate it.

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by Evolution Racewerks

Welcome

We've installed quite a few of your turbos for customers and they were all very happy. Awesome product you have!

Those turbos love your awesome CP, FMIC also!

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by robc1976

Those turbos love your awesome CP, FMIC also!

+1. Quality is the name of the game with ER.

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by E90Company

+1. Quality is the name of the game with ER.

damn right....they custom made longer coupler for me....worked perfectly!

[KaiserN54]

Originally Posted by Rob@RBTurbo

Sounds like you've already done some work that I was going to recommend. Swapping back in some OEM equipment is usually a good move to help isolate issues. Did you try swapping back in the OEM DV's?

At the end of the day, I would not be worried about it. I do not think it is abnormal per se or more importantly I do not see how anything could be harming the turbos; and if it was... you'd know it by now.

I'd be leaning towards the DVs or Air Intake as the cause.

i can relate to e90company...it actually is the turbos. i know because i got new turbos on November. .ran e85 and got a siren noise at low rpms. took it back to the dealer...next set was quite until last week, when i ran an e85 tune. it is a very pronounced siren under load in low rpms, varying in pitch based on throttle. less noticible when warm, but always there under load. you can hear it in the cabin when cold, but not unless you really listen for it when warm. most seem to think its just a characteristic of the stock turbos...i wonder if we arent just killing them trying to run 17-19lbs of boost.

[kiteboy]

Rob , one question why it is not recommend to use OCC (OIL CATCH Can) with R&B Turbos....

thx.

[07tundra]

Originally Posted by kiteboy

Rob , one question why it is not recommend to use OCC (OIL CATCH Can) with R&B Turbos....

thx.

I believe you can run the BMS OCC because its hi-flow

[kiteboy]

On R&B site it told that it is not good to use OCC so??

[_ink]

Hey Rob, Any plans in the near future for a different turbine blade design and potentially newer parts that may yield more gains?

[Lunatic Fringe]

Originally Posted by _ink

Hey Rob, Any plans in the near future for a different turbine blade design and potentially newer parts that may yield more gains?

I'm also interested in the answer to this question to an extent, but mostly to understand if there is any merit in what the "other guy" is taking about. Doubtful, but nonetheless it would make for an interesting technical discussion.

[Bavarian Black]

Originally Posted by marv85

stop posting and go run the race map :P

Sorry but your site looks cheap and I always judge buying from a company that at least has invested in a good website, dyno etc....1/4 mile video....come on man. I wish you the best but with your prices....I just need Down pipes to match that, and a flash.

Once again, best of luck

BB

[Rob@RBTurbo]

Oil Catch Cans in my opinion can be completely harmless for some but cause issues for others. The layer of complexity they offer at times simply is not worth the value they are supposed to add in "catching oil" before it is sent back through the engine and induction tract. This goes for any turbos, not just RB.

Originally Posted by kiteboy

Rob , one question why it is not recommend to use OCC (OIL CATCH Can) with R&B Turbos....

thx.

I suggest running the BMS unit if you choose to run an OCC, it simply is the best overall design I have seen and most of the feedback from those who run it is positive as well.

Originally Posted by 07tundra

I believe you can run the BMS OCC because its hi-flow

It is worth noting that the "newer designs" have been applied to this platform for several years now already with the ASR turbos (9 blade turbines even larger than RB's, billet wheels, ball bearing, etc). We do not see them amounting to gains over RBs, it has already been proven to be the case. I like the ASR turbos myself and Abid with ASR is always pushing them like no other has since the very beginning, for those looking for the most trick and well setup turbos I'd say they are it- but they come at a cost. When I introduced RB's I was very much looking for a sound solution but at the lowest price possible. I felt like a CHRA replacement was absolutely required as well, this is a big portion of the higher priced RB's over some other options these days who reuse the original center section. The bottom line is that with RB's it is proven already to have great near stock like spool, and consistently make the highest power figures ever to be done in the OEM housings- so making changes is not something we are interested in. We considered going to billet compressors back in late 2011, but for $400 extra we do not believe the value is there in the payback department aside for taking a cool glamour shot.

Originally Posted by _ink

Hey Rob, Any plans in the near future for a different turbine blade design and potentially newer parts that may yield more gains?

Billet wheels are very cool looking, and for turbos with very large wheels they have big benefits. The aeros around the compressor nut are improved to give more blade area, but this doesn't matter if you already have a wheel that is flowing more than a housing will accommodate. The same applies to the extended tip technology as well, great when applied correctly but in this situation likely little effect. They are typically a little bit lighter, I'd guess a couple grams on a wheel this size with the excess weight being around the hub where it has a smaller effect on unsprung weight and hence spool (meaning that in the real world amounts to nothing in this application). They are typically stronger as well, but you won't be running 30+psi standard on these tiny housings so it is kind of a moot point. Little things tend to add up at times, but there is much more to consider such as utilizing the existing housings which put big limitations on such "improvements". As for the 9 blade turbine, as discussed above, has been in use for quite a while. On paper it looks cool and in certain applications it has been of benefit. There is alot more to consider than on paper when you are building hybrid turbos. The wheel and profiles must fit into the housings and correctly as well. Changing the wheel profiles too dramatically can have adverse affects, there is much involved with the housing design and angles at which the heat/exhaust interact with the blade edges at the nozzle. Throwing a bunch of ideas together is what they call trial and error, and all is well as long as you do not put together a "dud". When you find your combination of parts that as a whole works and works well from off idle through redline you tend to not want to upset a good thing, especially when the facts show that you are making the same power as another who has done everything already.

These are all things that have been thought about but not very much discussed and are good questions. In short, if I had a customer say they want these things this would be my response- I just do not think they are worth it and not worth increasing the price over in this application.

Originally Posted by Lunatic Fringe

I'm also interested in the answer to this question to an extent, but mostly to understand if there is any merit in what the "other guy" is taking about. Doubtful, but nonetheless it would make for an interesting technical discussion.

[Rob@RBTurbo]

I agree. And a new site I hope is complete this week. It is a long time coming but it will be dramatically improved.

Thanks,
Rob

Originally Posted by Bavarian Black

Sorry but your site looks cheap and I always judge buying from a company that at least has invested in a good website, dyno etc....1/4 mile video....come on man. I wish you the best but with your prices....I just need Down pipes to match that, and a flash.

Once again, best of luck

BB

[Bavarian Black]

Originally Posted by Rob@RBTurbo

I agree. And a new site I hope is complete this week. It is a long time coming but it will be dramatically improved.

Thanks,
Rob

Thank you rob...

I just would like to see clear content and web based continuity.

You will sell more with this approach trust me. After all I'm a Micrososft MVP.

Once again all the best.

BB

[rismo]

My understanding regarding the OCC is that:

- It affects the vacuum balance within the engine and since last year men have observed that the engine is extremly sensitive for vacuum related issues (Especialy in relation towards Oil consumption and stability)
- OCC is not fixing the cause, it focus on the symptoms instead
- Other options are on the table to manage the oil consumption (Type of oil used, PCV valve replacement)
- In all cases, warm up your engine correct, use propper oil, check your vacuum system regulary.

Het BMS OCC seems to be better in terms of flow and so less affecting vacuum.
I do not use a OCC but went the PCV replacement route. (not the same but related to a certain extent)

[_ink]

Originally Posted by Rob@RBTurbo

It is worth noting that the "newer designs" have been applied to this platform for several years now already with the ASR turbos (9 blade turbines even larger than RB's, billet wheels, ball bearing, etc). We do not see them amounting to gains over RBs, it has already been proven to be the case. I like the ASR turbos myself and Abid with ASR is always pushing them like no other has since the very beginning, for those looking for the most trick and well setup turbos I'd say they are it- but they come at a cost. When I introduced RB's I was very much looking for a sound solution but at the lowest price possible. I felt like a CHRA replacement was absolutely required as well, this is a big portion of the higher priced RB's over some other options these days who reuse the original center section. The bottom line is that with RB's it is proven already to have great near stock like spool, and consistently make the highest power figures ever to be done in the OEM housings- so making changes is not something we are interested in. We considered going to billet compressors back in late 2011, but for $400 extra we do not believe the value is there in the payback department aside for taking a cool glamour shot.



Billet wheels are very cool looking, and for turbos with very large wheels they have big benefits. The aeros around the compressor nut are improved to give more blade area, but this doesn't matter if you already have a wheel that is flowing more than a housing will accommodate. The same applies to the extended tip technology as well, great when applied correctly but in this situation likely little effect. They are typically a little bit lighter, I'd guess a couple grams on a wheel this size with the excess weight being around the hub where it has a smaller effect on unsprung weight and hence spool (meaning that in the real world amounts to nothing in this application). They are typically stronger as well, but you won't be running 30+psi standard on these tiny housings so it is kind of a moot point. Little things tend to add up at times, but there is much more to consider such as utilizing the existing housings which put big limitations on such "improvements". As for the 9 blade turbine, as discussed above, has been in use for quite a while. On paper it looks cool and in certain applications it has been of benefit. There is alot more to consider than on paper when you are building hybrid turbos. The wheel and profiles must fit into the housings and correctly as well. Changing the wheel profiles too dramatically can have adverse affects, there is much involved with the housing design and angles at which the heat/exhaust interact with the blade edges at the nozzle. Throwing a bunch of ideas together is what they call trial and error, and all is well as long as you do not put together a "dud". When you find your combination of parts that as a whole works and works well from off idle through redline you tend to not want to upset a good thing, especially when the facts show that you are making the same power as another who has done everything already.

These are all things that have been thought about but not very much discussed and are good questions. In short, if I had a customer say they want these things this would be my response- I just do not think they are worth it and not worth increasing the price over in this application.

Thanks for the reply Rob, really appreciated.

I suppose what i'd like to see you do is progress, innovate and improve. You already pioneered the market, but you need to keep going to stay ahead. Companies like blackberry/RIM pioneered the smart phone world, but look at them now going extinct (not saying that you will) but i feel you need to start offering different options and potenitally look into a new design into your current design as i'm sure you'd agree there's room for improvement.

Varga's approach leaves very little to desire for, i don't like his business approach (or lack there of) and his attitude towards the competition. But i must give him merit for trying new things in the quest to become the best in the market. This alone should give you the motivation to make sure he doesn't

[jippii ensio]

Originally Posted by _ink

Thanks for the reply Rob, really appreciated.

I suppose what i'd like to see you do is progress, innovate and improve. You already pioneered the market, but you need to keep going to stay ahead. Companies like blackberry/RIM pioneered the smart phone world, but look at them now going extinct.

It is impossible to improve on RBs. It would require turbo manufacturers to offer new hardware, angled similarly as the stock turbos to fit in our cars. That will be very unlikely.

Someone can sell upgrade turbos cheaper with the downside of not upgrading some essential parts, such as CHRAs, at all. Those turbos are bought by ignorant people.

Only ASR has better turbos on paper, but in practice they are just a lot more expensive as the turbine housing becomes the bottleneck going above RB level wheels.