I don't know about this. If it were this easy to get those massive gains, surely the clever guys in Japan would have been onto it and would have designed our Pajeros this way in the first place?
From the Thrustmax website (
http://www.thrustmax.co.za/product.html):
Thrustmax Intake Enhancer is a simple and unique device that creates a vortex flow between the air filter and the carburetor / injector.
Creating a vortex requires energy. This energy requirement will manifest itself as a greater intake pressure drop; effectively there will be greater restriction in the intake system, which in turn will
reduce engine volumetric efficiency (a measure of how much air the engine manages to actually induce per induction stroke compared to its displacement).
It is true that greater turbulence might help better mixing of air and fuel and might promote more complete combustion, but before one is ahead, this effect would have to cancel out the intake restriction deficit that the device introduces.
The vortex flow induces a substantially higher turbulent flow rate of fuel/air mixture into the engine, per revolution.
The vortex flow creates a rush of air between the air filter and the fuel feed system and this velocity results in the air flow to swirl vigorously, boosting this function.
The flow might have greater vorticity or turbulence, but the actual flow rate will be lower.
The higher or better the fuel/air flow rate, the greater the fuel burn efficiency – this leads to better combustion and an improvement in fuel consumption of between 8-15%, depending on the application.
As indicated above, the flow rate will not be improved. They do not convince me of the scientific basis to the claimed efficiency improvement. On the other hand, I can easily alter the fuel consumption of my Patrol by 8 to 15% by the way I drive
.
There are some interesting, invariably anecdotal testimonials as well (
http://www.thrustmax.co.za/feedback.html):
Hyundai Getz 1.6
(Cheryl Taylor - private individual)
"Since the device has been fitted into my car (Hyundai Getz 1.6) I have noticed an increase in power (the car is more responsive in lower gear) and a tank of fuel lasts about 615kms.
So what exactly was the quantified benefit?
Nissan 1.4
(Brian Sarkin - private individual)
"I just wanted to thank you for fitting a Trustmax unit to my Nissan 1.4. It is a 1995 model and for years it has done 6.4 km to a litre. I've had all kinds of people have a look at it to try and increase the Km's per litre but to no avail.
As you said it took 3 fill ups to really notice a difference in the consumption and WOW what a difference!
I now am getting about 8 km's per litre. That is an increase of roughly 25%.
6.4 km/l on a 1400
. Even at 8 km/l something seems seriously wrong there.
Land Rover Discovery TD5
(Dr Dower - private individual)
"Thank you for your introduction of Thrustmax.
Since I had installed one to my Land Rover TD5 I have after 3 fill ups found that not only have I enjoyed increased performance, but my consumption has improved from 12.0 kms per litre to what I have now calculated as 14.8 kms per litre here at sea level."
14.8 km/l on a Disco TD5! Really
.
