Turbo warmup period?

[WydRyd]

How long do you guys wait before you actually start driving your cars into heavy boost? I wait until the oil temp needle passes the thick white bar, which I've been led to believe is when the engine's warm enough to be driven normally. When I say normally, I mean, safe to actually be taken to max boost. I try to take my car into full boost a few times to/from work, which is typically a 30 minute journey each way. Less if my foot feels a bit heavier The general consensus with these cars is that they love to be revved and driven hard. Moreso than just being babied

[morganb]

Merv,
I waited till the oil cooler valve opened. I would normally see my temp go up and then drop back a bit and this was when I thought the valve has opened. Took about 5-10 minutes of driving normally.

[Craig 930 RS]

1) Buy a numbered temperature gauge.....no guessing!
2) Wait until it reaches 180 degrees via driving, not idling

Add gas, have fun!

[911rudy]

I just ordered a numbered temp gage and should have it soon. Anybody go with a numbered oil press gage? I have read that the Druck gage leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to accuracy.

[Chuck Jones]

I just bought the numbered temp gauge but haven't installed it yet. I have no idea how accurate they are....but I like the numbers better than a solid bar.

[Emission]

I wait about 5 minutes of driving - at least. Often more.

I can't wait for 180F, as mine doesn't always get that hot.

[beepbeep]

It's not the turbo that is wears the worst by driving cold, it's the engine. turbo shaft spins on a layer of oil and impeller bleds aren't touching, so there is practically no wear. Thick oil will impose more drag on shaft, making it spool slower but it won't wear the turbo.

Arguably, by driving on boost @ low revs, engine will heat up sooner due to greater heat buildup.

[RarlyL8]

The only way I can reach 180F in the winter is on boost.
My engine does not go above 150F when it's cold out. I usually wait until the temp hits 130 before driving/boosting above 3000rpm in the winter, 150F when it's warm out.

[BlkBird]

If I hit the boost while the engine is cold it baulks and bucks. When it doesn't act up anymore then we're ready to play. Simple and effective.