To find the origins of this device you would have to go back to 1982, this was when HKS Japan introduced to the world a turbo timer, and in fact, this was the first of its kind to be made available for cars in the commercial market.

At first sight, this was a box with four buttons, but this so called box has a very significant purpose as it can keep the car running on idle for a specific period that is determined by the user.  Then by pushing, a button and turning the ignition off, the timer would begin its timed shutdown sequence before the engine completely shuts down.

The whole idea is to allow the engine to be shutdown without causing any damage to the turbo unit by keeping fresh oil streaming through the turbos centre bearing.

Now HKS are in their ninth generation of turbo timer design, this now offers more features and a better design providing tow different models Type 0 and Type 1, the type 0 is the basic model offering red LCD display, two timer modes and battery voltage metre.

While the type 1 is offers a blue LCD backlit display, as well as the same features of type 0 along with auto mode for the timer function for the cool down time, this version is for the advanced user.

Turbo Timer Type-1

Positive lit LCD with blue backlight Black display case (22.5×89.5×13 mm)LCD display (11×41.5 mm)Black control unit case (80x69x21 mm)Timer functions: manual mode (0-to-10 minutes), memory mode number one (one touch, one-minute setting), memory mode number two (one touch, three-minute setting), auto mode (0-to-5 minute setting)Battery voltage display: battery voltage, peak value indication, on/off warning function Vehicle speed indication function: vehicle speed, peak speed hold value, speed warning function Engine rpm indication function: engine rpm, peak engine rpm hold value, engine rpm warning function Display in either mph/SAE or kph/metric Metric distance time functions: acceleration distance (0-to-100 m, 0-to-200 m, 0-to-400 m), section time (200-400 m), acceleration time (0-to-100 kmh, 100-to-150 kmh), auto or manual start for quarter-mile function SAE distance time functions: acceleration distance (0-to-60 feet, 0-to-1/8 mile, 0-to-1/4 mile), auto or manual start for quarter-mile function Stopwatch tool time measurement: total e.t.’s, lap times Compatible with all HKS turbo timer harnesses

Turbo Timer Type-0

Positive lit LCD with red backlight Black display case (22.5×89.5×13 mm) LCD display (11×41.5 mm) Black control unit case (80x69x21 mm) Timer functions: manual mode (0-to-10 minutes), memory mode number one (one touch, one-minute setting), memory mode number two (one touch, three-minute setting) Battery voltage display: battery voltage, peak value indication, on/off warning function Compatible with all HKS turbo timer harnesses

Source [Turbo Magazine]

How to Install and Tune Sport Compact Turbos and Blowers (Paperback)

Product details

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: CarTech Inc (Oct 2004)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1884089887

ISBN-13: 978-1884089886

Product Dimensions: 27.6 x 21.6 x 0.8 cm

Synopsis

A guide to understanding, installing and using turbochargers and superchargers on sport compact cars, this text covers the basics of each system and compares their pros and cons. Typical installations are explained in detail, as is the building and tuning small-displacement of four and six cylinder engines.

Priced at around $75

Source [Amazon]

Turbo: Real World High-Performance Turbocharger Systems (Performance How-To S-A Design) [Illustrated] (Paperback)

Product details

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: S-A Design (15 Aug 2008)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1932494294

ISBN-13: 978-1932494297

Product Dimensions: 27.7 x 21.1 x 1.3 cm

Product Description

Turbochargers are incredibly appealing to performance enthusiasts because of their ability to add free horsepower and lots of it, to almost any engine or vehicle. Today, it seems easier than ever for the average gearhead to harness the incredible power-building capability of turbochargers. Those who want to increase the performance of their existing turbo system, or those who want to add a turbo to an existing engine, have never had so many components, vendors, and resources to choose from. Unfortunately, this wealth of options and opinions can be hard to understand and navigate.

Priced at around $30

Source [Amazon]