Could you ever go back to a naturally aspirated engine?

[TeaVR]

In a world where ‘naturally aspirated’ seems to be akin to motoring nirvana, I wonder if anyone out there would worry about returning to a naturally aspirated engine.

I’ve got so used to the lazy grunt of a turbo (hot V V8), that I suspect I might find an NA engine…. frustrating. I’m sure I’m the minority here, but anyone else feel the same?

[jonah35]

I could

I wouldn’t want to but it wouldn’t be a significant hardship lol.

[kambites]

Depends what for. I probably wouldn't want a family car with a naturally aspirated engine (honestly I doubt we'll buy another family car with an engine at all) but I wouldn't want a sports car with a turbo.

[Toltec]

Currently running two NAs, both auto too. I've had turbos and still have one, but many modern ones might as well be a diesel given the power delivery. The next car could as easily be electric as anything else.

[LunarOne]

One of my cars is a 2.0L turbo four, and it's used only when I need to move something large or heavy around since it's an estate. The rest of the time, I MUCH prefer driving one of the other cars which all have 3.0L+ straight or flat six NA engines. The turbo engine isn't one of those modern ones which seem to have torque everywhere. If not in the sweet spot, it's sluggish and when it's on song it's characterless and doesn't make a nice noise. So yes, I was never bitten by the turbo bug.

[Zarco]

Absolutely.

[Ozone]

I went from a hot V turbo V6 to a N/A V8 both producing 350bhp and loving the V8 instant, no lag torque (and the sound).
Pulling on to roundabouts when there is a gap is a joy

[Four Litre]

I’ve yet to drive a turbo that is better to drive than a nice N/A engine.

I find turbo don’t add to my (personal) enjoyment, just another layer of detachment.

[Mr_Webb]

I wouldn't worry so long as it had sufficient power - more than likely 6+ cylinders.

A wheezy underpowered 4-pot - no thanks.

The modern FI cars are, on paper, superior on many levels - most modern hot hatches will show a 00's performance car a clean pair of heels and get twice the economy.

[TeaVR]

Interesting. I dig the argument of responsiveness, but I would counter it with the fact that an NA engine can easily be unresponsive if you’re in the wrong gear - where as a good force induction setup, the gearing doesn’t matter so much.

aWhat I do like about FI engines is the middle ground, when you’re not on it nor pottering. Effortless progress.

I’ve had three NA V8s in the past, maybe I should test drive another……

[mike9009]

Still using my NA straight six as a daily.

Not considering changing it yet after five years ownership.

[cerb4.5lee]

I've got a twin turbo petrol and a twin turbo diesel, plus I've got a NA petrol. I'm not sure if I'd ever buy another NA engine to be completely honest. However I have always fancied a NA V8 Mustang though.

[cerb4.5lee]

TeaVR said:

Interesting. I dig the argument of responsiveness, but I would counter it with the fact that an NA engine can easily be unresponsive if you’re in the wrong gear - where as a good force induction setup, the gearing doesn’t matter so much.

aWhat I do like about FI engines is the middle ground, when you’re not on it nor pottering. Effortless progress.

I'm completely in your camp with this as well.

[cerb4.5lee]

Four Litre said:

I’ve yet to drive a turbo that is better to drive than a nice N/A engine.

I find turbo don’t add to my (personal) enjoyment, just another layer of detachment.

Maybe I'm odd...but I much prefer the S55 3.0 twin turbo 6 cylinder engine in my M4 in comparison to the S65 4.0 V8 NA engine that was in my E92 M3.

[Pica-Pica]

cerb4.5lee said:

I've got a twin turbo petrol and a twin turbo diesel, plus I've got a NA petrol. I'm not sure if I'd ever buy another NA engine to be completely honest. However I have always fancied a NA V8 Mustang though.

Agree that a twin turbo takes a lot of beating. No lag, and top end performance too. I would not go back to a N/A in todays traffic.

[mnaylor]

Only for something vtec or v8.

[Zarco]

Pica-Pica said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I've got a twin turbo petrol and a twin turbo diesel, plus I've got a NA petrol. I'm not sure if I'd ever buy another NA engine to be completely honest. However I have always fancied a NA V8 Mustang though.

Agree that a twin turbo takes a lot of beating. No lag, and top end performance too. I would not go back to a N/A in todays traffic.

What do you mean by 'todays traffic'?

It's not exactly fast out there.

[Ikemi]

I think it depends on the type of car, if I'm honest. A naturally aspirated V8 is going to be a totally different experience to an NA engine stuffed into a tiny Euro-box designed for short runs to the shops!

I've owned a variety of NA cars, a turbocharged Lotus Elise and a supercharged F-Type V6S. I now own a naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 in a R172 SLK55 - and I don't miss forced induction!

Edited by Ikemi on Friday 8th April 23:08

[anonymous-user]

I come from the generation that adored turbos and I still love the classic 4 cylinder front engine fwd or 4wd hatch or rally reps of that era. That said my preference for outright speed is 1wd these days so Kawasaki apart, forced induction doesn’t get a look in.

[Lincsls1]

I think we need to remember and understand what a turbo actually does. It simply forces more air into engine and thus gives it the power and torque of a larger NA engine. The larger engine naturally breathing the same amount of air hence naturally making higher power.
The difference with the larger NA engine is the lack of lag, cost and complication, although granted economy suffers. I haven't been in any TC car that doesn't suffer from some sort of lag.
Currently own a NA 400bhp 5.7 V8. The engine is fantastically flexible and responsive. It will coast along in 6th gear at idle, foot off throttle holding 30mph and pull cleanly without jerk or judder if asked without the need to drop a cog! It is equally happy to bounce off the limiter in 2nd whilst making a wonderful noise a 4 pot cannot match. The manual gearbox isn't the smoothest shifter, I've accidentally set off in 3rd many a time, doesn't bother the engine at all.
I've also owned 2 litres TC petrols, diesels and twin turbo V6's. They all have their merits, but ultimately (fuel economy aside) there's no replacement for displacement as some say.