What are the hazards of anti-lag ignition?
2 Answers
The hazards of anti-lag ignition are as follows: Shortened lifespan: Anti-lag ignition works by using the energy from the explosion of a high-concentration air-fuel mixture in the exhaust system to drive the turbine blades. This significant force increases the load on the turbocharger, thereby shortening its lifespan. Poor fuel economy: Since the fuel injectors continue to spray fuel even when the throttle is closed, vehicles with anti-lag ignition will experience a notable increase in fuel consumption, resulting in poor fuel economy. Carbon buildup: The high-concentration air-fuel mixture does not fully combust in the cylinders, making the engine prone to carbon buildup. Loss of engine braking: With anti-lag ignition, the engine enters a state of inertia rotation without ignition or external force, meaning it cannot provide additional braking force. This places greater pressure on the braking system.
Back when I was into car modifications, I was also obsessed with anti-lag systems, mainly for the cool flame-spitting effect from the exhaust when lifting off the throttle. But in actual use, it turned out to be a real headache. The first major downside is the engine can't handle it—this system dumps unburned fuel into the exhaust, exposing the turbo blades to extreme heat. My car went through two turbos in less than half a year. The second big issue is the damage to the exhaust system; the catalytic converter can easily fail under repeated flame exposure, and replacing it costs half a month's salary. Then there's the massive increase in fuel consumption—daily commuting fuel usage rose by nearly a third. The scariest part is the safety hazard. In summer, exhaust temperatures can reach terrifying levels—just imagine if it sparked near a gas station. Later, my mechanic told me regular family cars simply aren't built for this kind of abuse.
