We use these methods:

1. In regular driving, no cool down needed.
   
2. If you were JUST on the throttle hard, do not just come to a stop and turn the key off. Let the turbo speed stabilize and some of the temperature in it dissipate...idling for 30 seconds or so is all it takes.
   
3. If you've been beating the car mercilessly, such as canyon-carving, track days or autocross, let it run a few minutes before you shut her down. You can even do this on a 'cool-down' lap...so long as you've been driving at cruising-type conditions for a minute or three, it has the same effect as letting her idle. Fact is, it's even a little better than idling, for the somewhat higher RPM helps move coolant and air through the turbo and engine more effectively, as well as air moving across the radiator and intercooler assist in the objective.

Even non-turbo cars benefit from #3...it's very sensible to let your engine and driveline stabilize a bit after severe use. Race cars take cool-down laps for this very reason

 

Sweet, well much appreciated. Thanks for all the input.

 

This will be a great thread for me, since I will be a turbo newbie.

 

Welcome to the Boosted Club

 

Would you also recommend letting it "warm up"? Letting the vacuum settle down around 20?

 

Warm-ups are always a good idea before applying heavy loads. Lubrication flows better, and all components in the engine are at the correct 'size' when warm. Thermal expansion as the engine achieves operating temperature changes many subtle aspects of the engine, from ultimate bearing size to actual clamp loads on critical areas like head gaskets.

For these reasons, it's never prudent to run any engine hard before it's at full operating temperature. It's good for the driveline too!

 

Man tons of great info. I've noticed that when the car starts up it usually idles at 1.5k RPM then goes down to about 1k. Do I need to wait for the car to idle down or can I just start it and go??

 

I wait till the vacuum gets to 15-20 in Hg.

 

Thanks ya I figured out what they finally were talking about in regards to the 20. Is there any regular maintenance that needs to be taken for just the turbo? Or is the only maintenance just proper oil changes and warm up and cool down procedures?

 

You can just go. The best bet is to just be gentle with her until she warms up.