Switchblade® Turbo – Product, Process and People

BAXTER SPRINGS, KS… Almost a year ago we profiled Blaylock Turbochargers and owner, Jim Blaylock who has been in the Heavy-Duty Turbocharger business for over 44 years.  Jim’s vast knowledge & experience in the turbo market opened his eyes to develop a new product – the Switchblade Turbocharger. 

The Switchblade Turbo is a patented VGT design that is a “two-in-one” turbo.  The design incorporates an internal vane that continuously modifies the A/R ratio of the turbine housing.  At rest and low RPM’s, the vane is “closed”, which reduces the A/R ratio of the housing,  allowing for much faster spool up.  As boost pressure increases, the vane “opens”, increasing the A/R ratio for great power at the top end.  The dynamic action of the vane provides great low-end torque resulting in improved fuel efficiency.  Additional benefits are lower EGT’s, higher boost pressure, less exhaust smoke, extended oil life, and overall improved engine performance.  In short, the Switchblade Turbo burns fuel more efficiently, drastically improving mpg.

We caught up with Jim and his partner, Dan McClave, to see how things have been going in the past year.  The focus, according to Dan, has been on 3 things – product, process and people.  “We have worked hard every day to ensure the Switchblade Turbo is a superior product by sourcing high quality components.  We put our energy into our manufacturing process for consistent quality, and low production cost.  And we invested in our people to empower them and ensure they have the tools they need to be successful”. 

When asked about their goals to expand their market for the Switchblade Turbo, the answer was a confident one.  “By first focusing on product, process and our people, we have put ourselves in a position to make deals with larger distributors.  You will now see Switchblade Turbos available at major dealerships throughout the country”.

When asked about the benefits of a Switchblade Turbo and claims of significant fuel savings, Jim immediately pointed to feedback from satisfied customers.  Here are a few of the many customer testimonials provided:

Todd Dean from Dean Trucking, Graham, NC drives an'04 Peterbilt 379 Long Hood with a CAT C15 pushing 735hp, 2250 torque.  Pulls 44,000lbs empty and up to 86,000lbs full.  Replaced his CAT turbowith a Switchblade 80mm 1.45, and fuel mileage went from 4.3mpg - 7.1mpg!  He's getting great response on the low and high end.

Ian Manger from White Sulphur Springs, MT replaced the stock turbo on his CAT 3406 B Model on his ’88 T600 Kenworth running 425hp.  Went from 5.3mpg to 6.4mpg, EGT’s are 150 – 200 degrees cooler, black exhaust smoke has been eliminated.  Hauls 120,000lbs of timber, grain & hay mostly at 1,350 – 1,650 rpm’s.  Spools up quick and runs great in the mountains of Montana.  People just can’t believe my fuel savings!

And lastly, Steve Schweizer of Schweizer Dairy in Sterling, KS purchased a Switchblade for his Cummins N14.  Immediately cleaned up the exhaust, great response on both low & high end, boost went from 22- 24 psi to 40 – 42 psi.  Definite fuel savings, and best response is in the 1500 – 1700rpm range.

  The Switchblade® Turbo is manufactured in Baxter Springs, KS at the same complex as Blaylock Turbochargers.  You can purchase a Switchblade® Turbocharger or have your existing turbo remanufactured, repaired, exchanged, or upgraded to a Switchblade®.  Damaged turbine wheels are repaired – like new.  Switchblade® Turbos and Blaylock Turbochargers ship nationwide or worldwide. Financing is offered.  Blaylock Turbochargers has cores and parts available for any turbo sold in the USA, with quick turnaround as finished inventory is on hand and replenished daily.  Expedited service is also available. 

  For more details, call 620-856-5227, or toll free 800-782-0127 or visit them online at www.switchbladeturbo.com or www.blaylock-turbo.com.

The Switchblade Turbo is an investment in your fleet and equipment, paying for itself in a few months, and continuing to save you money every single day.

Caption:

Jim Blaylock (r) and Jeff "JPayDirt" Anderson (l) at MATS 2024.  Jeff is a longtime Switchblade & Blaylock Turbocharger customer.