Review: Eliminator 18G turbo from Turbochargers.com

History:
This was an experiemental turbo from Turbochargers.com. I saw the Big28 killer, and noticed that it used a 16G comp wheel and a T3ch compressor housing to allow for stock fitment on a 2G. I called them up and talked to Wade. I asked if they could make something similar to the big28 killer, however, in this instance, using a Td05 exhaust wheel, with the 7cm mitsu exhaust housing, which should STILL allow for stock fitment on a 2G. They said they needed to discuss it. They called me back right away, and let me know that it was doable. I asked for an 18G compressor wheel instead of 16G, because....why not, it was the same price. I ordered the turbo, along with a Walbro 255lph High pressure fuel pump (which they pricematched when I told them I found one cheaper), stainless oil feed, gaskets, ported gate with 34mm flapper, and a ported exhaust housing. The port job is absolutely amazing. Very professional, and very flawless. They were VERY good about keeping in contact, and letting me know when the turbo would be ready, I was amazed at the customer support. If I ever need to, I'll definitely do business there again.

Installation:
Installation was a breeze. The stainless line went on first with a little bit of teflon tape for the threads, I reused the waterlines off the t25 (requires a teeny bit of bending), the turbo bolted right up, without any problems. The compressor housing looks awesome, I'll get some pics for you soon. I installed my evo3 ported manifold, and 02 housing at the same time, made sure all the clamps were tight, and I took her for a test drive.

Test Drive
I'll give you what I can for now, which isn't much, as I still have stock pump and injectors. I set my MBC to about 8, until I install the new pump, and my 625cc's which are lying in my garage. OK, first impression; Spool time is awesome. Feels almost as responsive as the T25 (I purposely asked for the exhaust blades NOT to be clipped specifically for spool/efficiency purposes). At 8psi, the car feels like the t25 at 16psi, except, its only just getting started. Also, take in mind that I'm still running a stock clutch. As soon as my fuel system is upgraded, I'll jump the boost to 18-20 and let you all know the results.

Setup
1996 GSX
Eliminator 18G turbo from Turbochargers.com(ported)
Injen intake
Apexi FMIC
Brode upper IC pipe
1G BOV
Evo3 exhaust manifold (ported)
Evo3 02 housing (ported)
RRE 2G evo3 downpipe, testpipe, Apexi N1 catback
A/F, boost, EGT gauges
5Zigen Fireball wheels (17x7, 17lbs.)
(various other un-important things)

 

[MLSCrow]

There actually was 1 small problem that I forgot to mention. They forgot to include new oil return line bolts with the return line itself. I was able to re-use the bolts that connected the return line to the oil pan, however the bolts required to connect the return line to the turbo needed to be different than what came with the T25. I needed to order 2 return line-to-turbo bolts for a 1G 5speed turbo, as the Eliminator 18G uses a Mitsubishi TD05 center section. I'll give you an update next weekend of what the car is like with 625cc's, DSMLink, and a Walbro 190lph high pressure pump.

 

[MLSCrow]

Ok Latest update...

Walbro 190lph-high pressure went in, I've turned boost up to 14psi, EGT's are reading normal, and the car is starting to pull now. Nothing crazy, but noticeably harder than the T25 at 16psi. Spool is still very quick, hitting 14psi in 3rd in the early 3K rpm range. And to answer someone's question above about my previous 8psi setting....Yes, it did creep, but I'd maintain boost levels with adjustments of my foot on the accelerator.

I'll probably get around to the injectors sometime this week. Then I can maybe start tuning this sucker with the DSMLink I've had that has been doing nothing.

The only problem then is that I'm still running the stock clutch. I'll have to have my CM2500 installed to truely reap the benefits of this turbo. Not positive when I'll get around to that, but probably within the next month.

Till then.

-Mike