Settle a Dispute about the 16G

[nolv4v8]

Today I was arguing with a fellow DSMer about the Big and Small 16G. I have heard and read that the Big16G is actually an older design and is really not that much better than a small 16G. He said that the Big 16G flows a lot more and has a lot more power potential. I argued that the Small 16G spools faster and has almost the same output. I can't seem to get a clear answer so can you guys clear this up? Any input is appreciated. I was going to get the small 16G, but if what I heard is wrong and the Big16G is that much better I will look into that.

 

[airbrat]

small 16G = 505CFM

big 16G = 550CFM

same turbos but the big 16 simply has a bigger wheel

 

[nolv4v8]

So how much of a power difference are we looking at. Also, on and identical setup what kind of spool difference. Lastly, which is more efficient? Thanks

 

[rdrkt]

The way most big turbo guys (like myself) look at is this. If you want more power than a 16g save your pennies and get a 20g because the difference in spool between the 20g and the b16g is inconsequential. However if you are concerned about spool (which is the reason for getting a 16g IMO) get the small 16g because the difference between the b16g and the sm16g on pump gas on a stock motor/ head is small.

 

[airbrat]

Originally posted by nolv4v8
So how much of a power difference are we looking at. Also, on and identical setup what kind of spool difference. Lastly, which is more efficient? Thanks

efficiency is a matter of preference. Your definition of streetable might be totally different from what I define as streetable. Both the small and big are good turbos. It all boils down to the individual.

I rode in my buddies stock big16 (unported, no clipping) and my impression of the spool up was unacceptable but on that same note my buddy who was doing the driving couldn't have been any happier.

honestly, the best way is to find someone w/ both a big16 and small16 and just use your "butt-dyno" to make a comparison. Like I said before both are GREAT turbos it just boils down to your unique preference.

 

[zac83]

small 16gs are unclipped and nice little spoolers...

and then of course theres the beautiful big 16G... a STOCK one, not not a little chop shop big 16g like most people have.

its a higher output CLIPPED turbo ballanced by mitsubishi that is a lot less of a bottle neck (s16g has 1.75 inch inlet where the b16g has 2 inch inlet) and the o2 housings are obviously better for flow in the b16g as everyone wants the 'lancer o2 housing' which IS a big 16g housing pure and simple. the big 16g will spool JUST as good or better than the small since its unhampered by an emissions friendly design like the small 16g that bottlenecks a motor with high volumetric efficiency on the intake side. now you can also use the flow numbers to figure that you can maintain quick spools with the slightly larger IC pipes/ICs/bored-TBs/extrude intakes....

just because something spools quick dosnt mean it wont lag... youve got to have the flow to back it up: big16g is perfect for anyone autocrossing and looking for the perfect power output on a stock motor and consistently quick spooling on a slightly larger intake tract with a stock IC or slightly larger IC... i would only recomend a huge turbo for a setup with a huge FMIC, enough said.

basicly: the big16g is beautiful, just make sure you get a real one. it owns the small 16g

 

[jayntguru]

I've had and installed both. Cannot tell a difference IMO. Get whatever is cheaper and available, that is what I tell people.