16g rebuild opinions?

[mygsx2120]

I bought an used EVO III turbo. When it arrived, I inspected it and the fins were fine and there was minimal shaft play. When installing the turbo, one of the heads broke of one of the return line bolts. I babied it to work and back for about a week, and when I had some spare time, I pulled the turbo off the get the bolt out. While I was taking it to a machine shop I noticed the compressor fins are f*cked. The machinist agreed, it looks like it has been scraping the housing.

First things first, I am thinking about sending it off to FP for rebuild. Either just standard or I am possible considering going with a 20g comp. wheel. Then, depending on price, I considered just buying a new turbo since it will probably be expensive to rebuild.

Any opinions on what to do, or how this happened. Many fins are damaged so I assume it wasn't from foreign objects. It was barely on the car, and hardly ever even saw boost. Thanks in advance.

 

[jongreene]

You could probably find another E3 for cheaper than a rebuild.

Save time and money.

 

[edenTSI]

yeah its expensive to get it rebuilt. i had mine rebuilt because it started spooling really rank but didnt cause any boost. they told me it was shot and they sent it out to be rebuilt in calgary. definately more cheaper to buy a new turbo if your paying for it

 

[Splitpi]

I went to Gpopshop.com and I have no complaints about the quality of their work so far.

Edit: I wouldn't gamble on another used one if I were you. While this route may have cost you more in the long run (assuming you paid over $300 for it)... it is cheaper than buying another turbo that is brand new (and I honestly hope you wouldn't try to sell the one with bad compressor fin unless you were very clear to the purchaser of its condition) in which case you may be able to recoup some loss.

Just of the top of my head:
Original Purchase $300
Rebuild $250+$150(for compressor blade)
= $700 total

Original Purchase $300
New Turbo Purchase $570
Sell Original -$150
= $720 total

Either way though its kinda of a wash and really your decision. Talk to the guys at Gpop though... I had good luck with them.

 

[mygsx2120]

It was fine when I bought it, I think I must have let something get in my intake tract while having it apart. I don't know how, but screw it the damage is done. I bought a new one already. This one is also used, but it says and looks to be almost brand new. The seller bought it from slowboy and has ebay feedback over 300, so I'm not too worried. I decided 20g would be too laggy as it is my dd and a have stock internals (headgasket and all).

I would never sell it with out others being fully aware of the situation. I frequently buy used parts and have had great luck so far. I may get burned sometime, but so far I am very pleased. Especially with our classified section. DSMtuners members rock!!!!!!

 

[Splitpi]

It was fine when I bought it, I think I must have let something get in my intake tract while having it apart. I don't know how, but screw it the damage is done. I bought a new one already. This one is also used, but it says and looks to be almost brand new. The seller bought it from slowboy and has ebay feedback over 300, so I'm not too worried. I decided 20g would be too laggy as it is my dd and a have stock internals (headgasket and all).

I would never sell it with out others being fully aware of the situation. I frequently buy used parts and have had great luck so far. I may get burned sometime, but so far I am very pleased. Especially with our classified section. DSMtuners members rock!!!!!!

It could have been oil starved which caused a bearing break down and thus the fan destruction.... just an idea. But it doesn't make much sense because it was your return line that broke. Oh well...

Good luck with your new turbo and hopefully you can find someone who wants to save a few bucks on a broken turbo rebuild. I know what you mean though about online sales, I got ripped off on a set of EVO 8 injectors as the seller never shipped them. I had to purchase another set. But in the same regard I did get lucky on a cheap 14b with a bent shaft (seller failed to mention that... just said minimal side to side shaft play) which turned out to be a big 16g with a bent shaft. After the rebuild and shaft replacement + shipping + port/polishing, it worked out the same cost as purchasing a new unported 16G. So I save ~$75. But it is a gamble sometimes as there are people out there more concerned about money than their reputation and being honest

Good luck though