Best Bolt on Turbo?

[subiekillrGST]

Sorry to ask a newbie question but this summer Iam doing a turbo upgrade and I was wondering what is the best bolt on turbo to get. I can get a Garrett T3/T4 turbo for a good price. I was wondering if there are any turbos that will bolt up to the stock manifold and downpipe. I want a turbo with a good top end, and something that can bolt on without any problems. I appreciate all the help.

 

[Hondahunter_666]

I personally would look for an 18G mainly because it is a direct bolt on. If you buy the Greddy turbo upgrade kit with an intercooler, you could be looking at major gains (it does require the addition of a fuel pump, injectors, and a fuel pressure regulator though). I'm just running a 16G and I'm putting out about 300 hp but I do have those supporting mods. Any turbo you run that's going to put out more air at the same boost pressure is going to require you to do those other mods first. If you don't have those, wait on the turbo and build from the fuel delivery standpoint first, then boost higher. You'll be disappointed if you don't. The 18G is slightly smaller than a T3-T4 so if you're set on that turbo you can go for it, but I don't know about finding one that bolts up directly. If you can get one though then go for it!

 

[destrux]

Although you really should have used the search, since this topic has been beaten to death a million times over...

For a fwd the Big 16G is a great turbo in my opinion. It will support 350 or so HP and it has a little lag (which is good for a FWD, helps with traction) but not too much lag like the larger turbo's. It has a great top end like you're looking for. It also bolts right up to the stock manifold and exhaust. You'll need a 2g 16G install kit to match up the oil pipes and all that stuff though. With a T3/T4 combo you'll need a new manifold, downpipe, etc... and good ones arent cheap. With any turbo replacement you'll need a different intake and lower IC pipe, the stock ones wont match up with anything but the stock T25 or a T28. Which reminds me.. you can also get a garett T28 if you only plan on making under 300hp at the crank. A T28 will bolt directly in place of your stock turbo though, which makes the install alot easier. If I remember right a T28 is fairly expensive though. If you want a cheaper turbo, the 14B is also a great choice. I know of people making 320hp on a 14B. You can pick up an excellent condition used 14b on ebay for around $150. A Big 16G (or an EVOIII 16G) cost about $500-600 brand new. Sometimes you can find a good deal on a used one though. Just don't get a small 16G, make sure it's a Big 16G. I wouldnt recommend a larger turbo than what I listed here, more than 350hp in a street driven FWD is a waste in my opinion. It's only a good way to make tire smoke and understeer.

 

[1fast97gsx]

What exactly are your goals?

 

[subiekillrGST]

My goals are to make around 280whp or more, I wanna be able to run low 13s, and my little T25 is not getting me there. These are some great ideas. So can a 14b reach my goals, or is a Big 16g a better selection?

 

[Hondahunter_666]

Lol sorry didnt notice that you were running the GS-T, so yeah a Big 16G will be the better of the two. My 91 Talon is the TSi FWD and a regular 16G can still get the front tires spinning at my leisure and even some times when I don't want them to. The big 16G will give you more power, and for your own sanity, I recommend some GOOD RUBBER.

 

[subiekillrGST]

Thanks a lot for the help. I plan on buying a Big 16g with the 2g install kit this summer. I know what you mean about spinning the tires, I have a hard time keeping traction even with my falken azenis! Iam gonna love the turbo lag.

 

[subiekillrGST]

Also would I be able to pass smog with the big 16g turbo?

 

[jdm4g63]

To answer your question, you will pass the smog test with pretty much any turbo so long as the exhaust is compliant.

I would recommend the evo316g simply because it is less expensive than the big16g and stronger. Buying a weaker turbo or one with lag is not the answer to solving wheelspin. An apex avc would really help so that you could keep the boost low in the low rpm range and they aren't that expensive on ebay.
Honestly if lag is the answer then you should get a bolt on 50, just be ready to get a new licp. Besides like someone said earlier, no matter what turbo you get, you will need the supporting fuel mods.