Replacing turbo, Which one should Ipurchase?

[seanco]

I have recently discover that I must replace my stock turbo. I want to get one that will give me the most power, without having to mess around with tuning it and putting in other parts; as I am in college and on a VERY low budget. Should I just replace the stock turbo with another stock model, or is there another one on the market that can bult on in the same fashion? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[95autogst]

I have recently discover that I must replace my stock turbo. I want to get one that will give me the most power, without having to mess around with tuning it and putting in other parts; as I am in college and on a VERY low budget. Should I just replace the stock turbo with another stock model, or is there another one on the market that can bult on in the same fashion? Thanks in advance for your help!

For the lowest price with a descent jump in top end power, the 14b (stock turbo from a 90-94 manual dsm) at stock boost is a very common upgrade and will set you back about $100-170 for the turbo. To install it, it needs to have a j-pipe (or you can buy one used ~$20) and you will need a stainless steel oil feed line. You can find these on ebay for about $40-60. Its a relatively easy install, the coolant lines are a little different, but the stock 2g lines can be bent to fit. Also you will need to widen the bolt holes on the oil return line.

If you want to pay a little pit more with a lot less hassle, find a used t28 (make sure its for a dsm not a nissian). I saw a couple nice ones sell for $300-400 on ebay before christmas and they are a direct replacement. These are good options because they have only a little more lag than the stock t25, but if you want to push it a little further, like into the 300whp range, they are very capable.

ps

turbo flow comparison

t25~ 290cfm
14b~ 400cfm
t28~ 500cfm

 

[95autogst]

Another thing that I forgot, with a 14b install you will need to stretch the lower intercooler line. And I mean stretch! It took my dad under the car pulling the line and me above the car pushing to make it just BARELY fit. I'm actually a little surprised its still on there.

I just installed a small 16g (same turbo as a 14b with different size wheels which flows about the same as a t28) and I really enjoy having power above 5500rpms. Its not a huge power gain at stock psi, but definitely worth every penny. If I could go back though, I would have avoided a couple installation headaches and bought a t28.

 

[dylan702110988]

if you can find a 16g, that would give you the biggest bang for your buck

some nice turbos to start with...

14b
small 16g
big 16g
Evo 3 16g

i personally don't like the t28

16g FTW

 

[seanco]

Thanks guys, I was actually thinking the 16g at first only because I knew someone trying to get rid of it. However this isnt the case anymore. The t 28 does sound good. To be honest I will probally base my decision on the cheapest price i can get. Basically the one thing I need to know, sorry im kinda new at all of this, is when you say direct replace ment... Does this mean the turbo, j- pipe, ect. literally bolt right on and thats the end of it. Or am I going to have to fool around with tuning it or fuel pumps or anything. I know you probally answered this already, but I just want to be absolutly sure, I dont want to find out later I will need more money than I planned. Thanks Again!

 

[out there]

if you get a bigger turbo, you'll want to keep the boost no higher than stock, lest you risk maxing out some part of your fuel system (that's bad). with a tdo5 housing turbo (14b, 16g, etc), you'll create a massive headache (as mentioned) that can be avoided by buying an install kit; however, that will make the installation more expensive.
the best choice is to either buy a used t25, or upgrade to the t28 - same style housing, direct bolt-on, no headache

 

[seanco]

Ok, just to make sure were on the same page. The t28 is a direct replacement, no headache, no install kit required. Is that analogous to the Big 16 g with the install kit. In otherwords, which would prove to be easier, the 16g with the install kit; or still the t28?

 

[95autogst]

Ok, just to make sure were on the same page. The t28 is a direct replacement, no headache, no install kit required. Is that analogous to the Big 16 g with the install kit. In otherwords, which would prove to be easier, the 16g with the install kit; or still the t28?

The t28 is a 100% direct replacement, it will look like you are putting in the exact same turbo.

 

[95autogst]

here is a fp big t28
Forced Performance
(this one looks pretty good on ebay)
eBay Motors: Eclipse big t28 turbo t25 t-28 t-25 (item 290204106929 end time Feb-11-08 13:02:07 PST)


and here is a stock t25 eBay Motors: Rebuilt Garrett T25 Turbo / Talon Eclipse DSM 16G T-25 (item 160204900963 end time Feb-09-08 17:30:00 PST)
- not saying that you should buy it, but just for visual comparison

 

[crazy_skier]

gt40r just run 8 psi and you should be fine

 

[wret]

If you upgrade your turbo to a T-28 or 16g with no other mods or tuning, your street performance will suffer. They spool significantly later than the T-25. You would see a difference between 5000 rpm's to redline but the lag will leave you waiting in the lower rpm's.

If further upgrades are in your lont-term plans then go for a higher flowing turbo, but if you think you're going to have more fun with it in the mean time, you may be disappointed.

 

[seanco]

Thanks a lot guys..... I am planning on future mods, so i think im going to go with the t28. It just seems like the best investment at the time. Im especially looking at the one on ebay you provided me the link for, thanks a lot for that!

 

[95autogst]

Wret, I see that you have a FP Big T28, how is the spool compared to a small 16g? The 16g does have more lag than a t25, but I really prefer when and how the 16g comes online in everyday driving around town- with a t25 you could ever accelerate or not, there was no moderation. There's still a kick when it spools, but its not as violent as the T25.

(The best about something bigger than a t25 is that the power doesn't die out!)

 

[wret]

I haven't used a 16g so I can't make a comparison. Most people claim spool is similar. My
T28 would spool at 3000 rpms, which seemed like a long wait compared to my T25, which spooled at 2400. Yes, you get great boost up to redline but I do a lot more driving between 2400-3000 rpm's than above 5000, in my opinion making the T25 a better choice if most of your driving is on the street. I'm one of the few T25 fans on the board.

 

[95autogst]

I haven't used a 16g so I can't make a comparison. Most people claim spool is similar. My
T28 would spool at 3000 rpms, which seemed like a long wait compared to my T25, which spooled at 2400. Yes, you get great boost up to redline but I do a lot more driving between 2400-3000 rpm's than above 5000, in my opinion making the T25 a better choice if most of your driving is on the street. I'm one of the few T25 fans on the board.

Interesting... I kind of like not having the turbo spool up every time I pull away from a stop, it makes for a much more civil ride i think. But, to each his own

 

[blownturbotsi]

My turbo spools ~4k, it's not as civil as you'd think. It actually feels more sluggish and infuriating when you're in gear and sitting there waiting for the power to come on.

 

[95autogst]

My turbo spools ~4k, it's not as civil as you'd think. It actually feels more sluggish and infuriating when you're in gear and sitting there waiting for the power to come on.

Now... I'm just spit balling here, but that might have something to do with the fact that the PTE SCM 6152e is rated at 630hp max, which is in a completely different league.