The inevitable turbo upgrade question

[L0ckett]

So I plan on picking up a new turbo. I'm on a pretty tight budget (but not tight enough to use an ebay turbo) so I've been searching for a nice used one. I've come across 3 that look promsing. One is a Greddy 18g, one is a Garrett 56 trim (not too sure the model but think it's a gt30/35), and the last is a PTE 5031 50 trim. I'm currently running an MHI Evo 3 16g and I do have all the supporting mods for a bigger turbo. I could use bigger injectors but my 550's should suffice for now. I'm looking towards the area of 450 hp. Has anyone run any of these turbos and run into any major issues? I like the PTE 50 trim but have heard some horror stories about them. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[JusMX141]

I never knew a GT30R to have an 8-blade compressor....7-blade, yes.

T04B compressor cover- that compressor wheel looks almost like a V-Trim; measurement will confirm. If that's the case, you're better off with your 16G. V-Trim compressors worked well at very low boost levels but still spooled later than their 16G equivalent. Once the boost was cranked up, the V-Trim wheel suffered horribly.

 

[L0ckett]

Yea, I just now counted and noticed it was 8-blade. Anyone have any idea what turbo this is then?

 

[dsm-onster]

Which garrett compressor is 8blade at the inducer? Hmmm. Do you have any better pictures of the turbine housing?

 

[L0ckett]

Here are the only other 2 pics of it, I'm not sure it'll be much help:

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[JusMX141]

Oil cooled only = not ball bearing.

I have no idea what that turbo is just from the pics, but it looks like something I'd pass on unless it was damn near free. It has a Bullseye turbine housing, but unknown turbine size...and it's internally gated which means you're not going to be able to run a tremendous amount of boost with this turbo.

Of the choices you've listed, so far your 16G is still the best option.


Sell the Neo to a Honda guy, use the money from the Neo and the rest that you have to buy a good tuning tool and larger injectors, then crank up the boost and get a good tune dialed in. You'll be more than happy with those mods alone.

 

[L0ckett]

Hmm....okay. Now if I were to look for something else, does anybody have any idea as to where I could find a used 50 or 56 trim within my price range? Broad, I know .

 

[Sam@RRE]

Some one is going to sell you a REAL 56-trim turbo for $300? WTF Are you sure it's not a knock off?

GT turbos are INCREDIBLE. And cost INCREDIBLE for what other turbos have done. Who would say they are "bad"?


Practicality is what we're talking about with a "tight budget", yes I agree. 400whp with his current budget, not at all. There's no benefit, even financially, to stick with an evo3 16g when you want to make 450-500whp. Even 400whp is VERY debatable. Not many ahve made that number with stock manifolds, compression, stroke.

You are absolutely right in everything you've said, IMO. I was not really directing what I said toward you at all. Just opening up a little about the "16g is a 500whp turbo" thing

dsm-onster, my response wasn't directed towards you at all, more so towards mheidemanjr.

IMHO his best option right now would be a BEP HX35. If you know where to look and how to look, you can get them dirt cheap. I got two for $54 bucks each. Just gotta buy the BEP housing.

 

[dsm-onster]

Oil cooled only = not ball bearing.

I have no idea what that turbo is just from the pics, but it looks like something I'd pass on unless it was damn near free. It has a Bullseye turbine housing, but unknown turbine size...and it's internally gated which means you're not going to be able to run a tremendous amount of boost with this turbo.

Of the choices you've listed, so far your 16G is still the best option.


Sell the Neo to a Honda guy, use the money from the Neo and the rest that you have to buy a good tuning tool and larger injectors, then crank up the boost and get a good tune dialed in. You'll be more than happy with those mods alone.

Agreed. Lower your goal until you can afford the goal you want. Get good supporting mods first. That IS in your budget range.

 

[L0ckett]

Okay, time to ressurect the thread. A few people I had messaged about turbos for sale have yet to get back to me so I'm back on the hunt. Now I may be able to actually go forth with my original plan and snag a holset for $250. Now it's the H1C turbo. Does anyone have any experience with this one and how does it compare to the hx35? If I were to go for this, where would be the cheapest place to get a bolt on housing? Does it neccessarily have to be the BEP housing or will others work? Speaking of BEP, another deal popped up for a BEP t04e for $450, right at the top of my budget. Which would be the better option? I have a feeling that the Holset may win this one....

 

[JusMX141]

Might want to ask that guy that posted above you....check his signature.

 

[L0ckett]

Haha wow, I'm very observant. Good call!

 

[frankenstein406]

theres a rebuilt 35 on tuners for 300

 

[L0ckett]

Yea I just searched and found it. Too bad it's not in the bolt on housing though. The one I found was for $249 but still leaves me to search for a housing for a good low price.