Turbo Choices

Hi everyone,

I am at the point my turbo needs a rebuild/ replacement. The turbo is standard, and the exhaust has at some point been replaced with a larger bore and (I am guessing) as such the turbo seals are failing as oil / blue smoke can be seen at the exhaust. Especially on cold idle. However running some cataclean through the system over the weekend seems to have stopped it smoking altogether, at least for now.

Reading the many posts on here I have learnt a lot, but still have a couple of questions, apologies if these have been answered before. I have narrowed it down to two options. A GT2871 from Maxpeeding rods or a hybrid CHRA from Turborebuild that fits straight into the TB28 turbo housing. There are a couple of reason for these choices. primarily though I am looking for the best quality for the budget at the moment and both of these companies appear to have glowing reviews.

https://www.turborebuild.co.uk/enha...rid-turbocharger-chra-cartridge-11-blade

https://www.maxpeedingrods.co.uk/pr...bo-ar-64-turbocharger-with-actuator.html

My couple of questions are around the GT2871...

1) I just want to confirm it is a straight plug and play, no flange modifications or anything else required?
2)is it worth installing a GT2871 without putting in a FMIC,SI pipe, and even uprated fuel pump and wiring and the subsequent reamp? I would consider doing some, or all of this, but don't want to go beserk on power to the point that reliability is starting to suffer. At the moment the car is relatively standard, except a GTEC 1 chip, larger, straight through exhaust except a small CAT, and an induction kit.
3)The GT2871 here has a 270 degree thrust bearing whereas the turbo rebuild has a 360 degree race bearing. Would a 270 just lead to another oil seal failure? if the GT2871 is a better choice, for not a lot of money is it worth putting a 360 bearing on like the one below before fitting to the car (this may not be the right product specific one, but an example of one)

https://www.turborebuild.co.uk/t2-t25-t28-t250-tb25-tb28-garrett-turbo-upgrade-360-repair-kit

Thanks!

Personally from reading the specs I’d go for the turborebuild unit, as it clearly states the uprated thrust bearing and gapless piston ring, which will mean more longevity.


I went belt and braces and had a local company overhaul mine that cost £360 for those upgrades, albeit I already had an uprated compressor wheel which I think are about £90 to buy if you wanted to go down the same route

Thank you, I have been leaning to that option. it may not bring quite the same returns at the GT2871, but it should last longer and at the moment, with a couple more slight tweaks, it will be more than quick enough.

I will look at some local turbo companies and see what they can offer. I think I will also have a chat with a couple of specialists, they may even have something on the shelf ready to go.

Thanks again!