Anyone ever swapped RB25 compressor wheels for aftermarket?

[Brennannn]

Just a stupid random question really.. I know that the RB25 turbos aren't that great and really won't hold past 12 psi or so. I believe it is only the exhaust wheel that is ceramic? (correct me if I am wrong) Has anyone ever swapped the compressor wheels for anything aftermarket? Obviously most of you are just going to say upgrade the turbo, but I'm just curious. This would eventually save me from having to buy a new turbo and make a new downpipe. Also, are there any direct swap turbos with the same exhaust flange? I saw some on eBay, but they were cheapie no-names..

[RustspecS13]

Yeah, its really common in Australia. Really all that needs replaced is the exhaust wheel and shaft, because they are one piece.

The t3 from Z31s and the L28ET turbo are very similar in size to the rb25 turbo. Maybe you can rebuild your rb25 turbo with a z31 exhaust wheel and shaft. I never really looked into that so don't take my word for it.

The only down side is its still not really efficient above 14-16psi. It'll make more boost but it will be very hot and not add much hp.

I broke my rb20 turbo while inspecting it, so I picked up a holset hx30. Its very similar to stock size but its good for 35-40psi worth of boost.

~Alex

[Brennannn]

hm..

[240cp]

Isnt the rb25 turbo ball bearing. How can you rebuild a ball bearing turbo?

[Brennannn]

Isnt the rb25 turbo ball bearing. How can you rebuild a ball bearing turbo?

I thought it was journal bearing.

[RustspecS13]

I know the rb20 and rb25 standered turbos are ball bearing. I disassembled mine at work and my co worker said it wasn't a true ball bearing, kind of a hybrid. But hes a know it all and BS's all the time so I donno.

AFIAK Its rebuildable, you just need to swap out the exh wheel and shaft.

~Alex

[Nesquick]

its easy to swap out the wheels for something else. there is a steel swap kit on ebay going for a couple hundred bucks....

but thats not the part thats going to cost you.... its getting the turbos re-balanced. thats where your going to be spending your $$$$.

around where i live, cheapest i could find was $800 bucks per turbo....

[Brennannn]

its easy to swap out the wheels for something else. there is a steel swap kit on ebay going for a couple hundred bucks....

but thats not the part thats going to cost you.... its getting the turbos re-balanced. thats where your going to be spending your $$$$.

around where i live, cheapest i could find was $800 bucks per turbo....

At that rate, you might as well buy a new one.