Can't decide on S15 T28 or T3/T04E (pros/cons listed)

Your premier source for information on the Turbo KA: KA24E-T and KA24DE-T (KA with aftermarket turbo kit)!
User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

Let me first say that I already have a 52 trim T3/T04E .68 - it's rebuilt and hasn't been used since the rebuilding. I only want 250whp.

S15 T28pros: can use SR dump pipe, SR SMIC setup to get going, faster spool (?), built in wastegatecons: coolant lines needed, would have to purchase ($800), needs intake inlet + compressor inlet hoses ($100), manifold + dump pipe quality can potentially be questionable

T3/T04Epros: already have, more potential, no intake/compressor inlets needed, JGS kit comes with everything needed + qualitycons: I'd have to get a JGS kit + needed wastegate ($900+), would need to get FMIC setup ($300 + cutting + new battery and/or customizing)

I'd be running whatever PSI would be safe for about 250whp, safely depending on what PSI was needed on the specific turbo.

I don't have a garage, or really any friends to help (hence the JGS kit being needed for the T3). With all that being said, opinions?


User avatar
steve s14
Posts: 547
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2004 8:11 am

Post

I would recommend t3/to4e.Power delivery is quick and then flatlines when you're using a small turbo on a ka24, however the s15 turbo may still work well due to it being slightly larger than the typical sr turbo.

The main reason i recommend the t3/to4e is because 1. you already have it 2. the sizing is pretty good for a ka.Power delivery will be a bit more linear.

User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

Yeah, right now I'm leaning more towards the T3, but I wanted to get some other opinions in case I missed anything.

User avatar
480sx
Posts: 4085
Joined: Sun Nov 12, 2006 5:27 pm
Car: 1996 Pearl White 240sx

Post

I mean your choice is a no brainer, since you already have a good sized turbo for your build go with that.

Both however are great sized turbos for our engines, and you wont be disappointed with either.

Check my other thread, i got a theory going on about this very question. I guess now is as good of a time as any to post about it and see what you guys think.

User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

hmm...

Have either of you ever seen a SMIC setup on a T3/T04E? lol

bruinbear714
Posts: 1159
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2002 9:58 pm
Contact:

Post

You didn't mention what you'd be using your car for.. so I'll assume it's for the street... If that's the case, I'd go with a T03/T04E 50 trim compressor, 0.48AR , or if you want slightly more power without too much lag compromise, do a T03/T04 ball bearing with a 0.64AR.

The two turbos are completely different in terms of setup. You will need to fab quite a few parts with the T03/T04 setup whereas with the S15 turbo there are (supposedly) maniifolds that position the turbo so you can use SR20 elbows & downpipe.
Neejay wrote:Let me first say that I already have a 52 trim T3/T04E .68 - it's rebuilt and hasn't been used since the rebuilding. I only want 250whp.

S15 T28pros: can use SR dump pipe, SR SMIC setup to get going, faster spool (?), built in wastegatecons: coolant lines needed, would have to purchase ($800), needs intake inlet + compressor inlet hoses ($100), manifold + dump pipe quality can potentially be questionable

T3/T04Epros: already have, more potential, no intake/compressor inlets needed, JGS kit comes with everything needed + qualitycons: I'd have to get a JGS kit + needed wastegate ($900+), would need to get FMIC setup ($300 + cutting + new battery and/or customizing)

I'd be running whatever PSI would be safe for about 250whp, safely depending on what PSI was needed on the specific turbo.

I don't have a garage, or really any friends to help (hence the JGS kit being needed for the T3). With all that being said, opinions?

User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

bruinbear714 wrote:You didn't mention what you'd be using your car for.. so I'll assume it's for the street... If that's the case, I'd go with a T03/T04E 50 trim compressor, 0.48AR , or if you want slightly more power without too much lag compromise, do a T03/T04 ball bearing with a 0.64AR.

The two turbos are completely different in terms of setup. You will need to fab quite a few parts with the T03/T04 setup whereas with the S15 turbo there are (supposedly) maniifolds that position the turbo so you can use SR20 elbows & downpipe.
Yeah, Street. I won't have to fab any parts if I go with the T3 because I'll be using the JGS kit. I don't have the resources to fab anything. So are you saying to keep the T3/T04E I already have? (if only given the choice between the one I have and the T28 and not buying a new T3)

User avatar
Jookmasta
Posts: 5172
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2003 3:26 pm

Post

use the turbo u already have as it just seems more logical. in terms of fabrication, i was in ur shoes at the beginning of my project. and even now, i still can't weld nor fabricate piping on my own. just go to a GOOD local muffler shop. make sure they have a mandrel bender and i'm pretty sure they can make any piping that you might need.

User avatar
boznuttz
Posts: 3515
Joined: Tue Mar 14, 2006 11:25 pm
Car: MS13

Post

No matter what....nothing on a car is really bolt on. Any job requires some fitting/ cutting/ some elbow grease. IMHO you'll save a LOT of money going with a T3/T4 setup.


User avatar
WDRacing
Moderator
Posts: 15983
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:00 am
Car: 95 240SX, 99 BMW 540i, 01 Chevy Express, 14 Ford Escape
Location: MFFO
Contact:

Post

T3/TO4 all day over any T2 flanged turbo. The room to grow alone makes it a better turbo. I could go into thermal dynamics and the adverse effects of running a small vs lrg turbo...but to keep it short, just run the T3/TO4.

You'll thank us later I promise.

WD

User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

boznuttz wrote:No matter what....nothing on a car is really bolt on. Any job requires some fitting/ cutting/ some elbow grease. IMHO you'll save a LOT of money going with a T3/T4 setup.
Yeah, I understand it won't be perfect, but when it comes down to fabricating/welding = no sir. lol

WDRacing, thanks.

I'll stick with the T3 guys!

User avatar
boznuttz
Posts: 3515
Joined: Tue Mar 14, 2006 11:25 pm
Car: MS13

Post

Cool deal, you'll be happy!

Florida240sx
Posts: 11114
Joined: Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:17 am
Car: 1993 Nissan 240SX Hatch 5spd
2012 Nissan Altima S coupe 2.5
Location: DeLand FL

Post

Neejay wrote:cons: coolant lines needed, would have to purchase ($800),
WTF?

User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

Florida240sx wrote:WTF?
"coolant lines needed" = I don't have any idea how to connect these"would have to purchase ($800)" = I don't currently own the T28, so I would have to purchase it for about $800.

I'm actually thinking about going with the T28 now...I keep getting conflicting results. I'm going to sell this T3. I'd prefer to get one new as the history of this one isn't 100% clear.

I guess it's come down to either purchasing a new T3 or a new T28. I should just say F it and stay NA...too many choices.

Florida240sx
Posts: 11114
Joined: Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:17 am
Car: 1993 Nissan 240SX Hatch 5spd
2012 Nissan Altima S coupe 2.5
Location: DeLand FL

Post


User avatar
Zippy69
Posts: 486
Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:58 pm
Car: 1993 240sx coupe

Post

Check the condition of your current turbo. Check shaft play and wheel condition. If your t3 is good, there is no need to swap to another turbo. if you had a t28 already, I would say stick with that. You don't have to buy the jgs kit. Piece it together for yourself for a lot less.And lose that side mount.

User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

Zippy69 wrote:Check the condition of your current turbo. Check shaft play and wheel condition. If your t3 is good, there is no need to swap to another turbo. if you had a t28 already, I would say stick with that. You don't have to buy the jgs kit. Piece it together for yourself for a lot less.And lose that side mount.
Well, the main reason for going with JGS is for the manifold/dump pipe combo.

User avatar
neverlift
Posts: 3699
Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2006 6:26 am

Post

you should keep you t3, even ebay has "decent" quality manifolds, that will hold up for a while(my manifold came from a local guy that beat the shyt out of it for like 2 years, I've had it for like 6months and its sold as a rock still, the ss shine is gone from glowing )

a decent mufler shop should be able to weld up any d/p you need,granted you will need to get teh flange(s) before hand.

in terms of simplicity a t2 flange owns

User avatar
Neejay
Posts: 2256
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 3:50 pm

Post

hmm...

So could I even tell a noticeable difference in spool between a 50 trim T3/TO4E .63 a/r and this 52 trim T3/TO4E .69 a/r?

I don't know, it just seems the T28 route is the easiest, but maybe Im over thinking it here.

User avatar
GTR PrYdE
Posts: 1184
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2005 6:02 pm
Car: 1993 Nissan 240SX, 2003 Evolution VIII

Post

I'm personally going with a T2, T28 setup. Mainly because it's cost effecient. But for overall potential I'd say T3/T4. The good thing about S15 turbo's is that they hold their vaue pretty well.

I only want >300whp right now, until I can afford going any higher, and when I do, I'm sure I won't lose much $$ on my T28/manifold setup.


Return to “KA24ET / KA24DET Forum”