experience/suggestions with t3 50 trim

Discuss topics related to the CA18DE and CA18DET series engines.
aintnobiscuit
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:20 pm

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Right now I'm running a s*** t3/t4 (50 trim .48ar) on my CA.

It's amazingly responsive and holds 18psi easily until 8k, but i don't drive past that point.. i'm sure it would go further.

I'm considering a larger (name brand) turbo. Probably along the lines of a garrett 50 trim t3/t04b with a stage 3 exhaust wheel in .48ar.

Does anyone have advice on this combo? I think it should spool about the same as my current setup, but with better efficiency. I'm shooting for 350hp+ at the wheels.... anything up to 400 is fine... but as this is in a datsun 510, i don't really want to exceed that. I'm seam welding the front and rear of the car at some point, so i'm not worried about the chassis handling it and i have the suspension/tires to put it to use.

Really i'm just looking for suggestions on a t3 turbo that will hit 350-400hp (usable). I don't want to get boost at 5k, 4k is reasonable though. I have the fuel/injectors, a haltech and access to a dyno... so that's not an issue.

Thanks!


boost_boy
Posts: 7051
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 7:28 am
Car: B12 sentra w/built CA18DET, B12 sentra w/fully-built CA18DET, S13 coupe w/ CA18DET, S13 hatch w/CA18DET, 2002 maxima SE
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If you're on a budget, the turbo you mentioned is the answer.

aintnobiscuit
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:20 pm

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If I'm not on a budget?

The turbo is one of the most important choices you make for a car (in my opinion) as it dictates the way the care behaves and what it is capable of.

I am also considering the gtx3071r.

boost_boy
Posts: 7051
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Car: B12 sentra w/built CA18DET, B12 sentra w/fully-built CA18DET, S13 coupe w/ CA18DET, S13 hatch w/CA18DET, 2002 maxima SE
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aintnobiscuit wrote:If I'm not on a budget?

The turbo is one of the most important choices you make for a car (in my opinion) as it dictates the way the care behaves and what it is capable of.

I am also considering the gtx3071r.
(Factually) That is not true. The physical engine's ability to withstand added power as well as the engine itself is the most important choice you can make for a car. The build quality of the engine can make or break that precious turbo you speak of. Once you've found the engine to be competent enough to handle more power, engine management and tuning are the next items that shape your car's attitude. Once you've gotten that sorted, then you can start factoring in turbocharger choices as well as manifolds, etc, etc. A T3/T04B is a good turbo, albeit a bit primitive in today's standard, but it will suffice for your quest. Your GTX3071R is a great choice as well. More efficient, better construction and a dual ballbearing CHRA will put you in a better place once all the other stuff is covered ;).

aintnobiscuit
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:20 pm

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I guess I just figured you guys remembered me from previous posts. Engine is fully built with cp pistons, brand new valve train parts with everythig that can be upgraded, pauter rods, acl race bearings for the mains and rods, Tomei cams. Haltech, Tubular manifold, mishimoto intercooler, arp main bolts and arp studs.

Btw, I didn't blow my head gasket. It turns out my CAS came unplugged. It's missing the lock pin. Gotta get that before I drive again.

So I agree with you the engine has to be able to withstand your power goals. But if your engine is built, the turbo defined the characteristics of the engine. Cams, port and polish, timing all affect the characteristics, but the turbo defined the broad strokes of how much power and what the power and looks like.

Do either of you have experience with either of these turbos or have a suggestion that you really like? I can look at and plot on the maps myself to see what it would be like. I guess I'm just looking for validation or other ideas :)

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float_6969
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Car: CA18DET swapped 1995 Nissan 240sx (too many mods to list)
2015 SV Leaf w/QC & Bose (daily)
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I'm currently running a straight T4 turbo. It's a 50 trim T04E compressor and an "O" trim turbine. I'm running a divided manifold and a twin scroll .50A/R turbine housing. It's also and old journal bearing. This setup is a bit lazy below 3500-4000, but screams to 8K easily on HKS 264's. I've hit the rev limiter more times than I can count because it comes up so quickly. This is also on a very rough, and conservative tune. A smaller turbine side (T3) will spool faster and alleviate the lazy bottom end.

If money is of no concern, you can do as I am planning and go with Borg Warners new EFR series of turbo's. VERY responsive and spools quickly. Also pricey.

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louiswun
Posts: 119
Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2008 5:33 am

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Did anybody tried Holset HX30W ?
It is something between GT2871R/GT3071R and T3/T04E 50 trim.

boost_boy
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Car: B12 sentra w/built CA18DET, B12 sentra w/fully-built CA18DET, S13 coupe w/ CA18DET, S13 hatch w/CA18DET, 2002 maxima SE
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aintnobiscuit wrote:I guess I just figured you guys remembered me from previous posts. Engine is fully built with cp pistons, brand new valve train parts with everythig that can be upgraded, pauter rods, acl race bearings for the mains and rods, Tomei cams. Haltech, Tubular manifold, mishimoto intercooler, arp main bolts and arp studs.

Btw, I didn't blow my head gasket. It turns out my CAS came unplugged. It's missing the lock pin. Gotta get that before I drive again.

So I agree with you the engine has to be able to withstand your power goals. But if your engine is built, the turbo defined the characteristics of the engine. Cams, port and polish, timing all affect the characteristics, but the turbo defined the broad strokes of how much power and what the power and looks like.

Do either of you have experience with either of these turbos or have a suggestion that you really like? I can look at and plot on the maps myself to see what it would be like. I guess I'm just looking for validation or other ideas :)
I currently run a GT3076R on my sentra which is now sold and will be on it's way Jamaica shortly and will be replace with a precision GT35R dual BB unit. I used to run the T3/T04B with a .48 back housing and that was a really good turbo back in 2001. The GT3076R is just a really great turbo IMHO. I run a Garrett GT35R in my 240 and that is also a really responsive and wonderful turbo for the CA18. That car put down 536whp @ 31psi of boost without even seriously tuning it. The GT3582R is the all purpose turbo for the CA18, but if you are a horrible tuner or don't know how to tune, you won't be happy with it.

aintnobiscuit
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:20 pm

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Awesome! I'm so happy that there are people running bigger numbered CAs. I've found that it takes a lot of searching but they're out there.

How is the gt3076? What kind of numbers are you hitting at what psi? When do you see full boost? What about the gt35r?

Thank you guys :) I really appreciate the help. I'm actually going to use this info not just another "oh hey, tell me turbo stuff and I'm going to talk about mods ill never do to my car" thread :D

beans33
Posts: 908
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:51 pm
Car: 1993 ca18det 240sx

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I have a holset hx35 on mine, I should have it going soon.

boost_boy
Posts: 7051
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 7:28 am
Car: B12 sentra w/built CA18DET, B12 sentra w/fully-built CA18DET, S13 coupe w/ CA18DET, S13 hatch w/CA18DET, 2002 maxima SE
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aintnobiscuit wrote:How is the gt3076? What kind of numbers are you hitting at what psi? When do you see full boost?:D
It's a really nice turbo, but the farthest I drove the car was around the block on 18 psi of boost and it fully came on at or around 4300rpm; with a .48 backhousing of course.
aintnobiscuit wrote:What about the gt35r?:D
The 35R hits full boost at or around 5000-5200rpm with a .63 backhousing. Just ridiculous and fun to drive off bosst as well. Again, the way I tune my street cars, I supplement the lag with some good 'ol "fill in the blank" tuning.
aintnobiscuit wrote:Thank you guys :) I really appreciate the help. I'm actually going to use this info not just another "oh hey, tell me turbo stuff and I'm going to talk about mods ill never do to my car" thread :D
That's what we are here for. I can tell the fanboys that like to window-shop when they appear. No biggie.

aintnobiscuit
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:20 pm

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thanks guys. Definitely some food for thought.

beans: I don't know much about holset turbos, but I'm going to take a peek at them as well. What are you looking to run with it horsepower/boost wise. what are you building your car for?

beans33
Posts: 908
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:51 pm
Car: 1993 ca18det 240sx

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They are pretty solid turbos, used a lot by dsm guys. My plans are 350-400 range, but I want more reliability if anything. The car will be a toy for the most part nothing to crazy possibly a dd. I'm running a 8 blade Hx35 with a 4 bolt .63 housing. 720cc injectors, Nistune, built bottem end etc...

Image

aintnobiscuit
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:20 pm

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Looks good. Have you run this turbo before or is this the first time? I'm curious what the characteristics are like as well (when it hits full boost, what psi full boost is for you, etc).

I'm pretty good with compressor maps, but not great. I don't ever have to look at them until i'm upgrading or something and then i have to remember everything. Your engine bay looks nice and clean. I need to move a large part of the harness into the car behind the glove box or fab a plate to bolt everything to under the dash. It's messy right now.

This is basically how it looks now, except i have a different oil feed line (90* elbow)

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