ISIS RS3876S Turbo worth the money?

[zachw]

hi, i dont really know if this is the right place to post this but i couldnt really think of any other section. i've looked online for other turbo's that are the equivalent of a GT28 or a GT2871R, and i usually do my parts shopping on either FRsport or EnjukuRacing considering im not doing anything too too insane with my 240 and SR as of yet. so i figured i'd get a few people's opinions before i make a dumb choice. im a little short on cash, so i thought i'd go with a less expensive turbo (not the best of ideas i know) but i've bought a few ISIS products in the past and they have served me well so far. im just afraid that if i buy this turbo it will crap out on me within the first couple of months. i dont push insane amount of boost on my SR, like 11lbs max and my T25 is finally showing signs of giving out. this ISIS RS3876S is $550 on EnjukuRacing, not too bad of a knock in my wallet - so im considering it. but i do have a few questions. it says on the site that this turbo is "very similar" to a GT2871R turbo, so does that mean it is a ball bearing turbo? steel compressor wheel? does anybody have any past experience with this turbo? would anyone recommend another turbo for around the same price? i gotta make this decision in 2 days whether or not im going to buy it so im hoping to get some good idea's on what to do. thanks in advance. -Zach-

btw, heres a newb question. i know with ceramic compressor wheels they can shatter under compressor surge (which i have a lot of for some reason, even though my BOV is functioning fine). but what about steel compressor wheels? i mean..thats steel, pretty durable stuff. if there isnt a high chance of them shattering i may consider putting a dose pipe on my car and running no bov considering a dont push a whole lot of boost.

[CRyan]

Cant really riddle you on the ISIS stuff, I've always read mixed reviews.

As far as compressor surge, there should be an adjustment on your BOV. Compressor surge isn't that bad of a thing when its below eh, 12 psi maybe? I've heard of turbine fans straightening out before the housing blows. If your not a boost nut, a little cha cha cha when you shift isn't that bad. I have it, but I am also on a stock Z32 recirculation valve.

[PyR0NiAk]

The only complaint I've really ever had with isis parts is the fact that they tend to screw up bolt hole alignment. Their QA seems a lot better than the rest of the cheaper brands, but I'd still save up and get a better turbo.

[Blown240sx]

So far we havnt had good results. If it changes Ill let ya know.