RB20DET turbo?

[dizzywithsunstroke]

i know there are 1000's of topics about the best turbo to put on an RB20 in an s14, but i don't have any major horsepower goals because of my budget. i am looking for suggestions on a good but inexpensive turbo to put on, but i am not looking for more than 350hp anytime in the near future, i just want to get my car running cuz my stock turbo is leakin oil like crazy. i don't want to put some cheap chinese **** on my car, but i also don't want to spend a grand on a turbo right now. any suggestions are appreciated. thanks

[black240jl]

well, im pretty much was in the same boat.. i ended up going with a garret t3 t04e 60 trim ar .60 turbo, i bought it used off the forums for 400 shipped, its a great price for a turbo that you know isnt going give you problems the first day you run it.. u can run it all the way up to around 450 hp so i think its a great turbo that is why i bought it!

[l0nestar]

Just got your last email and replied.

[Gr8plainsDrifter]

Holset turbo or t3 off a z31

[pawpaw18_00]

If you want a cheap replacement that is a direct drop in...just use an rb25 turbo...it will give you a little more power...

[rbsileighty]

If you want a cheap replacement that is a direct drop in...just use an rb25 turbo...it will give you a little more power...

2nd this due to your power goals... with cams and a boost controller you'll love it

Not 100% drop in due to coolant lines... but that's easy.

2nd best is a Z31 turbo for cost effective and similar power goals, but no exp with this turbo on a 20 myself

[dizzywithsunstroke]

does anyone have any other thoughts on the z31 turbo or the rb25 turbo on an rb20? i found both but the z31 is a little cheaper. opinions are much appreciated.

[Kansei240sx]

z31 has an inefficient compressor for the RB20/25's head design and power band. The turbo produces good low end power but runs out of power up top.

Best thing to do is to get a z31 turbo and get a custom rebuilt T4 compressor on it. My friends z31 has this type of setup. Stock Vs Stock rebult/upgraded compressor wheel/housing.



and.... classic size reference pic

[dizzywithsunstroke]

but like i said i'm on a budget. custom rebuilt turbo is a bit out of that budget.

[Kansei240sx]

It isnt that expensive to do.

[nos487]

I am in the same boat you are in. I would like to go holeset but the z31 swap does look cheaper and does not have ceramic wheel. I would like to find out the price of doing t4 comp. housing swap. Let us know what you decide to do.

[dizzywithsunstroke]

thanks to everyone that chimed in so far, you have been a big help. now continuing with all this great info, does any know how much a z31 turbo compressor housing swap would cost? (kansei, if you know how much, that would be great info). would i be better off going this route instead of an rb25 turbo? how does the cost of the two compare? and which would be better(horsepower and reliability) in the long run? i like where this is going, so everybody keep throwing their knowledge and opinions out there.

[l0nestar]

... why would you put a turbo that is designed for a 3.0L onto a 2.0L, then upgrade to a larger compressor housing, making it even less efficient and expect similar results? Seems like you would be introducing extra lag? (vs a closer matched turbo)
Modified by l0nestar at 10:19 AM 1/21/2009

[dizzywithsunstroke]

just doin my research 10nestar. i am planning on getting yours.

[rbsileighty]

Not entirely a true statement on the Z31 w/ modified turbine housing... if the stock is undersized a larger one could make it more eff...

I'd have to take a look at the comp maps and wheel dimensions (turbine and comp) to make truth of this, but either way the smart thing to do would be to get the Z31 for now and run as is... and when budget allows buy the comp housing that will fit on the turbo with a good map for the 2L/power goals once you have the $ for it... no need to stretch the bank if you don't have to... it's just a fun car right? Not like you have to make it hit a certain time/lap at the track at the moment... the good news is both cases don't cost to much but both involve the same base turbo

[dizzywithsunstroke]

ive heard a stock z31 turbo on a rb20 is super laggy. anyone know about this?

[pawpaw18_00]

That is also what i heard...i;m not sure if the z31 turbo is ball bearing or not...if it isnt spool up would be a lot slower...one more thing...upgrading to a bigger turbo=more air flow...would mean also upgrading tp some type of fuel management...depending on how much more air is added...

[90240sxca18]

go with the rb25. its cheap as ****. spools fast. is better for higher boost than on the rb25. (so ive herd) and i have one :-) i love it on my 20. i hit 9 lbs at 2300 rpms. it was insane.. with a better tune at 13 lbs im hoping to make close to 300. i have herd that the 25 turbo blows at 13psi on a 25 cause the exhaust wheel comes apart, too much exhaust for that little wheel. soo putting in on something with less exhaust flow, and less amount of gas, it would be able to handle more boost. cause i know the rb25 turbo can handle 330whp. ive seen it, but on a rb20 ur at like 18 lbs at 350whp on a rb25 turbo. get it. love it. quick spool is your best friend. lag is hell.

[sleepyeyed240]

get rb25 turbo, boost controller and injectors. youll be set for some decent power for sure

[dizzywithsunstroke]

what are some good, but less expensive injectors i can go with? how many cc's? im gettin my tax return very soon and am about to have some fun with it.

[90240sxca18]

GTR injectors. thtsa what im getting right now. you wanna buy me a set ;-) also get a safc or a E-manage to tune with.

[Carl H]

wow, because an safc is SUCH a wonderful tuning device.

[dizzywithsunstroke]

do i sense a hint of sarcasm?

[db_s13]

Nistune or Carlh rom tune... safc only for fine tune after the rom... if even needed

Im ordering Nistune sometime this month and will be tuning rb20 with rb25 turbo on E85