Generic turbos - anyone with experience?

m1tch · February 21, 2018, 07:13

Hi all,

I know I will probably get flamed for asking about this but has anyone had any actual experience in using some of these generic T3 turbos? Most of the reviews I have seen on them were from forum posts about 10 years ago etc so although the quality control probably still isn't amazing I am sure its much better than it used to be.

I know there is also the argument of 'it won't last as long as a named brand', this might be true, but I can probably buy 10 generic turbos for the same price as a branded one - and what if the branded one fails?

I have seen a fair few builds using the generic turbos, including on engine masters etc just to see what happens, it seems that if you don't push it and have the correct cooling and lubrication they are probably fine.

Just wondering if anyone had any experience of actually using one rather than just flat out saying 'just buy a branded' - there are quite a few named brands who make their conrods in China.

1979scotte · February 21, 2018, 07:23

Conrods aren't exactly that sophisticated IMHO.
I had Chinese ones to fit to my 1zz and I had no qualms at all.

Which generic turbo did you have in mind?
Which branded would you buy instead?

m1tch · February 21, 2018, 07:34

Quote from: 1979scotte on February 21, 2018, 07:23
Conrods aren't exactly that sophisticated IMHO.
I had Chinese ones to fit to my 1zz and I had no qualms at all.

Which generic turbo did you have in mind?
Which branded would you buy instead?

Was looking on http://www.maxspeedingrods.co.uk/turbocharger.html which seems to be the main supplier for them through their site, ebay and amazon etc - was initially looking at their basic T3 turbo. I do actually have one of their 'GT35' turbos on the shelf in the garage, build quality seems to be very good actually with tight tolerances.

Unsure as to which make I should look at, the manifold I have is a T3 but also has a T25 adaptor, might look to simply bolt on a spare GT25 turbo off a 200sx or something initially - won't really be pushing high boost as it will only be running at around 21psi.

Open to suggestions on this as I am aware a t25 flange isn't going to flow enough for the power levels the engine will be built for.

I also have no issue with conrods from China, we don't make anything in the UK anymore in terms of manufacturing - all the big factories that give economies of scale are over in China.

1979scotte · February 21, 2018, 07:50

If you have one of their GT35 style turbos why not go with that?
Tbh mate all the money you are spending why scrimp?

m1tch · February 21, 2018, 07:54

Quote from: 1979scotte on February 21, 2018, 07:50
If you have one of their GT35 style turbos why not go with that?
Tbh mate all the money you are spending why scrimp?

This is true, I guess the parts that I can't change I am really upgrading, whereas I can easily swap out a turbo etc - saying that the engine won't be boosted for a couple of years anyway so I have time to work out what I am after.

Looking at some compressor maps the TD06H-20G turbo seems to be about the right size (wrong flange though) - need to try and find a list of OEM turbos that use the T3 flange, if not I will look to spend out on something branded I think. Maybe a T04R might work.

m1tch · February 21, 2018, 07:55

Quote from: m1tch on February 21, 2018, 07:54
Quote from: 1979scotte on February 21, 2018, 07:50
If you have one of their GT35 style turbos why not go with that?
Tbh mate all the money you are spending why scrimp?

This is true, I guess the parts that I can't change I am really upgrading, whereas I can easily swap out a turbo etc - saying that the engine won't be boosted for a couple of years anyway so I have time to work out what I am after.

Looking at some compressor maps the TD06H-20G turbo seems to be about the right size (wrong flange mind you!) - need to try and find a list of OEM turbos that use the T3 flange, if not I will look to spend out on something branded I think.

shnazzle · March 10, 2018, 20:05

The cost isn't in the turbo. Saving 200 on the turbo would be a false economy as you're spending 2k on the rest of it.

shnazzle · March 10, 2018, 21:54

Quote from: mr2noob on March 10, 2018, 20:07
Ouch. Yeah, I think I'm gonna leave turbo for some time in the (far) future. xD Thanks for reply!

You CAN do it for as little as about 1000, if you're handy and can weld/fabricate

But I'm not a fan of the scrap heap challenge turbo setups.

m1tch · March 11, 2018, 11:21

Quick update, I am now looking at some Borg EFR or Garrett GTX turbos - although the generic turbos will probably be fine, don't think they will be in for the long haul and need to make sure I can trust what I run without the housing exploding and sending shards into the engine etc.

JoeCool · March 11, 2018, 12:37

Quote from: shnazzle on March 10, 2018, 20:05
The cost isn't in the turbo. Saving 200 on the turbo would be a false economy as you're spending 2k on the rest of it.

It's even more of a false economy because if a cheap turbo fails and feeds fragments of the compressor wheel into your engine, you're rebuilding/replacing that too.