I picked up a turbo kit a couple months back that came with FOUR used turbos. I am getting to the point where I could see installing it all in the next month or two, but I want to create a part list before I start, and to do that I need to know for sure wither or not I need to buy a new turbo.

First - goals: While I do autocross, I value street enjoyment over autocross performance. Having a stock block, I have a limit on the amount of torque I can handle on stock rods. I'd like as much power for street as possible while still having good response. In an ideal world i'd either have a GT2560 or just run an EFR 6258 on low boost until I build the engine. I figure if I can MAX OUT between 230-250hp with corresponding torque I would be happy. I would rather run less HP/torque and be safe than play at the razors edge.

Current situation: I have a 2001 LS with six speed and everything is stock. I am doing a build of jumper harness number two for the megasquirt because I buggered up the first one so bad I have no idea if it is a harness problem or a programming problem on the MS3x. I plan on running pump 93 for now (e85 in the future) and have 460cc injectors. I have a BEGI log manifold and a 2.5" exhaust all the way to the back, which might limit the efficiency of the system.

Turbo #1: Labeled a Garrett KTT. (A/R .48) Supposedly this is a predecessor to a GT2554 turbo. It has a good bit of lateral shaft play on the compressor side, but never rubs. I have to double check the turbine side still...
Positives: Extremely unlikely to hit my performance ceiling. I would anticipate good response. Already owned.
Negatives: more shaft play than I am comfortable with, but that could be a result of this being the first turbo I have messed with out of a car since about 1996. Max HP and torque is a little low for my goals.

Turbos #2 & #3: Part number 14411-05u21. Supposedly the twin turbos out of a RB26DETT R33. (supposedly .48 exhaust A/R, .60 compressor A/R).
Positives: The turbo is obviously physically larger than the KTT mentioned above. Already owned. Shaft play seems ok.
Negatives: No idea what so ever as to the performance capabilities of this turbo in regards to a Miata.

Turbo #4: Godspeed 2871 China Turbo. This looks like a second generation model, not the earlier. (if that makes any sense)
Positives: Likely to make my power goals. Turbo is in great condition, almost new. Already owned.
Negatives: Might be too much turbo for my first build. It has a 14psi wastegate and I would prefer to start a little lower. I can buy a new wastegate, but that is an additional expense. It's a churbo, and thus a more likely failure point compared to some options.

Turbo #5: Godspeed 2560 China Turbo. New off ebay.
Postives: Likely a better match for my performance goals with current longblock. Comes with lower PSI wastegate that I can use my EBC on to raise as I feel comfortable.
Negatives: Churbo. I don't own one yet.

Turbo #6: Be a man and just get a GT2560 because I haven't seen any good used ones around.
Positives: It is what I would want if I was willing to spend the money.
Negatives: I need to be willing to spend the money.

If you have other ideas or comments, please let me know what you think.

 

I think you've got a great collection of information, and it looks like you understand it and what it means.

I think your best options are turbos 3 or 4. I personally don't think it's worth buying a 2560 churbo if you already own a 2871 churbo. Then again, you could probably sell the 2871 to recoup some of the cost of the new 2560, so there's that.

I think you really need to decide on a budget. If you're willing to spend the money to get a GT2560, then that's going to be your best bet to meet your power and flexibility goals as you already know.

I think you just need to crunch some numbers, look at what you've got, and make a decision. You've got a couple good options with what you have at hand though.

For the record, I voted the 2871.

 

Sell 4 turbos @ $350 each and buy 1 EFR.

 

That would be a great idea if his turbos were worth anywhere near 350 each. Turbo #1 is worth $100 tops, turbos 2 &3 maybe $200 each??, Turbo 4 probably $150 or so I would think. so you've got between $500-800 worth of turbos. If you can find someone to pay more than the above, you've done well IMO. Unless those RB turbos are worth way more and I'm way off.

 

the obvious answer is RUN ALL 4

voted for the gt2560 though

 

Sell all, buy a good condition used 2560. With churbos you never really know if the advertised specs are accurate... I'd play it safe, spend a bit more for a quality turbo.

 

What is the best way to sell? Ebay? Any other places to post what I have?

 

Sell anywhere. Turbos are generic. Throw them on the local ricer forum, ebay if you're cool with the fees and using ebay, here, whatever. Cragislist. Shotgun it.

 

the obvious answer is to sell everything and buy a supercharger

 

Ok, say I bite the bullet and am willing to spend $1200 on a turbo. Do I go with a BEGI ported GT2560, or a Precision 4828 but with 6psi wastegate?

 

4828 hands down imo - but know how the **** to use an adjustable wastegate and be certain it's a 6psi wastegate.

Looks like my "boost creep" is from a 12psi wastegate when I ordered a 8-10.

 

I also would vote for the 4828. Really seems to be an awesome turbo. But ^^ his opinion matters much more than mine, since he actually owns a 4828!