Chevyguy358

iTrader: (4)

I'm a bit new to the turbo world and was wondering if anyone has purchased a cheap ebay turbo with the proper A/R etc. and replaced the cartridge/internals with something from like Borg Warner or Holset. If so this could be a fairly inexpensive means of making a good quality turbo, though I don't know how universal the components are. Any thoughts?

killernoodle

I don't see how that can be much better than the Chinese internals. Generally speaking, as long as everything inside is within tolerance, balanced, and the turbo is getting the required oil pressure and flow, what can possibly go wrong in a turbocharger? Metallurgy is the only real concern with Chinese turbos, and people have proven repeatedly that the Chinese GT45 turbos seem to tolerate the abuse. Not to mention that putting money in a Chinese turbo seems like a waste of money when you can just get another one for $300.

TL/DR: Changing the thrust and journal bearings won't be beneficial on a Chinese turbo.