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Ball Bearing or not?

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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 01:07 AM
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Default Ball Bearing or not?

Turns out I am getting slightly different turbos than initally thought.
They will be in a T3 housing, TO4E, 60-1, new style GT turbines. But, I have the option to go Ball Bearing. The manufacturer feels the efficiency upgrade is not worth the added cost and told me money would be better spent elsewhere (under 1k). Everything I ever read told me it =IS worth it. Perhaps its this particular set-up that wont benefit so much. It was explained I can only expect a 1-2 percent gain in efficiency...not the 10-15 that i thought.
Anthing else I should request or important questions to ask before the build starts? Any Input?

Last edited by JamMasterJ; Nov 1, 2003 at 02:10 AM.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 01:24 AM
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Originally Posted by JamMasterJ
The manufacturer feels the efficiency upgrade is not worth the added cost and told me money would be better spent elsewhere (under 1k).
What he's saying is that the ball turbos are good, but really only play a part in ultimate performance if you've exhausted every other avenue. In other words, look for power in other places that may be less expensive before you invest in a BB turbo.

SC-
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 02:12 AM
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You aren't going to have a problem spooling up that turbo with your exhaust volume - which is where the BB will help - spool up time. I wouldn't worry about it either - spend the money on something else, like coating the pistons, etc.
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 10:12 PM
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Like the manufacturer said ball bearing turbos arent going to do much for you for such a small turbo as far as efficiency. They are going have a longer life assuming you have good clean oil. I would recommend going water cooled as this will definetly extend the life of the oil and turbo.

Gary
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Old Nov 1, 2003 | 11:36 PM
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Thanks, I guess I didnt realize these were that small. Decision made....ball bearings will not be the route I take this time around.
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Old Nov 2, 2003 | 12:18 AM
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a commone mistake is that ball-bearing turbos really help with spool-up time. SOMETIMES they do....but in reality the advantage comes with the compressor housing to wheel clearance. They get to make the clearance a lot smaller which will help with the efficiency of the turbo SLIGHTLY.

That is why he said money would be better spent else where. Also, it is UNBELIEVABLE cheaper to rebuild a non-bb turbo. Go with the conventional journal bearing turbo
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