I think my turbo is bad. Please help me confirm before I blow money. :P

[kornmanz]

Ok guys, I know this type of thing has been covered in other threads (I've searched) but I just want a quick confirmation from you guys so I dont go spending money on something that wont fix the issue. I was gonna revive an old thread but decided against it.

I think my turbo is bad. I did a compression test, fine. Starts up every time like normal. Occasionally it'll take 2 cranks but starts right up. It never over heats. Dont have oil temp or pressure gauges hooked up yet. Still holds boost well but is noisy.

I am occasionally blowing white smoke out the exhaust. (Apexi Dual N1, Apexi DP, No cat, no condensation inside exhaust)

It is never constantly blowing smoke, and when it does it only lasts a few seconds. It does it very randomly. Always when I'm boosting it. So my mind says turbo. It also makes a weird grinding/rattling type sound when it first enters boost and then leaves boost. I'm thinking shaft play. Basically, foot on throttle, boost starts raising, grinding/rattling noise, boost hits, foot off throttle, boost lowers, grinding/rattling noise.

Then after boost it might blow smoke, it might not. It could do it a few minutes later just for fun.

NEVER smokes when I'm not boosting though.


Can a few of you guys just confirm my theory that its the turbo? I want to be right before I drop a grand on a turbo ya know? Would be pissed if I dropped 1400 to find it was something else lol. Oh yeah its a highly modified red top SR.

[shiftdrift]

what turbo is it? stock? sounds like the seals are going out and excessive shaft play. when more oil is flowing through it (in boost) it is going to have more pressure and more likely to seap past the seals. so they're probably not completely out...but on their way.

[kornmanz]

Yeah stock T25. I was thinking the same thing on shaft play. Poor turbo lol.

[kornmanz]

Are ISIS turbos any good guys? Or should I not fuck around and just stay garrett?

[red&yellows14562]

its being starved of oil .. sr20 right?

[kornmanz]

Indeed SR20. How could I check about that? Check engine oil levels? Check turbo lines? I dont know if lack of oil though would cause the grinding sound I'm hearing.

[red&yellows14562]

check the lines and resivor..ill post more info tomorrow promise..

[kornmanz]

Ok sounds good.

[brndck]

ummmm pull the inlet piping off and physically check the wheel for excessive play.
you say you have a highly modified redtop?
but you're still running a t25?

you should give us more info than the pittance you supplied.

[kornmanz]

Greddy Titanium Valve Springs
Crower Titanium valve Set
Crower 272 Cam
Circuit Sports Rocker Arm Stoppers
Acid Treated Head
Multi Angle Valve Job
Port & Polished
ARP Head bolts & studs
HKS Head Gasket
Brian Crower Valve Guides
Nismo Rod Bearings
Nismo Main Bearings
Nismo Thrust Bearings
Eagle H Beam Rods
OEM New Pistons
ARP Rod Bolts
Greddy Aluminum Pulleys
Greddy Sandwich Plate
Aeromotive Tsunami Fuel Pump
Aeromotive 100 Fuel Filter
Aeromotive FPR w/ Gauge
Greddy Fuel Pressure Fittings
High Pressure Fuel Lines
Apexi SAFC 2 tuner
Z32 MAF
Nismo thermostat
Koyo Radiator
AEM Air Filter
steel braided oil return lines
HKS Exhaust Manifold
JDM Sport Intercooler
Blitz BOV
Apexi Downpipe
Apexi Dual N1 Exhaust



I can go on if you'd like. Obviously a new turbo, some injectors, and a proper tune would do this build proper dont you think? So help me in deciding on the turbo upgrade. If my old one is shot I'll get a new one. If its not I want to fix the problem here. I've still gotta get a new polyurethane bumper on and a paint job.

I will check the shaft tomorrow afternoon, as well as check the exhaust housing for oil.

[SLiDe_WaYz]

You have all of that and run a T25, that's def a first. If I had that I would run a top mount twinscroll gt30. Just my opinion.

[kornmanz]

True, but funds man its all about the funds. I just bought a Kaaz 2 way, 1 pc. steel drive shaft, new steering rack, and ALL of the required parts for power steering. Old owner thought it was good to just rip it all out (power steering stuff)

So now, I'm in the market for a new turbo it seems by necessity. Its always by necessity. Had to buy the previous parts because old ones went out. Now the turbo is going out.

Please don't bag on me. This car has been a serious uphill battle taking thousands and thousands of my dollars for ransom.


Now, I have 1,000 to spend on a turbo. Help me find a good one?

[shiftdrift]

Precision are good. If you want to save some the isis gt28 is good.