SR20 Budget Turbo

[SRSmith]

I'm looking for a budget turbo upgrade that is also readily available. I will be using a stainless top mount T3 header, 480cc injectors, and a safc.

T28 - easy to come by, but I'd have to modify my exhaust manifold
HY35 - Cheap, pretty common, but is it too big?
HX30 - Small but harder to find
HX-35 -Super easy to find and cheap, but I'm sure its much to big for my current goals
H1C -Couldn't find much info about this turbo. Is is HY35 or HX35 size? I've heard its an older turbo and less efficient, but its very easy to find.

Not looking to make a ton of power, I'm sure I'm limited by the SAFC and injectors anyway. My goal was a bit more power and to switch to top mount. I know its not a popular option for smaller turbos but the ease of access was worth it for me.

As always, thank you much. Hopefully this will also help others looking to capitalize on cheap turbos.

[S14rebuild]

What is budget? What is ur price range...?

[oewoko]

Hi, I don't have much to contribute for info, because it is hard to find. I have both an hx35, and an h1c that I found at my scrapyard. Not sure which one I'm putting in yet, but probably the hx35 since it's newer. I bought a much smaller Tim's turbo 0.63 a/r hotside. This should help with the spool compared to the big housing they usually come with.

I decided to get a cast iron top mount manifold, because of the cracking problems people tend to have with the cheaper stainless ones. And I'm hoping the short runners will also help with spool.

From threads I've read (mostly from the UK), use a 3" turbo outlet. Going from a 2.5" outlet, then widening it to the 3" dp really restricts the exhaust.

I have all of the pieces to put the turbo on, but need to get it to my shop. I'm really hoping the spool won't be very laggy, but I'm going for a super budget build, so I can't complain too much since my turbo was free.

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[oewoko]

HX35 is the successor to the h1c. There is also a 7 and 8 blade hx35. The 7 being lighter and more aerodynamic, but not as common as the 8

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[SRSmith]

@s14rebuild

All the above turbos I commonly see in my area in the 200-300 range.

[SRSmith]

@oewoko

Thanks for the info on the H1C. Yes, I'm temped by all the cheap holset HX35 turbos around, but I think Id probably end up spending a lot on supporting mods (MAF, injectors, fuel pump, etc).

Ah yes, I should add I'm still running the stock MAF.

[S14rebuild]

200-300 isnt much for a budget....

Stock maf? Holy shit stay t25/t28



THERE IS NOTHING TO MOD IF U STAYN STOCK MAF.....YOUR BURING DOLLARS AND WILL BLOW THE SR20 UP

[oewoko]

Ahhh. I have all of the supporting mods done already. Ive slowly been building since 2006, haha

I think the 480cc's are good up to around 320 BHP. So an hx35 would be way overkill for that power goal. I'd try to find the hx30.

I have an s-afc sitting around if you're interested. Was running it for many years, but now have an enthalpy tune

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[My!]

u can get a stock sr20 manifold for like $20-50. then use a t28 with your 480cc injectors and be happy. prolly easiest route too.

[S14rebuild]

u can get a stock sr20 manifold for like $20-50. then use a t28 with your 480cc injectors and be happy. prolly easiest route too.

Binggo!!!Aaaaaa

[SRSmith]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Yes, I was sure the HX35 was to large for my current parts (as posted above). Should have made it more clear that I was mainly considering the T28 and HY35.

[oewoko]

I also have a Megan stainless equal length bottom mount manifold sitting around, haha

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[SRSmith]

Ok, sounds like a plan. I'll run a t28 and weld a t2 flange on it. As stated, I'm stuck on going top mount.

Thanks all

[S14rebuild]

How are u stuck going topmount?

[SRSmith]

Serviceability. For better or worse I always seem to be working on my car, and bottom mounts are a PITA. I know it's not popular, but it's what I'd like.

Additionally, I already have the braided lines, manifold, and downpipe.

[S14rebuild]

So why not truly invest in a solid topmount setup?

Putting a t28 topmount will be more of a pain... need custom downpipe, custom lines, custom intercooler piping....thats a nightmare.

And all that work for stockish hp. A solid stock bottom mount can be done right. No need to service it with quality parts(lines, gaskets and locking hardware)

But if you got ur heart set on a top mount atleast go with a t3/t4 setup, z32 maf 480cc/550 injectors and safc...this is not a proper setup but has been proven time and time to "work" and be a budget setup


https://www.google.com/search?q=sr20+top+mount+t28&prmd=sivn&sxsrf=ALeKk01Ur5QVLL18HXhIedGuk2Mg06mp1g:159848616 1757&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji5OX-iLrrAhUDyFkKHXmPDCwQ_AUoAnoECBUQAg&biw=412&bih=678&dpr=2.63#imgrc=dkphiTle6ivFtM

This doesnt look any more serviceable then a bottom mount...

[SRSmith]

Ok, I'll bite

You mentioned doing with a t3/t4 turbo. Are there any budget options for this besides an ebay knowoff? Honestly don't know much about these turbos besides having a t3 exhaust with t4 compressor. How much air are they pushing? Less then an HX35? Maybe close to a HY35?

Either way Ill have to change some things up. Ive already got the lines and custom downpipe, but the intercooler plumbing will need moding. Fortunately I have a good welder and the experience in that department.

And yes, I have no doubt that a bottom mount can be done right - there's a reason most people go that route. Its jusg not the right setup for me.

Thanks again

[SRSmith]

About the above picture: Yes, the little snail does look a bit funny, but:

Downpipe can be easily removed without removing the turbo. Easier to take off the oil/coolant lines. Easy removal of the pre-turbo air supply piping. Turbo can be removed without taking off the manifold.

I had the best bottom mount could offer. Stainless headers and downpipe. Honestly, my only regret is not going to top mount sooner

[S14rebuild]

Well id strongly recoomend you invest in a little bit more on the "top mount idea" and with something a little bit easier...

Intrested to see this concoction of a setup u come up with.

[SRSmith]

Thank you sir. Will post pictures and progress if able.

[S14rebuild]

Ok, I'll bite

You mentioned doing with a t3/t4 turbo. Are there any budget options for this besides an ebay knowoff? Honestly don't know much about these turbos besides having a t3 exhaust with t4 compressor. How much air are they pushing? Less then an HX35? Maybe close to a HY35?

Either way Ill have to change some things up. Ive already got the lines and custom downpipe, but the intercooler plumbing will need moding. Fortunately I have a good welder and the experience in that department.

And yes, I have no doubt that a bottom mount can be done right - there's a reason most people go that route. Its jusg not the right setup for me.

Thanks again


For your budget...ebay turbos are "it"


I ran a precision 5557 440cc injectors z32maf...was a awsome topmount setup and super responsive but thats $900 turbo and older technology now

[SRSmith]

God to know! Haven't really looked into running a z32 MAF. I had planned to get a Power FC with a MAP eventually.

How much power were you making, and at what boost? Were you running the stock fuel pump?

Thank you much

[S14rebuild]

no stock fuel pump......

16-18psi... max injectors.

[jedi03]

twisted motion turbos...upgraded and balanced ebay turbos at same price range

[S14rebuild]

twisted motion turbos...upgraded and balanced ebay turbos at same price range


Is there proof to this? Really just wanna know

[SRSmith]

Another question: A Walbro lph 255 should be good for anything between 200 to 500 HP, correct? Also, I shouldn't need to upgrade my FPR until I'm near the 500 mark as well, right? I don't PLAN on ever going that far, but ya know how it goes...

[S14rebuild]

Walbro 255 is plenty for ur setup u can keep stock fpr to keep ur setup simple

[samotage]

Overall, the new turbo is likely going to be about 1/4 or less of the upgrade budget. Keep that in mind, and if your budget is limited, keep the T25 or t28 and do some other mods like suspension, which have really good results.


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[PoorMans180SX]

I'm looking for a budget turbo upgrade that is also readily available. I will be using a stainless top mount T3 header, 480cc injectors, and a safc.

T28 - easy to come by, but I'd have to modify my exhaust manifold
HY35 - Cheap, pretty common, but is it too big?
HX30 - Small but harder to find
HX-35 -Super easy to find and cheap, but I'm sure its much to big for my current goals
H1C -Couldn't find much info about this turbo. Is is HY35 or HX35 size? I've heard its an older turbo and less efficient, but its very easy to find.

Not looking to make a ton of power, I'm sure I'm limited by the SAFC and injectors anyway. My goal was a bit more power and to switch to top mount. I know its not a popular option for smaller turbos but the ease of access was worth it for me.

As always, thank you much. Hopefully this will also help others looking to capitalize on cheap turbos.

"Capitalize on cheap turbos"... There is no capitalizing on cheap turbos. You're looking at this all wrong. You don't need to upgrade your turbo setup. Drive your car. Fix the issues it has because it's 25 years old. Do regular maintenance. The cheap route is going to break things and you're going to regret not doing it the right way.

That being said, if you're dead set on doing dumb stuff, the HY35 is the best turbo on your list of top mount options.

Also I have a complete bottom mount setup with T25/T28 hybrid I'll sell you cheap. Hah.

twisted motion turbos...upgraded and balanced ebay turbos at same price range

Twisted motion turbos are absolute garbage. Don't give me the "my buddy has one and hasn't had any issues" bullshit. They are China turbos that fall apart.

[samotage]

"Drive your car. Fix the issues it has because it's 25 years old. Do regular maintenance. The cheap route is going to break things and you're going to regret not doing it the right way..

This is gold class advice.


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[SRSmith]

Welp, ended up finding a killer deal on a turbonetics t3/t4 and tial 38mm. It'll fit my manifold, and I'll just have to get a SAFC now. I'll post pictures when it's all mounted.
Thanks everyone

[samotage]

The safc has one purpose in life, to destroy engines. Seriously, don?t go there!


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[SRSmith]

You sure bro? Lots of other people have used it on low boost settings with success.

I plan to upgrade to a power FC eventually, but honestly that's above by knowledge level right now.

[SRSmith]

As promised, here is a picture of the final setup. Just waiting on the Z32 MAF pigtail.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fq_w9N1AlkdvzlWdt2ShseVPdprXIwXh/view?usp=sharing

Really looking forward to dressing up the bay a bit, but I wanted to get it running reliably first.

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. While I didn't end up going with a "budget" turbo, I did get it for a killer deal. I guess I can advise everyone to keep an eye out on the local classifields, who knows what will pop up.

[PoorMans180SX]

SAFC belongs in the trash. You're much better off spending the money on a ROM tune from Enthalpy or JWT.

Low boost like factory boost, since there's no way to adjust timing and that gets super sketchy once you get past a mild bump from factory power.

Don't get stuck in these "someone else has done it" mentalities man. Those same people have probably grenaded five engines and say things like "SR's are trash".