I pulled my turbo out this weekend anticipating only to port the waste gate (s5). However, I noticed there is some axial play (sideways) but not enough to cause the wheels to touch the housings. So my options are.....

-Send to BNR for rebuild.
-Standard rebuild or stage 1,2,3?
-Buy rebuild kit, do work myself, have balanced.
-Build Hybrid.

This isn't something I budgeted for right now honestly, so I'd prefer to just rebuild it inexpensively. However, pulling and reinstalling the turbo twice seems ridiculous, as someday I'll upgrade.

I've got plenty of time for whatever, it's not a DD.

FYI - I've got an rtek 1.7, 3" exhaust, and 550/750 injectors. I'd rather not have to upgrade all that as well.

Suggestions?

 

All turbos have side to side play. If they had zero side to side play they wouldn't be able to spin very freely. If it had in and out play rebuild it yourself for cheap or send it to someone like DK who will do it cheap. If it's not in your budget don't do it. I got carried away back in the day and got a BNR stage 3...then I ended up getting larger injectors...a standalone, front mount, etc...**** just adds up.

 

use it, lateral play is normal(as long as it isn't excessive, ie hitting the housing). thrust play is abnormal.

if you're spending more than $200 to rebuild it to stock then you're paying too much. i also rebuild turbos ^, dork.

 

you can send it in to BNR to get a stage 1 done, with your fuel setup thats 275rwhp doable at 8-10 psi.
Or for under $300, you can source a vtrim wheel, a to4b housing, rebuild kit, and balanced.

 

Is my current fuel setup going to be able to handle a custom hybrid? I'm trying not to fall into the pit of "change one thing and have to upgrade 30 other components". I've done that with other cars in the past, don't want to do it again. I'm fine with lower WHP at the moment.

But it's good to hear it doesn't really need a rebuild. I may just port the w/g then and call it a day. Just had the urge to do more after pulling the turbo out...

 

I would recommend using it as is or if your really worried just get a rebuild kit from gpop shop. They are not complicated at all to rebuild.

 

Looks like I'm just going to port the w/g and call it good for now. Thanks for the suggestions/reassurance guys.

 

your current fuel setup is good for around 275rwhp.
But if you do not want to put more money into the car, you can port the waste gate and run 12 psi on the stock turbo. Thats good for atleast 190-220rwhp.

 

^^Until the air hits my stock TMIC in the summer time... ugh.