Aha! A question that I couldn't find the answer to from searching .... so here it is.

Does anyone know if the '99 spec turbos still use the old-tech carbon seal or have they changed to a dynamic seal (ala piston ring or something of that sort)?

I'm forking out a lot of cash for these babies, and I'd like to know every detail possible, if I can.

 

Mazda terms it as an abradeable seal. So the first time the turbo spins, it wears the inner portion to create a very tight tolerance seal. Mazda attributes this factor as the main beneficiary of its higher efficiency ratings(80%+ vs. 60%+ for the older turbos). Each of the turbos is also 1mm smaller which helps them spool up faster and with the higher efficiency, they still generate more power. Win-win situation in comparison to the old turbos.

 

Ahhh. I see now. I always wondered what seal was being referred to when that "abraidable" seal term was used. Kewl beans. No more "holy crap, is it supposed to blow smoke that much?" for me ...

 

Where can I find some '99 turbos? mine have 130,000 mi, and blowing smoke like mad...

 

Supposedly there are a few wholesale guys in CA that can get them for you. laujesse is a forum member in Japan that can also get them for you. Email him at laujesse@yahoo.com. He's got a website with other '99 stuff on there too.

A little warning ... they ain't cheap. But you can get the '99 for cheaper than what Mazda USA will sell you new '92-'98 spec turbos!!! WTF?!?!