Turbo Rebuild/Replace Question
 

I'm in the process of rebuilding my 93, and while everything is apart, I've taken a look at the turbos. A quick check shows that there's little to no "in-and-out" movement of the compressor shafts, but side-to-side is a whole other story. I haven't taken any real measurements just yet, and there's not enough movement that the fins are in danger of coming into contact with the housing, but there's definitely some movement.

First, anyone know where I can find tolerances for end-play for the turbos? I've checked the FSM (tech-specs section), and the engine section with no luck.

Second, what do you guys recommend, rebuild??? (rx7store has a rebuild price of $1k...yikes!!), or something else?? I'm aiming to keep the car "stock" (reliability mods only), so don't have any need for upgraded turbos, in addition, I'm in Cali, so smog rules are pretty tight with these things.

TIA!
Justin

If you are just after something basically stock with some reliable performance for the next several years, I would suggest the '99 turbos:

http://rx7.com/store/rx7/fdturbo.html

They are a little pricy compared to what you can do with a single turbo kit. However, if you don't already have a larger IC and aftermarket programmable ECU, then you still come out ahead and with a brand new set of turbos. They are a direct replacement for the stock 93-95 turbos. The stock rebuilds typically do not last all that long. BNR does a twin setup as well, but requires you to have your Y-pipe modified (by him) as they aren't exactly a stock replacement.

Wow, the 99 turbos are a little more $$$ than I'd like to spend. You mentioned that the stock rebuilds don't last too long... any idea what sort of longevity they have? This isn't a daily driver and doesn't get beat on, do you think that a rebuild is still a bad idea???

Thanks!
Justin

if there's no thrust play and minimal lateral play i would consider them to be fine and reuse them. you really cannot rebuild the stock twins.

on a side note it's getting rather old explaining what is fine in inspecting turbos.

Thanks Karack. My apologies if this one has been asked a million times... I must have put in the wrong search terms or something.

Justin

the only thing to also consider is the oil seals, inspect the turbos for oil inside the turbine housing but not inside the manifold, which would equate to bad turbine oil seals. or oil pooled up inside the intercooler which might be an indicator to faulty compressor oil seals.

I'll definitely keep that in mind while checking the turbos out!

Thanks again!
Justin