All of the stock turbos I've seen don't have nuts on them. I checked Jimmyv13's one AND his spare, both S4 and S5. my S4, my S5, and my S5 hybrid don't have nuts. I doubt that is what caused it.

Turbo overspinning causes the wheel to break, not fins to bust up like that.

It must be debris of some kind to do damage like that.

 

Well, im going to get the turbo rebuilt by turbonetics since they built it originally (its an upgraded 1989 Rx7 turbo). Unfortunately i may have to wait a bit because of money issues. I have to buy an new compressor wheel and also pay for the rebuild. Its going to cost about $450 and about a week turnaround time , but i guess thats just how it goes. Thanks for all your input. I wish i could just go with a new 60-1, but i dont have the money for that kinda upgrade (ie, 2000 for all the components).

Graham

 

Did you figure out what happened?

 

I just looked at one of my old, stock (broken, you don't want to buy it) FD turbos and it has a nut but it isn't a hex head. It is sort of oval with just two flats on it.

-Max

 

OK everyone, i figured out what caused the turbo to get destroyed. The big rubber "0" ring that goes on the end of the 89-91 cone style airflow meter was the culprit. Evidently when i put that on the car to look "right" for smog purposes, the ring must have come loose and gotten sucked into the turbo! I found parts of the ring and shards of my turbo compressor wheel in the bottom of my intercooler. Although i cant confirm it yet, i also wonder if some of the rubber broke off of my K&N filter and got sucked in as well. Just thought id let everyone know so they dont have anything like this happen to them!

On a side note to all those with the "Black Magic" electric fans.....Beware the brass temperature sensor!!! There is a small brass sensor that is meant to touch your radiator so that the build in thermostat can turn the fan on and off. I did not use this function, but the brass piece was still there none the less. Having that piece on caused a hole to be worn in my Mazdacomp radiator from the vibration and metal to metal contact!!!! I was able to get it repaired, but the damage should never have happend. To anyone that has this fan, you shoud modify your fan so that the piece will not touch your radiator. IM not sure if you can remove it completely or not, but make sure it doesnt cause damage! I dont want anyone else having this problem!!!!

Graham