Crashunit

Ok after years of searching for a reliable (cheap), reputable (cheap), and knowledgable (and very cheap) person to make me a custom turbo set up to my specifications, I have fianlly decided to go single turbo (yeah!!) . And with much debate and research, I have concluded to go with a custom T-66 single turbo by turbonetics. I know the T-66 and T-78 are almost identical except the greddy one is slightly larger and made by another company, but its also too heavy imo as well, but hey its a big turbo. Now, Im having the manifold, downpipe, exhaust, piping, wastegate, BOV, and all the plubing custom designed as well and it should be a pretty sweet setup when its done. I plan on a conservative goal of 450 rwh and 500 rwh with Nitrous. Now my question is, I have the option of going with ceramic ball bearing as well, and was wondering if that would make a significant diffrence in helping me gain more HP or just reduce turbo lag. The cost of going to a ceramic ball bearing is about 600 bucks more, which is not too much to whine about, but is enough to think about. So I just wanted some opinions if it is worth the money or the pros and cons of going and not going ceramic bal bearing. Thanks.

vosko

iTrader: (4)

it reduces lag that's all. i heard the ceramic ball bearing is not as reliable. but that is just hearsay. i have no actual experience except that i have a T78 in my car and love it

Jesuscookies

iTrader: (1)

If you want to reduce lag, and have the ball bearing set up, why not the GT 35/40.

I realize you have already decided on a set up , but I just had to ask, cuz everyone and their brother seems to be going with the 35/40 if they do not go with the T78.

I have heard many complaints (Heresay also) about the reliablity of the turbonetics units.

machinehead

I went through a very similar decision process when shopping my my turbo. I ended up going with the Innovative dual BB T66. I really blew a wad on that turbo as it is much more than the ceramic bb T66. It spools up very fast for a big turbo, faster than my old 60-1 with that same size ex housing, almost like my old T04E! The only problem I have, is I am always worried that if I blow a apex seal, I will need a whole new turbo and will need to chop off another arm and leg to get it. I went with the dual BB because of reliablity issues with the ceramic bb.
Now all that being said, were I to blow my motor tonight, would I replace my T66 with another BB T66? No. I am just not that loaded. I would save the money and deal with the lag. I did not mind the lag with my 60-1 at all and it even feels wierd to have a big turbo spool that fast. Its almost unnatural. I am still not used to it.
My advice is, either go for the dual bb or stay away from bb alltogether. If you have cash to burn then get the dual bb, if you don't then get the regualr T66. 1.0 devided Qtrim is a nice housing size for the street.
Hope that helps.
Cliff

93redFD

I love my t-78 also. Dont worry about lag, if you down shift you get full boost quicker than you can blick your eye. I

fdracer

damn you got a sick setup there machinehead. its dual bb is just about the best there is. how big are your ports? what kind of manifold are you using?

93redFD

machinehead, when do you make full boost,say 15psi?? What size exhuast housing are you using??

machinehead

In 4th or 5th I make 15 psi by 3500 RPM. 1st 2nd and 3rd go by so fast its hard to really gauge what rpm and what boost level I am at. I run a large street port, 1.0 devided ex housing with Q trim and 3 1/2" outlet.
I am using thte XS cast manifold.. its a tight fit, but its in there.

pistonsuk

i just put a t78 on my t2 and i like the turbo alot it seems to boost great etc..
however, i will that that greddy absolutly sucks when it comes to product support. it took me alot of effort to find someone to get me a replacement compressor wheel.
for this reason alone i would not by another t78 or other greddy product if i can help it. the turbonetics turbos are much easier to find parts for (most are garret i think).
my 2cents
justin

fdracer

imagine how much better this turbo would perform if you used a custom equal length ss header.

machinehead

Crashunit, if you have not already made your selection, I have been thinking about selling my T66 and making the car smog legal again. You could have yourself a barely used dual BB T66 for about the price of the turbonetics ceramic BB crap. Even used this is not a cheap turbo (retail is 2800.00), but it has all the best internals money can buy. PM me if you are interested.

fdracer

TTurboXfd3s

t78! but personally t04r

Crashunit

still debating.. but thanks for the input and offer, I'll let you know once I findout some more information and pricing....

vosko

iTrader: (4)

well if break my T78 or anything bad happens to it. i'm just gonna buy a brand new one they are pretty inexpensive all things considering

93blackr1

Crashunit,...go get machinehead's dual BB T66, is the way to go for street/strip. Just be careful, better watch your a/f ratio or else say good-bye to the turbo. Good luck on your decision.

Poweraxel

get the GT35/40 .. dual BB and perfect for your needs.. The T78 is just to big for normally street driving. Nuff said.

Steve