Garrett GT Turbos

[Millertime2]

So I am researching turbo basics so that I might make the right decision when replace my stock turbo on my new motor. I go to the Garrett site and a few others and read alot about their GT series turbos. Will these bolt onto a T3 flange? If so does anyone have experience with them. Also is the ball bearing option really worth the extra money for either the GT or the T3/T4 hybrids?

[MikeLTDLX]

I am running a hybrid based on Garret GT series wheels only, not the BB center section.

It is a PT&E GT3251E. Basically, GT 32 compressor and turbine wheels in more standard T4/T3 housings sans the BB center section. In this case, the compressor is in a .60 A/R To4E compressor housing and the turbine wheel is in one of PT&Es .63 Stage III turbine housings. Stage III is really a Turbonetics word, the PT&E is actually more like between a .63 and a .82.

Anyway, the turbo kicks ***. It is very responsive, I never have any issues with compressor surge and it will support around 450 HP and the 20 psi of boost I am running is fat in the efficiency range of this turbo. On the highway cruising at 70-75 it only requires the slightest tap of the go pedal for passing and instant boost.

One of the problems with buying a Garret specific GT turbo is most companies won't rebuild them. There are some really good GT options out there that aren't Garrett. Like the PT&E stuff and the ATP stuff. Many have had success with the GT3037R series and the GT3071 looks very promising. Those are BB turbos.

One other thing. If you aren't very knowledgeable about turbos, it would be in your best interest to get a quick education about how to read a compressor map, etc. There is a really good post over at turboford in the archives entitled "How not to guess about turbos". I would suggest it as it is a really good read.

Mike

[Millertime2]

Ok thanks for the info about TurboFord. I just got a copy of HotRods "engines" magazine and there is a great 3 part article inside about turbos and how to read compressor maps and such. But will a GT series bolt up to my stock E3 manifold? Or do I have to do what you did and use a T3 housing? Also who built your turbo?

[MikeLTDLX]

I would suggest that if you are going to replace the turbo, you at least use an E6/ You have to take both off anyway, you should upgrade at that point.

GT series turbos use T3 flanged turbine housings, so yes, they will bolt right up.

My turbo was built by Precision Turbo, otherwise known as PT&E.

Mike

[puleo76]

at the airport i work at, on the premises is garrett, we give them fuel and stuff when they test out the things they fix and i thought maybe they made my turbo and it wound up being that they did before air research took control or whatever, i thought that was cool.

the mechanics showed me some plane engines being tested on the dyno and sutff, it was awesome. and btw... those engines are the loudest ever, lol. they showed me how the stuff works and everything 2.

[Millertime2]

Oops, I do have a E6 manifold. Thats great that it will bolt right up to the stock piece. I found some info last night on PT$E turbos and was impressed. Are they just a overhaul/rebuild shop for the Garrett GT turbos, or are they a variant on the design or what? Am I better of (performance wise) to buy a new garrett or a PT&E turbo?

[SVOeric]

If you don't want to get into compressor maps, and such, the best idea is to call someone that knows.

Charlie@Evergreen turbo runs a awsome business. Tell him what your HP desires, current and future mods, what RPM range your want your power, and he'll spec out a turbo for you.

This guy gives some of the best service I have ever seen, or heard of in the turbo business too.

Check out our vendors page to find contact info for him.