Turbo rebuild options
Unfortunately, it seems as though my turbo has decided it doesn't like me anymore.
The car is still driving fine, blowing a small amount of smoke, but after turning the engine off you can very clearly hear the bearings as it spins down.
It's a CT26 thats been high-flowed and replaced with ball bearings. i've been told its a "GT30" compressor wheel. which, judging by its size... could well be!
the compressor housing has been bored out a LOT.
Not EXACTLY like this, but very similar. close to 55-60mm (measured it a few years ago)
I've come across a few options/possibilities.
I'm a student (this year), and of course don't have much cash to splurge with (for multiple reasons)
I also have a spare STOCK CT26 (17201-74020 from a GT4) that has a fair bit of axial play. (in-out)
most work would be done myself, except for balancing if that is required.
1. buy a full CHRA cartridge for the stock CT26 off ebay for about $250-$380. (depending on quality i'm guessing)
Kinugawa turbo core - ebay
Cheaper core - ebay
Queensland based CHRA 2. buy a full replacement CT26 second-hand.... possible costing up to $500 which would still leave me unsure about it's condition.
3. get the current turbo rebuilt and keep the high-flow (who knows how much that would cost, and would leave me without a car for weeks)
4. buy the rebuild kit off ebay, take it in to get balanced. could still be $400+
A few more considerations:
i'd rather not go so far back to stock because obviously it's been quite nice having the modified turbo
This turbo has modified feed lines/drain lines. I haven't quite looked into the specifics, but the oil feed is a speedflow fitting in the top, and the oil drain has been changed a bit. so i'd need to make sure that fits.
Has anyone played around with CHRA's before?