Random turbo question

[2002XR]

This MIGHT belong in lounge since its not Cougar related, but I guess we'll find out. Anyway, on with the questions...

I just recently got into the "turbo scene" with the purchase of my '91 Eagle Talon and have been reading countless threads on various forums discussing different turbos and what not.

I guess my question is, how do you know what turbo is bigger I guess I'm trying to say. I see all kinds of different turbos like the 16b which is the stock turbo on my car. Then I see everything from 16G, Big 16G, 18G, 20G, T3, T3/T4, 50 trim etc. (I mean, I can obviously tell that an 18G is bigger than a 16G)

Just looking to get some light shed on this for me haha. Thanks everyone

[MagicHallucinations]

Check this out-----> Turbo Size Comparison



The easiest way I've found is to search the serial number that's on the turbo. Or you can just call the company that makes it, they'll tell you everything you want to know. Garrett has all theirs online and you can find most of the mitsu turbos and IHI's as well.


You can also look at the CFM(cubic feet per minute). This is how much air it pushes. Most people ask, "how much psi you pushin?" This doesn't matter because 14.5psi on a 18G is different than 14.5psi on a 16G. Since the 18G pushes more air, you're going to get more hp at the same psi.

Now I'm rambling, lol.......

[MagicHallucinations]

btw, if you don't know what the inducer and exducer is, here's an image for you

[FastCougar]

When you measure the inducer/exducer, do you do so from tip of vain to tip of vain across the center? This would be the vane diameter no?

[MagicHallucinations]

Originally Posted by FastCougar

When you measure the inducer/exducer, do you do so from tip of vain to tip of vain across the center? This would be the vane diameter no?

I thought it was like this......







So the vane diameter is from......







And those are straight vanes.....there are curved vanes and variable vanes, that are controlled by a membrane actuator that is similar to a wastegate. And some VV turbos are controlled by engine management.

[pgtatx]

The most confusting fact with turbos is the fact that there are actually only a few companies who manufacture turbos. Then there are other companies who modify the turbo components.

You have the Cartridge, The Compressor and Turbine Housings, The Compressor and Turbine wheels, etc... each combination will create a different outcome.

ie. Ability to build more boost, or less boost, quicker spool, or delayed spool, more mid range, upper range, lower range power, etc etc... and of course the amount of air it will flow...

Mitsubishi produces a few different turbos, and many companies further modify these turbos whether it's with clipping wheels and porting housings, or completely replacing the wheels and housings and just retaining the cartridge.

Stay away from using the terms "Bigger" and "Smaller" as they really just confuse the facts. There are also levels of efficiency, for each turbo, and keeping in that sweet spot is the key...

Just remember more "boost" does not necessarily mean more power... it definitely means more heat, however...

Stick with reputable companies when selecting a turbo, and don't be a price buyer. Cheaply built turbos will often have balance or performance problems, and after the misbalances compressor wheel slams into the housing and the fins break off and get ingested into your motor that you just spent thousands building, and destroys the motor... you'll wish you ponied up the extra couple hundred on a better built turbo...

Also, opne last point... each company has different names for the different measurements of the turbos... ie. typically Garrett turbos use A/R to describe the turbine housings (compressor too in this case), where as MHI uses nozzle inlet measurements like 7cm, 8cm, 10cm, etc for description, and others just use codes like FHI with their P17, P18, P20...

Blah blah blah...

[pgtatx]

I hope some of these ramblings make sense... I'm talking to customers and typing at the same time... I may proofread this later on...

Just remember this is just some very general info...

[MagicHallucinations]

That is excellent info my friend and 100% true.


The cartridge I have is from a GT2871R but it has a ported APS sr40 housing. From what I've been told, it's bigger than the garrett housing that comes with this particular cartridge. So it's able to support a little more hp.


Deadbolt swaps mitsu CHRA's into IHI turbos, Garrett's into APS's, etc, etc.....it's like legos

[FastCougar]

Originally Posted by pgtatx

Just remember more "boost" does not necessarily mean more power... it definitely means more heat, however...

<raises hand>I can vouch for that!</raises hand>

[TsiPiMp]

Originally Posted by 2002XR

This MIGHT belong in lounge since its not Cougar related, but I guess we'll find out. Anyway, on with the questions...

I just recently got into the "turbo scene" with the purchase of my '91 Eagle Talon and have been reading countless threads on various forums discussing different turbos and what not.

I guess my question is, how do you know what turbo is bigger I guess I'm trying to say. I see all kinds of different turbos like the 16b which is the stock turbo on my car.

Hey man i have 2 dsm, im pretty sure you mean you have a 14b on the car. I have never heard of a 16b. The 1g's come with 14b with the manual or 13g with the auto. Check out DSMtalk.com - DSM Forums :: Eclipse, Talon and Laser Information got a lot of useful info for you.