Thread: BIG TURBO/Hardcore turbo guys. I want your opinion

The only thing I dont like about bottom mounted T2's is that they are harder to work on. A top mounted T3 is a breeze to work on.

What about a SC61?

Johnny, I thought you were talking real big turbos so I just avoided this thread. From the sounds of it you're talking about stuff I've dealt with directly. Having driven Dan's swapped S13 with a GT3076R at around 450 WHP (and other RWD cars with turbos larger than typical for their displacement) on countless occasions I'll say you're dead on with your assumptions in your first post. There's a lot to be said about smaller turbos and quick boost onset for a daily driver, but when you want serious power and are more concerned with the goals you outlined in your first post, the larger turbos are the only thing that can deliver.
As for "living with it" on a daily basis, it is not bad at all, and like you said, as long as you have about 3k rpm of power band, you're all set. There are trade offs with everything, but the gain in traction (from a roll) you get from a bigger turbo is great to have, especially for FWD cars. The delay in boost onset can also change your driving habits. Many find they drive much slower and avoid attracting the wrong kind of attention from the police with a bigger turbo since spooling it turns into an event instead of just a typical thing because of the time it takes, the need to prepare yourself, make sure you're going straight, etc. etc.

Sorry I'm rambling. If you have the mindset I think you have, you'll fully enjoy a T3 flanged turbo.

are you saying this ...with 20ve cams ???

The later the boost onset, the better the traction. This can be good if you don't want to spin everywhere, but sacrifice some response. I run the 3076r and I get 10psi before 3800rpm. 15psi comes around 4200, but the powerband is still too peaky for my taste. I loved my experience with the disco potato. Amazing turbo, crazy response. I hope to get around the same response with the bigger turbo when I change manifolds.

I don't regret going with the 3076r, but it is about the limit of what I can handle (lag-wise). I would like to see 200whp around 3500rpm. Don't be afraid to go big, you will make a lot more power on lower boost levels. You almost always get better VE with lower boost and bigger turbo than a smaller turbo and bigger boost.