Thread: How to tell a genuine Garrett Turbo?

So, I bought a turbo and I don't know if it is a genuine Garrett turbo. The cartridge section looks like was treated with some kind of a coating and the name plate is missing (I figure it was removed for painting). Both the exhaust and compressor housings say Garrett on them. It is brand new never used, is there a way to tell if it is a real one? Markings, shapes... ??

its a garrett alright.. my old gt2854r didnt have a plate also.. but looks like u have a genuine garrett...

If it doesn't destroy itself upon startup, it may be a garrett.

There should at least be a serial number stamped/engraved on the center cartridge, where a plate would have been. Call garrett and verify the serial number.

I've added a few cartridge pics.. There's no stamps... hmmm

Wierd.

You could always send the pictures directly to Garrett for verification. They will tell you whether it's legit or not. If it isn't, they'll ask you for more information about the seller. Garrett really frowns on knock-offs because it tarnishes their brand image, just like many other companies.

Good idea, but when I go to their website you can't contact them directly.. only the distributors.. has anyone actually spoke to someone at Garrett before?

That center section looks like some chinese made crap. I'll try to snap some pics of my center section and post them up. It looks different.

I'm going to take these pics to my friend's shop. He's a Garrett distributor and can tell you immediately if it's a genuine center section or not. I'll let you know later.