Thread: IHI turbo question

has anybody ever tried using an IHI vf series turbo on an sr20, particularly the VE engine? debating whether or not to try a custom setup using this

which turbo how big is it and does it use a standard flange.

Talk to insane imports , I belive was going to use one

I currently have an ihi ball bearing vf34. It is pretty much the best small to mid sized ihi turbo available. Internally it is close to the same as 2871r but with a slightly larger compressor wheel and much better bearings. Bit it isnt cheap, usually around $1200-1400 new. I bought mine used from a friend who was using it on his s14 drift car, but the turbo made boost almost too fast for that car and wasnt the proper size for his displacement. His car running an external gate and was making 15psi by 3k with his built sohc 2.4l. The turbo is designed to be used with an engine around 2-2.2 liters and came stock on the jdm suby sti spec c which is considered to be one of the best versions of the sti made to date.

It should be able to make over 300whp easily with a higher compression engine. My other friend jake was running a vf30 on his s13 sr20 with stock cams, and a stock bottom end(8.5:1) and he made 295whp at around 18psi which was on a superflow dyno so as far as dynojet numbers go he would have been putting down close to 330 whp or so. The vf34 is the same internally as the vf30 besides the ball bearing center cartridge.
IHI VF34.
IHI VF34 Ball Bearing SUBARU Impreza Turbo Turbocharger : eBay Motors (item 280480450144 end time Apr-16-10 22:36:12 PDT)

I havent been able to beat on my car much due to a boost leak, but so far it pulls damn good for the little bit i have gotten on the gas. I should be getting the boost leak fixed by a friend this week and hopefully get on the dyno pretty soon.

Also it doesnt use a standard flange but you could easily weld an ihi flange on the bottom of a t2 flange and have good results. Both the cars i mentioned were set up this way with no issues.

loves it. the turbo ill be using is a VF-40 turbo , the stock one thats currently on my Legacy GT. i plan to upgrade it this summer with a vf52 or whatever else bolts right in (08+ wrx will fit STi or forester turbos wont) so i figgured since ill have a nice decent shape turbo and some side feeds sitting around...hell why not boost the nissan right? just a thought. im more familiar with garrett turbos but seeing as this vf 40 right now comfortably spools 16psi and has the capability to do roughly 18-20 im not sure how powerful it will be for an sr20

you got any pics on how you welded the flange on,also of your setup mounted on the engine

sounds like the turbo is more like the disco making full boost fast peaking at 300whp the 2871r is rated for 440hp-460hp which is more like 350whp peak sounds like a good turbo though if you want fast spool and good peak power

Oops meant to say the gt28rs. LOL Here is a few pics of it mounted. I am using a cheap rwd sr eq manifold with the t2 flange cut off and an ihi flange welded on, we also shortened the runners where they attach to the head flange, and re welded them. I am using a greddy style rwd o2 housing and a custom 3" downpipe.

I have some pics of how we had to modify the manifold if you want those as well. I am just using the nismo water temp adapter for clearance by the way. I really need to get a set of gtir radiator hoses to have more clearance or an intake.

looks real good man,yep pics of the manifold would be great too..thanks