1jz turning into smoke machine at idle - Time to setup single

AGlobalThreat

Acceleration
Apr 4, 2005
991
0
0
Santa Clarita
Once my car gets near operating temp it starts to emit smoke from the exhaust while sitting at idle or cruising in 1st at low RPMs. Driving at normal speeds it's fine, there is no smoke, and decel seems ok too even though I usually just take it out of gear. The stock twins are still boosting fine, they're pulling harder than they ever have before due to some new mods, but I'm pretty sure this smoke at idle is a sign that their time is running out..

SO

I think it's time to start piecing together a single kit. I searched quite a bit but I'm not looking for the same setup that most people want. I don't need a lot of power, I just want something efficient and reliable. I'd like to stay with stock fuel (at least for now), even if that means running low boost to stay safe. ~325rwhp would be ideal for me, it's my daily driver and my only car. A ball bearing turbo would be nice, but I'm not sure if it would be best for me. If the option was there, it would depend on my budget when it comes time to purchase the turbo.

I already have: A BOV, IC piping, an intake, and heatwrap for the exhaust manifold.

I have a few other questions:
What's the difference between an internal wastegate and an external wastegate? I'm familiar with how an external wastegate works but not so much how an internal wastegate works or how it affects performance. I also assume that I need a boost controller, or can I just use the wastegate?

I keep hearing about the Drewgo manifold but still don't know much about it. Does it fit with no problems? Where can I find out more about it?

Does everyone just make custom oil lines for their single setup? Can I use/adapt/modify the oil lines for the stock twins with a single? Obviously oiling is a big part of a successful turbo setup so I want to know as much as possible to have everything flowing and cooling properly.

I assume I can reuse the o2 sensor if it's still working correctly?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as time progresses, but that's all for now. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited:

annoyingrob

Boosted member
Jul 5, 2006
2,304
0
0
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Internal wastegate simply means the wastegate is part of the exhaust housing of the turbo, as opposed to being a separate unit. They function the same.


Custom oil lines are EASY. Cut hose to size, put fittings on end, bolt into place. It would be more work to modify stockers to fit.
 

tissimo

Stock is boring :(
Apr 5, 2005
4,238
0
0
40
Melbourne, FL
for a small hp fast spooling single.. Look at a t3 turbo.. a t3 57 trim w/ a .64 exhaust.. should spool like stock but make more hp. When you want more power go bigger on the exhaust (will generate more lag, but no big deal still like 3500 full spool).

Drewgo manifold is the best sounding hands down. We had some MINOR fitment issues with it as its close to the thermostat. other then that fit like a glove. As for more information on it, what exactly are you looking for. You can PM him on here (drewgo user name).

You can buy a 2jz oil line kit, but they're pricey ($200). You can build a set your self for 1/2 that.
 

trakman

trakman
Sep 24, 2007
3
0
1
Renton, WA
You should check your valve stem seals. They are the most likely cause of your smoke. Oil is getting sucked thru the valve guides when at idle.
 

OneJoeZee

Retired Post Whore
Mar 30, 2005
5,721
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38
aboard the Argama
trakman said:
You should check your valve stem seals. They are the most likely cause of your smoke. Oil is getting sucked thru the valve guides when at idle.

Disagree.

Blown turbos will smoke like a bitch at idle. I've had enough sets and seen enough to know this.

Valve seals are usually seen at startup and revving.