Okay, I just installed this turbo and took it to the dyno. It did have some problems... My compressor housing is leaking but only at 18 psi. It made to 20 psi once but after that it couldnt crack 18 psi. Also the wastegate had a hard time stabilizing the boost, cause the tuner said it was struggling to say the least. However with all of these problems, it put down 411 rwhp at 20 psi and 390 rwhp at 18 psi. So not too bad of numbers considering this was on a dyno dynamics which I found out compared to a dyno jet can be anywhere from 12 to 15% low. So account 15% and it wouldve made 472 rwhp at 20 psi.
This turbo is definitely capable of putting power down, it just seems that is has a hard time holding it. With the compressor housing leaking, it is extremely laggy as well. Full boost seems to come in at around 4500 rpm, so not much of a powerband to work with.
After reading a lot of this thread, Ive seen suggestions of using RTV to seal the compressor housing. I wouldnt mind trying this to see how it works as long as someone could post some pics of EXACTLY where to put it cause I only see pics of the compressor housing removed, and I definitely dont want to mess that up. Im assuming that with the compressor housing sealed up the powerband should shift a bit lower since the turbo shouldnt be working as hard to achieve the same boost.
A lot of discussion here brings up this turbo compared to a 57 trim. Well I swapped my 57 trim for this turbo, and I can shed some light:
1st) The 57 trim definitely spools much faster and has a nicer powerband (compared to my T61 with a leaking compressor housing)
2nd) The 57 trim is much more convenient when it comes to plug and play
3rd) The T61 will make more power (not talking about powerband, just numbers) MY setup 378 rwhp @ 15 psi (57 trim) vs. ~470 rwhp @ 20 psi (T61)
4th) Price is about the same for both if you buy new, I bought my T61 used with lines for $400
IMHO, I would go with the 57 trim for streetable power, only because I still have some playing to do with my AVCR to see if I can keep this thing on the road. I plan on going to the track to see how it can manage there with some adjusting of the AVCR. My fastest ET with the 57 trim was 12.67 on drag radials. Im running street tires now, so I'll pray
I would imagine that with the compressor housing fixed, that I would like the T61 much better hoping that I could move the powerband somewhere that is manageable.
Anyways, sorry for the long post, but I wanted to post some info that I know some are wondering or speculating about. Again, if anyone has any ideas on how to fix the leak in the housing, Im ALL ears!!
Brandon
