Well, that explains it.

[MMGT1]

Might be worth it though ion. The reason I have spent so much rebuilding the vortech is because I am keeping it forever! Whatever car I own, the charger will be modded to work on it. So, its a lifetime investment in my case... just food for though man

[[ion] C2]

this turbo is not a lifetime investment to me. my main concern with this is to replace the wheel to be like it was before, and to have a nice new tubular manifold and a totally leak-free exhaust. fixing that big leak pre-turbo will make a huge difference.

the engine is the critical item to me. everything else is modular as far as i'm concerned.

[[ion] C2]

Response from a turbo building acquaintance:

Originally Posted by TheShodan

The standard wheel isn't sold seperately any longer (only the GT3071R and G2871R are sold), but I can upgrade the wheel itself to my billet design that I use. I gained over 50whp and improved response by 400rpms under the same boost pressure (Under 20psi)

here's a photo of what it looks like. (the example shows one powder coated)
This is not a Forced Performance compressor wheel





I'm able to do it as long as the cartridge and turbine wheel/shaft are in good order. It takes about 4 days, and you're looking at $500 to make, install and rebalance. (It would have to be rebalanced even if I had a new OEM GT3076R.

Let me know if this is a possibility for you.

[xXManwhoreXx]

It would be sweet

What does a new GT3076R go for?
Seems like a decent price.....my new cylinder heads are nearly 4x that.
And they won't add 50HP.

[[ion] C2]

$1400 for a new turbo.
$500 for billet wheel.

$63 for standard wheel. (Just ordered this.)

Yeahhhhh I need my money to be used elsewhere. The turbo manifold is enough of a big change for now, and if I want to upgrade this turbo I can easily take it back off due to everything being v-banded. (At that point I would likely get a new GTX series turbo)

[xXManwhoreXx]

Or you could get a custom bisimoto turbo

[[ion] C2]

UPDATE

I found a brand new compressor wheel coming off a guy's turbo that's getting a billet one. Buying the factory one and returning the eBay one. Also powdercoating the compressor like the turbo above.


Also I'll be getting a TiAL stainless all v-band turbine housing.


Ordered a new intercooler.

[xXManwhoreXx]

Vband makes everything so simple

[[ion] C2]

And so expensive. WTF, I can't find that housing anywhere cheaper than $405 shipped from ATPTurbo.. most places sell it for $450.

[cherrington17]

Which means you found it cheaper... so quitcherbitchen

[Papa Rad17]

Ion, before I die I have to see you car... And yes, it was hungry!

[[ion] C2]

Ordered the housing.

Tried to cancel the eBay compressor wheel, and obviously English is not the seller's first language. I contacted him immediately the next day about cancelling and he gives me an e-mail like:

Originally Posted by Seller on 8/18

Dear ionc2,

thanks for double checking with us.

well noted, we will check with
shipping warehouse and get back to you as soon as possible.

anything we
could help, please kindly let us know.

happy bidding.

And then 2 days later I get an e-mail saying:

Originally Posted by Seller on 8/20

Dear ionc2,

thanks for double checking with us.

please kindly find the tracking
information.

Tracking number -> RR014667430TW
Tracking website ->
http://postserv.post.gov.tw/webpost/...?cmd=POS4009_1


please
contact us for refound information once you recieve the item

Yeah I'm sure if I ship this thing internationally back to them and request a refund it will get lost/damaged and take a month to get sorted out.

[xXManwhoreXx]

Fyl dude that sucks shipping it back will result in a we never received the package.