Rebuilt Stock or TA-49?

[GNR8N-X]

Looks like I'm finally going to be able to afford to replace my turbo on the 87GN (too much play). I never run the car at the track, have no intentions of running race gas or alcohol through it, just my daily driver on 94 octane. Is it worth the extra $200 to get the TA49 over a rebuilt stock (John Craig only) or is it really wasting $$ given my intended use?

The car is pretty much stock, fuel system upgraded, JC chip, Tlink to fiddle with, but stock exhaust with cat, stock intake etc.

[forzfed]

I'd definitely get the 49. Your car will run stronger, you'll make more power and less heat from the turbo because it is a little more efficient. What's $200? I wouldn't even think twice, but that's me.

[turbot2112]

might even want to think about the ta 60, very nice on the street. if not deffinatelly go with the 49. :rock_dj:

[HairDrier]

At 15-16 psi the 49 is about the same as the stocker, so I would go for a stocker. A 49 would make the car worth a little more if you decide to sell it. The 49 does not become more efficient than the stocker until past 20psi. Save your money.

[Reaper]

<< an other vote for the stocker, i have a 49 and i kinda wish i had my stocker back. if i had to do it over i would have got a TE 34. but i would build the stocker!


Dathan

[WH1]

Let me second the TA-60. It spools o.k. with the stock D5 but better with a 2800. But the top end absolutely kills the stock turbo hands down. I'd spend the extra money on it so in the future you'll already have a mid to low 11's capable turbo. Almost everybody upgrades their turbo sooner or later, do it now and don't spend twice.

[jmidolo]

I'd go with the 49 for 2 reasons...#1 being, John builds a kickass turbo. #2 is once you get the 49 and feel the difference you'll be Jonesin' for more and want to sell it and being that it's a new 49, you'll be able to get 4-500 for it, which is more than you'll ever get for a rebuilt stocker. So in terms of RIO when you want to upgrade again, it's a no brainer. I had a 36# inj and a stock TC. If you get yourself a good chip there's no reason you should not be able to tell it's not a stock turbo. It should spool quick and you'll love it.

[HairDrier]

I never run the car at the track, have no intentions of running race gas or alcohol through it, just my daily driver on 94 octane.

At stock boost levels he will never notice the difference. He will be running 16psi MAX. Plus he should be able to get at least $200 for his stocker if he decides to upgrade. Some people on this planet are not like us and actually when they say they dont want to go faster they really dont. I dont know any but I hear they exist :arco:

[Turbo Archie]

TE-34 or TA-49 for the extra $200. I just saw a almost new TE-34 on e-bay with a buy it now for $240.

[turbodave]

At stock boost levels he will never notice the difference. He will be running 16psi MAX. Plus he should be able to get at least $200 for his stocker if he decides to upgrade. Some people on this planet are not like us and actually when they say they dont want to go faster they really dont. I dont know any but I hear they exist :arco:I'd have to disagree. On the wife's 87 we switched over to a TA49, and even my wife could feel the difference in performance. And her car is a "streeter" that rarely sees more than 17# of boost.
There was a significant difference in performance and at all levels of boost. It's not only boost that makes power, it's volume and efficiency and the TA49 is far superior to the stocker in all respects.

[jmidolo]

I'd have to disagree. On the wife's 87 whe switched over to a TA49, and even my wife could feel the difference in performance. And her car is a "streeter" that rarely sees more than 17# of boost.
There was a significant difference in performance and at all levels of boost. It's not only boost that makes power, it's volume and efficiency and the TA49 is far superior to the stocker in all respects.


I agree. My 49 even at street boost levels was superior to stock. Also, 16#? I run 18-19 on the street w/a Jay Carter Chip and 93 octane w/no knock...turn it up... :)

[copp]

Looks like I'm finally going to be able to afford to replace my turbo on the 87GN (too much play). I never run the car at the track, have no intentions of running race gas or alcohol through it, just my daily driver on 94 octane. Is it worth the extra $200 to get the TA49 over a rebuilt stock (John Craig only) or is it really wasting $$ given my intended use?

The car is pretty much stock, fuel system upgraded, JC chip, Tlink to fiddle with, but stock exhaust with cat, stock intake etc.

My car is pretty much stock.Does have jc 93 chip,thunder fab intercooler, basic mods, stock injectors and translator.Just installed ta 49 and after 1 wk tuning can say more power in mid range.Actually less turbo lag.Do have queston.Would upgrading stock injectors and chip change be needed ?

[jmidolo]

My car is pretty much stock.Does have jc 93 chip,thunder fab intercooler, basic mods, stock injectors and translator.Just installed ta 49 and after 1 wk tuning can say more power in mid range.Actually less turbo lag.Do have queston.Would upgrading stock injectors and chip change be needed ?


If you really want to take advantage of your upgrades, stepping up on the inj and getting a new chip to go with them would be wise. Especialy if you want to race it. The consensus used to be 49/blue tops was the best combo, but now many are stepping right up to 50s as they are a great inj and have very good driving characteristics and not much more than a set of 36s....if it's just street car then it's not really needed, but then again, you didn't mention how many miles you have on them stock injectors which are probably leaky and clogged anyhow...

[1QUICK85]

I know, I know I have a "Hot Air" and they werent fast to begin with.... :add_wegbr
I just wanted to say I love my TA-49. It breaks the tires loose on a 20mph roll at just 10# of boost. I am sure the rest of my combo is helping out too, but the turbo is just more fun then the little hair dry that my car came with!! Just hope the tranny holds up.

Nick