Better options out there. The kit just doesnt produce the numbers that are stated. Believe me, I went around and around with this turbo.
100% stock intake and filter with a catalytic converter installed, it spools with peak torque at around 3.4-3.7k (depends on the gear)...still flows ~29.xx lbs/min with 90F-100F charge air temps. It has been pretty hot here for February. When a cold front comes through, it goes over 30 lbs/min. I am surprised the stock intake/filter can even flow that much. Still early in the tuning process, haven't seen cold weather since the boost was upped. Very safe so far with the "OK" quality 93 in my area.
I rolled the dice and it worked out for me. I have a preference for saving my rods from that brutal low end torque, and I have seen very few Garrett core failures in motorsports. I trust Garret and Borg Warner to make good turbo cores. The bored-out, stock-turbo based hybrids just don't last as long. They will blow sooner than later, those tiny wheels are just spinning too fast. I'm planning to keep my car for quite a few years, so these things matter to me.
Edit: Saw a pumaspeed turbo in the "for sale" section with a snapped exhaust turbine with less than 10k miles. Reconfirming my already very heavy bias, I don't think those turbos are reliable with 29-30 lbs/min flow going through them. Sure, they might do it...but for how long? Bet they are very safe at ~260 whp, though.
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