Hi guys am running a standard T3 at the mo on my S2 track car but looks like the oil seals have gone as am getting puffs of greyish smoke when lifting off after boost.

Now, considering I could repair it from what I have seen on other posts it may not be that worth it. So I could replace with a refurbished T3 or get one with a better spec, but which one if I do?

The car is reasonably standard on a strong engine, have only fitted K&N, full magnex, uprated breather and its running a chip although don't know which one. It seems good for 170bhp anyway but not had it RR yet to prove. I was gonna fit a replacement intercooler but think sorting the turbo is a better idea.

I dont want to spend loadsa money either and don't want anything thats gonna be too laggy so what are the best options to consider?

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FORD-RS-FI...item35a4f101b5

This cant be rightor can it??

 

That turbo you linked to is what is known as an Ebay special. Pile of shit, don't touch it.

There are other options. A replacement turbo should be a good quality Garrett item.

 

Been looking today at AET & Turbo Technics and need some advice.

Both offer hybrid turbos but AET has a stage 1 T3 rated up to 250bhp for £505, however the nearest equivalent from TT is a stage 3 rated 210 - 280bhp for £554.

Seeing as there is not much difference in price whats the better turbo, I am inclined to think the TT one would be better cos its a stage 3 but not sure, thoughts anybody?

Details for the TT stage 3 are T3 55 / .48
Details for the AET stage 1 are 55 trim, 0.42 comp cover, 0.36 turbine housing, 360 thrust bearing

Future plans include new FMIC (fitting at the same time as the turbo) before fitting gotech EFi management.
cheeRS

 

The TT one will be noticabley laggier than the AET one as it has a .48 exhuast housing, and the AET Stage 1 is pretty much a Stage 2 TT going by the above spec.
If I were you i'd get a stage 2 TT or the Stage 1 AET whichever is cheaper as they both will be good for around 240bhp and not be very laggy.

 

or get a cossie 2wd turbo and fit it into your 0.36 housing.
granted no 360 degree thrust bearing, but won't make much odds.

 

Wouldn't grey smoke be more indicative of fuel rather than oil which would be blue?

 

Well it looks a blue/grey colour but difficult to tell really. Only really see it on over run and during some gear changes but no smoke on boost. It certainly stinks a bit tho.

When its first started up its fine but then gets really smokey at idle when cold but seems fine when hot at idle, was told by my tuner this is the car burning the oil that had passed into the exhaust as its getting up to temp..
Before I did my first track day I changed the oil, I think it was 5W 30 or 40 (not sure exactly but possibly too thin) but it never used to smoke until that day it started.

The boost peaks at 11psi and holds 10psi running a standard T3 and runs very strong. I have recently changed the head gasket for a Ford one as well as valves/stem seals which were in pretty good condition anyway.