Quote:
Originally Posted by clutcher
but its a cheap gamble right?  a proper name brand has a hefty 1.5k+ price tag and we are unlikely to push those turbos to their limits on our little engines. |
Well it is a cheap gamble yes. I wouldnt say we arent pushing those turbos to the limit would be a good reason to choose replica turbo though. fact is we wont be pusing either to their limit. The thing that makes the replicas bad is generally bad quality parts, bad or even no balancing, and most commonly, shoddy oil seals.
Mine has new seals and was balanced by a local shop, so it was slightly less of a gamble. Many of the replicas are actually semi-decently made, while others will fail on day one or may not even make 1psi of boost, or blow trying. That is why it is hit and miss. I know someone who is on their same "temporary ebay replica turbo" for the last 2 years. I know others that first day they got it even with a decent oil drain they were pretty much pouring oil into their intercooler pipes.