5S-FE Turbo project, Would like comments/critique Options

[Syaoran]

Hello, this would be my first elaborate post on here and I thought I'd get some feedback from you, the more experienced people.

I would like to know what your opinion on my idea for a boost build would be.

First off, I'm not going to use a CT-26. I would really like to, but the reason is that the ones I've found, that are NOT supra CT-26, are either in need of a rebuild or way too expensive for a small, old turbocharger, that isn't even a ball bearing to justify the price. That is my take on the CT-26. The CT-20b is way too rare, and expensive to rebuild in case I were to find one.


That leaves me with brand new eBay turbochargers. I have first-hand experience eBay turbochargers and I can say that some sellers do sell decent stuff. Ilovetacotaco sells some good turbo chargers.

My main question in relation to this topic is whether I should get a .50/.63 or .60/.63 turbo, considering I'll be using MegaSquirt-II or MS-III, undecided yet (have a friend that's been using them for more than 10 years now, he knows these EMS)

I plan on getting a cast T3 manifold with external wastegate. I'm looking to obtain above 250whp. I believe I should run relatively large injectors, right? Something like 460cc or more? Should I look into forged pistons and rods or should I just keep stock internals until I decide to go more boost?

My budget is about $2700, and this is what I've broken it down to.


1. Cast iron manifold $200 (add $50 for inside-out ceramic coating from a friend who does that)
2. Turbocharger ($150-$300)
3. Wastegate + BOV ($100)
4. Lines, flanges and welding work ($300)
5. TMIC or FMIC (~$300)
6. Pipes/t-clamps/silicone joints ($100)
7. MS-II ($400) / MS-III ($600)
8. 460cc RX-7 Injectors ($100)
9. Fuel Pump + Regulator ($200 if needed in the first place)
10. Gauges (Wideband, Boost, Oil Press. / $350-400)

Total: $2600

I know it'll be more expensive. I'm just wondering if I'd be able to get some things cheaper. I KNOW cheap/fast/reliable, but there's a fine line between what's considered "cheap" and just shelling out money for overpriced stuff.

I know I can rely on some eBay stuff. Most of the time cheap knockoffs are just as good as the originals, as most companies sell you something cheap for a lot of money because their brand name is on it.


Should I do TMIC or go for FMIC? I've already got the All-Trac hood, so I can fit a nice, small FMIC as a TMIC. I'd rather have a more simple setup, boosting 10-12psi. The less lines/pipes/etc, the better.

[Syaoran]

Hey thanks for the comments.

When it comes to the turbo part of the build, I'd rather have separate serviceable "chunks" than All-in-One stuff because, for example, if the wastegate for one reason or the other goes bad, then I'd have to fix/seal the wastegate and turbo as a whole, or get a new turbo. If I get a turbo with no IWG and the external gate goes bad, I can rebuild/replace the gate and be done with it.

I was looking into a CT-26, but there's a couple of reasons holding me back from pulling the trigger on one. For starters it's an older turbocharger. Most of the time you'll find one with 150k miles or more on it. Second, it's a bit more complex to run because of an added line for coolant (which is worth it in the end because it helps prolong turbo life, but it makes the setup less neat).

Performance-wise, I feel the CT-26 is too little for the extra .2L displacement of the 5s-fe. I could get a marginally bigger turbo and have just as fast spool as a 3s-gte with a CT-26, all with a bit more power at the same PSI level. I also have the benefit of having a brand new turbo/less beat-up turbo vs a 16-20 year old turbo.

Nothing is written in stone yet so things might change from here to there.