replacement turbo advice please

[andycupra]

hi all,

seeking to hear thoughts on options when replacing a worn out turbo.

ok, so I have moved on to another brand (alfa) so this isn't Seat specific, but this is the only forum I like

IE,
Is it best to buy a brand new turbo of the original OEM brand? Garret: (circa £900)
Refurbished by independent (circa £350)
Refurbished by garret (Circa (450)
Brand new alternative brand. (circa £400).

anyone had any experience of alternative turbo manufacturers such as:
Turborail
Meat & Dora

( I plan on changing oil/filter and turbo oil feedpipe at time of turbo replacement)

thanks in advance.

 

[Legojon]

I don't know. I'm not quite ready for a new turbo yet. But at some point in the future I wanted to upgrade to a TTE420. And I've had the same thoughts. Eg, my current turbo is on 50k. If I get it refurb'd will it do another 50k? Whereas if I buy brand new, it should do another 50k!

Add to this, the independents I've had quotes from don't refurb the turbo themselves, they send it off. So it's worth asking whichever independent you like where the turbo actually gets refurb'd. The other thought I had as well. Most of them take your turbo, give you an already refurb'd one off the shelf and then send yours in. In which case, I would be trading a turbo that's done 50k for a gamble on one that could have done less or drastically more.

So I guess my advice would be, contact some independents (and Garret), find where it goes, do you get your own turbo back and how much warranty is there.

 

[Sparkie]

I’d refurbish with
Owen Developments.
Oxford.
They will strip it and then call you tell you what’s had it and what needs replacing.
You can go from there.
Half the time they will fit better bearings and ceramics etc than oem.
They build turbos for lots of race series ( BTCC is one of them ) and are real specialists.


Badger5 Custom Map + TIP,
3”Custom exhaust, FMIC, Bosh 550’s, BC Coilovers, ARB’s +loads more.

 

[andycupra]

the sending it off to somewhere to assess and feedback is an option, but i always wonder, or worry i will have a car off the road and they basically have you by the balls so to speak.. 'oh its completely knackered'.. etc
if i knew someone, or a friend of a friend then i might go this route, but sadly i do not.

anybody able to vouch for somewhere in the hertfordshire or surrounding areas?

 

[Sparkie]

the sending it off to somewhere to assess and feedback is an option, but i always wonder, or worry i will have a car off the road and they basically have you by the balls so to speak.. 'oh its completely knackered'.. etc
if i knew someone, or a friend of a friend then i might go this route, but sadly i do not.

anybody able to vouch for somewhere in the hertfordshire or surrounding areas?

Go to Owens
You will be put at ease as soon as you walk in.
Very professional set up and company.
Google them.
They make turbos for Indy Lights series in America.
They don’t need to pull the wool over your eyes. Not worth their reputation.
I went with a recon company ( with a proven background in refurbishing turbos )before Owens.
I was given a Chinese Christmas cracker turbo as a refurbished Ko4 original.
Only found out as when mapped it wouldnt hold boost.
Took it to Owens and they gave me the bad news.
I now won’t trust these kind of companies at all. Shame as I’m sure some are really professional.

My advice is drive it there yourself.
Take it first thing and they have an answer for you by the end of the day.



Badger5 Custom Map + TIP,
3”Custom exhaust, FMIC, Bosh 550’s, BC Coilovers, ARB’s +loads more.

 

[R3k1355]

If it's an OEM rebuild then lots of places should be ok to do it as they'll just stick a new CHRA in.
As long as they're buying in a decent CHRA then any moron can do the job (you can easily do it at home too)

Check who they buy the core from, if it's someone like Melett then you're sorted because their stuff is very good quality (and British made)