i posted a question a few days ago about the garrett gt28-rs, i was wondering if anyone out there was using it yet, and i got no positive replies. well, i've since installed one on my s13, and just so you know... no matter what anyone tells you it isn't a direct bolt on.

well, it is and at the same time it isn't. it has the same t25 flange so it bolts to the manifold and the oil and water lines have the same thread but thats about where it ends. there are a number of things that have to modified and fabricated in order to complete the install. so if you plan on getting this turbo don't think its as easy as putting on a new t25. i don't have time now but i'll be back later to give you a complete rundown on the install. and i'll try to post some pics once everything is complete.

 

hopefully it will pay off in the end with a near lagless turbo.

 

for anyone interested in getting this turbo, here's a few things you'll want to know before taking on this project. now first, most of the info you'll need you can find at sport compact car's webpage under project cars/ project silvia. here's some other things you may want to know. although the turbo bolts to the exhaust mani, once you hook up the oil and water lines, they won't line up with the holes in the block. you will have to very carefully bend them around to line them up. another thing that is kinda a big deal, when you rotate the intake side of the turbo to where it will fit you'll find that the wastegate actuator won't be anywhere close to lining up. sportcampact said they took it off and fliped the bracket, which you have to do. but after you do that you may find that the shaft that operates the wastegate is about 1/2 inch too short. we had to make a custom spacer to move the actuator over 1/2 inch toward the back of the motor. if anyone isn't sure what i'm talking about i'll post some pics soon. then where exhaust bolts to the turbo, the top left hole will be off a fraction so you will need to either use a round file to widen it or use a drill bit, don't forget to enlarge the gasket as well. also i switched to a tubular manifold and because it's shaped different you have to get rid of the oil catch tank that is at the back of the motor above the turbo (the one that catches oil from the valve cover breather) this would be a good time to change over to an aftermarket catch can. that all being said now comes the fun stuff, your hot pipe from your turbo to your intercooler won't line up anymore because the disco potato doesn't have the cast elbow that comes on the t25 so you'll need a 45 degree elbow to line the pipe up. also your intake pipe won't line up either you you'll need a piece for that as well, unless you want to make a custom intake pipe which i'm going to be doing soon. if you go that route then you just need a straight hose to connect the turbo to the intake. the last bridge to burn is the oil drain, the t25 drain wont line up, so you can either ring out the holes with a drill untill it fits or you can make a custom oil drain. we opted to make it custom (cause thats how i roll) but sometimes you go around your *** to get to your elbow, and you find out the hard way...it leaked. so the factory drain got drilled out. but i think thats mostly everything. these are just a few thing to keep in mind. i posted this info because so many people said "yeah it just bolts right on" but remember if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. a virtually lagless turbo capable of 350 whp has to come at a price. but stay tuned cause i'll post some pics soon and i'll let you know if it's worth the time and money once all the bugs are worked out. later.

 

sounds cool but but a pain in the rear and ow much does the disco potato set u back ?

 

i got mine for $1,050.00, which may seem like a lot but when you compare $650 for a new t25 or $2500 for a hks (which is the same as garrett) it's pretty good for the quality.

 

why didnt you get the GT25/40R?

 

even though the gt25's are ball bearing, and a good upgrade for the stock t25, the gt28-rs is bigger and can support more horsepower.

 

Where did you get it for $1050.00?

 

Where did you get it for $1050.00?

 

cheapturbo.com the owners name is ken, he's a pretty cool guy.
he has about everyturbo you would want a the best prices.

 

actually i think the gt25/40r flows more something lie 44lb.min as opposed to the gt28rs doing high 30s. the gt25 rs is still a great turbo though. good price too. the gt25/40r barely fits by the way im working on mine now. its 60-1 compressor with 4 inch inlet is just big. anyway i have to trim off a piece of the flange that holds the motor mount and the outlet sticks out really close to the sheetmetal on the strut tower wall. if you clock the turbo down more it doesnt line the wastegate up. my advise if anyone does this is buy an external wastegate and weld the flap shut. anyways your set-up sounds nice good job.