Hello, Im swapping a t3/t4 onto my 98 gs-t this spring and i have a few questions. This is the turbo im putting on: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7949958061&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

I plan on doing a rebuild and so far i have found 2 options for this:
new bearings and gaskets: http://www.saabperformanceparts.com/item107.htm
or whole new center section:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7952952301&category=33742&sspagename=WDVW
According to the sabbperformance in the first site, it is a pre balanced turbo and will not need balanced after a rebuild. Does this sound right? Which method would you recommed doing?

I am also going to have to fab up a new exhaust system. I plan on going with a 3" SS turboback. I know most SS exhausts are made with t304. I found some T409 on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7951475829&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT
Would this be ok for my exhaust system? Is there a big difference between t409 and t304?

My final question is about the exhaust manifold. I cant seem to find many manifolds at a decent price. Are there any brands i should definatly stay away from (ie SSautocrome)? I know i have the option of welding a T3 flange onto my stock manifold and porting it out. Would this be likely to crack? Would u recommend going with an aftermarket manifold or saving cash and putting on a flange and porting my stock?

Thanks for all the help! -Brian

AMS has a full kit and you wont need to fab anything. Or like i posted before i know someone selling one.

Terry

Oh man, have fun with that project haha. That turbo looks a lil beat from what i can see.

My only input is this:

Buying parts off EBay is a recipe for disaster. Just don't do it.

Find a full T3/T4 kit like Terry said. You'll be happier.

You can get the tubing from any number of DSM performace vendors. You can get the turbo anywhere but EBay. With a Turbo, buy new. The cost won't be terribly different.

Modding a car is just like shopping for groceries. The "store brand" is never as good, especially when you are running 300 hp through your 'Safeway Corn Puffs'. 'Corn Pops' are flat out better. And you get what you pay for.

When buying a turbo, you want to buy new. Just adding my 2 cents. Avoid Ebay at all costs.

I cleaned up the turbo and its looking alot better, no damage to any parts. Its actually quite nice for $100. I figured if I cleaned it up and rebuilt it, it would be as good as new since the housing, wheels and all that are in good condition. Which route do you think i should go for the rebuild? thanks for the input. -Brian

You clearly aren't listening to anyone here with more experience than you who is telling you NOT to use this turbo, so here is what you NEED to do. Send the turbo to Forced Performance to make sure it is even worth the $100 you paid for it. Just because it is a turbo does NOT mean it is good for a DSM.

From the Forced Performance Website:

"A typical turbo rebuild is $345.00, and involves the following steps:

Complete disassembly and inspection - turbos we receive are identified, marked, and torn down to component level. Each part is inspected for wear and/or damage, and cause of failure is identified.

Cleaning and sandblasting - Turbine and compressor housings, bearing housing, and turbine wheel are sandblasted and refinished. If your housings are specially coated, we clean them with solvents to avoid damage to the coating. The bearing housing is flushed with solvent and honed, and the turbine shaft is polished to a mirror finish.

Blueprinting - Journal bearing bores are measured for oil clearance. All reusable items are checked against specification.

Reassembly - Turbo is reassembled with new journal and thrust bearings, o-rings, piston rings, fasteners, thrust collars, and seal plates.

Balancing - Turbos are dynamically spin balanced as a complete assembly to less than half the manufacturers allowable limit.
If your turbo requires replacement parts due to excessive wear or damage, that price can go up depending on the extent of the damage. Also, while having your turbo rebuilt, inquire about the many upgrade possibilities available for most turbos."

That is the route I think you should go.

I see your point and it is definately a good one. I dont want you to think im blowing off all of your opinions cause im not. I never thought of oil clearances and all that fun stuff. Is there a website where i can find the specs for clearances? Id like to measure them myself before i send it out. No use payin for something you dont need. I have experience in engine rebuilds so i imagine measuring turbo clearances cant be too much different. Im also in college for automotive so i am trying to get all the experience i can, thats why i am asking about the rebuild. I have access to just about any equipment possible at school. Thanks to all. -Brian

Pretty much everyone in this section who has delt with ebay has gotten seriously burned at some point. If it werent for matt, my ebay burning would have been a total disaster (thanks again for the injectors);

We all wish you luck in whatever you pursue here and are more than willing to help, but please, don't buy parts on ebay.

yea it ended up being JUST a t3, deff not a t3t4. I wish i would have posted this before i bought the turbo. I decided to go with a ported evo 16g from buscher racing. thanks for the advice.

have you bought it yet?!? don't pay for porting wiht bushur


their turbos are fine, but their port jobs suck! send it to slowboy or someone else similar to get it ported and fitted with a 34mm wastegate..

just my .02

I havent boughten it yet. Thanks, i will have slowboy port it.

Forced Performance has the best porting in the forced induction industry. I would suggest sending it their way. Or buy their Evo16G.

After buying my Green from FP, I will most likely never deal with any turbocharger dealer other than FP ever again. They know what works and how to make their turbos bulletproof.