DIY Turbo Build - Old T28 Vs. Chinacharger
 

Hey folks,

Been lurking since last August, when I was looking to install a homebrew supercharger kit using the Eaton M45 from the MINI Cooper S into my '99 NB RS.

Unfortunately, the inlet pipework fouled on the ABS unit, and short of removing the ABS (which I didn't want to do), I was into some real heath robinson work arounds...

...therefore flogged the supercharger and fitment parts last month, and decided turbo was the way forward... :P

Anyway, I did a 'search' and there's obviously lots of info on this - But everyone's set up is a little different, so opinions appreciated.

I've got an FM manifold / Outlet / DP, which will connect to a custom 2.5" s/s DP back system (with 200 cell cat). Also using FM's oil & water lines.

Fuelling's handled via a MS2 DIYPnP built by Braineack / Reverent, using a Vishnu dual feed rail flowing RX7 460cc injectors. There's a great big HKS air to air i/c which I'm bolting to the front (with a high flow alu rad).

This leaves the turbo - I've been gifted a genuine T28 from a 200 SX Nissan. Condition unknown, as it's sat in a box for 4 years. No real 'in / out' shaft play, but that's about all I can say about it. It has a journal bearing, so could be rebuilt - But I've been quoted $480 for this...(!)

Attachment 187982

Obviously a chinacharger would be cheaper - So:

1. Any advice on the genuine T28? Run with it and see? Bite the bullet and rebuild?

or

2. Put it back in its box, and buy a chinacharger - But what spec would be best with my set up, and where from? (Car will be used for race track work, so don't want too much lag... :) )

Opinions very much appreciated - I'm new to this, and there's some great information / knowledgable members on here... :bigtu:

$480 to rebuild, lol.

Run it as it, and if you need to rebuild and/or go chinacharger it's easy and cheap.

I'd much rather have that garrett than most of the chinacharger options in a similar size.

The actual reply I got from the overhaul company was a two liner -

"hi
a repair is between £250.00 to £375.00+vat, inc carriage ."

VAT is 20% in the UK, so $480 was the cheapest it could be - It might be as much as $720...(!)

You can see why us UK based MX5 owners are forever trying to buy parts from the US...

The front housing has been through my 'parts washer', so I suppose I should give it a go... ;)

Attachment 187980

rebuilding a t28 is something you can do in your garage. I've done a few. But don't rebuild it if it doens't need it, you say there's no shaft play so unless there's a bad seal the bearings should be fine.


lol at VAT tax. just sayin'