The eternal desire for more spool (MK turbo transition)
 

Hey guys, so I've purchased a used MK Turbo setup off of this wonderful site a little less than a year ago.

First off, Lars knows what he is doing and his setup is definitely the best thing I've ever invested in. Zero issues, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is on a budget. seriously, its awesome :bowdown:

That being said, I've been wondering about a faster spooling setup, and what can be re-used and what should be swapped out to make the most efficient use of what I have currently.
Anyone can say swap everything for something better.. but I'm curious to everyone's opinion on how to start chasing a better spool from what I have now, or if it doesn't make sense.

EDIT:( 97 1.8)
Currently running
- MK turbo t3 manifold

- China charger

• T3 50-trim internal wastegate turbo
• Intake: 2.5 inch
• Inlet: 2.25 inch
• Compressor trim: .42ar
• Compressor Wheel diameter: 43.20 / 60mm
• Turbine Wheel diameter: 45.74 / 62.86mm
• Exhaust Trim: .48ar
• Turbine flange type: t3 flange
• Down pipe flange type :2.50" v band
• Cooling type: oil cool only
• Horsepower rating: 325-350
• Actuator setting: 8psi

- 2.5in charge piping (if relevant)

If there is a very similar post feel free to delete, I couldn't find anything w/ search.

You running an EBC yet? Check sonofthehills and Schroedinger they have some good posts on what they have done to improve spool. Also sometime in the future when I get my cast manifold out that should help a bit.

Other then those things it gets pricey quickly. You really have to get an EFR at that point.

is this a 1.6L or 1.8L?

Wire the waste gate closed and see if the spool is good enough for you (also, set a low boost cut and druve carefully). If it is, look into an EBC, if it is not, then we can start looking at other things.

96 with a 1.8 if I remember right. This was the first used set that went up for sale.

X_25 is correct mostly, 97 with a 1.8. Edit: will be messing with your suggestion tomorrow as well.
As for an EBC, I'll start looking at my options.
I was following sonofthehills build thread religiously until school got in the way as it usually does, great stuff in there
Also very excited to hear of this cast manifold you speak of Shuiend

Get a EBC or a MBC. That will hold the wastegate closed and will help spool, running directly off the can will slow spool because it probably cracks open around 4-5psi before it hits 8psi target. Only other ways to improve spoolup is with a free flowing exhaust and higher compression pistons.

From low to high price and ease of install. (Mostly)
Ebc will improve spool,
a smaller ball bearing turbo
3" exhaust.
Vvt head with vvt control
beyond that a tse EFR kit.