I'm looking to get a decent used DSM T25 as an entry turbo, but haven't been able to find any that look non-sketchy for less than ~$120. If that's the going rate, fine, but I keep hearing of people finding them fr ~$50 so, if that is true, where are you finding them?

I'd be game for a decent 14b if the price was right, but they seem to be a bit more than the T25.

What did you guys pay for your used T25 or 14b?

 

$120 isn't a bad price for a turbo with no or limited shaft play that has good compressor and turbine wheels. Atleast i don't think it is. $50 specials are usually sent from the heavens to people doing cheap builds with lots of time to browse forums, classifieds, and junkyards.

 

That would be average to maybe a little high for a working turbo. The prices I payed for blown ones were $40/$60/$70.
I think you already know the turbine housing is going to require a custom manifold and DP to mate to it. Nobody sells anything "Miata" for that housing.
A Nissan T25 off an SR20det or CA18det would be a better choice... just make sure they're .48/.49 just like the DSM's. Everybody makes DP's and Mani's for the standard T2X turbine inlet flange and 5-bolt DP flange..

Rebuild kits are $75 and they're easy. Get yourself a blown one and a rebuild kit. The most important thing about buying a used turbo is the condition of the compressor blades. Be sure the seller sends high-res photos of the blades.

 

I paid around $150 for my 14b. Why do you want to go DSM T25? There not that great of a turbo. There's a reason why DSM people swap there T25's out for the 14b or a 16g.

 

I have paid for a mani/dp setup with DSM flanges (secondhand custom by Tony), so no Nissan stuff for me. The thing I like about the T25 is the quick spool and compressor outlet. I'm going to start with low boost, so high-boost efficiency isn't as important to me. The 14b is also attractive, I'd just need to make sure I got a J-pipe with it. This is going to be a low-budget setup, so the stock dsm turbos fit the bill for price.

 

There is **** like this on ebay all the time:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/14b-1...spagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/tdo5h...45079066QQrdZ1

 

I paid 50 for my nissan turbo, its needs a rebuild the guy says, but there is VERY little shaft play and the turbines are perfect...so....

 

go to a dsm tuner shop since alot of dsm'ers upgrade they will have acess to alot of little t25's.

 

I think I'm watching every dsm t25 and 14b currently on ebay. Both of those linked are high on my preferred list right now. But, like all the rest in the past 2 weeks, it will shoot to $150+ in the last .003 seconds. Grrrr ebay.

Magna, that's a good idea. I just need to find one now...

 

Go to DSM Tuners. They always have cheep *** DSM stuff. There site is have some down time right now because there moving but sometimes it works.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/

 

Dude, buy a blown on and rebuild it. There is no telling what those turbos with "minimal shaft play" and "doesn't burn oil" look like on the inside. They might have 150k miles on them. Keep up to speed on the DSM forums and buy a blown one. Then rebuild it with a $75 g-popshop kit and rest easy. You'll essentially have a brand-new turbo for less than your possible 150k mile unknown time bomb.

The rebuild process is easy. You need a crescent wrench, socket set, a pair of snap-ring pliers, a set of torx-head bits, and a dental pic. It takes an hour depending on how long it takes you to get the turbine housing off.

 

I have replied to half dozen ads on dsmtrader.com, and have not received a single reply. If I do win one on ebay, I'd rebuild it. But I don't want to pay $100+ for a blown one, sorry if I have been confusing.

I'm in no rush, so I just keep waiting...

 

you are doing right. just be patient. i never get replys on the m.net classifieds either. i neveer knew there where as many speed shops in my area until i got my stuff dynoed and looked into the local car scene on the internet.

 

What do you think about a good small 16g for $200?

 

so long as it is a real 16g go for it i love my small. made about 200 dynojet whp and 155 lbft at 8-9 psi with it.