Skyline GTR T28 vs. Saab T25.
 

I'm exploring the idea of a cheap DIY turbo kit. I'd like to stay on the small side as far as turbos go (not looking for big power). I know someone that has a tight stock T28 from a R32 skyline that I can get for very cheap. Alternatively, I can get a T25 from a Saab 9-3 for really cheap too. I happen to have a Saab 9-3 as well, and I like the way the turbo feels in that car at 12psi. Top end is nice and strong and it gives good mid-range punch.

I'm having trouble finding specs for these turbos, and I don't know which one I would like to go with. From what I understand I'd need a different exhaust housing for the skyline turbo because of the proprietary flange they use, and the same deal goes for the Saab turbo, although it'd be easier to use a piece of Saab downpipe to make it work. The saab seems like the cheaper way to go. Don't even have to buy those stupid inlet and outlet fittings for the compressor side like I'd have to on the Skyline turbo.

Anyone have any opinions?

If it is the rb20det turbo... the ceramic bladed turbo... skip it. They fall apart at higher boost levels.

nah it's from an RB26. He has both of them in fact, however I only need one.

Go with the Saab if you think you will be happy at 150-180whp (maybe a bit more).
The T28 can make more power, with some lag, but it sounds like you would rather give up some power to have less lag.
On another note, cheaper can be better, this would be the case here.

I'd rather have less lag. 180whp would have me giddy. :)

I also did some research and apparently a TD04 from a Saab 9-3 viggen or 9-5 Aero is a drop in upgrade from the T25. Some company also makes a 19T upgrade beyond that which sounds pretty badass. Worst case scenario, in a couple of years if I want to upgrade to a GT2560 or something, I have the downpipe redone. Not the end of the world.

id go for the t28 but im all for bigger power :o

FWIW, the Saab T-25 turbo has a funky turbine housing (not the standard 5 bolt DSM/JDM "cover") that has an integral "ball" for a Saab downpipe with a cone fitting. ID on the ball fitting (part of the turbine housing casting) is only 2.25". Probably not a factor at lower power levels, but it is a restriction if you want a 2.5" downpipe and exhaust system.

I already knew about the turbine housing, but I also just noticed, looking under the hood of my 9-3, that the compressor inlet is some fucked up v-band setup. Now this is getting complicated. I'm probably going to go with the T28 or pick up a used T25 from an SR20. Funny thing is that last year I had a T25 sitting in my garage collecting dust that I threw out because I figured I'd never need it. I'm such a twat.

Pics of the t28?

Maybe hook a miata brother up? I have an rb20 that I 'think' might be compatible with it... :p

I'll have to go and take a look at them.

Ok so I bought a regular T25 from an SR20. I think this was the better choice. .64 a/r too which is nice for top end.

They are pretty small turbos, smaller than the stock one off an rb20 even. I have a couple of the ones of the r34 gtr one of which I should soon be putting on my mx5 on the homemade manifold I have built. They are the first of the gtr to get ball bearing, though they are quite tiny.

Some specs of gtr turbos http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tbroom/Turbos.htm