Mine looked just the same

 

Mine is also routed like that. No apparent issues so far, only about 800 miles on it. Had it the other way around and it got kinked. Bent it back to round with some pliers and ran it like both of yours.

 

​​​​​​Thanks everyone. I've been getting smoke out the exhaust and smoking from the turbo (a bolt came loose on the hot side) so I'm hoping this fixes that. I just hope I don't have a leaky head gasket or bad rings.

Compression readings came out to

140/140/140/150 dry
175/172/172/202 wet

What do you guys think? Do I have a rebuild in my future?

 

Ouch looks like bad rings, my dry compression have always been 170 ish. the important part of all your numbers is even though they're 140s and 150 they're within 10% of each other so that's good.

 

Yea. There's some liquid that leaks out of the top part of the manifold by cylinder 4. Doesn't smell like fuel or oil. So hoping the head isn't blown. Did a block test and came out fine. I'll keep an eye on the coolant. No other signs of a head gasket leak other then the smoke the car was blowing. But who knows, might be condensation building up on the huge 3 inch exhaust.

As long as the engine lasts me 5 years I'll be okay, I can plan a rebuild with forged internals by then.

Only 87k on the car too :/

 

In for new manifold.....

 

Does anyone know of a good rebuild kit for the turbo's that Lars has been sending with the external wastegate for NB2s? I installed everything and have been running it for about 100-200 miles and found that the turbo was leaking oil on the exhaust side. I had to make my own oil drain line as the original one was not clearing the AC bracket very well. I had a pro from HPDE check my oil drain line and it is not blocking; we think that the seals on the turbo may not be good.

Alternatively, any tips on a new turbo?

Car runs good otherwise and has good power. The exhaust clears the NB2 braces but there is heavy vibration from the exhaust between 4-5K rpm. I'm going to sort that out with some extra bracing and better insulators.

PS: I've been trying to reach Lars for a couple of months but I think he got too busy. Lars, if you happen to read this, please let me know what you recommend.

Thanks,
Nik

 

He's easily reachable.
Paging: @shuiend

 

When one of the gods summons, he must appear !!

I tried email / text and he even replied he'd get back but I think he got buried under other work ... I'm not complaining mind you. He is a good guy. Will page next.

 

I bet this is what you're looking for:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/468100-0000...NaxJkx&vxp=mtr

I bet the CHRA on all these T3 eBay turbos is the same. And that kit is more likely to fit vs. a genuine Garrett kit.

 

Thanks a bunch for your help; great support group here for all experience levels. I'm a bit of a noob at this but have learned quite a bit in doing the project (along with some other mods to the car).

Now that you have pointed me in the right direction, I'll try to find US stock so I can get it sooner. Still have not given up on Lars but I need to get everything sorted before a track event coming up in early May. Once I get everything to where I can trust the setup, I am planning on writing up my experience here to benefit others (it won't help any experienced guys but beginners may benefit).

Nik

 

You should have an email. Haven't been near a computer since yesterday.

 

No problem. Thanks.

 

Before you tear it apart, make sure all the bolts to the CHRA are tight/torqued.

 

Thanks. I did, but I will be sure to check it again. Its hard to get the torque wrench in there for some of the bolts but I had tightened them as much as it will go.

 

Just a follow up, the bolts were pretty tight. Lars got back to me and I followed his advice and ordered another turbo. I will order the rebuild kit and then keep the old one as a spare.

 

 

I've had pretty consistently terrible communication with him unfortunately. Coincidentally I have an outstanding question about air filter as well.

 

How well does everyone's 90 degree coupler fit on the turbo inlet?

 

This?