I'm at a decision point in my very slow (7 months, and counting) 3.0 Turbo engine rebuild. I am investing in new Mahle pistons and cylinders, and a bunch of other stuff, so hopefully this will be a long lived, happy motor. It is going together stock, except for SC cams (which were already there) and a post '86 exhaust (no thermal reactors or replacement pipes).

The decision I need to make is what to do about the turbo. My turbo is worn. I'm looking for opinions on rebuild vs. new vs. K27. I would only make a change in specification if it improved driveability - I am not trying for big HP numbers, because I don't think that the 3.0 motor is the right set up for that. Budget is an issue, too. Thanks in advance.

Tom

 

Tom,
I'm not sure howmuch it would set you back to rebuild the 3ldz but a good factory K27 7200 will set you back maybe close to 1k. They spool up much quicker, flow more air and a one time good investment.

 

K27 7200 would be my vote.

 

The cost to repair a 3LDZ properly is really not worth it when compared to a K27. There are those that will slap a new set of seals in and call it a day, but that is not a proper rebuild. The 7200 of K27S is a good choice for your project.

 

I replaced the seals on my 3LDZ and have had manny happy miles with no problems.
Tom if budget is an issue this may be the way to go for you. I did my own and it was like $200 if memory serves me correctly. I just made sure I marked everything before I took it all apart.
I didn't have my unit ballanced but you may wan't to just to me safe. Like I said I did my own and for that prize and the leght of time it's lasted it was worth it for me.

 

Thank you for your reply. Is it just wear on the seals that leads to the radial runout? I was thinking that bearing wear would have to be the source. Where did you get the parts?

 

My turbo went out after the car sat at a shop for 9 months. Way to long for these cars to just sit.
I think the turbo was oil starbed when it was fired up after sitting that long. It's been a long time since I rebuild my turbo let see if I can find where I bought rebuild kit. Either way I'll let you know what I find out.

Ed

 

Ok Tom I was able to find the invoice for the rebuild kit. Wow I rebuild my turbo back in 1999.
That should give you a good idea of how long this has help up and there are no signs of it smoking iether. I bought the kit from "Turbo City Performance Headquarters" in Orange CA.
(714)639-4933. Your going to love this part the total including shipping & taxes was $109.70.
The P/N I show on my invoice is 300-650 Repair Kit Porsche 930 143207. Let me know how it goes.

 

Keep in mind Ed, you are the exception to the rule. Rebuilding the turbo without truly going through the whole thing is like rebuilding your turbo without machining the rods or polishing the crank. There is no real way to ensure that it is balanced and an unbalanced turbo can create havoc. I see it all the time. It only takes once to have a nut come off and crash the wheels and send metal throughout the intercooler and motor.

 

Stephen I've rebuild other turbos this way and I have had no problems with them.
I use Loctite on the nut to keep it from coming off. My suggestion to Tom is if he doesn't feel confortable with doing it the way I suggested he can always have it rebuilt by a shop that specializes in rebuilding turbos. That's what I would do if I felt that way. Tom listten to Stephan if you feel uneasy about doing it the way I suggested. He does this for living and has more experience then I do.
I would hate to have you do it my way and have it come appart on you as Stephen mentioned.