This is a TA0301 from a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD.


This is a TB0356 from a 1988 Saab 9000.


Both are Garrett T3s with dynamic bearings, a compressor housing a/r of .42, and a turbine housing a/r of .48.
There is some conflicting information on if they both have a Compressor Trim of 50 or 45, but according to some calaculations I did at http://www.turbofast.com.au/turbomap.html , it really shouldn't matter much in the end.

Here is my plan for combining them to make a working turbo:

Use the Saab compressor housing, because it has standard fittings, unlike the Mercedes housing.

Use the Mercedes exhaust housing, because the Saab one is cracking around the wastegate port, and is lacking a wastegate. It does use the less common 4 bolt flange, but I have one on hand already.

Use the Saab center section because it has coolant ports (the Mercedes T3 is oil cooled only).

Use the Mercedes shaft and blades. The Saab exhaust side blades feel really weird and rough, and I can feel ridges along the shaft where the bearings sat. I can feel no ridges on the Mercedes shaft, and the blades seem perfect.


(Saab one is on the top and left)

Then assemble it with a rebuild kit.


This is what it could look like (I just set everything together to make sure everything would fit properly, it's not clocked right):


Think this sounds like a good plan?

 

Nice job. Hope it works for ya.

 

dont forget, you have to balance turbo after that modification!

 

looks interesting....ive got plenty of turbo parts lying around the garage, i doubt any would match up that nicely though. keep us updated, i'd like to see the results of this project.