D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

I have a t-bird T3 with the .63 A/R hot side, but it is in dire need of a rebuild. I figure for the price of a rebuild, I can probably get a fairly decent 14b.

I am not looking to make a ton of power right now since I can't afford to do the build that I would like. Just want something to have some fun with and learn a thing or two.

Give some of your impressions on both turbos.

;D

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

It's a great turbo for a D, spools much slower than the 14b though.

Personally, I would never run anything as small as a 14b on a D-series but some people like that instant spool. Lots of people love 14b's, just not me.

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

I have a 14b and if I could go back and decide again I'd go with a somewhat large T3. I don't even boost much but just driving around town I get like 20-25mpg because this tiny turbo makes boost at like 2500rpm part throttle. Highway is better, around 30mpg and I am untuned... but I would still like a larger turbo. "Avoid boost, boost economy." As for lag if I would really want to boost... I wouldn't worry too much. But it is nice to not have to downshift to pass at 70mph.

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

The insta spool would be nice at times, but I would imagine it gets kind of irritating.

The T3 would probably be a better choice in the long run. With my luck, Id get a 14b with a bajillion hard miles on it and have to have that fucker rebuilt as well.

I also have a 45 trim T3 with a .48 A/R hot side as well, but that thing really would need some work.


:-\

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

the rebuild kits on ebay are like $80. You could do it yourself if you are careful about it

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

spend the money and have the tbird turbo rebuilt. I loved mine on my a6 untill it needed a rebuild. Its not like you have a lg monster or anything. It just takes a second for the tubo to spool up on the bigger turbo. then later on you wont have to get a bigger turbo for high boost build.

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

Rebuild! Id rather have a T3 flange anyways

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

A freshly rebuilt .63/.60 T3 is worth about $200 or so, used 14b not worth much ;)

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

Tue enough.

I'll just have to save some pennies and hustle some parts to get it done then.


:P

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

ive gone through 5 14b's bought and sold and all of em were perfect..

14b's that are free of shaftplay and are clear are easy to come by..

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

Word, I got mine for $100 I think but it took 2 tries. The first one I got was from theebluecrx and it was a total piece of ----.

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

it like insta spool haha not real effecent either

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

Exactly what I don't want to do.

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

i also had a 14b on my d series and every single day i wanted to upgrade to a t3 but i was poor and my car started on fire :)

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

But it was fun while it lasted, right? :)

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

of course :)...and hearing about a guy with a 2004 gto shut his mouth after beating him in the quarter ;D

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

I hope you're not serious. That's a big old scam. The people that sell those put them together out of far inferior materials and the end result will not be a properly remanned turbo. The Ebay parts are nowhere near proper spec. Hell, even genuine Garrett rebuild kits might not work because of a worn out bearing housing or bad shaft (sometimes not visible). I do believe that some turbos can do alright if they're rebuilt with genuine OEM parts and the shaft is straightened and polished, but even that is pushing it and a total crap shoot. Ebay rebuild kits are the biggest scam since Nigeria.

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

Yea that pretty much how mine is and it generates a bunch of heat too.................

Re: D16A6 14b vs t-bird T3
 

There would also be the issue of the physical size difference. rebuilding the T3 would save ya some fab time.