Mid 80s Garrett TBO3?
 

Hi everyone, Im new to the forum and i come to you guys with a question. I found a turbo at a junkyard today and it seems to be a Garrett TBO3 that sits in a mid 80s volvo tho i was not able to locate the actual number in fact i havent even pulled it off yet due to the fact that i didnt have the right tools. Anyways my question is, if it really is a mid 80s TBO3 is it worth picking up? I drive a 98 Honda Civic EX and i was thinking about putting that turbo in my civic. Im just looking for some opinions about this particular turbo, Im concerned with the age of it since it is about 20 years old. Is it worth getting it out or should i just look for a different turbo? im looking forward to your responses and thanks to everyone that shares their opinions and helps me out.

MY OPINION. A used cheap turbo manifold awaits for you on your local Craigslist and a brand new internally wastegated turbo charger can be found on eBay along with the items needed to make it a direct bolt-on. ("I" recommend internally wastegated if you're new to turbocharging)

Manifold- $65?
Intercooler (NOT REQUIRED)- $30-150
Turbocharger brand new from eBay - $160?
Blow-off valve & possibly a flange - $30-75?
o2 Housing & 2.5" downpipe - $150?
Vacuum/Boost gauge - $25?
Oil + Water Feed&Return plumbing for turbocharger lubrication & cooling - $45-60?
Plumbing and connectors from turbo outlet to your intercooler to your throttle body - $60-80?
Boost Controller- $40-75

I hope this gives you a basic idea of what you're in for. If you have any questions post them here and I'll reply.

As far as the turbo being 20 years old. Garrett makes great turbochargers but the price you're going to pay for it (my junkyard = $80-125) and being unaware of it's condition would lead "ME" to purchase a new one. I'd hate to see you get $100+ deep in a turbo that's in need of a rebuild that would could cost what you paid for the turbo. Maybe even more if you have someone else rebuild it. A Chinese turbocharger in my opinion would be the way to go. I've made lots of power on many many different cars with "China-chargers" and ZERO problems.

thanks for the reply, my junkyard charges $65 for a turbo and ive heard that Garrett makes great and long lasting turbochargers so thats why i even considered it, i also considered the ebay turbochargers but so far ive read mixed reviews, can you tell me in all honesty from experience how they actually perform?

I checked the turbo at the junkyard and it seems to spin without any troubles, now if a turbo qualifies for a rebuild how do i know and what am i looking at?
i do have a basic knowledge of turbochargers the process of putting on a turbo and the parts involved but as far as the actual turbo internals im a newbie