hi,
I have a t3 off a t-bird 60/48 and was wondering if I should rebuild it. it has pretty much no play but it doesn't spin as freely as some of my other turbos I have around here. so would this be because of the seals, bearings or both? the turbo has been sitting unused for quite a while.I've read that when you rebuild a turbo it needs to rebalanced. I've also read it doesn't as long as you mark it when you disassemble it,then line everything up when you reassemble, since it was already balanced from factory. which is it? also does any one know of some where that just sells seals? I have one of those new center sections off ebay, it came with bearings but no seals would you guys run it as is or rebuild it? oh ya it's goin on a y8.

thanks,
B

 

It should ideally be balanced by a shop. But some people just mark it, and are getting away with it.
I would recommend disassembling the unit and inspecting it.
I just took apart my 14b before installing it on my diy kit.
It had very little play and boosted well when tested, but once it took it apart... the turbine back plate was fill with coking, and the bearings were worse than I thought they were going to be. Also, all the seals were rock hard.
Glad I found this out before it went on the car.

 

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/Turbo-rebuild.html