BD Thruster vs 38R
 

I ordered a 38R but got the BD unit. Already expressed my aggravation in an email and don't have time to get another turbo. Anybody got experience with both of these?

Identical save for the center section (roller bearings vs. journal bearings).

What do you mean? Did a quick Google search on "BD thruster roller bearings" and didn't get any related results.

The Garrett has ceramic roller bearings in the center section. The BD turbocharger offering uses a journal bearing.

Oh...and the interchange?

What do you mean?

They both bolt in place of the stock turbocharger.

I thought you was saying the bearings from both turbos interchange? I couldn't have gotten the 38R anyways, its been on back order. Riff Raff just got 5 in. The owner of the company that sold me the turbo said the BD is "hands down the better turbo".

They're both stock replacements.....

Not much to say other than that.

personally i like the 38R better i think the roller bearing is more reliable at elevated boost levels

So you're basing the "roller bearings are better" on an opinion? :matt-roloff:

Most all aftermarket turbochargers used by high performance builders are journal bearing units. Stock turbochargers used by ALL manufacturers of light duty and heavy duty over the road trucks use journal bearings and they last hundreds of thousands of miles.

Personally I like the stock turbochargers on my trucks, but hey, everyone's got an opinion!