Turbonetics journal bearing turbo

[rammertide07]

I'm looking at buying a Turbonetics turbo. The guy says that it is a journal bearing tubo. What gains would I be looking at for it vs stock? I think the inlet is 4". But I'm not sure on the specs, like the max boost it can handle.

I also read on another thread that the bearings can be changed out to ball bearings. Is that true?

I've looked around for more "real" information and specs on it with no luck. If anyone can give me some info on it, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

[907DAVE]

Check this out......

Ball Buster Product Details

[cleatus12r]

I have personally run this turbocharger on my 2001 CC/SB that I used for EVERYTHING. I loved the turbocharger and bought it against all bad reviews that I read (same as the ZX-12R that I bought new in 2000).

It was a great turbocharger for what I was doing. It was a little laggy, but with the loads that I towed it was great. All interstate driving helps. There are a ton of people out there who hated that turbocharger though....so it's not right for everyone.

The thing is that Turbonetics does not offer this turbocharger anymore. It was discontinued due to its lack of popularity....and therefore you won't really be able to find a ball bearing CHRA for it either unless someone has some NOS parts for these things.

There are some look-alikes out there that are still being manufactured and they are all spec'd. the same. Gillett turbocharger carries a "ball-buster" and you can also search for "big bad woof".

Any of the "drop in" turbos will have a 4" inlet....but the inducer is still only 3". The added 1/2" radius is only for the anti-surge porting. As for worrying about max. boost? Don't worry about it with your modifications.....you may see 25-30 PSI but as long as you are getting the less-restrictive 1.0 A/R turbine housing, you will feel more top-end power. Boost doesn't equal horsepower. I suppose you could run 35 PSI with the turbocharger for short bursts, but I certainly wouldn't push it that high for extended periods.

For me, the TN turbocharger worked great.

[rammertide07]

Thanks for the feedback fellas,

I thought the ball buster turbo is the ball bearing version?

I could hit 29psi with the factory wheel and tuning, but i just recently heard that going over 24psi greatly reduces the life of the turbo. I'm only hitting 20 right now with the (not so) wicked wheel. I replaced the factory turbo 2yrs ago, because the bearings went out, with another OEM turbo. Didn't really have a choice....I didn't have the time to wait for shipping.

Only reason why I am interested in this turbo is it is $200 and its never been used.

[cleatus12r]

Where is it? I'll buy it if you don't!!

[907DAVE]

I ran one for a few years also, and had zero issues with it. It was a bit on the laggy side with stock injectors, but my tuning wasn't the greatest either.

When I switched to hybrids that turbo came alive, and could peg a 35 PSI gauge easily......not sure what back-pressure looked like though.

[rammertide07]

Haha Cody, that kinda makes me wanna buy it lol. Probably buy for a spare or some horse tradin'

[rammertide07]

Finally got a reply back from Turbonetics concerning this turbo:

Hunter,
Turbonetics discontinued making this turbocharger a few years ago. There is no conversion options or parts for repair. That turbocharger was rated at around 350-600HP's with 650ft/lbs of torque under 28psi of boost.

Thank you,

Benita Betancourt
Customer Service
Turbonetics Inc.
2255 Agate Ct.
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Phone:805-581-0333
Direct:805-426-3421
Fax: 805-584-1913
www.TurboneticsInc.com<http://www.TurboneticsInc.com>
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