IS there a list of types of turbos and what they are good for such as the k16/16 spools faster than stock k16 and the k24 is the stock turbo size for x50 package. Im not even sure what k16/16 means. And im sure there are other turbos mainly used for 700+ HP but they dont spool as quick. So can someone make a list of what each turbo is designed to do and for use.

 

Most turbos for our cars are "hybrids". For example a 16/16 is a K16 turbo with a 16G impeller. a 24/18G is K24 with an 18G impeller.

You're better off deciding how much HP you want and work backwards.

The smallest turbo for your application will have the best driveability due to faster spool time and a quicker response. Of course, if you think you may want more in the future (most people do), you may want to get something bigger than you need and have leeway for future upgradeability.

600 HP is the most financially reasonable limit and can be had with exhaust, chip and intake + a turbo upgrade if you don't have K24 turbos (X50/Turbo S/GT2). After that, it starts to get progressively more complicated, expensive and less bulletproof.

 

this is a loaded question. Do a search and read up about it. Take info with a grain of salt
Since they are mostly opinions of members. One of which you mentioned and I actually disagree with.
Markski

 

IMO, it's a myth that all 700 HP cars spool slower than 600's. I base this on experience - I have realized faster spool and sharper throttle response at 700 HP with K24/18G's, than I did with the low clearance K16/24 hybrids at roughly 600 HP. It all comes down to how fast do you want your car to be. In general, 600 HP packages = mid to high 11 second @ mid to high 120 MPH trap, 1/4 mile capability and 700HP = higher 10 to very low 11 second at low to mid 130 MPH trap capability.

Fom my personal experience driveabilty is equal - they are both very docile when required and both wake up on command. The difference is that a 700 HP package will pull harder on the second 1/2 of the RPM spectrum and ultimately provide a faster, more thrilling ride, as demonstarted by the 1/4 mile times it is capable of...both are very nice levels to be at, compared to stock.

This addresses some of the comments in your original question, but not the turbo by level and use question, maybe one of the tuners can provide a list of turbo options at each HP level...

 

Invest some time to try and learn something about turbochargers first. A good starting point would be to read Maximum Boost by Corky Bell. Soliciting opinions by starting a thread is a rather weak effort to becoming informed.

 

In a nutshell (from my limited experience):

K16 = stock
K24 = X50/GT2
K16/24 = hybrid, spools faster, flows better
K16/16g = same as above
K16/26 = mythical hybrid slightly better than above (currently looking for a set...)
K24/18g = popular "700hp" turbo - slightly better than above with possibly more lag
GT(28, 30, 35) = high horsepower Garrett turbos requiring extensive modifications

 

Jimmer I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head

 

Hi, I deal with this statement daily! First order of bizz is the level of power you wish! There is no turbo that covers all power levels. Tunning can help larger turbos "lag less" but they are built to flow at certain rates (peak efficiency). When you try to make large turbos "spool quick" by changing the turbine wheels to smaller ones you crate a restriction in the exhaust side of the motor. The boost number on the dash is only one side of the equation. The back pressure is just as important, But this is the Holy Grail! Now I ask you for some info:
1) How do you plan on driving your car?
2) Do you like a hard hit that break the tires loose and falls of at the top of the rev?
3)Do you like the car to delivery smooth power and not loose top end?
Tim

 

Tim
Great response, and the only thing I could add to your statement.... drive one first before buying!
Robert

 

TIM,
YOU HIT IT ON THE NAIL...

I'm no tuner but guys keep asking which turbos to go with... they don't want lag but more power? I ask them .. so u like to spin tires 1st thru 2nd ? they come back yeah-LOL Im back hear telling myself OMG... why would anyone want a turbo that spools up so fast that if u do not have drag radials ur doing nothing but spinning and hopping....
I think a lot of fear has been instilled over the past when it comes to bigger turbos... that they induce lag... I always come back to the same example by showing that GT2s use K24s- and its the K24s that people perceive to be laggy.... Yet I never heard of a GT2 owner complaining that his car is laggy...
Heck, my gt35rs with .82s are at full boost at 4350... I go up to 8K if I want to... and If I think Im not in my powerband I drop a gear and thats it...
markski

 

I have k16 stock turbos...For a 600hp target,which turbos should I get?Less expensive k16/16g or new k24?Everything else will be the same...BMC air filter,REMUS exhaust,5bar fuel pr.reg.I drive the car everyday and i love the way it drives now,with k16,flash,filter and exhaust...i just want some more power,especially at high rpm...

 

I have been contemplating this for the past year, keep changing my mind with the stuff I read here and putting it off.

I guess what it boils down to is how I drive the car. I rarely track it and rarely drive anywhere I can safely go 100+. Therefore I think I would like something like option #2 above that hits hard and will rip from say 20 to 80.

Had been leaning towards Vivid's gt28 package but am now thinking about the k16/16g but am open to anything. Any recommendations/opinions?

 

K16s die at high RPMS....

 

thank you! Thats exactly what i was looking for.

I dont plan on racing my car, (1/4 mile or race course) I dont want to spin my tires 1st thru 2nd gears. I just want a turbo to provide 600 hp without getting too extensive and jeopardizing the transmission. Basically i want it to feel like i have a bigger/powerful engine all throughout the rpm band. I dont want lag. So what turbo should i be looking at?

 

Since you r in California... Im sure there are like 200 cars that are tuned with turbos... find one and get a ride... then decide... LAg to me is 5K rpms... to you it mat be 2K rpms... so giving hypothetical answers can only lead you in the wrong direction...