Can someone give me a basic understanding of the differences for the various references for turbochargers, such as K16, K16/K16g, K24, etc. From what I've been able to dig out, K16 is stock size and K24 is stock for the X50 package. Not sure about the K16/K16g and other variations.

Thanks.

Keith

 

The variations are what are called hybrids. The turbine wheels are changed to varying sizes to achieve different levels of performance. That's it in a nutshell.

 

just to add...in general....there are also designations for manufacturer... borg warner, garrett, mitsu, etc....so there is the make and size of housing and size of impeller...though the ones mentioned I believe all have the same housing size

 

K16/16g keeps the factory K16 exhaust (turbine) side of the turbo and replaces the stock compressor side with a larger Mitsubishi 16g compressor wheel. The compressor housing is modified (machined) to fit the larger wheel and the entire rotating assembly (compressor wheel, shaft, turbine wheel) is rebalanced and the bearings replaced. This allows stock-like spool with some better lungs up top and at higher boost levels but is ultimately restricted by the fairly small factory K16 exhaust side.

K24/18g is similar in concept except its a k24 exhaust side (bigger than the k16) with a Mitsu 18g compressor wheel (bigger than the k24 compressor wheel). In essence: even bigger lungs with a less restictive exhaust side -will give up some low end but breathe much better up top.

hope that helps