blouch is the premier turbo builder in the USA

 

True enough pump tech, I would do the same. Seems simple enough. But even different hybrid sellers use different wheels. Example, some clip the fins some use 6 some use 7 fins, they all seem to work, it seems like a preference/availability issue.
Billets are available here's an eBay link
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/snail-tu...1&_from=&_ipg=
Not sure if these are even available for our cars but I did this search in two seconds to see if any billet compressor wheels are available, voila of course they are, but quality, who knows.
If you look at more affordable tuning car forums you will find guys who have done this themselves, granted if something happens to there cars it's much cheaper to fix, but that being said alot of these guys are young with very limited incomes so it probably balances out.
Somebody must know the definitive answer, with risk vs reward. How sensitive is this work really? Brain surgery or ditch digging or something in between.

 

Thanks Pumptech-

Good point made Gearhead.

 

Yeh but you still need a tune and I'm sure a 6 fin vs 7 fin versus whatever changes the volume of air moved and one versus the other you may not get the right tune. I guess logic says find someone with turbos you looking for and have them count the fins! At least that narrows it down some! I'm really leaning to 20G lately

 

You could easily buy a different compressor wheel and fit that to your turbo

You will however have a problem with reinstalling the compressor housing - It won't fit as the new wheel is a different size

As a thought, you could strip a turbo, rebuild with new seals and gaskets and a larger compressor wheel, THEN take it to a shop for the machining and balancing

Remember, the guy in the video didn't need the housing machined as he bought one already done

I'd be interested to know what he did about the balancing though

The individual parts themselves do not require balancing, it's the rotating mass as a whole that gets balanced - It's like your Alloy wheels and tyres, you only balance them once they're fitted together

I've spoken to someone who was looking into this too
The reason they didn't go through with it was that the turbine wheel sometimes gets worked on too (during the hybrid work) and as the work that's done (lightening and reshaping) seems to be a closely guarded secret they decided not to go through with it

I still think about it though, I might give it a go just for fun

 

I'll post a couple more videos for you in a minute

It's the machining rather than the stripping and rebuilding that takes time

BUT - the machining isn't some voodoo that's programmed into the machine, it's still done by hand, so it's definitely doable by someone that's got the skills and inclination

I have no skills, just inclination

 

What about 16 to 16g? Does it require a new housing as well? I always wondered. This is what I have been thinking about lately or k16 billets plus of course all necessary tunes, fueling etc.
IF its just as simple as swapping wheels and 1 bar wastegates on good cores, that would be awesome but I am sure it's not, at least I hope it isn't with what they charge to do this service.
Not sure yet if billet is worth the price difference.
Maybe.

 

Perhaps the guy doing the videos did ultimately do the balance but was showing rebuild just for demonstration purposes. Or perhaps he didn't change the alignment. Iv also heard that if the wheel is in perfect condition and has been previously balanced either factory or other it doesn't need to be rebalanced if pulled apart but even minuscule changes to the wheel can effect balance. I do know someone who has billet 18g wheels but wants $300 each. So $600 + $200 rebuild kits+ $130 balancing+ machining+ shipping you don't come out ahead!! But....when u do any of the "G" upgrades those prices don't get you rebuilds, just the wheel,spin, and housing machine. I would expect if anyone rebuilds their own turbos the best way to go is with the full rotating mass balance no matter what as you want that done right and don't want that in question if something goes wrong. Like I said this is about $65/ turbo and rebuild kits are $100ish, and when you send your stuff for balancing send the housing off for machine to same place, I don't expect it cost much either. But I don't think it's something you would try with a dremel!!! I'm sure we Can figure this out if we put a couple heads together.

 

Even if the wheel comes apart it will have a tough time getting through the intercooler.

 

Don't know about the housing on the 16g or billets. I think the billets are well worth it as they are almost on par with the 18G. But havnt seen much info or 18G billets. I just don't think I would throw a new wheel on without a balance even if God himself said it was cool! Iv heard people say you can do it but no thanks!

 

Who's gonna be our Guinea Pig?

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...506.m270.l1313

 

If I knew measurements of inducer and exducer diameter and fin number, that would really narrow it down

 

You first, . I'm right behind you

 

The 18g wheels say there already balanced, but I agree that the nut you put on the end wouldnt be, unless you scribe the shaft and nut. Hummm.

 

Not today sir!! Best i can tell for the 20g it's the exhaust wheel that gets upgraded but the 18g it's the compressor cold side. I just got on this 20g kick in last week or so, so pardon my ignorance!