Is a P18 housing from a VF30 different from a P18 housing from a VF34 ?

Yes

I would have thought the internals of the central cartridge change according to bearing design but maintain the external dimensions so exhaust housing is independent.



The websites linked suggest the VF30 (thrust bearing centre) utilises the P18 exhaust housing from the VF24 (ball bearing centre)

Also suggests a VF30 is uses the same compressor and exhaust housings as the VF34 but different cartridge (ie thrust vs balls)

LOL! I will, I will... but for now co-driving one in the dutton will have to suffice!

So could anyone explain why the cartridges are so different? With all the 20 series there is absolutely nothing to it when it comes to interchangeability... all that is required to mate cartridge to the housing is the usual lockable band etc found on every single turbo in the VF series, and the turbine wheel dimensions are exactly the same- so what exactly is the catch?!!

Pics/ info would be great, I'm open to explanations- perhaps we could be the first forum to have a post that settles this debate once and for all?

__________________
"...even my Grandma can drive fast in a straight line"

Its simple, the ball bearing cartridge has a different mating surface/dimension onto the exhaust housing than a non-ball bearing cartridge.(slight larger diameter and offset)

When the turbo descriptions/comparisons are given they talk purely about the size/capacity of the housing.....leaving out the detail that there are slight differences in how they physically mate to each other with particular reference to ball/non-ball . However they are still the same capacity i.e P15 P18 etc etc thats not a part number, its a capacity description.

I have/have had several of the mentioned turbo`s, I have tried to bolt/slide them into each other....they only fit where compatible.

By all means ask what fits where if your not sure, and you will be provided an answer, Its very simple and not worth the craping on about so please accept the informed answer you receive

I'm sure it's simple... it's just that I've never had both cartridges of this particular series to play with (the series 2 bb and non bb mate up just fine for example), and as previously stated there is absolutely NO definitive answer on any other forums!!

Cheers for the info guys.

__________________
"...even my Grandma can drive fast in a straight line"

Which 2 series bb and non bb mate up ?

VF22 BB, PZ20 ex.h/48.5mm c.h/5b c.w/0.71 A/R - JDM MY97 V3 STi/1998/ optional 22B
VF23 BB, PZ20 ex.h/46.7mm c.h/6b c.w/0.71 A/R - JDM MY97 V3 STi/1998/ 22B
VF24 BB, PZ18 ex.h/46.7mm c.h/6b c.w/0.63 A/R - JDM MY98 V4 STi

VF25 TB, PZ12 ex.h/38.2mm c.h/10b c.w/0.36 A/R - JDM MY00 Legacy B4 Primary turbo
VF26 TB, PZ14 ex.h/38.2mm c.h/0.48 A/R - JDM Legacy B4 Primary turbo
VF27 BB, PZ18 ex.h/38.2mm c.h/10b c.w./0.63 A/R - JDM Legacy Secondary turbo

VF28 BB, PZ18 ex.h/46.7mm c.h/7b c.w/0.63 A/R - JDM/OZ MY99/00 V5/V6 STi
VF29 BB, PZ18 ex.h/46.7mm c.h/7b c.w/0.63 A/R - JDM WRX MY99-00 V5/V6 STi
VF30 TB, PZ18 ex.h/47.9mm c.h/6+6b c.w/0.63 A/R - JDM MY01 V7 STi

VF31 ??, PZ11 ex.h/??????
VF32 TB, PZ?? ex.h/46.5mm c.h/10b c.w/0.70 A/R - JDM/OZ Legacy/B4 Secondary turbo
VF33 TB, PZ11 ex.h/46.5mm c.h/6+6b c.w/0.75 A/R - JDM/OZ Legacy/B4 Primary turbo

VF34 BB, PZ18 ex.h/47.9mm c.h/6+6b c.w/0.63 A/R - JDM V7/V8 STi RA Spec C
VF35 TB, PZ15 ex.h/47.9mm c.h/9b c.w/0.51 A/R - OZ/UK MY02-05 STi
VF36 BB, twin-scroll titanium wheel/shaft - PZ25 ex.h/47.9mm c.h/9b c.w/0.63 A/R - JDM MY03-06 STi RA Spec C
VF37 TB, twin-scroll - PZ25 ex.h/47.9mm c.h/9b c.w/0.63 A/R - JDM MY03-06 STi
VF38 BB, twin-scroll titanium wheel/shaft - PZ?? - JDM/OZ MY05 Legacy/Liberty GT
VF39 TB, PZ16/17 ex.h/47.9mm c.h/9b c.w/0.63 A/R - US MY04-06 2.5L STi
VF40 TB, PZ17 ex.h - US MY05-07 Legacy GT/JDM Forester STi
VF41 ??, PZ18 ex.h - JDM Forester STi
VF42 BB, twin-scroll titanium wheel/shaft - PZ25 - JDM STi S203/204
VF43 TB, PZ18 ex.h/47.9mm c.h/9b c.w/0.63 A/R - OZ/US MY06-07 STi

i definately have somewhere a p15 housing which fitted a vf34, i thought it was from a vf35, but we later confirmed it wasnt from a vf35, so it had to be something earlier...

side by side a p18 housing, the p15 was definately smaller, so i wasnt dreaming

__________________

Long live the WRC

This is what originally got me excited...

__________________
"...even my Grandma can drive fast in a straight line"