air flow meter was replaced at last service mate and is all ok. the guys i use (allstar garage) i got on to through this forum and find them helpful.

yeah i am keeping in mind this engine has done a fair amount of ks. even if i upgrade the turbo i'm still going to drive on the careful side.

If ASG has made this diagnosis, I would trust their opinion.

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[COLOR="Gray"]550Nm off a 2L... Just wish it was in the dak dak...[/COLOR]

Then what is the point of upgrading the turbo if you have to drive it carefully? Would reconditioning the existing turbo, or buying a newer (ie: better condition) turbo of the same type be wiser so you know the engine will be working within its means?

Not a critism, but a point I want to put forward in the debate of pushing old motors hard.

If you want to open that debate, what's the point in modifying a street car when there are speed limits and such in place? I get what you're saying, and yes it can be seen as pointless financially, but ideally the same can be said about modifying.

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Air is for pussies.

Yeah, nah, different debate. This is about a shagged out motor having a bigger and better turbo bolted on to make more power, only to nanna it so it doesnt pop. It doesnt make sence to upgrade it so it can make loads of power, only to baby it so it doesnt make much power.

Im saying, keep it stock-ish, but add newer/refreshed components so its tip top but making power within the factory power band.

Does that make sence?

yeah this ^^

How long it will last is the one question nobody can truly give a definate answer on.
Does it have its full service history?
How hard has it been driven over the course of its life to date?
Does it even still have its original engine?

If you are that concerned I would be getting a compression leak down test and then decide if you wanna smash in more boost or not.

Ta folks good points. To clarify i don't run this car at the track, i use the bike for that. I use this car to zip my kid around and to commute to work.

Motor is the original. As far as myself and the previous owner it hasn't had a hard life, ASG still feels its going strong although the ks are getting on the higher side.

Reality is the engine is getting older and has a fair few ks, but between the last two services the acceleration after 3k rpm is less and the diagnosis is the turbo is getting on. If i'm going to replace it was debating whether to upgrade or replace with the stock item. My line of thinking is i'd rather upgrade and get a few more kws out, i'm prepared for a rebuild or engine replacement when the time comes. The question was if i upgrade which turbo should i get? You guys have answered that well, cheers.

The issues on why increase power/ speed limits/ is a bit beyond this thread. I'm looking at upgrading purely for fun value, to get my guts pushed into the back of the seat that bit more when i floor it every once in a while. The intention was to have this car stock as a rock for a bit then try and do a few more performance upgrades. If that requires a rebuild later down the track which is inevitable with an older car then so be it.

The original turbo on his version is a poor performer even when new. They are durable but small and fairly low tech. ie; plain bearing, basic compressor design. Reconditioning a TD04 would be a massive waste of money as they are plentiful in the seond hand market off relatively new cars for only a few hundred bucks. No one wants them, they are about as valuable as used brake pads.

The VF34 is the logical upgrade as they are much newer/better in design, roller bearing and very cost effective.

Thanks mate, this was something i wasn't sure about as well.