turbo going bad?

Wenuden · Post by **Wenuden** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 11:37 pm

so... Ever since I bought the car, there has been a faint smell of burning oil when I get on the turbo hard. I checked for shaft play when I test drove it and there was minimal play (maybe 1mm).

I just changed over to a no-cat downpipe with cutout, and now when I hit it, it smells pretty strong. I don't get any smoke out of the exhaust. I've added a half a quart of oil in 5k miles (about 300 miles overdue, but still pretty clean on the dipstick), and probably emptied about that much from my catch can. I'm gonna have to start using an old oil bottle to empty that into.

I'm assuming the smell is stronger cause there's no cat to burn off the majority of the oil/vapor now. Is this a normal occurance, or should I just drop it off at the dealership and take advantage of my extended warranty now, since I want to turn the boost up about 4psi? Anyone have experience with turbo replacement at the dealer, or do they rebuild them?

If they rebuild them, I'll probably just buy a new one and replace it myself. How difficult is that job for a mechanically inclined person, and are any special tools needed? It'd have to be done in one day, since I work 6 days a week, and soon since drag season starts in a month or so.

Also, if I were to decide to just go 50 trim, would I be able to reuse stock oil/coolant lines?

dysphagia · Post by **dysphagia** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:57 am

most srt's have this faint oil smell in the exhaust, this is due to two factors, one being even though you have catch can there is still oil getting through and being burnt. second is that the ring gaps are larger than a n/a vehicle to allow a small amount of blow by.

dont let the dealer jerk you around with turbo/maintenance issues. most dealerships dont have srt qualified techs and the ones that are certified are still clueless.

pulling the stock turbo can be one of the most trying experience issues a man can face. due to the fact that the lower heatshield is a complete whore.

i strongly recommend you go with the 50trim, it will transform your car into a whole new beast. you cant use your stock lines with any aftermarket turbo aside from a stage 3. but you need to buy the kit anyway and that comes with the lines so give AGP turbo a call.

Wenuden · Post by **Wenuden** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:17 am

No one else has any advice or suggestions for simpler turbo removal?

esteinmaier · Post by **esteinmaier** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:21 am

It's really not horrific. Just take your time and get lots of light to find the screwy bolts that aren't apparent.