So I came across a van turbo for about $250. Seem like a fair price?? Everything is there and it appears to be in good working order. Miminal shaft play. If I buy it I WILL be rebuilding it and putting my ported housing on it. It also comes with the EBPV which is a plus for me because I use it as an exhaust brake.

My question to you guys is do you think it is a smart move? I daily drive my truck and tow(5k-14k) quite a bit with it. I live at 6200ft and tow up over the mountains most of the time. My current mods are in my sig and about the only thing I plan on adding is a set of stage 1's SS hopefully next summer. I know most will say just get a 38r but I really dont want to spend that much on a turbo if I dont have to.

Honestly the only power I care about is the power I can USE while towing. I dont care about track times or dyno numbers. I want to build safe reliable power for towing so please keep that in mind.

Need some smart input.

 

the van turbo with take a split second longer to spool but it will pull longer at the top end
$250 is fair
add a rebuild kit ... Riffraff Diesel: Garrett GTP38 Journal Bearing Rebuild Kit
and a van turbo adapter...Riffraff Diesel: 1.15 A/R Turbo Outlet Adapter

you should not need the ported adapter because the chances of it surging are minimal
i would mount it up with out it and if it doesnt surge sell it and get most of you investment back

 

the "lag" most speak of is very minimal...i guess it is worse with a stock truck, but with a "tuned" truck...the van rips a##. i bet most people wouldnt even notice the difference. i was very leery to pull the trigger also...but am very glad i did. lower rpms will yield a higher egts...just keep the rpms up and you should be fine. also i had surge on my stock turbo with WW at about 18-21 psi...with a stock van turbo, stock wheel...no surge at all. you may not need the ported housing and can sell it like jim said...also make sure you get a STOCK wheel...not a WW. most say the stocker is the way to go. i paid about 350 for the turbo, adapter, and rebuild kit. the turbo did have a couple broken bolts that i was able to remove and fix...add about 200 or so if you plan to rebuild and get the adapter from Clay.

 

do I have to run the turbo outlet adapter??? I want to use the EBPV as an exhaust brake. Also the guy selling the turbo says its for 98-99.5 7.3l. I thought van turbos were all the same???

 

an "early van turbo will not work. Jim can correct me if im wrong...but i think a stock truck turbo is about the same as an "early" van turbo. i think you have to have the adapter...but am not positive about that. the exhaust housing is different..again...i think. jim is WAAAAY more knowledgeable than me...im sure he will jump in soon. but again...an early van will not work, and if it does, it will not yield any gains

 

early will not work
ask the seller if the intake side housing has 4 bolts or five
you will want the one with 5 bolts for a 99.5+ truck
yes you have to use the adapter and will loose the ebpv
the reason is the van have a different down pipe

 

if you pull the trigger on the van turbo, and end up not needing your housing, let me get first jab at it?

 

see...i told you...the turbo guru is quick

 

not a guru just like changing out parts

 

Thanks for the help guys. Bummer it wont work. Oh well guess I will be saving my money.

Bummer too about the adapter. I really like my EBPV as a brake.

 

are u sure its not the right one?

 

yup. 4 bolts on the intake side means its and early right??

 

yeah post up the info for other if they are interested

 

Sure!!

For those that are interested:
Ford Van 7.3L Diesel Garrett Turbo # 1825879C91 98-99.5 | eBay

I have been emailing the guy and I think he will do $250 shipped.

Jim, Thanks for all your help and fast too I owe you a cold one.