Around $100 for kit and optional parts. Look at dieselorings or riffraffdiesel for kits.

 

Depends on what your goals are. As stated you can rebuild if you don't let it get bad for less than $100 Riffraff Diesel: Garrett GTP38 Journal Bearing Rebuild Kit

But if plan on much injectors and not too high of horsepower goal the 38R is basically a drop in upgrade.

 

Money wise like the guys said, a rebuild kit and a ATS ported housing for your stocker will only set you back say, 500.00 or so, as for the 38R you'll be get a brand new in the box bigger turbo. The wheels are bigger and one thing that scares potential 38R buyers is that the ball bearing cartridge, in case of failure has to be returned back to Garrett for servicing or replacement. If not under warranty it could cost as much as a used 38R, about a 1000.00 bucks, from what I've heard here. As for 38R failures, its happened but in my readings guys were pushing them to their limits or were running seroius HP's. My GTP38R has been in my truck for around 50,000 miles and whistles and performs just as the day I got it, and I bought mine used with about approx. about 500 miles the previous owner stated, and it looked it, new, no rust, nothing, clean. I towed a 31 foot travel trailer at the time plus wanted some extra umpf when needed so I went with it, glad I did. Its all what you want. Clay at RiffRaff diesel has a great price on them and as far as the sale itself, he's there after the sale, very important if for any reason.