Wondering if it is just simply a smarter, better investment in buying an upgraded turbo or trying to assemble one. By assemble i mean larger housing upgraded compressor wheel blah blah blah. Or am i being nieve and its smarter to just purchase a 38r??

 

Get the 38r and be done with it. lol

You can't get a bigger wheel for the stock turbo. I don't know what mods you have, but the 38r will be ready for more mods.

 

I personally am concerned about the increased whine from the 38r. I guess it depends on what your goals are and how deep your pockets are.

 

I would skip the 38R and go right to an H2e or S300...

 

Also if you stick with the stock GTP38, it is better to not combine a ported housing with a wicked wheel. Just do the ported housing and a rebuild. You can also upgrade the turbine housing with good results too. Other wise you are looking at $1250 for a 38R or more $$$ for the H2E/S300 set-ups. Really all depends on what you are shooting for.

 

While the H2e set up may cost you a bit more up front, you can then sell your old up pipes, turbo, Y pipe, pedistal and a few other parts. Once you do this, the cost is almost comparable.

Not to mention you have a much better platform overall.

 

Not sure where you live, just throwing it out there in case you happen to reside in lovely California... DO NOT PUT AN H2E IN, you'd be hard pressed to find a smog tech that won't laugh in your face

 

Very true! That is what I have been looking at for my set-up.

 

Don't run a 6637 or similar open style intake and the 38R is fine. I run a Ford AIS and the whine is fine. Use a 6637 and unless you are really into a loud diesel truck turbo noise then it can get on your nerves if you tow a lot. With my AIS I am happy with the quiet 7.3 and 38R. lol The h2e would be nice too!

 

Why anyone lives in that state is beyond me...

 

 

What I don't get is why anyone cares what is under the hood if it passes. If you figure out how to make it run better and pass the test and maybe pollute less, isn't that a good thing?

 

C.A.R.B. wants their money, they want to have their say on what is "good" for the environment.

 

How do guys with modern engines in their old muscle cars pass?

 

if the car is pre 75... no smog!! Anything after that, the engine you put in, needs to have all the original smog equipment on it, providing the engine is newer than the year of the car. i.e. putting a 2012 corvette ls9 motor in a 78 is legale, as long as ALL the original smog equipment that came on the LS9 remains on and functional. Also requires certification from a state smog referee.