Hello,

I have decided to upgrade my Turbo first, and follow up with Injectors some point soon down the road. I have been looking at the Garrett G38 Upgrade, however BD is trying to sell me their turbo instead. Can anyone offer some advice on which turbo to purchase and the differences between the turbo's?
Open to suggestions of any kind...

 

Well lets list the differences so we can discuss it for you.

BD’s new 7.3L Turbo Thruster for the 1999.5-2003 Power Strokes features a large, 88mm compressor wheel for a 30% airflow increase and a .84 A/R turbine housing for lightning quick response. The Turbo Thruster turbo uses proven journal bearings which are more readily available, less expensive and serviceable. Designed as a direct, bolt-in replacement for the stock turbo, this unit gives more power, super-cool Exhaust Gas Temperature’s, eliminates surging and comes with BD’s own heavy duty adjustable waste gate. The perfect match for stock or modified engines.

Model years 1999.5 - 2003 7.3L PowerStroke engine
The GTP38R Turbo
A Garrett exclusive ball bearing cartridge for unbeatable response, efficiency, and durability. Elimination of the thrust bearing eliminates Failures at elevated boost levels
The 88mm GT compressor wheel provides 33% more flow than the stock 80mm wheel. Ported shroud housing improves compressor flow range for surge control
1.00 A/R turbine housing for free flowing exhaust with reduced back pressure and up to 200° F reduction in exhaust gas temperature
Maximum recommended boost level is 40psi

 

Get the 38r from Clay, or other site sponsor of your choice.

 

38R hands down.

 

The 38R ,you want be disappointed. Clay can get it for you

 

GTP38r x 4

Dan

 

Dave at BD Diesel

 

I am happy to sell either but IMO have to point out that journal bearings aren't going to handle the boost that the ball-bearings are. If you are planning on injectors you will want to take that into account.


BTW- I think you got your red descriptions mixed up Dave....

 

Is it me or is BD pushing the Garrett?

edit, he changed it.

 

Dave,

I appreciate your willingness to step in and provide us the info. Your sponsorship helps keep the FTE community going. That being said, ball bearings are far superior to journal bearings. We all know that the journal bearing turbos have a limited lifespan above 25-30psi. A ball bearing product will last far longer in those situations.

Yes the 38R is more expensive to rebuild. But honestly, how often are you going to have to go there with the durability of the ball bearings?

To the OP, if you are planning on injectors down the road, 38R. All day, every day, hands down.

 

Thanks for pointing out the mix up...

Journal bearings have come a long way, a 360 thrust bearing (which we use) will handle 40PSI easily. We run these bearings in our Super B Line that sees 850 plus HP. We sell both the BD Thruster and GTP and have failed GTP's on the shelf. We sell about 30 to 1 BD Thruster Kits over GTP and its mostly based on price. Not knocking the Garrett, its a good turbo but IMHO I feel the Thruster is a much better buy/value

 

But the ball bearings are much more efficient than journal bearings. The small .84 housing with journal bearings will spool in about the same time as the 1.00 housing will with ball bearings. This allows less stress on moving parts an the larger housing is better for EGTs.

I personally would go with the 38r just because of the larger housing and ball bearings. Will allow for quick spool and good efficiency

 

have been watching to see where this goes, im kinda wondering the same.
any input on the ballbuster?

 

I got a great deal on a used 38R, approx. 500 miles on it and its been great, unbelivable response. Still learning about the different turbo's but they all have their plus and minus, great to see Dave explaining the differences...

 

Explain more efficient... do you have a compressor maps?

Like I said guys I am not knocking the GT, if you want one I will sell you one because I am back ordered on the Thrusters. I have not sold a GT in 2 months.