DYI turbo rebuilding

[John S.]

I think I’m going to rebuild my t3 turbo. Who’s done it themselves and where’s the best place to get a kit. I’ve seen kits from $30 to over a $100. I don’t need a carbon seal. The shaft just has a little play and kinda gets stiff when it sits. This turbo is untested by me. It’s from a junkyard and I’ve had it forever. But, should be running on the bug by spring. Are the all RH thread?

[kangaboy]

I got a couple from a junkyard as well. They were from Volvos and Saabs, so while they prolly have rebuild kits, I just tore them down and de-coked them. Cleaned them up, put them back together, and have been running one of them for several years with no issues. I would suggest if getting them from a junk yard, just do the initial check and make sure that shafts are tight.

[buguy]

I did mine a long time ago on the 13t. Do a YouTube search. There is a good video showing it. Really very simple to do. I was surprised. I can't remember where i got the kit though. There are super back and regular back. I think the video shows the difference that you will need to know before ordering.

[John S.]

Ok cool. Thanks

[buguy]

You will need some big ass snap ring pliars.

[kangaboy]

You will need some big ass snap ring pliars.

Yeah, and don't get those dumb multi head attachment ones from Harbor Freight like I did. Get real ones.

[Jamesl]

G-Pop Turbo Shop has everything you need. Maybe not the cheapest, but they got pretty much everything for turbo rebuilds. https://gpopshop.com/product-basic-t3.html

[John S.]

Thanks for the info.