Hi all! Today i serviced my car (oil change) and also checked turbo. There is some play in radial direction (I know it is normal) but nothing in axial (no move in and out). If i try to spin it, moves only one or half turns (does not spin freely). Also as you can see the hose connecting to the turbo is quite oily. When i bought it about 5 years ago, the turbo was checked by specialist and he told that it already has new cartridge but not the best quality (he has said "cheap chinese").
What is the way to go, new quality turbo (Garret) or new cartridge?
Or maybe it is all normal, even the oily hose and I am just too much worried about "runaway engine"?
Thanks

Hi, i can't have a clear conclusion based on that picture but if the cartridge was not good quality and old as well better replace it, if you want to spend some money for improvement i recommend this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323021778947 , not cheap i admit, i bought it myself few years ago after i replaced my worn turbo with new garret one and i dont regret at all but i'm a bit crazy when it comes to my beloved D2

sierrafery said:

Hi, i can't have a clear conclusion based on that picture but if the cartridge was not good quality and old as well better replace it, if you want to spend some money for improvement i recommend this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323021778947 , not cheap i admit, i bought it myself few years ago after i replaced my worn turbo with new garret one and i dont regret at all but i'm a bit crazy when it comes to my beloved D2

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I was also thinking in the past to upgrade this way, but do not I need to do other modifications like new mapping, intercooler?
I already have stage 1 remap, but for standard turbo.
Regarding on price, in Hungary a standard cartridge (Torborail, Zip or Melett) cost about 230€.

I also have stage 1 remap made by Alive tuning UK made before the uprated cartridge and it works great though mine is 10P manual with larger intercooler + straight through exhaust and forge wastegate actuator adjusted with manual boost controller... that's about it not other tuning just that i went back to very close to std dimension tyres after i killed it with too large ones

sierrafery said:

if you want to spend some money for improvement i recommend this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323021778947 , not cheap i admit, i bought it myself few years ago after i replaced my worn turbo with new garret one and i dont regret at all

Click to expand...

Do you still rate this? What is the difference?
I am looking for affordable ways (IF any exist, I suspect not!) to reduce the turbo lag on my D2 manual. I hate the lack of power until it all kicks into life, which only happens at revs that I don't normally drive at. I'd like quicker response basically, does this have any impact on that or just an overall power increase in the normal powerband?

It's better low down... with the ad-ons described in post nr 4 i'm pleased enough with it