Vf39 refurb vs upgraded turbo

Seangraz · 11-19-2020, 01:49 PM

Hey everyone,
The turbo seals on my vf39 are starting to go so I’m looking at options to fix this. I’m debating between buying a new bigger turbo or sending out my turbo to be rebuilt with upgraded internals and porting. I love the feel and driveability of the vf39 so I’m somewhat leaning towards having it rebuilt. My only concern is longevity. Would it be worth it to have my turbo rebuilt and wait until I do a full motor build and am more ready to go for a bigger turbo or should I go for a bigger turbo now and skip having mine rebuilt. Also any recommendations for places in the northeast that rebuild turbos would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

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KillerBMotorsport · 11-19-2020, 04:07 PM

If you like the VF39 why not go with a newer VF48 take-off. I've seen a few sub 10K mile turbos sell in the $600-$700 range, which seems like a good deal to me.

Going to a bigger turbo is always fun, but it will lead you down a mod path. So just be prepared in that a turbo upgrade is not just a turbo upgrade.

benflynn · 11-19-2020, 05:14 PM

Put a kit in it, try and clock the wheels as close to where they are now and enjoy. Also might be a good time for a billet wheel. Tho no longer well balanced, it will last years like that and cost ya 60$. If u go billet, the 6+6 wheel is slightly more efficient up top, the 11 gtx style wheel will come on boot a tad sooner. Neither enough to notice

benflynn · 11-19-2020, 05:16 PM

Also, this depends on where the wear is, usually just the bearings, good enough, sometimes the bearings wear the turbine shaft or the bearing housing, much rarer but more parts to repair

Seangraz · 11-19-2020, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerBMotorsport

If you like the VF39 why not go with a newer VF48 take-off. I've seen a few sub 10K mile turbos sell in the $600-$700 range, which seems like a good deal to me.

Going to a bigger turbo is always fun, but it will lead you down a mod path. So just be prepared in that a turbo upgrade is not just a turbo upgrade.

Is the vf48 a bolt on replacement? And in planning for a bigger turbo, my car currently is stage 2+, oem shortblock with ~20k on it now. Everything but fuel system and turbo. Anything else I’d need really besides fuel system overhaul and a retune to run a bigger turbo?

snow_bound26 · 11-19-2020, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seangraz

Is the vf48 a bolt on replacement? And in planning for a bigger turbo, my car currently is stage 2+, oem shortblock with ~20k on it now. Everything but fuel system and turbo. Anything else I’d need really besides fuel system overhaul and a retune to run a bigger turbo?

VF48 is basically a newer version of the 39. It's a direct bolt on. Just injectors (OEM STi work well for this), fuel pump and tune will do it. I'd recommend a more efficient TMIC as well because the OE versions have substantial pressure loss compared to units like GrimmSpeed, Process West, etc. It's not a requirement obviously, but it's a noticeable improvement.

AliBenn · 11-20-2020, 12:00 AM

Check out a turbo rebuilder in your area too
Usually a diesel place btw
I was quoted $250 for rebuild.....if no catastrophic dmg present
Guessing that would be shaft and bearings only

11-19-2020, 01:49 PM	#1
Seangraz Scooby Newbie Member#: 518909 Join Date: Sep 2020	Vf39 refurb vs upgraded turbo Hey everyone, The turbo seals on my vf39 are starting to go so I’m looking at options to fix this. I’m debating between buying a new bigger turbo or sending out my turbo to be rebuilt with upgraded internals and porting. I love the feel and driveability of the vf39 so I’m somewhat leaning towards having it rebuilt. My only concern is longevity. Would it be worth it to have my turbo rebuilt and wait until I do a full motor build and am more ready to go for a bigger turbo or should I go for a bigger turbo now and skip having mine rebuilt. Also any recommendations for places in the northeast that rebuild turbos would be greatly appreciated. Thanks * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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11-19-2020, 04:07 PM	#2
KillerBMotorsport NASIOC Vendor Member#: 198281 Join Date: Dec 2008 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Virginia Vehicle: 2005 WRX/STi WRB of course	If you like the VF39 why not go with a newer VF48 take-off. I've seen a few sub 10K mile turbos sell in the $600-$700 range, which seems like a good deal to me. Going to a bigger turbo is always fun, but it will lead you down a mod path. So just be prepared in that a turbo upgrade is not just a turbo upgrade.

11-19-2020, 05:14 PM	#3
benflynn Scooby Newbie Member#: 515308 Join Date: Jun 2020	Put a kit in it, try and clock the wheels as close to where they are now and enjoy. Also might be a good time for a billet wheel. Tho no longer well balanced, it will last years like that and cost ya 60$. If u go billet, the 6+6 wheel is slightly more efficient up top, the 11 gtx style wheel will come on boot a tad sooner. Neither enough to notice

11-19-2020, 05:16 PM	#4
benflynn Scooby Newbie Member#: 515308 Join Date: Jun 2020	Also, this depends on where the wear is, usually just the bearings, good enough, sometimes the bearings wear the turbine shaft or the bearing housing, much rarer but more parts to repair

11-20-2020, 12:00 AM	#7
AliBenn Scooby Guru Member#: 487 Join Date: Nov 1999 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Greatwood/Sgrlnd Vehicle: 1998 /2005 STunIcorn Acadia Green RS-T	Check out a turbo rebuilder in your area too Usually a diesel place btw I was quoted $250 for rebuild.....if no catastrophic dmg present Guessing that would be shaft and bearings only