Potential turbo purchase

[wills_aj]

Hi everyone,
Ive had my 02 996 C4 for a while now and am starting to consider changing for a turbo. Apart from the usual stuff, and whats in the 996 buyers guide, is there anything specific to the turbo that I need to look out for ?
Regards
Wills

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The turbo wastegate actuator rods can tend to evaporate with the heat, as can the nuts securing the turbos in the exhaust. The nuts are easy and cheap enough to replace, but the actuators can be a bit expensive. (£300+ each). The diverter valves can fail (£100 each), but it isn't very common.

On a test drive, check the boost at wide open throttle at higher revs, using the OBC. On a normal Turbo it should read 0.6-0.7 bar. Anything more and it will have been chipped. If it is down at 0.4bar max, there could be a problem.

 

[Broggers]

Check for coolant smell (could be cracked reservoir or any number of hoses/connectors). Listen for a high pitched whistle which disappears instantly on pressing the clutch - it'll be the clutch/power steering reservoir valve. Stick your fingers through the vents in the rear wheel arches and feel the surface of the intercooler - if it's ridged, it's an X50 (worth a bit more if the seller doesn't know!!) - or check the bonnet sticker for the X50 code. Check the PCM (if fitted) works fully and doesn't flicker.

 

[wills_aj]

Thanks Richard and Broggers. This is the sort of info you can only pick up from guys like you. It really shows the value of this forum.
I'm going to see a couple of cars this week, will let you know how things go.
Wills

 

[richard hall]

I would just add the mileage makes you consider clutch and rads i am on to my second set of rads and had the clutch done recently, the other thing you might consider is a dme check on later 996 turbo you can check for mileage discrepancy and rev range 1 and 2,along with mileage then suspension,The Turbo particularly relies on its oil more to help the turbos I have always changed the oil on mine at 5000 miles, non are essential but help if you are trying to distinguish amongst the many out there,likewise i dont think many have had the gearbox or diff oil changed,or cooling fluid.

the diverter /BOV if bought from bosch arent £100 but £35 shiny alloy ones are £110

ps just in rt wrighttune have the PAS pump attended to