Thread: Defender 300tdi Turbo Replacement Recmmendations?

Originally Posted by megz

Hi guys

I have a stock standard '98 300tdi Defender. Beautiful machine that I love dearly.

A couple of months back the turbo started whistling loudly (yes - more loudly than usual...) and closer inspection has revealed a small bend in one of the compressor wheel fins. This seems to be a pretty common problem.

So I think these are my options:

(1) Replace turbo cartridge with original replacement eg. Bearmach etc (Approx. AUD500)
(2) Replace turbo cartridge with Uprated Billet Hybrid Turbo (Approx. AUD600)
(3) Replace entire turbo with Garrett replacement (AUD1200 - not in my budget)
(4) Replace entire turbo with billet remake eg. T250 Billet Turbo, Speedup Autoparts in Melbourne (AUD500)
(5) Replace entire turbo with VGT Uprated Turbocharger (AUD1200 - sadly, not in my budget)

I am replacing the original intercooler with the uprated Allisport model.

As far as I know the existing turbo is in good condition. It is only the cartridge that is damaged.

Thoughts and recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

megz.

Option 2 looks a goer....

option 2
maybe this....
Uprated Billet Hybrid Turbo CHRA Core 452055- Land Rover Defender Discovery Turbocharger Cartridge

Pic of small bend? I have a whistling 300tdi but ive gotten used to it.

Can you stick with what you have until you save another 600 for a VNT? The power boost will be worth the wait!

No point having a vnt unless you can control the vanes!

VGT/VNT. Allisport kit bolts on, controlled by boost pressure. Will deliver up to ~20psi. Although price is around 1600+postage

I'm going to do option 2 if or when the turbo compressor goes noisy again. crank up the boost and smile that you saved about 1000 bucks.

as an aside, I got a brand new Garrett a few years ago I think from lrdirect was only about 650 landed on my doorstep, the local prices were hideous as you say

Originally Posted by BigBlackDog

I'm going to do option 2 if or when the turbo compressor goes noisy again. crank up the boost and smile that you saved about 1000 bucks.

as an aside, I got a brand new Garrett a few years ago I think from lrdirect was only about 650 landed on my doorstep, the local prices were hideous as you say

I've already done option 2 on my td5, definitely improved things down low, and when you consider it's about $450-$550 for a good second hand turbo,I thought it was a no brainer, how they perform on a tdi I wouldn't know, but if mine ever lets go, I'd definitely go the same route again, unless of course i can REALLY afford a vnt at the time..

Originally Posted by shack

Option 2 looks a goer....

Thanks Shack, I'm leaning towards the same.