Defender 300tdi Turbo Replacement Recmmendations?

[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.

[shack]

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....

[jboot51]

option 2
maybe this....
Uprated Billet Hybrid Turbo CHRA Core 452055- Land Rover Defender Discovery Turbocharger Cartridge (https://www.turborebuild.co.uk/webshop/prod_5481949-Uprated-Billet-Hybrid-Turbo-CHRA-Core-452055-Land-Rover-Defender-Discovery-Turbocharger-Cartridge.html)

[manic]

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!

[Vern]

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

[manic]

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

[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

[shack]

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 sayI'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..

[megz]

Option 2 looks a goer....

Thanks Shack, I'm leaning towards the same.

[megz]

option 2
maybe this....
Uprated Billet Hybrid Turbo CHRA Core 452055- Land Rover Defender Discovery Turbocharger Cartridge (https://www.turborebuild.co.uk/webshop/prod_5481949-Uprated-Billet-Hybrid-Turbo-CHRA-Core-452055-Land-Rover-Defender-Discovery-Turbocharger-Cartridge.html)

That's the exact cartridge I'm looking at jboot51. Thanks for your reply.

[megz]

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

Manic - if only I made a little more coin...

low income + 300tdi ownership = premature grey hair...

[Tins]

option 2
maybe this....
Uprated Billet Hybrid Turbo CHRA Core 452055- Land Rover Defender Discovery Turbocharger Cartridge (https://www.turborebuild.co.uk/webshop/prod_5481949-Uprated-Billet-Hybrid-Turbo-CHRA-Core-452055-Land-Rover-Defender-Discovery-Turbocharger-Cartridge.html)

Yep. I got mine from them. On my doorstep in 4 days, and is great.

[Tins]

Yep. I got mine from them. On my doorstep in 4 days, and is great.

However, you will need a kickass pair of circlip pliers. That circlip is a beast.

I see you are in Vic. If you are anywhere near me you are welcome to borrow mine.

[markb]

Just installed a an allisport VGT on my 300tdi. Great improvement both low down and top end. Happy to take you for a drive if ever your in the area.

[megz]

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!

Thanks for your reply manic.

Photo showing bent blades should appear below.

It's been like this for a few months now with no sign of getting worse but a wheel traveling as such high RPMs... I think I'd feel more comfortable with it in better nick.

And yes, VNT is on the shopping list next time round...

140514

[nick_e]

If you are on a budget, just replace the cartridge. You can get a replacement for around $200.

[megz]

However, you will need a kickass pair of circlip pliers. That circlip is a beast.

I see you are in Vic. If you are anywhere near me you are welcome to borrow mine.

Thanks johntins, that's a very kind offer (and my sister lives out your way in Kallista) but I'm getting my brother/mechanic to assist and he's up in the nation's capital.

Is the circlip you speak of the big one that encircles the cartridge (see picture below taken from YouTube video)?

140515

The bloke in this video uses a pair of snub-nose pliers...

Thanks

megz

[megz]

Just installed a an allisport VGT on my 300tdi. Great improvement both low down and top end. Happy to take you for a drive if ever your in the area.

Awesome. I will take you up on that offer markb next time i'm down on the penninsula.

Thanks

[manic]

Yeah, that doesnt look good. Maybe set your vnt savings back a little and get a straight replace cartridge.

In the mean time, if you have not already done so, you can open up the exhaust and intake, push the boost towards 18psi, bigger intercooler and up the fuel.

[Tins]

Thanks johntins, that's a very kind offer (and my sister lives out your way in Kallista) but I'm getting my brother/mechanic to assist and he's up in the nation's capital.

Is the circlip you speak of the big one that encircles the cartridge (see picture below taken from YouTube video)?

140515

The bloke in this video uses a pair of snub-nose pliers...

Thanks

megz

That's the one. Thing is, he's probably already had that one out. They get buildups of rust and grime. Very stiff, and the clip itself is very strong.