Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ball Bearing Turbos

[DCreed]

I didnt know II made the sps and silver in a 12cm?

 

[MMcCallie]

I thought that's what Brady said when we were driving around. Guess a diesel truck isn't the best place for a conversation.

 

[MMcCallie]

I can't say enough great things about the Garrett Stage II turbo I'm using. Switching to this slightly smaller size made all the difference. This turbo actually shows boost just by revving the engine. Literally with the transmission in park or neutral, I can rev or blip the throttle and see boost. Roughly 1 psi at 1,000, 2 psi at 2,000, 3 psi at 3,000 RPMs. Amazing! I see boost so much sooner than with any other turbo. Really helps get the truck scooting along quicker.

I grossed about 24,000 lbs on a 3 week trip from Salt Lake City, through Yellowstone, the Canadian Rockies, and the western route up to Alaska this summer. This turbo always had plenty of boost and really cleaned up the smoke. EGTs never got scarier than 1,300 pulling the steepest mountains.

The only thing I still dislike about this turbo is that it still surges, though far less than any other turbo I've tried, and so far only when either pulling a hard load, or being low in RPMs and heavy on the throttle while climbing a steep hill. But the surging doesn't shock the whole truck like others, its more like a shearing cough.

I drove easy on the truck coming up here since I had a new head and studs. While pulling I saw a peak of 49. 8 psi boost. I'm pretty sure I am now up to 50 psi if I ever feel the need to try or it. I really wanted to spin the rollers on a dyno but didn't find one on my way up and I'm no in a very remote location. I can't say the truck feels a lot more powerful, but the power definitely comes on stronger sooner, which is what I was really after. Just holding my hand at the air filter while idling I can tell this turbo is pulling way more air, especially when revved. Drivability is so much nicer, smoother, more constant in power between shifts. Boost climbs so much ore quickly. And its pretty cool to hear the turbo still spinning after shutting off the engine. Zero hesitation in saying this is the best turbo I've ever experienced.