I have searched and read a few threads about how to do the swap. What I want to know is it worth it or not? I currently have an 04 305/555 6 speed 4x4 that I plan on keeping for a long time. I have a chance to buy a HE351CW and may add a Smarty Jr. at a later date but for now I am staying stock. Let me know please and thanks for your help.
I did the swap, I just changed the turbo, I retained the 03 cast elbow and 3. 5" downpipe.
The egt's were slightly lower, I really could not tell any performance advantage, but never dynoed it. Maybe if I would have changed the elbow and downpipe, it may have helped, I am not convinced. The reason I say I am not convinced, I went through 2 other turbos with the 03 elbow/downpipe, an SPS62 & Silver62.
When the Silver62 wasn't living up to it's hype, I was urged to go with the 05 elbow and a 4" downpipe. Well once again egt's may have been reduced slightly, but turbo lag increased to the point it was impossible to tow my 5vr. You either shifted down to keep rpm's up, or topped hills at 90mph trying to keep the turbo lit.
Your probably getting the HE351cw for about $250. /300. which is a good deal, but for your effort, I would do the BD SuperB/KillerB, or a 62/65/12(13)(14), they will all spool very well and flow much better than the HE351cw, However the cost is 5 times more
