So I sent in my FP Black for rebuild. My turbo injested something and damaged the wheel and snapped the shaft. They can rebuild my journal bearing black for $800 and have it back to me within 2 weeks. Or upgrade my black to ball bearing for $1900 and it could take over a month.

The cheaper quicker option is more enticing to me, but I would be willing to spend the extra cash if they ball bearing option is really worth the money.

 

If this is a car that is drag/road raced then I suggest you go with the ball bearing option. If its mostly a street driven car Id stick with the journal bearing. Both turbos are very nice pieces.

 

id keep the JB

 

For durability purposes it seems that the BB option would be the way to go. I seem to remember the jb having a few issues when they were first released.

 

I would stick with the JB, save the $1100 and buy a nice EM. And have it all installed by the time the BB would have showed up .

 

I currently have a ported stocker exhaust manifold. Do you think there are much gains by switching out for a tubular one? I would lose my ARC heatshield, but still gain some nice looks from the stainless or coated tubes.


Based on responses here and other forums it seems sticking JB would be the best option at the moment.

 

Well, I gained 36 peak whp and 19 peak wtq by switching from a stock TB, stock IM and stock ported EM to a 65mm TB, ported IM and tubular EM with my Black setup on 93. Gained 40whp and 40wtq in some areas of the curve. Not sure how much of that was from just the EM - maybe 1/3 - 1/2? If you are already pulling the turbo, now's the time to do it.

 

Id sell it and buy a t3 kit and a hta86.

 

The journal bearing version will probably last about 50k miles give or take. The BB version would last longer in theory. The BB hasn't been around long enough to prove it but already seem to have a much better track record.

I decided to go from a FP Red to T3 myself. Turbos are cheaper and there are a ton to choose from.

 

I would upgrade to BB. Think of the resale value, I would gauge future goal for the car for 2-3 years and go from there. GL.

 

this is my current debate. I really want a toxicfab stock-replacement manifold, but if I'm going to replace the turbo, manifold and o2 housing, I may as well do a T3 setup

 

Its a no brainer at this point to go t3.

 

Let me know if you need a t3 set up

-Collin