I'm about to buy this turbo but I noticed it has no serial numbers on the compressor housing where there would usually be. Should I stay away because of this or is it okay?

 

Looks like it was rebuilt by Forced Performance.

 

Do you think its a safe buy then?

 

If there is no play in the cartridge then sure! FP stock-frame rebuilds are usually the sizzle!

 

he said there is no shaft play but noticed there was some very very slight lift-up when he pinched the turbine between his fingers and pulled. Should I still bite the bullet? He said he had he mechanic look at it and the mechanic said it was all good..

 

It's really up to you. Do you trust the seller's words? Could you get that in writing?

 

We were communicating through ebay. They have a 14 day return policy. I just went ahead and bought it. Hopefully everything is good.

 

EDIT: OOOPPPSS....too late in throwing you my opinion... let us know if all is good when you get it and install it!

Does the seller have any paperwork showing if it was indeed rebuilt or not? How many miles on the turbo and at what boost was he running it at.

I would ask him for a CLEAR video of him spinning the turbo blades and seeing if there is any side to side shaft play or in and out when pulling...

Hard to decide over the internet and taking someone's, whom you don't know, word for it.

 

A little play is normal out of the box. I would wonder about the history on that one.

 

it came from a scraped evo. They didn't know how many miles were on it. Looks like it was rebuilt either way. I figured I'll buy it and if there is excessive shaft play or something strange I'll send it back for a refund. Bought it for $400 shipped

 

$400 for any FP rebuild (Green,Red,Black,White) is a good deal!

 

Even if a rebuild it's odd they left the P/N's off on the area where the turbo info should be. http://store.forcedperformance.net/P...378-01580.html Other than the model info being left off/removed, it passes the eyeball test

 

I actually called forced performance before buying it and asked why the serial numbers would have been left off this turbo and she said they sandblast the compressor cover while rebuilding it and it removes the info.

 

well there you go, sounds like you're in good shape then. I will say, I get why they sandblast but at the same time it does create questions like this very thread. Would be helpful if they at least attached a plate or etched the numbers back in afterwards.

 

I agree 100%. Thanks for all the input guys and I'll post an update as soon as I install it. By the way am I able to use this turbo with the stock injectors on 93 octane for the time being until I upgrade to 1050cc injectors and e85?