GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
Picked up a TD04L-13T turbo locally this weekend (originally from a 2006 Subaru WRX). I've upgraded many things on my engine (Intercooler/Intake/Exhaust/Cam/Tuning/Cooling/Emissions/Alcohol Injection, Etc.), but have never played around with different turbo chargers. Trying this thing out will be a winter project. I expect it'll be a vast improvement for the motor.
A lot of people think the CT20A is on the small size for the 2LTE. I feel differently. Little do most people know, in the last few years of the 2LTE, Toyota actually ran the CT9 turbo on it. This is a much smaller turbo, and probably actually maps better to the engine. Having talked to an LN165 owner (newer 2LTE with CT9), he liked the engine quite a bit, and said it spooled quickly. The turbine on the CT20A is actually quite big. In fact it's the same size as the one used on the 4.2l 24V 1HDFTE!! Both the CT20A and CT9 are old turbos with inefficient turbines however. I have pushed my CT20A to 19psi (post intercooler), and it has held up well. It keeps up even at high rpms and full load. However I think there are better options out there that will increase drive-ability of a 2LTE.
So what am I looking for in an upgrade? Well turbos have come a long ways since the late 80s and early 90s. New turbos offer quite a lot, and can transform the response of an engine. Here's what I'm hoping for:
- Lower intake air temperatures (more efficient compressor)
- Faster spool (more efficient turbine)
- Broader power band (boost achieved at lower rpm)
- Better fuel efficiency (my engine overfuels a bit until into boost; achieving boost earlier means a more efficient AFR).
- Possibly higher pressure ratios (I need to look at the compressor map for these again....), allowing for more fuel later if I want
Fortunately this version of the TD04 is clocked correctly for the 2LTE, and visually seems perfect for the motor There will still be some work in making it fit however:
- Custom machined manifold adapter (fab on the mill)
- Ebay dump pipe ($50 on Ebay)
- Custom oil drain pipe (maybe just bend the one on the turbo)
- Custom oil feed (buy a custom made hose)
- General purpose sections of rubber hose and clamps to connect coolant lines (any autoparts store)
I'll let you know how this project goes. These turbos are easy to come by (they cost in the $150-250 range), as many WRX owners upgrade to larger turbos. If this upgrade is successful, it could be an economical option for others who desire more performance/efficiency from their 2LTE. In fact you can probably flog your old CT20A for the same price or more...meaning this upgrade will be mostly just labor and some custom parts fab.
Here are a couple pictures of the turbo.
A lot of people think the CT20A is on the small size for the 2LTE. I feel differently. Little do most people know, in the last few years of the 2LTE, Toyota actually ran the CT9 turbo on it. This is a much smaller turbo, and probably actually maps better to the engine. Having talked to an LN165 owner (newer 2LTE with CT9), he liked the engine quite a bit, and said it spooled quickly. The turbine on the CT20A is actually quite big. In fact it's the same size as the one used on the 4.2l 24V 1HDFTE!! Both the CT20A and CT9 are old turbos with inefficient turbines however. I have pushed my CT20A to 19psi (post intercooler), and it has held up well. It keeps up even at high rpms and full load. However I think there are better options out there that will increase drive-ability of a 2LTE.
So what am I looking for in an upgrade? Well turbos have come a long ways since the late 80s and early 90s. New turbos offer quite a lot, and can transform the response of an engine. Here's what I'm hoping for:
- Lower intake air temperatures (more efficient compressor)
- Faster spool (more efficient turbine)
- Broader power band (boost achieved at lower rpm)
- Better fuel efficiency (my engine overfuels a bit until into boost; achieving boost earlier means a more efficient AFR).
- Possibly higher pressure ratios (I need to look at the compressor map for these again....), allowing for more fuel later if I want
Fortunately this version of the TD04 is clocked correctly for the 2LTE, and visually seems perfect for the motor There will still be some work in making it fit however:
- Custom machined manifold adapter (fab on the mill)
- Ebay dump pipe ($50 on Ebay)
- Custom oil drain pipe (maybe just bend the one on the turbo)
- Custom oil feed (buy a custom made hose)
- General purpose sections of rubber hose and clamps to connect coolant lines (any autoparts store)
I'll let you know how this project goes. These turbos are easy to come by (they cost in the $150-250 range), as many WRX owners upgrade to larger turbos. If this upgrade is successful, it could be an economical option for others who desire more performance/efficiency from their 2LTE. In fact you can probably flog your old CT20A for the same price or more...meaning this upgrade will be mostly just labor and some custom parts fab.
Here are a couple pictures of the turbo.
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I can get that sound from my CT20A if I wind the motor up to full boost in a parking lot and then suddenly let my foot off the throttle....
