Opinions on CT26 Turbo

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Dec 27, 2005
Threads
85
Messages
919
Location
Northern California
Website
www.facebook.com
Hello,
Both GregS and i are finally starting to put some serious thought on Turbo'ing our BJ42's(82 & 83). We both decided not to go with a kit as they are very expensive compared the the DIY route that certainily seems to work excellent as eveidence by all that have done them here. i have been reading threads/past threads, educating myself on the parts/choices. The question inmind is some say the Supra CT26 is an excellent choice,some say it isn't. Otterav has a recent post(BJ mutation) inwhich he gives realworld numbers testing out this turbo. What are the pros/cons?
Here is what both us are are interested in:Longevity,obvious power increase but not race quality with excessive boosts and/or EGT's,etc(which will inherently lower longevity and mileage). Better fuel mileage(provided responsible driving habits),ease of fabrication(not that huge of a deal really).We're thinking 2.5" exhaust w/o muffler(seems to be the trend). I understand the CT26 MR-2 version has two ports as opposed to the Supra which has one large one(better?). Again, we do not want to have to rev to high RPM's to obtain benefits from any turbo or have excessive boost levels. Am i right in thinking 14psi seems to be the popular high mark for boost.I'm thinking i would want the turbo to operate within say1800-3000 rpm. Am i thinking straight? I know there's alot of knowedge on this forum so please excuss the naveness i just want to find the correct combination for our modification based on our criteria. If i'm out in left field, don't hesitate to correct me. Also. we are both in need of two 13bt manifolds if anyone has a lead. G & S has them on there website for $500.00 each(oooouch) and with the dollars so low, it would be even steeper. THanks again in advance,we appreciate it.
 
The toyota turbos are an expensive dead end as far as parts availability and rebuild is concerned.

Go for a garrett T25 or T3
 
The CT26 is rebuildable. I have rebuilt the one I'll be trying on the FJ45LV with the 3B, it is a Supra model. I was going to make a Supra/MR2 bastardized combination but the wheels are matched to the housings so that's not easily done. When I had the seals done in the AXT turbo a couple of years ago the turbo shop said that Garrett was a well known and respected brand and that the Japanese turbos were not up to Garrett quality.

Obviously, if you are going with the 13B-T manifold you will either need an adaptor to someting different or the CT26, nothing else fits. The Supra has the right configuration to match the 13B-T manifold, the MR2, while it will bolt up, really doesn't flow well as the split inlet don't match in any way to the manifold outlet configuration. You might also see if you can get a manifold fabricated and then have a T3 footprint which opens up all sorts of turbo choices without adaptors.
 
The CT26 is rebuildable. I have rebuilt the one I'll be trying on the FJ45LV with the 3B, it is a Supra model. I was going to make a Supra/MR2 bastardized combination but the wheels are matched to the housings so that's not easily done. When I had the seals done in the AXT turbo a couple of years ago the turbo shop said that Garrett was a well known and respected brand and that the Japanese turbos were not up to Garrett quality.

Of course they're rebuildable. But the rebuild kit alone is double the price of a garrett T25/T28 rebuild kit.
I believe Garrett make the Toyota turbos, but they are made to a design that is quite dated compared to the fixed geometry turbos available now. New toyota diesels are using garrett variable vane turbos, which suggests that parts availability for the toyota turbos at reasonable prices will be tapering off.
Mellett and co will continue to make new service parts to keep old toyota turbos running. But unless you're hell bent on a stock toyota engine/turbo combo the price will become prohibitive as good used parts dry up.
 
The toyota turbos are an expensive dead end as far as parts availability and rebuild is concerned.

Go for a garrett T25 or T3

x2 , The C26 is a cumberson old design with hardly any aftermarket parts available. You could probably get , say a T3 for US $100/$150 and a rebuild kit for US$100.00, seems a better deal to me or go for the T25. Kits for Garrett, IHI, Mitsubishi,Cummings,and Holset would be far easier to get and way cheaper.
 
I've found ct26 rebuild kits to be slightly more $ but not all that unreasonable. It's finding compressor wheels, exhaust housings without cracks for reasonable is more difficult.

Toyota Kits

I still agree that it's alot easier to find garrett parts. That's the reason I slapped on the t3 garrett vs the ct26 still on my garage floor.

HTH
 
But unless you're hell bent on a stock toyota engine/turbo combo the price will become prohibitive as good used parts dry up.

Not at all fixated on a Toyota turbo. I had a 13B-T manifold that "fell into my lap" which made a Toyota turbo a natural choice. A Garrett or other brand would have needed an adaptor. I may go that way if/when the CT26 dies but for now I'll give the CT26 a run and we'll see how it comes out.

Right now the FJ45LV with the 3B/Supra CT26 turbo is not up and running yet. It's at least 1-2 years away from being on the road. I have an AXT kit on the BJ60 and a Garrett, from a Volvo apparently (I did not pull the turbo, I bought it c/w the manifold from another 'Cruiser head), on the FJ55/3B. Of the two I know the FJ55/3B and the Volvo turbo has more power. That may be attributed to the freshly rebuilt 3B or it may be the turbo or a combination of both.

I'll report when the FJ45LV and 3B/CT-26 is up and running and we'll see which is better.
 
Thanks guys. I had opted for the 13bt manifold as i was under the impression that flipping the stock manifold only caused excessive pressure as it necks down. Whereas the 13bt is split in the middle thus relieving the ports? Is this right? Also, a am really interested in your thoughts regarding the performance variations between the turbos(i.e.,Garrett T-3,T-25,Supra,etc.)based on my prior mentioned criteria.Example: What are the power bands of each,rpms,boost levels,etc. This is greatly appreciated.
 
I am not sure of your location but I bought my 13BT manifold from 4Wheelauto for around $450 and EBI has them for the same $$?

Rob
 
Also, what is the perfect aspect ratios for the 3B? Isn't the 3B a 3.4liter? Ads on ebay for the T-25 state they fit 1.2-1.8 liter engines. Wouldn't this be alittle small for the 3?Thanks

Petrol (gasoline) engine turbo requirements are vastly different to diesels. The T25 from a 1.8L petrol is ideal for a diesel of the 3B size.
 
otterav and Dougal, let's be civil, I don't want to delete any threads or posts but if you force my hand I will.
 
Oh look it's that time again.:rolleyes:

I installed a T25 on my 3.8L Isuzu.
So what you are saying by default is, you have no experience with the 3B and CT26 combo, and what you are typing is opinion as it relates to the combo?
Thought so
'nuff said
eric
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom