T3 Turbos for 3B

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

Joined
Sep 1, 2007
Threads
26
Messages
115
Location
Palmer, Alaska
All right I have searched this forum extensively and read over a hundred threads on putting a turbo on a 3B and I still have a few questions about turbo selections. It seems as though a Garret T3 would be a good choice, there are alot of them available in different configurations on Ebay. There does not seem to be a consensus on what A/R and trim numbers are best. I want a DD that I can pull a snowmachine trailer with, no super rock crawling or anything like that. Can some one give me solid numbers to go by? I wish we had a sticky with turbo part numbers and specs and what they came off of, yes I know the info is probably here somewhere but it would be nice to have it consolidated. Thanks in advance for any help.
 
I was on vacation last week and likely read all the same threads for the exact same thing and came up short. I was gonna post this exact same thing today after one last search

Additionally, it would be great to know exactly what's needed to make a full turbo kit (clamps, hoses, pipes, etc) and where to get them from.
 
The turbo wakes up the 3B but it's still no rocket when pulling a trailer. I have an AXT kit with a Garrett T3 turbo on the BJ60, a Volvo T3 turbo on the FJ55/3B and the CT26 Supra turbo on the FJ45LV.

It's tough to compare as the BJ60 has over 560,000 kms on the engine while the FJ55 has maybe 20,000 miles on the engine (the FJ45LV is not yet on the road). The FJ55 pulls harder for sure but is it the engine or turbo?
 
So let it me post the question this way. If I was going to go looking for a turbo on Ebay, or anywhere, what would I be looking for? There are many different T3s listed for Volvos, Mercedes and Volkswagens, the only way I can tell any difference is from the A/R and trim numbers, if they're listed, usually it's just the original vehicle make and model.
 
Regarding the first two posts... maybe someone should add a section to the wiki about this, it's a very difficult subject that is not easy to figure out reading through old threads...
 
So it sounds like I am not alone as far as not being able to dig up good useable info on the different turbos that can be used on a 3B. So that makes me wonder, are the guys that have put turbos on 3Bs that were not factory or kits (Turboglide, AXT) just using whatever they can find and hoping it works? I'd like to here from somone that has done one and find out why they used the turbo they did.
 
I'm in the same boat and have been for some time but I'm getting closer to making the plunge. I'm going to buy the Turboglide manifold that way I can run any T25/T3 Garrett so if I'm not happy with the turbo I picked there are plenty more possibilities to try.

The general consensus around here seems to be turbo's with turbine a/r's around 0.48/0.49 and turbo's that came off 2.0-2.2L gas engines suit the 3B. However in a recent thread comparing the turboglide vs AXT vs factory CT26 the turboglide was the most responsive turbo of the bunch with an a/r of 0.67 so go figure.

There are still plenty of other possibilities. As the turboglide manifold seems to use studs that means any turbo from a nissan sklyine GTR in T25/T3 will also be a bolt on fit. Good news for me as a mate of mine rebuilds RB motors and comes across skyline turbos all the time. His recommendation was what is known in Oz in the Skyline world as a Dash 7. In other words its a Skyline R34 N1 ball bearing OEM turbo good for 310hp. Its a GT2860R with turbine specs of 53.8mm wheel diamter, 62 trim 0.64 a/r and compressor 55 trim 0.42 a/r. They are incredibly responsive turbos on a GTR which is only 2.6L and they use 2 of them so a single N1 turbo should be a good match for the 3B.
 
I am leaning towards a T3 turbo off of a 1983 Mercedes 300TD, several folks seem to have had good luck with them. I can not seem to find the exact a/r, trim numbers for it though. How much is a Turboglide manifold? I can get a 13bt manifold for around $450 USD and an adapter to the T3 for another $50USD.
 
There's a supplier in Canada that has the 13bt manifold for about $320 USD. Search and you'll find it. Can't remember which one
 
Turboglide manifold is $420 AU. I wouldn't bother with a 13BT manifold unless you want to run a CT26 because for any other turbo you will need to make a flange adapter = extra $$$
 
Turboglide manifold is $420 AU. I wouldn't bother with a 13BT manifold unless you want to run a CT26 because for any other turbo you will need to make a flange adapter = extra $$$

Yes, but a CT26 to T3 or T25 adapter is one of the easiest to make, check out diesel42's thread on them somewhere here.

Is the turboglide manifold T3 or T25? They are different and converting between them requires a more complicated 2 piece adapter. I do have designs for these which I can provide free, but it's still over twice the work of making a CT26 adapter.
 
Yes, but a CT26 to T3 or T25 adapter is one of the easiest to make, check out diesel42's thread on them somewhere here.

Is the turboglide manifold T3 or T25? They are different and converting between them requires a more complicated 2 piece adapter. I do have designs for these which I can provide free, but it's still over twice the work of making a CT26 adapter.

T25/T28 I believe so yeah useless for the OP wanting a T3 without an adapter. Though I think AXT's manifold are for T3's?
 
So if I go with a 13bt manifold I should be able to use a CT-26 to T3 adapter right? I found a one piece on e-bay for $60 that looks just like others I've seen here. There are really aren't any other alternatives to the 13bt manifold except to build one that I've been able to find. I guess the AXT and Turboglide manifolds are another option but shipping from OZ to Alaska I suspect is stupid expensive.
 
I bought the 13BT manifold from EBI in British Columbia for $450CND plus shipping, I bought the $50 adapter from ebay but found I needed to cut the center bar out and grind the adapter to get better flow. I bought a brand new Garrett T3 from a early 80's mercedes 300 turbodiesel on ebay and bolted things together. I'd recommend using some pretty good loctite on the bolts securing the adapter flange to the 13BT manifold as there is not room under the head for a lockwasher. You will have more room on the 60, but on the 42 space is pretty tight between the turbo and the firewall. I bought a 2.5" mandril bent downpipe and modified it to work. You won't be able to purchase an exhaust flange for the turbo on ebay, the ones listed there for a garrett T3 don't fit on the Mercedes turbo. I had a friend cnc one for me but it wouldn't be that hard to build if you needed to. This turbo has made an amazing difference on the 42... I haven't seen post turbo EGT's exceed 600 degrees yet and 1100 is the max. I can accelerate up hills from a stand still, previously unheard of. Good luck!!

Tyler
 
The adapter I am looking out does'nt have the center bar so I am good there. I found a used TB0363 off of a Volvo that's under $200 and comes with a thirty day warranty, I think that is how I am going to go. Crazybushman, I am not familar w/EBI, got a number? I am not quite sure how the TB0363 exhaust outlet is, I thought it used a 2.5" v-clamp, if anyone can correct me on that I'd appreciate it.
 
Hey,

Here is the link to their site;

13BT exhaust manifold - $450.00 : Extremebends.com | Landcruiser Toyota Parts and EBI 4x4 Accessories

I can't remember if the volvo uses the v clamp or not, either way you will be pretty close to the firewall with your exhaust so you will probably have to modify whatever you have....

Remember to dump your oil as high as possible on your oil pan with your oil dump line pointing as straight down as possible, it would also be wise to change out your head gasket at the same time with a Toyota gasket ($$$), close your eyes as you examine your pre-cups and in between your valves.... A friend of mine who owns a Toyota diesel shop recommends staking the pre-cups to ensure they don't come out if they do crack the rest of the way.

Cheers!
Tyler
 
Okay. How would everyone like a kit that has the adapter, turbo, manifold, gaskets, oiling supply and return lines, silicone and crossover pipe, and all fittings and clamps?

Diesel42 and I have put together a complete *NEW* kit that will cost around $1,300 to $1,400 US. No junkyard parts or rebuilds. I am also looking into including a water to air intercooler kit if the interest is there.

If anyone wants one let me know and I will put together a parts list and cost analysis.

kraig
 
The adapter I am looking out does'nt have the center bar so I am good there. I found a used TB0363 off of a Volvo that's under $200 and comes with a thirty day warranty, I think that is how I am going to go. Crazybushman, I am not familar w/EBI, got a number? I am not quite sure how the TB0363 exhaust outlet is, I thought it used a 2.5" v-clamp, if anyone can correct me on that I'd appreciate it.

Hey,

I have a TB0363 from a Volvo, and I believe it is going to work very well. I am hoping to install it in a month or so, time is limited. The flange however is volvo-specific and will require a simple adapter to be machined or they are on ebay. Search for Volvo T3 adapter and several should come up. The flange on the TB0363 is not totally rectangle, it is rounded on the long sides. PM your email address and I will send you pics of mine... BTW, they are watercooled as well... The exhaust on mine is not a V-band, but a simple and easy 3 bolt rounded triangle flange...

Hope it helps,
Eric
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom