New Turbo Needed?

[mgb driver]

I've got my Esprit back in the shop......this time for a master cylinder, new clutch and a/c work. Dealer called today and they are saying I should consider replacing the turbo. The reason I've been given is that is it's showing wear (they didn't take it apart, just test drove it), and that a new (or rebuilt one) would spool up faster, giving me better performance. Admittedly, it's a little slow off the line, but I hear that as a common complaint by some, others say it's normal. When the turbo does kick in there is no question......you feel your body being pushed back in the seat. Now the dilema: I could save on labor costs if I had it done now...... but it will cost more down the road (since the car will be torn apart for the clutch anyway). I don't have the dollar amount yet.... but I'm also skeptical. Just as a side note, the mechanics are typically working on Ferraris and Maseratis.........not too many Lotuses, so I'm sure they are used to more low end torque.

Any thoughts on replacing the turbo would be welcomed!

Kevin
88 Turbo

[Skerd]

If you do it, rebuild your old turbo, do not buy a new one from Lotus. $ 500 vs $ 2,000. Is your turbo leaking oil? If it is fine at max boost I would not replace it yet.

[dr.hess]

I am skeptical of their diagnostic criteria. I don't think you can really tell if a turbo needs rebuilding by test driving it. If your tranny is out already, they should be able to feel the blades pretty easily and check for end play. The way to test a turbo is by finger, not seat of the pants. That and leaking oil. Yeah, I think I would pass on the turbo for now, but then I would do it myself anyway.

Dr.Hess

[mgb driver]

Thanks for the input. Nothing has been said about oil leaking from the turbo.... the only reason given seemed to generate from the test drive. I can't help but wonder if the bad clutch is impacting some of that at the same time. Anyway, think I'll pass on it for now unless the dealer can give me some iron clad reason to replace/rebuild the turbo. One thing I believe I omitted from the last post was the car has 62K on it.

I'd like to get the leaking quarter window issue resolved at the same time...... but I'm not having any luck with local glass places. The dealer has a lead on someone; hopefully that will pan out.

Kevin

[lotusguy]

mgb driver said:

Thanks for the input. Nothing has been said about oil leaking from the turbo.... the only reason given seemed to generate from the test drive. I can't help but wonder if the bad clutch is impacting some of that at the same time. Anyway, think I'll pass on it for now unless the dealer can give me some iron clad reason to replace/rebuild the turbo. One thing I believe I omitted from the last post was the car has 62K on it. I'd like to get the leaking quarter window issue resolved at the same time...... but I'm not having any luck with local glass places. The dealer has a lead on someone; hopefully that will pan out. Kevin

Kevin,

I'd be a little leery of a dealer who'se running my car to the max to check the turbo As mentioned, finger checking for broken turbine vanes and looking for oil leaks are much better, more objective tests.

Wait 'til it fails to address it, and then rebuild, don't replace! Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[madmike]

Slow off the line has nothing to do with your turbo anyways. With the stock ECU, your turbo doesn't even kick in until after 3000 RPMs anyways.

[rlearp]

Save that money. If your turbo was bad you'd know it - it'd leak oil or produce a lot of blow by for you, or make henious noises. For the money that those guys would want to get a new one you'd easily get a nice upgraded turbocharger - about $600.

[mgb driver]

Thanks to all for your comments. I hate to say this but I'm starting to get an uneasy feeling about the dealer I'm using....... I would have thought they would treat their customers a little more honestly. So, unless they can prove consluively to me that there is definitely something wrong w/the turbo....it will stay as it is.

Kevin
88 Turbo

[autocross7]

Hey, I see you are States side! Sorry, I can not help you with a dealer as I do not trust any of them from past experience (I do most of my own work)...

However, If your Turbo is still out of your 88', use your fingers and check for any amount of 'wobble'. If you catch any issues before they are problems you can save a bundle of money. I recently put in a new clutch in my 88' and notice the fan in the turbo had a tiny tiny wobble. I got the thing rebuilt like new for 250.00USD in one day! I was told "I got to it before there was any damage".

www.dallasturbo.com/main.html

[e-mail]
or...
1-800-279-3626

They were recomended to me and I was very happy with the work and price!!!

Drive topless!!!
Cameron

[Dr.Hess]

Hey Cam,
I wonder if they are related to:

http://majesticturbo.com

Who I have met. They were very knowledgeable about automotive turbo's in general, even though they sort of specialize in Harley drag bike turbos. I think their bread and butter is rebuilding auto and truck turbos.

FYI, I saw some of their 600+HP Harley drag bikes. Rather large turbo's on them, especially for a motorcycle.

Dr.Hess

[autocross7]

Yep... that is the same guys. They were really good! and affordable. I have heard that they turbo'd a Ducatti... I do not know if it was true (I could ask them I suppose), but I'd like to see one...


Drive topless!!!
Cameron