To Ball Bearing or to not....

[UGOTB1T]

What are the main benefits of upgrading to a BB turbo vs. a non BB turbo? If it matters, it's a 67mm on an 05 GT.

[QWKSNKE]

I would think that ball bearing would be best. Coupe can correct me on this if I am wrong but essientially a non BB turbo uses a 'bushing' on the impellar shafts rather than a true bearing like a ball bearing setup. Seems to me a non-ball bearing turbo would be subject to premature wear.

[UGOTB1T]

Originally Posted by QWKSNKE

I would think that ball bearing would be best. Coupe can correct me on this if I am wrong but essientially a non BB turbo uses a 'bushing' on the impellar shafts rather than a true bearing like a ball bearing setup. Seems to me a non-ball bearing turbo would be subject to premature wear.

That seems to be the jist of what i've read. The BB turbos don't wear as fast and therefore need to be rebuilt less often. It would be an easier decision if they spooled faster or were a little bit louder (don't laugh, i'm .001% ricer ). I wonder if it's worth the extra $400. I guess it depends on how many miles I plan on running through it.

Edit: The PH kit uses a Journal bearing on their non-BB kits.

[coupe]

A ballbearing turbo is a little more durable if your prone to running dirty oil. That's about the only advantage.

There is no measurable difference in spoolup time. The ball bearing is easier to spin by hand and stays spinning longer than a conventional turbo...but that is because there is no oil pressure on the conventional turbo when it is sitting there. With oil pressure, the shaft floats on oil...it is unbelievably easy to turn.

The ball-bearing turbo is:
1)More expensive
2)Not rebuildable without a completely new center section (expensive).

Go with the regular turbo. PowerHouse has a great kit. I have met Mike (owner) and talked with him several times about his stuff. It's nice.

[qkjuicedpony]

Ive got a BB turbo now

[UGOTB1T]

Originally Posted by coupe

A ballbearing turbo is a little more durable if your prone to running dirty oil. That's about the only advantage.

There is no measurable difference in spoolup time. The ball bearing is easier to spin by hand and stays spinning longer than a conventional turbo...but that is because there is no oil pressure on the conventional turbo when it is sitting there. With oil pressure, the shaft floats on oil...it is unbelievably easy to turn.

The ball-bearing turbo is:
1)More expensive
2)Not rebuildable without a completely new center section (expensive).

Go with the regular turbo. PowerHouse has a great kit. I have met Mike (owner) and talked with him several times about his stuff. It's nice.

Sweet, thanks for the info coupe. I'll stick with the journal bearing that comes standard with the kit.