also just some other notes in regards to cheap ebay turbos / cheap seller turbo's
more often that not there are some key differences
- wierd flanges or dump patterns (kkr, monsta t70 etc i dont think mate at all to standard parts and need their own bits)
- plain bearing, journal bearing (majority of the cheapies aren't ball bearing)
- oil cooled only (usually the cheapies are oil cooled only)
- lack of compressor map / details available (usually monsta STAGE 3 hiflow super wheel blah blah type jargon, no real reference to compressor trim,blade type)
but they are exactly that, a cheap alternative. im not saying the dont work but there are extra things you should be aware of and need to know if using them. some need extensive modificaitons, some dont need much at all. some require extensive knowledge for fitmet (oil line changes to remove BB restrictor) and some have extra "gotcha's" when using them over the standard turbo (non BB unit and instant car off risks bearing failure)
so sure its a $650 turbo thats capable of 550hp but look at the overall plan and solution and see what you are really getting.
with an off the shelf garrett unit you can ring gcg in sydney, discuss flange/dump options, manifolds, you can ask for compressor maps (no guess work) and work out the optimum solution, but that also comes at a price. a price for reliability, knowledge, customer support (compressor maps, blade options, housing options etc) and help