So what’s the right size turbo? What turbo should I get for my m5x?
This is such an open-ended question. It depends on so much.
Racing’s e36/e46 gt3582 .63 ar t3 turbo. If given a displacement range of 2.0-3.2L, they did a great job. Honestly, not sure what it does on a 2.0 or 2.2L m5x, but it’s not wildly laggy on b25 variants, and spools almost too quickly on an s52.
Let’s start with CX Racing’s e36/e46 gt3582 .63 ar t3 turbo. If given a displacement range of 2.0-3.2L, they did a great job. Honestly, not sure what it does on a 2.0 or 2.2L m5x, but it’s not wildly laggy on b25 variants, and spools almost too quickly on an s52.
That’s a tight turbine housing on that gt35, it’s great for fast spool, not going to make as much top end as some other options, but will spool faster.
Everything with turbo sizing is a line with two ends. Most options offering more power will induce later spool. If the gt35 from cx is too laggy for someone’s taste for a
Everything with turbo sizing is a line with two ends. Most options offering more power will induce later spool. If the gt35 from cx is too laggy for someone’s taste for a given setup, going from that 61mm turbo to something like a gt3076 (57mm turbo), given the same turbine will spool significantly earlier. But if seeking more top end, a larger spec like a gt3586 (67mm) or gt4088 (71mm) will induce later spool points, but will make more top end and induce less upper rpm torque loss.
Some companies offer stainless turbine housings, these are a great option for top mount setups. Cast iron housings rust. Relying on a turbo blanket for dressup is a poor plan (don’t look at our home page, it’s aesthetic). The turbo blanket will hold a lot of the heat of the turbine housing in a much larger package.
Conclusion: Turbo sizing is deeply dependent on personal preferences, goals and evolving tastes. Don’t focus too much with getting it right the first time. Chinese turbos typically make similar power and spool just like their authentic cousins. They are a great way of figuring out what you want without having to spend much money.
