What am I missing? Why is turbo so expensive?

[detroitbass]

Ok I have been doing a little research, and why is turbo charging so expensive? What makes it expensive?

Assuming I want to do a small amount of boost, around 7-8 PSI. I found a used T3 turbo on eBay for around $200. Manifold can be found for $250. Intercooler for around $110, piping around $120. Blow off valves around $100.

What else am I missing here? The guide on this site said expect $4000 for a small amount of boost. The things I have listedare under $1000. What am I forgetting or missing?

[GTI]

Turbocharging isnt just all mechanical components dude. And used turbos arent always reliable. Ebay in general for some turbo parts can be a trap for multiple reasons.

One big thing you are missing on that list is a form of Air/Fuel management.

[detroitbass]

Even if it isn't all components, how could it cost $3000 more? I really don't know, and am looking for help here. I may know audio, but I'm dumb to performance.

[GTI]

Fuel management can cost you 1000+

[detroitbass]

Can you give me a link, or at least some brand names/models of fuel management? I mean, I see some on eBay for around $100.

[The Shaolin]

Forged rods/pistons
Oil lines/fittings
Tapped oil pan
Larger fuel injectors/management
Air/fuel gauge
Pyrometer

There's another $2000, at the least.

[GTI]

for 7-8lbs, you dont need forged internals, but it would be a good idea.

[dream36realms]

don't forget dyno time!

[sl2racer]

wow. first off if you are finding a 200 dollar turbo just remember you get what you pay for. if it is used it probably needs to be rebuilt. there is usually a reason people took them off their cars. secondly there are a few turbo auctions for new turbos for cheap. these are usually the crappy made turbo's
here is an example
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/T3-T4-Tu ... 0090QQrdZ1

stay away from ssautochrome. they have a tendence to have the housing split.

the rest of your prices probablly are close.

fuel management for low boost can be fixed with a s-afc and wide band o2 and a air fuel gauge.

you will need a few misilanious parts like fittings and lines. probablly in the neiborhood of another 100 dollars.
if you are not a welder then you have to pay someone to weld some stuff here and there . the amount of that totally dependant apon your piping and bov selection.

[detroitbass]

Well the turbo I am looking at is a rebuilt Garrett TB0335 turbo. I'm still thinking and considering doing it all over the winter. Dunno for sure yet.

[GTI]

If you go with Standalone management, a lap top and software could cost you 1-1200$. An SAFC and a wideband O2 sensor will cost you around 800 total, then you need to do some pulls in third gear and tune it with the SAFC by reading the wideband O2 and seeing where you are at as far as A/F ratio.

[detroitbass]

Pulls in 3rd gear? I have an automatic....

[S.Bretz]

oh.... Expect it to shift weird with boost.

[SupraCharged007]

oh.... Expect it to shift weird with boost.

For a lil while [img]{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif[/img]

[Anonymous]

dude if you think $3k is too much, then don't turbo it because $3K is pocketchange for a serious turbo satty. it's that simple.