Has Anybody Used A GT2876R Before?

[xraycer2012]

So originally I was going to do a 2.0L GT30R build, but unfortunately due to some recent cash flow problems I need to downsize my build. I'm trying to find a turbo that I can use that will use a similar setup to a BT such as a GT30R ie. external wastegate, tubular exhaust manifold and dump tube, but will also be reliable with a stock head for now. My plan is to later on down the road build the head and make it into a 2.0L with a GT30R, but I don't want to have to replace the exhaust mainfold or wastgate. This would be a sort of middle ground that I would probably keep until I have the time and can afford to go BAT, which wouldn't be for a couple of years.

When I was looking around for new turbo options I found the GT2876R turbo on CTS Turbo's website. I was thinking this might be the way to go because I can get it with a T3 flange and it needs an external wastegate so the basic setup would be the same as a GT30R etc. The main questions I have for all the BT experts is:

1) Is it possible to use this turbo in one of our cars?

2) Could I get away with stock internals with the exception of some new rods with this turbo?

3) Has anyone ever tried this turbo and if so what were the results?

I'm still kind of a noob at these engines and what's out there as far as parts go. I come from a porsche background but obviously a college kid can't afford a porsche. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

[Seerlah]

I was looking into this turbo a while back and posted an inquiry just as you are doing. I was told that these turbos don't function too well with our vehicles. They are better suited for bigger displacement vehicles. The way the boost just comes in will grant a very uneasy ride as it comes very quick (if I recall correctly) and feels as if it still wants to push after to redline. That is why many B5 A4 owners go with the GT2871r. I am sure another can chimme in to grant a better response, but that is what I was told. (or at least I believe that is what I was told. bad memory. either way, don't run it)

[mike-2ptzero]

AKA GT25/40r.

Very crappy turbo. It has been around for a very long time and even when it first came out people said it was just a very bad turbo because its a small 25 hot side with a GT40 compresssor wheel. This is why they ended up coming out with a GT25/30r version since the difference between the 25 and 40 wheel was just too big.


Every one lists the turbo, just not many people actual buy it. Even GMG did one on a Audi A4 with a 2 liter and the numbers were not that impressive.

[xraycer2012]

Well that's good to know. I definitely won't be buying that turbo. I did think it was kind of weird having a 25 hot side and GT40 compressor wheel. It seemed like there was too much of a gap between the two for it to perform well. In that case, what do you think I can get away with, with a stock head? I was also thinking about the GT2871R like Seerlah said, but I really want an external wastegate so I don't have to buy one later with and get a new exhaust manifold or modify the one I would have.

[mike-2ptzero]

Well that's good to know. I definitely won't be buying that turbo. I did think it was kind of weird having a 25 hot side and GT40 compressor wheel. It seemed like there was too much of a gap between the two for it to perform well. In that case, what do you think I can get away with, with a stock head? I was also thinking about the GT2871R like Seerlah said, but I really want an external wastegate so I don't have to buy one later with and get a new exhaust manifold or modify the one I would have.

The best thing for you would be to go T3 manifold with a GT2871r(T3 flange), this way you can always upgrade the turbo later to a GT30r or HTA30r without having to change all that much.

[djwimbo]

2871R + T3 flange = done

EDIT: Link, T04B style inlet is optioned as an external wastegate option

[xraycer2012]

If I use this turbo I wouldn't be able to use a prefab tubular manifold then right? From what I can tell they are only made for BT's with external wastegates. The only reason I'm pushing the issue of the full race manifold is because I don't have the time to make one myself, and using a cast manifold like ATP's etc. goes against everything I've learned with porsche engines. Not to mention the fact that I can always modify a tubular manifold down the road. I can't do that with a cast one.

[Seerlah]

I am not the one to flame people, but you should come aquainted with the FAQ sheet at the top of the page. Also know the search button is your freind. And check out this link. If you can not find any answers to your questions after that, feel free to post an inquiry. Just trying to save you from being flamed. People can be real jerks .

[xraycer2012]

Yea, I know, I did alot of searching when I was trying to figure out what I would need to do to get a reliable car with a GT30R turbo. But now it's like I'm starting over and I'm just trying to save some time, because I already spent so much time researching what I would need to do/get for the GT30R. O well, I guess it's back to the drawing boards for me.

EDIT: Nice catch on the T04B Ext. wastegate option. I did not see that.

[djwimbo]

The FullRace setup (note: a distributor for them has already posted in this thread) is much lighter than a cast setup. He can hook you up with a Mani, turbo and Downpipe for a very reasonable price.

IF you were to go cast, I'd go with the SPA manifold. It's large in size, but very durable and great warranty.

Unless I'm reading the info wrong, the T3 flanged GT2871R (t04b style 4" inlet) is an external wastegate model. That would be the route I would go in your position. It's very easy to upgrade from that point on.

And yes, you can put any T3 flanged turbo on a full race manifold. That's why it's universal.

[xraycer2012]

Thanks for the help guys. Now I have a direction to head in. I think me and Mike need to talk some more.

[mike-2ptzero]

If I use this turbo I wouldn't be able to use a prefab tubular manifold then right? From what I can tell they are only made for BT's with external wastegates. The only reason I'm pushing the issue of the full race manifold is because I don't have the time to make one myself, and using a cast manifold like ATP's etc. goes against everything I've learned with porsche engines. Not to mention the fact that I can always modify a tubular manifold down the road. I can't do that with a cast one.

The Full-race manifold has a T3 flange, so you can use any turbo you want that has a T3 flange housing.

[xraycer2012]

That's what I thought, but I wasn't positive. YGPM by the way.

[Seerlah]

Mike is the man to talk to for anything you need assistance with . Great attribute to the AZ community.

[sean1.8t]

you keep saying head. the head is not the first weak link in our engine.

the connecting rods are the first. head(exhaust valves) are the second.

to run a T3 GT2871r at it's full potential is flirting with detromental damage to both mentioned above

[arorem]

the answer is 7, thats it, just 7.



Sorry, i am really bored.

[mike-2ptzero]

you keep saying head. the head is not the first weak link in our engine.

the connecting rods are the first. head(exhaust valves) are the second.

to run a T3 GT2871r at it's full potential is flirting with detromental damage to both mentioned above

he is only going to have problems with the exhaust valves if he is running really high EGT's. I mean come on I was making 500whp on stock valves without ever having one fail and very few people have had them fail, most people just upgrade them at the same time they upgrade the valves springs so they can rev the car higher.

If you didn't notice he said he was going to build a 2 liter but doesn't have the money for it now, so I am sure he already knows that he will need to upgrade his rods if he really wants to push a GT2871r or GT3071r hard enough to make some good power with them.

[AudiA4_20T]

The FullRace setup (note: a distributor for them has already posted in this thread) is much lighter than a cast setup. He can hook you up with a Mani, turbo and Downpipe for a very reasonable price.

IF you were to go cast, I'd go with the SPA manifold. It's large in size, but very durable and great warranty.

Unless I'm reading the info wrong, the T3 flanged GT2871R (t04b style 4" inlet) is an external wastegate model. That would be the route I would go in your position. It's very easy to upgrade from that point on.

And yes, you can put any T3 flanged turbo on a full race manifold. That's why it's universal.

Dude if he is trying to do this on the cheap, how can you recommend Full-Race? its true that its the best setup on the market but not everyone can just spend $1k extra for a manifold...

to the OP I would go SPA, with possibly Issams downpipe... Also, I would buy a spare block to do rods on because when your trying to do things on the cheap, they often end up being more expensive then planned, and having the spare block would ensure that you have everything done before you pull the block and things end up taking longer than you thought

[Seerlah]

Honestly, if he is going for a 2.0, he should just do it right the first time and call it a day with a GT30xx or GT35 route. That is what I plan on anyways. Then he should have no regrets as if he should have gone with a bigger turbo.

[mike-2ptzero]

Honestly, if he is going for a 2.0, he should just do it right the first time and call it a day with a GT30xx or GT35 route. That is what I plan on anyways. Then he should have no regrets as if he should have gone with a bigger turbo.

He isn't any more so he is cutting back on his build, big difference between doing a $4k engine build and spending around $400 to upgrade the rods.

[Wizard-of-OD]

Very crappy turbo.

Go with a 3071R.

[mike-2ptzero]

Go with a HTA30r.

Corrected.

[Seerlah]

He isn't any more so he is cutting back on his build, big difference between doing a $4k engine build and spending around $400 to upgrade the rods.

Either way, hopefully I will be talking to you some time down the road. Will not be for a couple years though.

[djwimbo]

Go with a 3071R.

or a HTA3076R, it's pricey, but it'll flow 58lbs/min and from what I hear, uber efficient.

Dude if he is trying to do this on the cheap, how can you recommend Full-Race? its true that its the best setup on the market but not everyone can just spend $1k extra for a manifold...

I did recommend the SPA, the OP was making it sound like he had his mind made up on the FullRace manifold(or any other "prefab tubular", I guess I assumed he meant FullRace), by asking what would fit on it, etc. That's where I was going with that one.

Personally, I don't want to waste the money, and I can compensate by weight loss in other areas.

[spre23]

I was looking into this turbo a while back and posted an inquiry just as you are doing. I was told that these turbos don't function too well with our vehicles. They are better suited for bigger displacement vehicles. The way the boost just comes in will grant a very uneasy ride as it comes very quick (if I recall correctly) and feels as if it still wants to push after to redline. That is why many B5 A4 owners go with the GT2871r. I am sure another can chimme in to grant a better response, but that is what I was told. (or at least I believe that is what I was told. bad memory. either way, don't run it)

x2

[Wizard-of-OD]

Corrected.

If anyone is interested in HTA turbochargers contact either Mike or myself.We are doing a buy in with FP.

[xraycer2012]

Geese, I don't check AZ for a few hours while I go back to CT and I find all these reply's. That's pretty cool. Thanks everyone for your input and help. Anyways...

If you didn't notice he said he was going to build a 2 liter but doesn't have the money for it now, so I am sure he already knows that he will need to upgrade his rods if he really wants to push a GT2871r or GT3071r hard enough to make some good power with them.

He isn't any more so he is cutting back on his build, big difference between doing a $4k engine build and spending around $400 to upgrade the rods.

Thank you Mike. Like I had said before, my original plan was to build a 2.0L and upgrade the springs, retainers and at least exhaust valves, but now I can't afford it. I always knew I was going to do rods, that is not even a question.

I did recommend the SPA, the OP was making it sound like he had his mind made up on the FullRace manifold(or any other "prefab tubular", I guess I assumed he meant FullRace), by asking what would fit on it, etc. That's where I was going with that one.

You are exactly right. The exhaust manifold is the one thing that I don't want to skimp on. Unless I absolutely can't afford to get the fullrace manifold I'm going to. Using a cast exhaust manifold just goes against what I've learned over the years hanging around a porsche engine shop. If I had the time to just design and make one I would, but I don't have nearly enough time to do that between work and mechanical engineering classes.

or a HTA3076R, it's pricey, but it'll flow 58lbs/min and from what I hear, uber efficient.

that's the plan in a few years once I graduate.

Thanks for all the help guys!

[pac1085]

The FullRace setup (note: a distributor for them has already posted in this thread) is much lighter than a cast setup.

The full race is actually pretty damn heavy - I was surprised! (UPS tracking # says the package was 22 lbs, sounds about right)

[mike-2ptzero]

The full race is actually pretty damn heavy - I was surprised! (UPS tracking # says the package was 22 lbs, sounds about right)

Yes but most likely about 2/3 to 1/2 the weight of the SPA.


I will have to put the FR manifold on the scale seeing that it was a pretty big box that was full of peanuts.

[xraycer2012]

I can't imagine the full race manifold being nearly as heavy as an spa manifold. It just doesn't make sense. Cast metal is much more dense than steel or aluminum pipe, thus making it much heavier

[mike-2ptzero]

I can't imagine the full race manifold being nearly as heavy as an spa manifold. It just doesn't make sense. Cast metal is much more dense than steel or aluminum pipe, thus making it much heavier

FR manifold on my bathroom scales shows just under 20 lbs. On friday I will put it on a shipping scale.

[317ssayzarc]

I can't imagine the full race manifold being nearly as heavy as an spa manifold. It just doesn't make sense. Cast metal is much more dense than steel or aluminum pipe, thus making it much heavier

Hey man, sorry I haven't replied to your pm or this thread as of now... I've been in Long Island tuning my crap...


Go with the FR mani and a 2871R .63 or 3071R .63, both T3 flanged... I'll do up your downpipe and stuff

[maxspeed]

im confused, his sig says he has a 2.8, what gives?

[xraycer2012]

im confused, his sig says he has a 2.8, what gives?

Yea I have a 2.8 until april. I'm selling it to one of my roomate's friends in april and buying a 2001 1.8T to do this project with.