Turbo Cartridge

Gangles

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Location
East Coast of America
TDI
2012 Audi A3 TDI Hatch
Hey all,

I have some oil issues which include a moderate level of oil in the intercooler & James Bond smoke screen when I stop or corner hard. I'm going to do a compression check for S&G's, but am figuring it may be the turbo. I'm thinking about replacing the cartridge. I did some research here and found Mellet and Turbo Int. from some older posts. Are these still two I should look at, or are their better options to consider in 2018? I do not want Chinese junk.

Thank you,

-Rick
 

Gangles

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Location
East Coast of America
TDI
2012 Audi A3 TDI Hatch
If it really needs replacing, buy a complete new OEM turbo. Less work, less downtime, known reliable.
I've got two vehicles so I'm not worried about downtime.

$150 for a brand new cartridge:
https://www.turborebuild.co.uk/webshop/prod_6094735-KKK-KP39-Turbocharger-CHRA-Cartridge-Turbo-Core-54399700003-54399880003-AudiSeatSkodaVW-19-TDI.html

$775 for a Garrett VNT17 (On Sale):
https://www.idparts.com/garrett-vnt-17-turbocharger-a4-alh-p-541.html

Or $800 for a Garrett VNT15:
https://www.idparts.com/garrett-vnt-15-turbocharger-a4-alh-p-388.html

That's a significant difference.

-Rick
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
Just from reading too much on these forums, I'm not sure how successful folks have been with the cartridge replace. It's not a simple R+R like a carburetor or a starter.
Perhaps others will chime in with actual experience. We do see a lot of short term failures with less expensive new turbos, used turbos are fine, but you never know what you'll get.
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
Noticed the 17s have been a bit cheaper for a while now. You may need some extra bit(s) for fitment. I'd check around for prices, even the dealerships, they're not always firm on price.
 

Gangles

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Location
East Coast of America
TDI
2012 Audi A3 TDI Hatch
Noticed the 17s have been a bit cheaper for a while now. You may need some extra bit(s) for fitment. I'd check around for prices, even the dealerships, they're not always firm on price.
I have a dealer account with my local VW dealership. I guess it's worth an ask.

Thanks!
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
I have a dealer account with my local VW dealership. I guess it's worth an ask.

Thanks!
That's what I did, set up a commercial account, but they're all different.
And those other brands at IDparts are more than sufficient.
 

Gangles

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Location
East Coast of America
TDI
2012 Audi A3 TDI Hatch

jettawreck

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Location
Northern Minnesota-55744
TDI
2001 Jetta and 2003 Jetta
Yes, it's significantly more perhaps. But, if the "rebuilt" unit fails (common) it's a lot of work and expense all over again-even more if it grenades and does some serious damage.
Just not a gamble I would take, but it's not my time and money.
$735 shipped VNT15
https://www.metalmanparts.com/product.sc?productId=260&categoryId=52
 
Last edited:

mrfiat

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Location
Los Ranchos, NM
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI (Reflex Silver) , 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon (Black)
I got a VNT17 new with a billet compression wheel, the intercooler adapter, braided oil line, and all the hardware/gaskets needed for $729 shipped last week from https://www.tdiupgrades.com/.


I just installed it and it works great!
 

Gangles

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Location
East Coast of America
TDI
2012 Audi A3 TDI Hatch
I got a VNT17 new with a billet compression wheel, the intercooler adapter, braided oil line, and all the hardware/gaskets needed for $729 shipped last week from https://www.tdiupgrades.com/.


I just installed it and it works great!
Thanks! While I have you here ... I'm not sure of your driving habits, but have you noticed a gain in fuel efficiency over the VNT15? Fuel efficiency and longevity is the reason I drove 12 hours round trip to pick up this car in the first place.
 

mrfiat

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Location
Los Ranchos, NM
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI (Reflex Silver) , 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon (Black)
I get better mileage in my sedan which has a VNT15 with a Kerma tune. 42 mpg highway in the wagon vs. 46 mpg in the sedan. Stage 4 tune in the wagon.
 
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