Now I get to revive and old thread and ask you what you think about this turbo, if you're still running it. I was contemplating putting the VNT17 I have now into my 2000 Golf, and get a new turbo for my 2002, which is my daily. I have the same .230 nozzles, and other mods, though I don't have head studs and I haven't changed rods or anything bottom-end. I'm not looking to go crazy, but something that can keep up with the JSW would be quite nice!
I still really like this turbo, some 5 plus years later. I live at 4600' elevation and cross 8000' climbing to Lake Tahoe, without a hitch. At the time my hybrid cost much less than a new VNT-15. There were other members that had the same turbo built for them, and gave nothing but praise after installation. Months later they were happy that when towing or the like, basically instant spool.
Asking 18 pounds of boost out of a VNT-15 at this altitude can be sketchy. After finding the VNT-15, VNT-17, and VNT-20 all use the same shaft, I was comfortable putting a larger compressor wheel ( 56mm ) in my turbo. Not counting the occasional spike, I never run more than 24 pounds of boost as was suggested my the builder. My whole premise was to have the boost I wanted at a much lower shaft speed. I must have guessed correctly as climbing to 8000' deep in the throttle, and the turbo never complained.
A few months back I contacted Turbo Lab America. com, and the price now is $650.00 I also checked with Gpopshop.com, and I believe their price was $650.00 also. Yes, it is old technology, but I do not have a race car that needs full spool by X RPM.
If you look around TDA's website, you will see my old turbo in one of their videos.