Efficient Turbo Upgrade

[ConfusedToyotaOwner]

The turbo on my 2004 BEW Jetta is getting long in the tooth at nearly 300k kms with a failed vane actuator and some oil leakage. While it doesn’t have a much play yet I’m planning to replace it this year before it fails entirely.

I primarily use the car as a commuter and I occasionally tow a trailer so I don’t have to use my truck. I’m most interested in quick spool, fuel efficiency and a little more power. I’m planning on replacing the intercooler and piping to get rid of the leaky clips and I also have a 2.5” straight pipe waiting to go on.

What are my best options for this use case? The simplest option looks to be a VNT17 but I also like the look of the GTB1756VK as a more modern solution. Is it worth going to GTB if I don’t plan on pushing more than 150hp? What would be the downside of going to a more modern turbo?

 

[Nero Morg]

If you're lookin for cheap and good on fuel eco, go with another stock turbo. If you switch to a vnt17 you'll need to tune to have the CEL turned off for the missing actuator connector.

 

[ConfusedToyotaOwner]

I’ve read about boost creep issues when running a larger free flowing exhaust with a KP39. I already have the exhaust and my stock exhaust needs to be replaced so I’m looking at larger turbos. Do you have any experience with a VNT17 vs a GTB1756VK? Is it worth the upgrade if I’m not pushing either of them to their limits?

 

[PakProtector]

If you're lookin for cheap and good on fuel eco, go with another stock turbo. If you switch to a vnt17 you'll need to tune to have the CEL turned off for the missing actuator connector.

VNT-17 is available with the smart actuator...

I have a similar need for a turbo upgrade. While I don't think low-rpm, rod-bending torque is needed, a bump over stock would be nice. Am contemplating VNT17 for its ease, and the GTD1752VRK for its capability. The latter being slightly more expensive.

Douglas

 

[Nero Morg]

After driving a vnt15 and a vnt17 for years, 17all the way. Super reliable, plenty of replacements available and widely used. I always try to steer away from one off turbos and less-used ones, due to replacibility if it blows, having a customs tune done for it, custom piping ect...
If you're going for the cheap and reliable, you can't go wrong with staying stock, but if you want a little more oomph, go with the 17, you can still get good fuel eco, as long as you keep your foot out of it

 

[02beater_auto]

I thought that I had read with the VNT17, you can drive like a grandma with it (like I like to do) too without the vanes sticking. Maybe I misread this.

Can anyone confirm?

 

[Nero Morg]

Any vnt you drive like a grandma will eventually coke up. That's why we always say, once a month, drive it hard to burn anything off, then enjoy the other 29 days of driving like a grandma. Except February, you only get 27

 

[02beater_auto]

Any vnt you drive like a grandma will eventually coke up. That's why we always say, once a month, drive it hard to burn anything off, then enjoy the other 29 days of driving like a grandma. Except February, you only get 27

Thanks for setting me straight. Lol @ February. I had Prius on my mind when I bought this thing....even more so when I bought this thing. I own one of them as well as I don't mind an appliance. I do like this car too though but my desire to drive hard has mostly left me. I guess in that case, once a month is enough.

 

[Mongler98]

As for efficent turbos...... your dealing with over 20 year old tech.
If you want to go the norm bolt kn stuff fine. But you want something efficient go with an electrical hybrid

 

[ConfusedToyotaOwner]

Am contemplating VNT17 for its ease, and the GTD1752VRK for its capability.

The GTD1752VRK caught my eye too but looked to be much more expensive and more involved to fit. I think I might go with the LHD GTB kit from Darkside, comes out to $1500 at my door and looks to be well worth it the slightly higher cost than a VNT17.