VF48 Turbo Hybrid

**Cannon Fodder** · 09 February 2010, 16:23

I have recently bought a VF48 off another SN member and have sent it away for testing. No problem with the turbo other than the impellor blades have been pitted (probable cause is a poor quality air filter and dusty conditions I have been told).

I have two options now open to me - either have the compressor wheel and other associated parts renewed and new seals fitted OR have it overhauled but using a different impellor shaft and modified compressor wheel plus a larger compressor housing plus new seals.

Both options come with polished/ported housing/inlets and outlets but which option do you think is best - my car is an S202 with a standard VF34, 3" exhaust system with 100 cell sports cat, TSL Green Air Filter and an Ecutek remap by Bob Rawle to 348bhp/338lbs ft trq.

Either way I will use the VF48 on the car plus if required larger injectors 650cc perhaps, 3 port boost solenoid and of course another remap but I would prefer some of the open source mapping features as well such as throttle blip, flat shifting etc. but Ecutek can only provide these on the upcoming RaceRom maps.

What would you do as I am hoping for in the region of 380bhp and like the car too much in order to change for a UK Hawkeye/Hatchback to get the RaceRom features.

hughes741 · 09 February 2010, 16:32

will you be selling the vf34?

**Cannon Fodder** · 09 February 2010, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughes741

will you be selling the vf34?

I like your train of thought but sorry I have already promised it to another South Wales Scoobys member, if that changes I'll post it up.

banny sti · 09 February 2010, 17:00

Which model is the VF48 from as I did know such a turbo existed. They went VF30, 34, 35, twinscroll 36, twinscroll 37, 39, (twinscroll) 42 and 43.

If you want 380bhp look for something like a Td05 18g or similar sized turbo scoobyclinic turbo.

Banny

**dynamix** · 09 February 2010, 17:07

Its off the 2008/9 sti - great turbo and should see high 300's.

I think I know the exact turbo you bought - great nick apart from the blades.

I am often down that way CF.

**Cannon Fodder** · 09 February 2010, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by banny sti

Which model is the VF48 from as I did know such a turbo existed. They went VF30, 34, 35, twinscroll 36, twinscroll 37, 39, (twinscroll) 42 and 43.

If you want 380bhp look for something like a Td05 18g or similar sized turbo scoobyclinic turbo.

Banny

The VF48 is used on the hatchback STi and so I believe from reading various posts on SN is capable of around 380bhp with supporting mods and a remap.

From what I understand it spools quicker than a VF43 and is capable of more bhp.

**Cannon Fodder** · 09 February 2010, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamix

Its off the 2008/9 sti - great turbo and should see high 300's.

I think I know the exact turbo you bought - great nick apart from the blades.

I am often down that way CF.

That is what i am hoping for in the high 300's, yes it is the same turbo that you saw when you mapped another members car.

I'll contact you closer to the time to discuss a possible mapping session.

**53WRX** · 09 February 2010, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon Fodder

The VF48 is used on the hatchback STi and so I believe from reading various posts on SN is capable of around 380bhp with supporting mods and a remap.

From what I understand it spools quicker than a VF43 and is capable of more bhp.

Cool, not exactly a slouch of a spooler either

Will these characteristics be the same on a 2ltr ?

**Cannon Fodder** · 09 February 2010, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53WRX

Cool, not exactly a slouch of a spooler either

Will these characteristics be the same on a 2ltr ?

As I understand it this turbo is just as good on a 2 ltr as it is on a 2.5 ltr with very little turbo lag.

**dynamix** · 09 February 2010, 17:42

Very rare on the streets though second hand - have been keeping my eyes open but very few about.

banny sti · 09 February 2010, 17:56

Sounds good and with Duncan you are in very good hands

Banny

**Cannon Fodder** · 09 February 2010, 23:58

Anybody with any thoughts on having made into a hybrid as my own thoughts are leaning towards keeping it standard, as in standard form it would seem to be a very capable turbo.

**dynamix** · 10 February 2010, 07:07

I'd keep it as standard as when hybridising turbos you can sometimes get the worst of both worlds rather than the best of them. The VF48 will do the business for you

typeRv4 · 10 February 2010, 18:56

I agree with Dunc - making a hybrid will most likely be a backwards step.

Is the vf48 ball bearing ? If not then you will probably find the vf34 would spool marginally faster.

**dynamix** · 10 February 2010, 19:16

No it is a sleeve bearing turbo (same as VF43).

**Cannon Fodder** · 11 February 2010, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamix

I'd keep it as standard as when hybridising turbos you can sometimes get the worst of both worlds rather than the best of them. The VF48 will do the business for you

Quote:

Originally Posted by typeRv4

I agree with Dunc - making a hybrid will most likely be a backwards step.

Is the vf48 ball bearing ? If not then you will probably find the vf34 would spool marginally faster.

I am having the turbo overhauled but keeping it in standard form, new compressor wheel, impellor shaft, new seals fitted and with some porting as well.

Having it made into a hybrid was an option worth considering but in standard form this turbo is more than capable.

Many thanks to all for your thoughts.

typeRv4 · 11 February 2010, 08:13

It will be interesting to see the differences between the the 34 and 48

good luck