Difference between 44 and 49

[turbobuickman]

I know the physical differences and all the ratings and specs and whatnot, but can anyone actually feel a difference between these two? Basically, is it a big enough difference that I might regret not going for the 44? I like the 44s numbers but prefer the stock-styling of the 49.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[750H.P.V6]

Kyle,

Other than compressor housing being different the internals are the same. I would tell you there is no difference in performance you will ever be able to quantify. Pick which ever turbo you like. They both work really well on a lightly modified car.

Neal

 

[strikeeagle]

5.

strike

 

[turbobuickman]

Exacltly what I was lookin for. Thanks.

Kyle

 

[strikeeagle]

OK. Here's your answer, but do make the right choice or I've wasted my time.

The 44 has a larger compressor cover that is optimized for the wheel. Thus, the 44 has higher flow and HP potential.

The 44 is a TE. Thus, the MAF duct attaches directly (clamps) to the compressor cover. There is no bell, no gasket and no (2) nuts. Everything is one diameter - there is no reduction in diameters as the air enters the compressor wheel. Conversely, the 49 is a TA and uses a bell - which IMO is ugly, and a penalty to performance.

I believe the 44 requires a modification of the wastegate actuator bracket. However, IME, it's always best to buy an actuator with the turbo, to be sure you get a proper, fresh actuator. Also, discuss wastegate options with your turbo supplier. For example, if you use a THDP, he will machine the wastegate in the turbo cover accordingly. Remember - discuss the wastegate actator, discuss the wastegate, or expect something may not fit or work as intended. Do it right. Do it once.

I recall talking to John Craig at Limit way back when about the differences between the 44 and the 49 and there were several little nits and nats differences which I don't recall and which others will swear don't exist. If you care, phone John for the blow by blow.

Good luck, and buy the 44.

Oh, the .63 a/r Garrett turbine housing will spool the fastest with the stock torque converter, but they are getting hard to come by. The .63 a/r PTE turbine housing will supply more top end, but IME the bottom end will be softer - you may not like it. Of course, this assumes your car is stock or near stock.

HTH!

strike

 

[turbobuickman]

Nice write up strike, but I knew all the specs and differences, just wanted to know how much of a real-life difference there was between the two. Despite the benefits of the 44, I think Im gonna to with the 49 for two simple reasons: first, I actually like the look of the inlet bell slightly better; and second, now that I think about it, my straight maf pipe already comes really close to the alky nozzle in the backside of the up-pipe and eliminating the inlet bell might be a problem.

Thanks again guys,

Kyle

 

[TT/Ameasap]

If you race the car, go with the Precision housing. Street use.. go with garrett. I have a 2800 restalled d5 and spool is pretty good with the 49/.63 precision. I get 10 psi at the line and 1.55 short times.

Bo

 

[TurboDave]

Originally posted by strikeeagle
OK. Here's your answer, but do make the right choice or I've wasted my time.

The 44 has a larger compressor cover that is optimized for the wheel. Thus, the 44 has higher flow and HP potential.

The 44 is a TE. Thus, the MAF duct attaches directly (clamps) to the compressor cover. There is no bell, no gasket and no (2) nuts. Everything is one diameter - there is no reduction in diameters as the air enters the compressor wheel. Conversely, the 49 is a TA and uses a bell - which IMO is ugly, and a penalty to performance.

I believe the 44 requires a modification of the wastegate actuator bracket. However, IME, it's always best to buy an actuator with the turbo, to be sure you get a proper, fresh actuator. Also, discuss wastegate options with your turbo supplier. For example, if you use a THDP, he will machine the wastegate in the turbo cover accordingly. Remember - discuss the wastegate actator, discuss the wastegate, or expect something may not fit or work as intended. Do it right. Do it once.

I recall talking to John Craig at Limit way back when about the differences between the 44 and the 49 and there were several little nits and nats differences which I don't recall and which others will swear don't exist. If you care, phone John for the blow by blow.

Good luck, and buy the 44.

Oh, the .63 a/r Garrett turbine housing will spool the fastest with the stock torque converter, but they are getting hard to come by. The .63 a/r PTE turbine housing will supply more top end, but IME the bottom end will be softer - you may not like it. Of course, this assumes your car is stock or near stock.

HTH!

strike

strike makes some good points. The nits and nats he refers to are, among other things, the 49 and 44 have different compressor seals. The 44 having the better 360 degree dynamic seal, and the 49 having the lesser carbon seal (probably the reason it tends to leak more easilly).

I have in one season been able to quantify a diffinative difference between the two (performance wise) that many claim doesn't exist. I was able to see something just over a half tenth ET and 1 mph improvement when moving from my 49 up to the 44. Later that same season, I removed the garret housing and started tests on the .63 Precision housing, and was able to see a solid .1 ET and 1 mph improvement. Later I was asked to see what improvements could be gained by moving up to the .85 Precision housing and was able to gain another .1ET and 1mph.
Hence I decided to stick with the .85 housing and ran it the following year.
Lotsa boring test runs but definate results were enjoyed!

 

[strikeeagle]

Well, there you go. So, do you still want a 49???

strike

 

[turbocody]

my 49 has the 360deg. seal, it's a PTE turbo with a .63 housing, it's been a very good turbo IMO. HTH

 

[Darth Fiero]

Not to beat a dead horse as I am sure this question has come up before; how does the stock 87 GN turbo compare to the TE44 and TA49? More specifically, is there a TAxx or TExx that is very close to the OEM turbo's specifications and capabilities? I just need the info for comparison purposes.

 

[nocutt]

The short answer is NO darth...I wanted an upgrade about 2yrs ago and decided to purchase a TA-49 from a member. The difference was like night and day (wheel comparison)...both cold and hot wheels were upgraded within the stock housing, i even got a free 3-bolt .83 A/R housing. I since have sold these units for "something better"...if you are looking for an upgrade for your setup and don't want to spend so much, either a Ta49 or Te44 will help. they come cheap on the forum, however if mula isn't tight just 'bite the bullet' and get a full t4 frame with a 6X mm wheel eg PT61 with a .63A/R or .68 A/R call it a day...you won't regret it...our engines breath way better than the LC2, you might as well get a turbo to compliment it!

 

[TurboDave]

Originally posted by turbocody
my 49 has the 360deg. seal, it's a PTE turbo with a .63 housing, it's been a very good turbo IMO. HTH

Yes, they can be built that way by special request. I had mine modified to the good seal.

 

[turbocody]

no special order here, they told me it came with the good seal before i ever bought it.

 

[turbobuickman]

Ok, I change my answer then. TE-44 it is! I was unaware that they had different seals. Great info guys.


Kyle

 

[PaCemkr86]

Conversely, the 49 is a TA and uses a bell - which IMO is ugly, and a penalty to performance.


that part made me laugh...

 

[LC2 ROD]

Originally posted by 750H.P.V6
Kyle,

Other than compressor housing being different the internals are the same. I would tell you there is no difference in performance you will ever be able to quantify. Pick which ever turbo you like. They both work really well on a lightly modified car.

Neal

Quantify is my new favorite word, thanks Neal.

I thought the 44 has 11 fins on the hot side wheel and the 49 has 10.
So hows things been Neil, long time no talk. No rain up here.