How long before the turbo goes?

[Dr. Jeckel]

Well last night I had the intercooler off and there was oil in the outlet of the turbo, the intercooler and up-pipe and the inlet bell of the turbo. The car doesn't smoke at cruise or WOT. I was wondering how long till I need to get a new one because right now I don't have the funds to do it. The line from the valve cover to the turbo has been bypassed for quiet some time.
Is it just going to go out all of a sudden or is it progressive and slow enough to give me some time to save some money?
Should I replace it when I start seeing smoke at WOT or is it hurting anything right now?
Car runs good and I can run 15.5 psi with 1-2* of KR on 91 octane(highest we have here).
Thanks, James.

 

[salvageV6]

Both of mine went progressive and very slow.

Drove with one for 2 years.

Watch the boost and KR as oil kills your octane and causes increased knock.

Don't let any oil get near the MAF sensor it will kill that.

Never had a big blow out on a stocker with tons of oil smoke.

It is a pain cleaning and checking it all out often however.

I think I made it 20-30K miles when I first noticed oil in the up pipe.

 

[Dr. Jeckel]

Thanks...nice to know I have a little time. Maybe this summer a new turbo will find its way onto my engine.