Need help w/x-mas purchases

[TIMS87GN]

O.k. guys, The bonus check will be here in a week. I have waited all year to make the purchase. I need your input about this combo.
A friend is selling his TE-51. The price is real tempting compared to a new TA-49. If I get the 51 can I run the BstC controller without an external WG? He seems to think I might not be able to. What are the facts. I really need the controller to get things stable. I also plan on getting and LT1 MAF and a translator.
I am really looking forward to this purchase and welcome any and all input from you guys. Thanks for the help. BTW I am running a stock turbo now.

 

[rob nolan]

I would go for the TA49. Why by used if the prices are about the same. I think some people had problems with the 51 turbos. You will get more post about that.

 

[blackbuick87]

Since performance turbos have a generally shorter lifespan than stockers, and you have been waiting all year and are spending hard earned dollars, I would get a new John Craig TA-49. You will be sure it is right and will have a warranty.
The LT1 MAF is great, but you may want to get the T-plus so you can eventually get an Extender chip and make timing modifications.

 

[TIMS87GN]

Thanks for the reply Rob. I have looked at old threads about the 51 and it my just be me but it seems to be split about its reliability. This has low miles on it and I could save about $250. Its a gamble I guess. What I am really interested in is whether the BstC will work on a car w/o an external WG?

 

[salvageV6]

The BSTC and factory solenoid/wastegate system and my PTE51 all work fine on my car.

 

[John Purdom]

51

My car had a 51 on it for 2 yrs w/absolutely no problems. All that stuff about 51's was evidently started by a couple of guys and got blown up from there. I just bought a John Craig TE 66. John told me he saw ONE TE 51 w/a problem, and the cause was questionable. (debris?) I probably would lean toward a new unit, but if $ is a factor, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the 51

 

[V6 Beast]

Originally posted by TIMS87GN
Thanks for the reply Rob. I have looked at old threads about the 51 and it my just be me but it seems to be split about its reliability. This has low miles on it and I could save about $250. Its a gamble I guess. What I am really interested in is whether the BstC will work on a car w/o an external WG?

half and half on the pt-51 what about your research on the TA-49. it's prob more like 99-1. Rock solid turbo that you never hear bad things about. hmmmm.

I have never seen a boost controller that works with an external wastegate but I am not really that familiar with external gates or the BstC controller. I have used HKS and Greddy boost controllers before and they maintained boost by controlling the stock style actuators(basically replacing the selenoid's function). I thought external wastegates were pretty much manual deals that control boost after the turbo by a spring rather than controlling boost by a selenoid.

Sully

 

[TIMS87GN]

Thanks for the reply guys. I have been assured by a few people here locally that the (precision) PTE-51 is a good turbo. This was used with an external WG so there has been no back pressure on it. He also had some oiling system on it that assured clean oil to it. I think it is called turbo saver. He is selling it for $400. I can get the turbo and controller for what it costs for a new TA-49. I trust him as a good friend and am going to take the chance. I can't pass it up. Thanks for the input, sorry for the slow reply.

 

[V6 Beast]

Good Luck with your turbo... I wonder why he is selling a $700 turbo for $400 hmmm..

Sully