TA58 "Stock Appearing" CEA Journal vs TA61

[Turbo6Smackdown]

Who here would know the difference between these turbos intimately? How much if any advantage would there be to going to a more modern TA58 dual ball bearing?

 

[StageII86]

I believe you'd be dropping some decent cash just to pick up spool. I believe the flow/supported power is pretty close between a cast 61 and a billet 58. If it were me I'd keep the 61 until I was ready to step up my whole combo. The 61 has been 10's in the low-120mph range. You should also have plenty of converter for the 61. Do you run the RJC-style "boost controller" (ball/spring valve)? With that, a 61, and your converter I'd already expect you'd be pretty traction limited on the street.

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

No boost controller for me. Heard they weren't necessary for properly matched setups. Not sure though. I was just wondering now that I'm finally getting some traction with my new tires here next weekend, that I could maybe step up to a quicker spooling turbo.

 

[StageII86]

Turn the 61 up all the way first then re-evaluate. When you tighten the rod, the spool should get a little better also. I understand you seem a little chagrined with it based on your other post - but you have a good combo once you start leaning on it Many here would agree that a better process when modding these cars (in terms of the bolt on parts) is to reach and maintain optimization of the combo before changing the parts. Makes the tuning process less of a crapshoot.

PS the little brass RJC valve always worked pretty well for me - PTC 2800 should get the 61 up and going close to as quickly as a stocker.

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

No, actually I like this turbo. It's a decent set up. I am just going to change one thing for now and see what's up with these hoosiers first. And while I was doing a little research, I may have stumbled upon some old information that leads me to believe I may have ordered this stall for more top end performance rather than low end performance. Somewhere along the lines of 24-2600 rpm stall. And I think everything will still be ok if my tires give me good grip. I'll just raise the rpms when I launch. Win/win. I hope.