HELP forum advice needed please...

[Help_in_CO]

Greetings gang and first let me say any and all advice here is 100% appreciated. My wife has an 03.5 MSP that according to the shop we just brought it to has a turbo that is bad and needs replacement. They said there is oil in the turbo and it was making funny noises (mostly when cold for about the first 3miin of driving) that I had attributed to a bad wastegate or blow off valve. Power was noticeably down from what I remember this care having but it was still producing some boost that you could feel in the seat of the pants test.

Now they want 3K to replace the stock turbo so I am reaching out to a group that has far more knowledge than me for what to do next. I have to imagine that for 3k we could do a mild build on this car rather than just putting in a 2K stock replacement (quote from the mechanic). I have a good knowledge of naturally aspirated motors but truthfully my knowledge of boosted cars is very small and the last thing I want to do here is the ready/shoot/aim philosophy. She loves her MSP and we dont need anything crazy in a build up I really just want the best/most cost effective route from here to get her back on the road and happy.

Are there any Denver peeps on here that could suggest a good "tuner" shop to turn to.

IN SHORT what would you guys do if you were me?? Thanks again from a new member......
Andrew

 

[ScratchNSniff]

You just need to put up a WTB ad or look in the FS section for a used stock turbo...will run you between $200 to $300...

 

[speedracr79]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123795796-Turbo-Kit-Turbo-Parts

 

[livelyjay]

Used MSP turbo will be, like everyone on here is stating, around $300. Gaskets, studs, nuts, etc will run you about $135 for everything and you can buy a full instal kit HERE. While you're at it it's best you replace the exhaust manifold gasket too, which shouldn't be too expensive. You can get your turbo repaired for a decent chunk of change as well on the same page I linked earlier. You could probably buy a brand new turbo for around $1000 or cheaper depending on your shopping skills.

BTW, what's the actual name of the stock MSP turbo? I only ask because I found a place that sells a whole lotta different turbos, which might help this guy with his decision: http://www.jgycustoms.com/turbos.htm

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

GT25R 250-hp $649.00

 

[speedracr79]

Used MSP turbo will be, like everyone on here is stating, around $300. Gaskets, studs, nuts, etc will run you about $135 for everything and you can buy a full instal kit HERE. While you're at it it's best you replace the exhaust manifold gasket too, which shouldn't be too expensive. You can get your turbo repaired for a decent chunk of change as well on the same page I linked earlier. You could probably buy a brand new turbo for around $1000 or cheaper depending on your shopping skills.

BTW, what's the actual name of the stock MSP turbo? I only ask because I found a place that sells a whole lotta different turbos, which might help this guy with his decision: http://www.jgycustoms.com/turbos.htm

first link dont work

 

[ScratchNSniff]

It doesn't work because of the site he is linking to...they block it on here...

 

[livelyjay]

ugh ... i'm so sick of this suck ass forum putting asterisks into links because they aren't approved vendors or some crap like that.
www. cross over auto .com/mazdaspeed3.htm

 

[speedracr79]

It doesn't work because of the site he is linking to...they block it on here...

well then that makes sense then.

hope all works out for ya man.

 

[BOOSTR]

GT2554R I believe.

Anyway download this pdf for a picture of the turbo/WGA and torque specs. If your's is truley shot than its within your realm to replace it yourself. $3K is ridiculous. Just make sure you remove the radiator first as its very easy to damage it when pulling the turbo. New radiators are dealer only items is you still use a side mount intercooler, $350+, so pull it out to be safe. The FSDE is a simple motor to work on. http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123707285-MazdaSpeed-Protege-turbo-torque-specs

 

[Help_in_CO]

Thanks for the help guys

Along these lines is there a "mild build" set up that anyone has that is inclusive of Manifold/Header, downpipe, turbo back to stock cat and exhaust? If not what does a full Header to exhaust tip set up cost for these things? Thanks again guys forums are always awesome for helping with stuff like this.

 

[Help_in_CO]

GT25R 250-hp $649.00

How old is the unit and what kind of miles do you have on it? Any interest in a New in Box Kenwood DNX-7100 double din Navigation unit in trade. Used to retail for $1400 a few years back. Thoughts??

 

[kamon8404]

Yeah honestly if you are the least bit mechanically inclined, have basic tools, you can do the work yourself in a day. I have pulled my turbo like 3 times that I can think off of the top of my head.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

sorry, wrong turbo lol

How old is the unit and what kind of miles do you have on it? Any interest in a New in Box Kenwood DNX-7100 double din Navigation unit in trade. Used to retail for $1400 a few years back. Thoughts??

 

[Help_in_CO]

Yeah honestly if you are the least bit mechanically inclined, have basic tools, you can do the work yourself in a day. I have pulled my turbo like 3 times that I can think off of the top of my head.

Thanks for the advice I turn wrenches on my 78 Trans-Am all the time so your thoughts were exactly mine that I could do it myself and save some big $. So in removing the turbo does the front clip need to come off for access or is it simply removing the radiator for clearance and then unbolting the system? Will the $135 re-install kit (on the site listed above) be all that is needed for the part swap along with a new manifold gasket?? Would you guys suggest installing a boost gauge, aftermarket blow off valve, or turbo timer while I have this stuff apart? Again its for my wife so id like to keep costs down at a minimum

 

[ScratchNSniff]

Stay stock, no need for all that excess stuff...it is a fairly easy and straightforward job...no need to take off the bumper cover...