Blown turbo. What are my options?

[losadel]

Hi,

My VL36 turbo has packed up and finding a replacement in South Africa seems near impossible unless you go through the dealers. I'm trying to avoid them as they're charging almost double of what the turbo costs.

Question 1:
Is there an alternative turbo that I can use that would be a straight swap or minimal modification required. I understand that the ECU will need to be remapped for this.
After some googling people have mentioned that a Garrett GT1544 (or it was a GT1544S) can be used but there was no mention of the amount of work that would be required to do so.

Question 2:
If import tax isn't to high on the part I can just as well import it myself. Can anyone recommend a trusted supplier?

Question 3:
As a temporary solution can I replace the turbo with an exhaust header so that the car is at least drivable?

Thanks

 

[theonlynapsta]

Hi, I recently had to buy a thermostat. I approached the agents and they charged me over R2K. They also didn't have stock and I had to wait because they were going to order from the "factory". I then found the very same part (in different packaging) at Master Parts (branches all over SA).

The branch in Kenilworth where I bought it from, had 6 in stock at R 857 inclusive of VAT.

My suggestion is to call them and see what they offer.

Alternatively, if you are in Cape Town, there is Cape Turbo in Ottery. They serviced my Siena Diesel's turbo. Less expensive than the agents and the car runs better. Also advised me about a few other things whilst they were working on the car.

Cioa


Hugo

 

[losadel]

Thanks for the info theonlynapsta

After not having any luck with local turbo suppliers I got some quotes on what importing a turbo might cost me and I was pleasantly surprised as it's just over half the price of what the agents are charging me.
This includes shipping and VAT.....not to sure on how much I'm going to have to cough up for import tax just yet but I'am sure I'll find out soon enough

 

[theonlynapsta]

Great man. Glad I could help.


Hugo