Alright, I'm looking for a turbo. I daily commute my truck and tow 5k+ 1 - 2 weekends a month if that. I have a Smarty JR and Airdog 100 and don't really want to change that unless you guys say otherwise. Just looking for a nice turbo that spools better and is reliable. Would going full smarty and maybe 60hp sticks help? Thanks in advance.

Oh, and no "might as well go twins PLEASE."

 

I just trashed my aurora 2000 and replaced it with a Phatshaft 62/65/14 and I really like it. It takes the PMCR (more low end fuel) to get it to spool but it drives great (close to the stock feel) and is still very clean. It's rated up to 550 hp. The down-side... it was a bear to put on cuz the wastegate actuator is right where it gets in the way - straight down towards the motor mount and the oil drain tube. It was the cheapest turbo in that size range. I can overlook the tough install now that I've driven it a couple of weeks. I would check out the BD and HTT 62/65/14s and ask about the wastegate actuator location. Craig

 

It's going to be tough to find a turbo that spools better than the 351 that came with your truck.

 

If you are happy with the power/egt of the turbo, and just need better spooling , you may be better off swapping to a better cam rather than messing with the turbo altogether. I have never heard of an aftermarket turbo spooling better than the stock one, but almost every DD cam claims spooling is several hundred RPMs sooner. Most turbos advertise or are described as having "stock like spooling".

If a cam is not possible, you may gain some by massaging the current components. Port/gasket matching may get you a little closer to where you want to be without the expense of hard parts swaps. Any other intake or exhaust restrictions removed will help. These tweaks will not give massive gains, but all help a little.

It may also be possible to adjust tuning some to help spool. If you can play with the fuel and timing on the low end of your setup you may find some gains.

 

I gasket matched the head and ex. manifold when I put on the two piece last fall and I just did the turbo. Maybe that's why mine spools well. It also took some trial with the PMCR to get it crisp, city driving, and it's still clean. Punching it hard is when I get the lag but I can tune a LOT of that out. Change-on-the-fly is AWESOME! I've read lately that someone does mods to the stock turbos and really improves them but I don't know who it is. Craig

 

Garrett Stage 2, GT3782R. Quick spooling, greatly reduced back pressure, and plenty of airflow. It's a BB turbo, so it can be larger, flow better, and still spool insanely fast.

I have a cam, but also had the cam with the HE351. It spools the same the HE351 did.

If spool is a concern add manifold blankets, they are cheap and effective.

 

If you are happy with the power/egt of the turbo, and just need better spooling , you may be better off swapping to a better cam rather than messing with the turbo altogether.

 

I'll second the advise above for the 3782r garrett.

Even faster spooling is the gtx3582 while supporting more power as well. And it does spool faster than the he351.

You'll not need smarty sr and 60hp stix. Yes, you'll spool faster, but quickly overwhelm the turbo and melt something.

 

I'm looking for a II 62/65/12 for my truck, spools good and it's good for towing.

 

Thanks guys for all the replies and advice. I never even thought of changing out the cam. What would you guys recommend?

 

I also have the garret stage 2. Tom at turbo resource in lake havasu is a good man to talk to and deal with. He will get you what you need.

 

For what you will spend on a cam, tappets, and valve springs to do it right it will cost you more than a good charger. And a charger is going to give you far more than a cam will at the stockish level.

And I'm not just talking to talk, I have had a cam in a common rail. ( this comment is not directed at anyone, I am just speaking from experience that's all.)