There are several ways of finding out what Turbonetics turbocharger it is:
Easiest
- With a description on the box, invoice or shipping document
Easier
- With a Turbonetics part number (this is not a serial #)
- With a serial number (located on the anodized backplate)
Easy
- Measuring various components of the turbocharger; such as the compressor wheel/housing and turbine wheel/housing.
First and foremost, you should look at the turbocharger and see if it is indeed, a genuine Turbonetics turbocharger. You would be surprised to know how many ?Um?I THINK it?s a Turbonetics unit? calls we get.
All Turbonetics units feature:
- Polished compressor housing w/ Turbonetics logo engraved
- Anodized gold, blue, red backplate
- Various "T " stamping on cast parts
With a new purchase, you should be able to note the P/N and description listed on the shipment. Also, you can consult with your Turbonetics dealer you have purchased the unit from. Please note that Turbonetics turbochargers do not have a P/N listed on the unit. You may notice a 5-digit number tag on the backplate ? this is the serial number. Most serial numbers greater than T-20000 can be deciphered through the Turbonetics Owners Club and Turbonetics. If your unit is too old or does not come up in the database, you will have to measure various components to find out what it is.
Look for obvious things first, like the A/R on the turbine housing or whether the unit features a V-band connection or a flange discharge. A/R is usually listed right on the casting. It can be engraved on the outside or in the scroll. Having a V-band discharge on the turbine housing will tell you that it?s a T4 setup. All T3-style turbine housings will feature either the 4-bolt discharge, or the more popular 5-bolt discharge. But NO V-BAND!!! By looking at the size of the compressor housing, you will be able to find out what "family" of turbocharger it is (i.e. T-series, 60-series, T04E, T04B, etc). Use the following information to see where your unit fits in:
T-series/HP-series
4" inlet
2.5" outlet
60-series (smaller than T/HP-series)
4" inlet
2.5" outlet
TO4E
3" inlet (some in 2.75")
2.0" outlet
TO4B
2.75" inlet
2.00" outlet
There are 2 diameters you have to measure on the compressor & turbine wheel major and minor. This task is to be completed with a precise measuring tool like a measuring caliper. No rulers or eye-balling! What am I measuring again? Please see below.
It's a little bit harder with a turbine wheel, but it's the same idea. After you get a successful measurement, grab yourself a nice beverage of your choice and look through wheel sizing on Turbonetics catalog. I believe Rob has scanned the entire catalog. What a soldier. You should be able to find the file on this forum. Refer to pages 44-48. You can also view the catalog at
Turbonetics Digital Catalog
How do I know if this is a ball bearing unit?
I get asked this all the time. It?s a bit tedious but you can tell by looking up the oil drain hole. Removing the oil drain flange/gasket/fitting should make this easier. Assuming it's clean "up there", you should be able to see shiny ceramic outer race on the compressor side. No shine, no ball bearing.
Ball Bearing Example
Non Ball Bearing Exmaple
Let me RESPECTFULLY say this first. Trying to identify your turbo after you have purchased it is like buying shoes that you dont know what size they are and hoping they fit when you get them. No matter how good of a deal they are if they dont fit it isnt a good deal.
Here is a quick reference guide with compressor and turbine wheel measurements:
T3 Compressor Wheels
Inducer dia. Major dia.
35 trim 1.396 2.367
40 trim 1.484 2.367
45 trim 1.595 2.367
50 trim 1.674 2.367
55 trim 1.760 2.367
60 trim 1.830 2.367
Super 60 trim 1.900 2.367
TO4B Compressor Wheels
Inducer dia. Major dia.
Super-S 1.904 3.00
Super-V 2.180 3.00
Super-H 2.300 3.00
TO4E Compressor Wheels
Inducer dia. Major dia.
40 trim 1.870 3.00
46 trim 2.003 3.00
50 trim 2.122 3.00
54 trim 2.168 3.00
57 trim 2.227 3.00
60 trim 2.285 3.00
TO4E Super Compressor Wheels
same as above except the major is 3.20
60 Series Compressor Wheels
Inducer dia. Major dia.
60-1 HI-FI 2.324 3.00
60-1 2.324 3.00
HP-61 2.418 3.228
62-1 2.441 3.00
T-Series Compressor Wheels
Inducer dia. Major dia.
HP-58 2.293 3.304
HP-61 2.418 3.228
HP-66 2.580 3.584
HP-70 2.733 4.030
HP-72 2.840 4.030
HP-76 2.941 4.030
HP-78 3.070 4.030
Turbine Wheels
Exducer dia Major dia
F1-49 1.929 2.320
F1-54 2.126 2.555
F1-57 2.244 2.555
F1-62 2.441 2.795
F1-65 2.559 2.920
F1-68 2.677 3.111
Another common question we get is how do I tell if I have the new F1 style turbine wheel. Please see the pictures below. The F1 turbine wheel has a taller tip height and is the wheel to the right in each picture.
Lastly when measuring you wheels please be sure to use a micrometer. You CANT get a accurate measurement by using a ruler or tape measure.
How to identify/measure your Turbonetics unit
Linear Mode
