To Buy a Single Turbo, questions to ask !

[C J R]

Hi Guy\'s,
Seems like questions regarding single or twin turbo\'s is popular at the present.
 
My dilemma is slightly different, I have a guide price/quote for a single turbo Rex with approx 400bhp and I am getting close to making my decision on the car to buy, but although I have read all the specs on the cars in am considering, I cannot help think I should be asking more questions !!
 
The cars I am considering have Apexi Power FC ECU\'s and Commanders, Boost Controllers, different single turbos, wastegates, uprated ignition systems, Radiators, Intercoolers, increased injector sizes, fuel regulators, uprated clutches etc etc.
 
I will ask the respective owner to have the compression readings verified on the engine, (the engines have all been rebuilt and have covered between 5k to 20k miles since rebuild).
 
What else should I be considering ?
 
Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Thanks
Chris

[T11MNM]

Steer clear of the cars i\'m looking at and you\'ll do fine, hahaha

On a serious note, do a lot of searching! I\'ve been reading Here, FD3UK, and RX7Club daily since before christmas to get my confidence up with regards to buying one of these cars. I\'m still worried to death about buying a wrong-un but i\'ve got to take the plunge sooner or later.

[chrisJDM]

if you are going to buy from a company then do your research on the company first, i.e. keighley import centre = stay away.

If you are going to buy from a individual then make sure its someone who knows what they are talking about, if they aint got a clue what they are talking about chances are the car has not been looked after and may be poorly modded.

Find out which single turbo the car has and research about the turbo, smaller single turbos may be already at there max around 4-500bhp so would be a pain if you want to uprate the power in future as you would have to change the turbo.  On the other end of the scale you might not like a big turbo as its likely to have quite a bit of lag, all depends in a way what you want to use the car for.

[Freddy]

CJR - did you get my e mail mate?

[C J R]

Thanks for the advice.
 
The cars I am considering are from private sellers and the seller\'s do seem knowledgeable about the cars they have.
 
I notice cooling is a major issue and some cars have water injection systems installed.
 
Regarding injectors, some only have 850cc injectors whilst others have 850cc and 1680 cc secondary injectors, which I take to show a greater bhp and option for upgrading later.
 
I guess the general theme as with all specialist car sales, is to check out the owner as much as his car.
 
Chris

[Freddy]

1650cc will probably be found on single turbo cars, but you must ensure that the fuel pump is also upgraded.

[C J R]

Hi Freddy,
No, my e mail at home has crashed.
 
I\'ll pm you with my works number.
 
Thanks
Chris