I know the sti doesn't have a lot of boost lag to begin with. But I wanted to know how much lag would be eliminated by replaceing by stock turbo with a stock sized or ported turbo with a ball-bearing turbo.

I figure a down pipe would help the most followed by a header. Since I am looking for the fastest boost response with about the same power or a little north of 350-360 crank hp. I was woundering if a ball bearing turbo would be worth while.

 

i dont think ball bearing turbos have lag at all

 

The ball-bearing designs are probably better in a race environment, where loading on the compressor vanes is more severe (lots of abrupt throttle changes) and oil may become contaminated in a dusty environment at a track. I don't know if any tuners have actually measured a spooling advantage over the non-ball bearing models. I've never seen a durability test to determine whether or not the ball bearing center section runs cooler or enables the turbo to last longer than a conventional turbo, either. I'm only referring to the IHI VF family of turbos.

That said, I would opt for the ball-bearing versions (I have a WRX) with my wallet permitting since it is not outrageously more expensive these days.

The most important factor in reducing lag is proper sizing of the turbo to match your specific requirements.

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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Thats true about the sizeing, I don't want hugh power just awsome response.