Turbo Removal on S14a SR20DET

[QABB]

Hey all,

Damn it, ive blown the gasket between the manifold and turbo. I hear it is a reasonably common problem on S14s so does anyone know what the fix is to stop it happening again?

Any pointers to look out for when removing the turbo before i dive into it? Can the turbo be removed without removing the manifold?

Cheers
Glenn

[IMOA]

Quickest and easiest way to remove the turbo is to take off the dump, undo oil/water lines, remove manifold. Don't bother trying to remove just the turbo, that takes much longer.

Ensure you use decent quality studs/nuts between turbo and manifold. The nissan stuff is good, some of the aftermarket studs are very average. Always use the locking clips. Always. I cannot stress that enough, always use them. If you have a standard exhaust be conservative with the boost. Otherwise there are a lot of things we think help but can't be sure just yet, bracing on the exhaust manifold, flex pipe on the dump to reduce pressure, a perfectly fitting exhaust does help, better engine mounts/engine brace to reduce movement etc

[QABB]

Funny you say that about being coservative with boost... This happened as soon as i upped the boost for the first time on this engine. Has a 3in dump though, might have a look at its design when its off...

When you talk about the aftermarket studs etc, shouldnt the originals be ok to re-use?

[NR]

BOOSTBOY, can I ask how you knew your gasket was gone?

I also got a s14a, just installed a intercooler, turbo back exhaust and intercooler and a twin dump pipe. I drove it around on stock boost for about 1 month (sounded normal), then just recently had it dynoed and boosted it up to 13psi.

The boost comes on strong, but there is a very unique sound when the boost comes on, and there is also a fairly loud whistle when Im on boost (louder compared to other cars). I've heard that the gaskets do go fairly easily, just wondering how you knew the gasket was gone (as I understand that the blown gasket will make the spool sound really loud) and what the consequences are if you drive around with the blown gasket???

[vrmmmpshhh]

if you drive around with a blown gasket the only problem i could see is that after a while it is slowly going to distintegrate.

it usuall sounds like a lawnmower when it does blow and boost doesnt come on as strong.

good studs and a flex pipe usually does the trick

[GTSBoy]

Boostboy,

There is something to be said for replacing any and all studs on any part of a Nissan turbo manifold at the first opportunity. They get weak with age and will eventually break. RB20 head studs are a classic example. Put new ones in and it is good for 10 years again. Leave the old ones in and you will have it all back off again in a year or so to replace them.

cheers