VF52 worth it?
 

So im thinking about upgrading my vf40 and was wondering if the power is worth getting a used vf52 for like $600ish? I dont have any experience with turbo swaps yet so any info is appreciated!

personally i will never buy a used turboe from someone i do not know, it ultimately caused engine and turbo failure on my car a year later. If it is from someone you know and trust and can ensure it is in good condition then maybe. VF52's are good setups and with proper parts and tuning can go anywhere from 300-330whp. You will need a tune if you choose this turbo.

Yeah great turbo. But I wouldn't get it from a random unless you had them take it to a reputable Subie shop and talked to them on the phone and they confirmed it was in working order. Even then though seals could be bad. Might as well go new with a warranty.. Not not vf if its new.

I'm still loving mine.

Well if its not a good idea to get a used one then would i be better getting something else new then? And im already planning on a tune anyways.

VF52 are like 1100 new, so is it worth $400 extra dollars to know you have a brand new turbo vs a used one? Of you can buy a blown one as a core and send it to BNR and have it rebuilt for roughly the same price as a used one.

Yeah i was talking to bryan at bnr and gave me a quote on a 20g. But ive been getting mixed signals. Not really sure if thats the route i want to take or not.

20g would require additional fueling with fuel pump and injectors. VF52 and a 16g are about as far as you can push with stock fueling, even a 16g with a fuel pump is not gonna get that much more vs stock fueling

Ive got DW740s and a DW200 pump on the way. So im good there. Im not worried about that. All of my supporting stuff is taken care of. Im just stuck on the turbo choice :(

Then id go 20g if u have all the supporting mods, why put a smaller turbo on when u can go a little more turbo!! Do the 20g

If you have the stock clutch that might need to be replaced depending on the power you make. Unless you have 5eat.

Yeah ive already got a stg 2 exedy im installing with everything else. So im good there. And im looking to be around 350ish whp.

You are going to have to go e85 if you want 350whp.

The 20g on pump gas is at roughly only 320whp and the vf52 will be the same but on e85, otherwise only 280-290 on pump, mine came out to only 287

Real ? is is it a dd, a 1/4 car or track car?

If it's a dd, I'd go with the vf52 and e85, 20g and e85 if a 1/4 car and if a track car, vf52 on pump gas or e85

Bigger turbo = more lag, no power unless you downshift, good for highway pulls
Smaller turbo, less lag, more power and no need to downshift, good for the city

If you are gonna upgrade the fuel pump, injectors go e85 with the turbo of choice, I went with the vf52 as it's my dd and I drive in the city and never go past or see 5k rpms anyways. Buy brand new unless you know the previous owner/history. E85

Well its dd/ occasional 1/4 car. And unfortunately e85 isnt easily available in my area :( so maybe 18g or vf52 might be my better choice then?