2.0litre auto - turbo

[GTLibertyJDM]

Hi i'm new to the forum but long time reader. Bit of background, i had a manual gc8 for 7years and it was modded - i was running a vf34, pw tmic, walbro fuel pump, cai, apexi power fc, tbe, turbo smart boost controller, springs and sway bars. I think that was it. Made 191kws on 18psi. I'm now looking at getting back to a Subaru and i have decided on a 2005 Subaru Liberty GT auto. The mod bug is strong and i have already started looking at mods people have done with theirs and results. The one thing i am struggling with is turbo. I have done lots of research and it seems like the vf52 or td05-18g is the best for power close to 180kws on the auto with supporting mods. My question is lag how much are we talking about and when does it start spooling. Thanks

[ndlibgt]

Hi. Welcome to the forum. Just FYI the vf52 isn't a direct bolt on our pre face lift Libs as they utilise a twin scroll turbo. Check out this build thread. Think this should help.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=26021

[GTLibertyJDM]

Thanks for sharing. The GTs i have test driven so far have lacked a bit of bottom end torque hence why i think the twin scroll might be good to stick too. Unless a ball bearing turbo with the right set up can improve bottom end and pull to redline. Has anyone been able to achieve this?

[GTLibertyJDM]

http://www.carmodsaustralia.com.au/twin-scroll-turbo-td04hl-20t-billet-9-blade-turbine-liberty-gt-06-07.html ndlibgt is this the right one from the link? It seems to be listed for 06-07 but i'm assuming it fits 05 models as well. Some pretty good results from it. Would the td05h-16g, 18g or 20g be overkill on the 2ltr auto?

[jslayz]

Just get a tune please before commiting to a larger turbo.
I got 21% more power just from a tune on mine back in the early days.....

[jslayz]

Just get a tune please before commiting to a larger turbo.
I got 21% more power just from a tune on mine back in the early days.....

[jslayz]

Just get a tune please before commiting to a larger turbo.
I got 21% more power just from a tune on mine back in the early days.....

[jslayz]

Just get a tune please before commiting to a larger turbo.
I got 21% more power just from a tune on mine back in the early days.....

[jslayz]

Just get a tune please before commiting to a larger turbo.
I got 21% more power just from a tune on mine back in the early days.....

[GTLibertyJDM]

Thanks for the tip. 21% more power is pretty good. What supporting mods did you have at the time and how much peak boost? Any graphs i would be keen to see how long the vf38 can make 21% increase for with a good tune.

[dr20t]

I think J is trying to tell you to get a tune done first - that is, before you complete any other mods

Correct me if I'm wrong, J

Mick

[jslayz]

Yes it is sir.
Really made a difference to power and response.

Go the tune first.

[GTLibertyJDM]

Thanks for the advice and it sounds logical to maximise current turbo/set up before any mods. Def taken on board. However some guidance from you guys would be appreciated for when the time comes to change the vf38. I have read from others who didn't choose the right size to later regret their choice, so i don't want to be in that situation therefore i'm starting my research early.

[Adrian2627]

The response you get from a street tuned TC auto is always going to, for want of a better word, lag, behind a manual simply because essentially it's a fluid coupling vs a mechanical one. With this in mind going with a turbo that runs a larger EX housing that could potentially reduce spool times will have a greater effect on the cars response. The auto in it's stock form is ok, not bulletproof, but can be "tuned" into working well as a street trans. Some of the guys are running big power with built autos but they've put good money in to them. As J said, 8 times , get a tune and see what comes of it. For a daily you might be happy if not there are other options turbo wise that work well. The VF36/37 is an option if you want to stay OEM, but requires ex mani change, as is swapping the VF38 for the TD04HLA from the manual, something that was done a fair bit here in Japan.

[GTLibertyJDM]

Cheers informative exactly the type of info i'm after. I don't mind having to change parts to be able to have a single scroll set up however it needs to be an informed decision. Ideally i would want to compare graphs of different turbos with similar set ups, boost and so on.