I'm looking at buying a 98 TSi AWD with what the seller says is a blown turbo. He's had the car for 13 years and stopped driving it when his regular mechanic said his turbo was about to die.

So I'm wondering what kind of situation I might be getting myself into if I grabbed this car. As far as my experience goes, a turbo swap isn't much of an ordeal and I should be able to handle it. Just wondering what might be lingering ahead.

Any input would be appreciated from you more technical DSM'rs.

Thanks

Have you been to see the car?

Does it run? Did the guy run the car at all after he found out the turbo was blown?

Even though your replacing the turbo (or planning on it), I'd check out the turbine blades to see if there is any damaged/broken/bent fins, if thats the case the turbo pulled something in, which could be a whole other issue...

Thanks Jay.
No not seen it yet. It's still all together so I'm not sure how much freedom I have to pull his turbo out in his driveway lol. I am in the process of searching the board for turbo swap threads. I've taken one out before, but not put it back in.

The story goes, like this:
"I took it in for regular service and asked what that sound is. The guy checked it out and said that's your turbo dying. You shouldn't drive it until it's fixed. I drove it home and haven't moved it since."

The biggest thing they can hide about DSM is crank walk. However, something tells it's not the case for you. If they guy was able to drive it home then you should have no problems starting the car and feel her idle. Make sure you can get into gears and there are no oil leaks under the car specially around transfer case and diff. Mechanical is not as big issue as rust. If she's rust free and the price is right than she's probably worth spending money for.

BTW: this is your new best friend
http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html

Thanks Alex

Video Tutorial on how to remove a 2G turbo. Subsequent vids show porting and re-installation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ7ffjhbmfQ

Removing and re-installing a turbo is an easy process with the right tools and knowledge.

If your replacing it with another T25 or 14b, it's a bolt on affair without any headaches (unless you get some broken bolts, rusted parts, etc).

If you do end up getting the car, make sure you have EVERYTHING you need to install a new turbo.

When I suggested checking out the turbo when you go look at the car, I meant just popping the intake pipe off and trying to get a close look at the turbine for damage. Even checking it for excessive shaft play may help determine what's going on with the car.

Of course, you shouldn't let this issue alone stop you from inspecting the rest of the car and the problems that are common amongst 2gs.

If your unsure of anything, bring a camera along and snap some pictures and take some videos then post them here.

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...e-Talon-TSI-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ265535796 - This car seems to be a good deal if the body is in good shape. I say buy it and give it what it needs. Not to many 98's around and 165k is pretty decent as well.