Yea, I've heard a few comments about people thinking the bullseye housings are crap, but none of them have actual evidence to prove it. I don't have any facts to prove that it IS a good housing, but judging from looks, it's quite a nice piece - cast well, no deformities, etc. Oh well, it looks like I'll never get the chance to use one anyways!
Now about the B vs. E turbos, I completely agree with you. The SBR manifold would be a perfect match with a T04e cover, because as you said, it has a slightly thicker flange to act as a spacer to help with fitment of larger compressor covers. However, that's another $250 ($150 if I was able to sell my stock manifold) that I'd have to dish out. Also, what exactly are the other fitment issues with the E covers? I think I remember reading that it may have some clearance issues with the fans.
The 6H 20g is also a nice option. However, the pure fact that the 20g costs upward of $1000 (the standard 5H is $899 at Slowboy, the 6H is an extra $100, and then another $125 for the internal gate - totaling $1124 for an internally gated 20g!) and the "hybrid 50-trims" cost ~$700-800, it's hard to make the pick for the 20g (the new AGP RS60T -60-1 compressor wheel is going for $699!! Same for the RS49T - "50 trim" with T04e cover. I could pick that up and get an external gate and o2 housing for cheaper than the 6H 20g
)
The evo3b16g is definitely looking like a
much nicer option now that pricing comes to mind (they're going for damn cheap these days and I'd be able to reuse my SS oil feed line from the 14b). However, I just don't think it will provide the numbers that I want from it. I'm really looking for a turbo that maxes out in the 46-50 lbs/min range. I guess I could always run nitrous through it if it doesn't provide the numbers I want
Lately, though, I've decided to lower my expectations out of this car a bit. Since it's my first DSM and I'm relatively new to the game with only close to a year of experience, I think the evo3b16g will keep my hands full for a LONG time. Hell, I thought the 14b pulled hard as hell
It's absolutely insane how many options I have right now. Pricing is one of the major factors, as I don't have a shitload of cash to throw around right now (but I should be receiving my tax return check here before too long
). Please guys, keep the turbo suggestions coming, I'm really going to need some help deciding!
EDIT>>> I should also add that Bullseye will only give me store credit for the housing - the full $220. I guess that limits my decision now huh
It's either take the $220 towards store credit or try to sell the housing myself, take the $50 hit and just buy a damn evo3b16g. What would you ladies do?
-Matt