MaxPeedingRods "GT2871" Turbo Review (Unboxing, Internals & Balancing)

Oddly enough I came into contact with MaxPeedingRods through a forum I use frequently. They contacted me asking if I'd be willing to take a look at one of their turbochargers and tell them what I think, little did they know I do this almost professionally! Stay tuned to find out what one of these Chinese made turbos is really like.
NOTE: This is a completely unbiased review. I'm just like another customer, just that I know about this kind of stuff a little too much.
If you're interested in having your MaxPeedingRods turbo bullet proofed or require a rebuild, head over to www.onboostperformance.com or send me an email at [e-mail] I'll be happy to help!

[@d4a]

This is a really informative in-depth unboxing video. Thank you! I recently got the same turbo for my build and this video really helped me get some actual useful info on this turbo. The balancing check was the absolute icing on the cake when it comes to video value. I used a few outtakes from your video in my video that I will be publishing today, I hope that's ok. If not, I'll remove it, no worries. I have put up links to your video in my video description, as well as the suggested videos and the pinned comment.

[@JKFab]

driving 4 answers Thank you! I did not expect to see you here. Big fan of your videos!

[@BurtyHaxx]

@@JKFab @driving 4 answers is the reason this popped up on my recommended feed as i just watched his video where he credited this video behind the reasoning for him to buy the turbo. only started watching him yesterday but glad i cam across both your channels. have you used the maxspeeding turbo yet? and how well does it perform in relation to turbo lag ect?

[@juliancoleman1159]

instaBlaster...

[@tomwillis2914]

Interesting to see whats inside a Chinese turbo and how they go together. Looking forward to the next video!

[@JKFab]

tom willis thats what up bro 👌🏽

[@4thdimensiontravels855]

Man this is a freakin great video!! So informative. Pure common sense review man. And that is exactly what 90% of us who have to build on a budget appreciate. As soon as it was over I instantly subscribed. Great job man. Really.

[@JKFab]

Thank you very much!

[@Conservator.]

Thanks! 🙏 (I came here via Driving 4 Answers)

[@LucoreAuto]

Thanks for this video! Seems like their turbos are really making a push online lately and for the price, really really tempting!

[@pospc2]

This video just showed up on my feed. Interesting enough I unboxed my 2nd one of these. Glad to see they are good for the money.

[@guidosaur7506]

I've had this turbo on my miata for over a year now with no real issues besides the boost creep. Even with porting it isn't enough

[@Cango1]

How is the boost leg of these turbos on a miata? Thinking about getting one myself

[@guidosaur7506]

@@Cango1 it's slow. Way too big. But it's fun when it comes on. On my NA 1.8 It starts building boost at like 3k and full boost at like 5.5k. but full boost doesn't really exist without an electronic controller and massively porting the wastegate hole. If you've got a 1.6 don't even think about it. If you have a NB 1.8 it might be worth it but still laggy

[@Cango1]

@@guidosaur7506 I got a 1.8 Liter NA

[@Cango1]

@@guidosaur7506 also thanks for your quick Response lmao, how is the internal wastegate rated?

[@guidosaur7506]

@@Cango1 maxpeedingrods won't really tell you lol I tried asking them. I've heard 8 psi and I've heard 10psi. The hole is so small though that it keeps boost creeping to redline unless you port it a lot with a rotary tool. I'd recommend a used sr20 turbo because they're built nicer and you have full boost at like 3k. You won't make as much power but the instant response is nice

[@christophercarson3143]

Have this fitted to my car and anyone with any questions I send this video to. Great video loved it from start finish

[@JKFab]

Massively appreciate it. Thanks man

[@christophercarson3143]

@@JKFab just noticed something other day. Maxpeedingrods have a new Gt28 turbo well unsure what is different other than the housing is now cast with maxpeedingrods on it. They are £200 +. Was just wondering if you know by any chance if they are different in any way and worth the extra money. That's if you've come across them and read the specs or anything. Just thought I'd ask you :)

[@OpenLogicEFI]

Very well make presentation of the turbo. I enjoy these educated and unbiased opinions. Seems like a solid turbo for a "stock internals" street ripper. I might give one of these cheap turbo's a shot on my next build. I think I'm more in the mood for a 30r China charger though. 😉

[@marekukawski202]

What a nice video! I got my TD04-19T from MaxPeedingRogs before i saw this video. Way before :D Anyway, it is working just fine until today, i do push it to the 1.5 bar and yet no problems. But the noticeable downgrade in compare to the OEM turbo, it's "gettin' up" slower. OEW got me a 1 bar boost at around 2700 RPM, this "Shanghai Wind" gets me same boost at 3000 rpm. Anyway i am very happy about mine, and i do recommend it as a user to other guys :) Price was just a joke, 200$ for a new turbo.

[@troyward8349]

Very cool video. I'm just now getting into turbos, trying to find a modern turbo for my Corvair. Learned a lot man!

[@TshuajCL9]

this just sold me on this turbo. great video

[@paulvanderveen1986]

Nice review!

[@JKFab]

Paul Van Der Veen thanks!

[@lairexrai801]

Watched driving 4 answers Video thanks for the in depth description and details.

[@garyhaley8933]

Thank you so much for your honest opinion.

[@hugosilva7887]

Excellent review.

[@josephdurling2565]

I've been running this exact turbo for 4 years and had no problems what so ever

[@niceeeeeful]

On how much boost?

[@josephdurling2565]

@@niceeeeeful 13.5 psi

[@jblitzlee]

@@josephdurling2565 what car & power did the GT2871r make?

[@josephdurling2565]

I bolted it to a rove t16 lump and got 260bhp at the front wheels from 10psi. I also have some other supporting mods and I'll be forging soon and when I do I'll be upgrading the turbo to a gt30

[@jblitzlee]

@@josephdurling2565 hey buddy whats the spool like?

[@connorkeatley5793]

I purchased one of these turbos from maxspeeding rods for my astra Vxr in December. It was all fitted correctly, primed up etc It lasted 3 weeks and started burning oil like no tomorrow. Dropped the company a message and they basically said “sorry no warranty” Was only running 12psi for about 1000 miles. Poor quality even for how cheap it was. Buy cheap buy twice

[@PlaAwa]

did you really put a $100 turbo under 22 psi?

[@jonah9165]

I would have taken it to someone like JK Fab and rebuilt it with upgraded bearings and re-balanced unless I was just going to run like 6-8 psi

[@jamesmcintosh9868]

Thanks for the info. I have brought the gt3076r variant of this brand. Hopefully its balanced like this one.

[@seriogamarkovas5407]

the fact that the turbo passed with over 3 bars of pressure amazed me lol

[@JKFab]

The oil pressure within the turbo will be regulated through the oil feed orifices anyway. Pressure at the feed doesn’t mean much.

[@Adr_Jim]

Hi! I bought this exact Turbocharger and I can't rotate the compressor housing to properly clock it. The turbine housing moves easily by just loosening the bolts.. but the other side won't should I also remove the C ring??

[@jacobmay7594]

Very surprising that it actually balanced within spec. The one thing I didn't see you do was measuring anything. I've seen plenty of china turbos being listed with incorrect wheel sizes and turbo specs. Also, one of the things I wished you would have done was to weigh the parts. China is known for inferior metals,I this often shows up in "stainless" steel rusting quickly, cast iron being soft, and steel being heavier or lighter, than quality parts. I'd be interested to see the weights of the wheels and especially the shaft compared to name brand parts. Lastly, a side from the 360 trust bearing anything you noticed that would lead you to believe this turbo couldn't perform or last as long as a real gt2871? Thanks for the video!

[@JKFab]

Jacob May I did actually measure both the compressor and turbine off camera. The compressor was 51/71mm and the turbine was 53.8/47mm. Identical to a genuine GT2871R in terms of wheel sizing. It would be interesting to measure. I’m due to order a scale so I can make a follow-up video for that as I have some genuine Garrett wheels & shafts laying around. Longetivity wise I just believe the thrust bearing is an issue, not really much else. Being a journal bearing turbo it’s likely to live much longer than a genuine GT2871R. I actually see them fail quite a lot due to poor balancing from factory & soft turbine wheel material leading to chipping.

[@jacobmay7594]

@@JKFab Thanks for the reply. On another issue. Some people have run oil restrictors. Did you see anything in that turbo to shown that to be neccessary?

[@JKFab]

Jacob May Journal bearing turbos don’t require oil restrictors UNLESS the drain isn’t big enough, which on this turbo is normal and acceptable size.

[@eagleeye6206]

Just seen your video and thank you for the info! Wanted to know if I upgrade the thrust bearing to a 360 degree would I need to rebalance the shaft? Also how much boost can I safely increase? Absolutely wonderful video once again.

[@neptuneatlantic4883]

Solid review buddy. Any idea where to buy the 360* bearing? Would a Garrett one fit??

[@JKFab]

I can supply and fit inc balance

[@mysticalcolon7176]

I want to how is mount.

[@margperformanceengineering6434]

Got a question, once you unthread the bolt on the turbo, does it need to be rebalanced? Or can you put it back on the turbo and run the turbo?? Also what does the bold need to be torqued to??

[@UP4U]

MARG Performance/Engineering Technically yes. However you can mark up the nut to the compressor housing and reallign when your tightening. Theres no specific torque and it varies depending on model. On these you tighten by hand, and then do 3/4 of a turn with a spanner.

[@Fishfire140]

Just bought this exact turbo for a conversion on my clio 172. It'll only be running circa 8psi, so its good to hear you think these should be fine not being pushed hard. If I wanted to change to a 360° thrust bearing how hard is that to do? It looks like the collar it holds would be captive? Great video, enjoyed watching 👀

[@JKFab]

It’s not hard, but experience definitely comes into play for doing it correct. Don’t forget to have it balanced afterwards! I offer an upgraded rebuild kit, along with a balancing service if you require. Thanks for the feedback!

[@lukecowell7516]

Msr turbo's are definitely the better built Chinese turbo's in fact they now do a higher end version of a gt30 with yellow blades the finish and quality looks excellent also they are around £400 so dearer but still cheap

[@JKFab]

Its a GT3071 I believe, journal bearing so nothing special just made to be as cheap as possible. The yellow finish is just anodizing on the compressor wheel, does nothing but aid in appearance.

[@lukecowell7516]

@@JKFab gt3037 and gt3070r is what they say updated racing spec even the finish on the housing looks better with there own branding on it like garret etc does

[@lukecowell7516]

@@JKFab have you taken one apart yet??

[@sniperworkssniperbay3077]

He is right if you got that turbo keep it under 12psi it last me 2 weeks also trash to me thought this turbo was fake

[@ajzcarz7117]

Great info 👍

[@PlaAwa]

good stuff man. any recommendations for decent value thrust bearing upgrade?

[@JKFab]

Pla Awa Thanks! Any 360* thrust bearing from a T25/T28 rebuild kit will work with the associated thrust washer & front seal assembly

[@dandelao9653]

Hi can i use this Gt2871 turbor for my nissan patrol TB45 6 cyl. engine? thanks in advance. or can you also make a review for GT3076 maxspeedingrod turbo pls.

[@Cango1]

So do you think the genuine Garrett Thrust bearing would fit the maxpeedingrods one? Ive found one for like 9 bucks but im not sure if itll fit Id just order it but there seems to be so many different styles Also do you think its actually worth the hassle for running like 8-12 psi?

[@802Garage]

Great video! Impressive that it passed the balance. Was that the one and only run you did? Did it consistently pass if you did multiple runs? Is there a reason you didn't go past about 70,000 RPM? At any rate, close enough to spec on a journal bearing it will probably run for quite a while. I'm suggesting to them to offer 360 degree thrust bearing turbos as I've been surprised they don't offer them already.

[@JKFab]

We did a few off camera with the same result. It’s quite a big rotating assembly so 70k was adequate for a basic test of the turbo. I’ve already suggested this to them, but I assume they stick to a 270* to keep costs down.

[@802Garage]

@@JKFab Awesome! Yeah these turbos aren't rated for INSANE pressure ratios anyways, so 100K+ RPM duty probably isn't their specialty. Still good it balanced out period. I've been getting some words through to their engineering team. I suggested coming out with a ball bearing design, but they basically said it is far more expensive and complicated, which of course is true. Hopefully they keep trying to advance!

[@jonah9165]

If I were to upgrade this turbo what wheel do you reckon I would see better gains from ? (just overall performance not purely power). Say between getting a billet compressor wheel vs upgrading to a 9 blade turbine wheel

[@synapticbit]

Really appreciate the effort and research put into your video! One question. While you vetted the build and balance and offered insight into the 270* bearing and wastegate. How does having a journal bearing effect the performance vs the ball bearings in the Garrett version?

[@JKFab]

There’s not much difference. A ball bearing cartridge can help with spool up on heavier rotating assemblies like on this turbo, but the difference is minimal of 2-400rpm at most. Main benefit with ball bearings is it’s capability to deal with larger thrust forces without destroying itself, where as a journal bearing turbo (especially like this 270* one) would fail pretty quickly.

[@synapticbit]

@@JKFab thank you! That’s exactly what I was hoping to find out!

[@danglee1786]

Iv got a skyline t28 turbo do u buy them

[@giannissp.785]

For 2.0 OPC is it worth to use it to reach 300hp?

[@JPJFC]

Very Nice comparison 👍 it is possible to replace jornal bearings on this cartridge by dual ball bearing repair kit?

[@JKFab]

No, not possible

[@bodeine454]

One of the major complaints that I see about cheaper chinese parts is the fit and finish and the quality of the metals used and hardness and heat treating of metals like bolts, shafts bearings etc. It may not be an issue here, I don't know, but that seems to be the issues I usually see, the things that you can't really see. I just ordered a Maxspeedingrods polished SS front brake rotor for my Dyna Wide Glide, the pics look good and the spec rundown sounds good but we'll see, time will tell.

[@idhu5100]

what is the forum that you use?

[@ovalwingnut]

{YOU} R The Real Deal.... 🛐 Thank you 👍😎 (subbed!)

[@hondatrix]

You should have run the balancing 5 times...each will be different if the bearing pack is shite..

[@JKFab]

That’s not how it works with JB stuff, unecessary. If it were a ball bearing cartridge, you are correct. :)

[@eyzwh]

So to resume, change the 270° to a 360° one And port the wastegate exit ? And I saw a guy run one of these on a ca18 Full boost was at 5300rpm, do you know how could this turbo spool faster? Haha

[@UP4U]

Correct. Spool is so slow due to it being journal bearing, best way to improve spool is by reducing rotating mass. You could do this by using a billet compressor wheel. Unfortunately theres no alternatives for the turbine wheel.

[@eyzwh]

@@UP4U oh okay :/ Thanks for answering :) And if I put the stock t25 exhaust side on the gt2871, will I gain anything performance wise?

[@JKFab]

EyZoW Unfortunately that won’t work due to the turbine wheel being much bigger than a T25 exhaust housing. Both are .64 ar anyway so it would not make a difference, even if they were interchangeable.

[@eyzwh]

@@JKFab thanks! Keep up the good work

[@flamespirit1]

How to use coupon code for free shipping?

[@edkay272]

Just got one of these for my turbo build, I'm hoping to run quite a bit of boost, maybe 2 bar. So short summery is drill the wastegate port out bigger and change the bearing to 360? Can a have a link for the bearing you sell?

[@JKFab]

Ed Kay correct, although I doubt this turbo will stay efficient till 2 bar, I would say a tops of 1.5 bar. For a bearing, contact me on my facebook page (JK Fab) or my instagram page (jk_fab)

[@midgrave]

Im thinking about getting a knockoff ceramic dual ball bearing gt28. What do you think? Should I balance it once I get it? Also how much does your local charge for a balancing or just testing the balance? Thanks

[@JKFab]

V3N0M If decent parts are used it’ll be ok. Ball bearing turbos transmit much more vibration since the shaft doesn’t float in oil. I would definitely have it checked. Balancing costs £100

[@BulliKid]

Good video. I’m looking at a Chinese t25 for a diy turbo kit build. Can I adjust psi from the internal wastegate. It comes with 8psi but can I adjust the rod to run 6psi base and then I have more room for boost creep.

[@A.QPerformance]

yes he showed the rod is adjustable

[@BulliKid]

Yes but I don’t think you can go to less psi then the spring.

[@RAFFMEDIA_]

Does this gt2871 run well on stock ca18? since my t25 stock turbo leak.

[@JKFab]

Pretty laggy. I would recommend rebuilding your stock turbo.

[@stoyan172]

Could you please recommend an uprated rebuild kit? I found a few options in eBay. Cheap Chinese one - $20-$25 and kinugawa which was $80+ . Can the 360 trust bearing be found in any OEM turbo so I can search for a quality rebuild kit for it?

[@JKFab]

The chinese rebuild kits are generally fine to use, just make sure you get the correct one. Alternatively I sell T25/T28 rebuild kits with upgraded thrust bearings for £30 each, they are what I use. Kinugawa prices are too much, especially for a rebranded chinese rebuild kit.

[@gilbertgarcia4288]

Where would be a good spot to get a thrust bearing?

[@JKFab]

I can supply and fit, or just supply :)

[@watchingwatches2785]

So your pretty much paying for alloy material and maybe snap rings

[@44erso]

soo would you recommend this turbo for a 200 hp build ?

[@JKFab]

Definitely not. Too big

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Could MaxPeedingRods sound any more Chinglish?

[@micahb5659]

Hey my man, do you think it's possible to slap a new thrust bearing into it without machining? For reliablity sake or does it have to be redone?

[@JKFab]

Sure is, I offer that as a service 👍🏽

[@micahb5659]

@@JKFab where are you located about, I'm in Canada

[@JKFab]

@@micahb5659 I’m based in the UK, Bridgnorth

[@bbbb-tp9hg]

Hi all. I broken 3 of this from maxpeeding in only 1500km. 2 was new and one was rebuild in a greate rebuilder factory. Rebuilded one was broken after only 100km. I specify i was 1.5-1.6bar boost and low torque(because for the moment i don;t have forged rods) on my 1.8t on skoda octavia 1. This turbo is a big shit the quality ov components is very bad. I think the hot part work very nych ar hifg them and the oil leave the turbo.I bought a new garrett gt2871r with dual ball bearing after this bad experience with this bad company maxpeeding. They wrote on description this turbo make 400hp. After i discuss with them about 2 broken turbo they told me this turbo work only with maximum 1 bar. I said WHATTTTTT. F..k your turbo,Never at 1 bar you make 400hp,Maybe only with a 6000cc engine.Good luck.

[@scudy4]

It is a universal turbo, no one said it would make 400hp on your 1.8t pal. They've said 1 bar limit due to the thrust bearing.

[@JKFab]

bb bb You obviously don’t know what your talking about. If you watched the video, you would know the thrust bearing is the first thing to give due to being an inferior design. However, once changed I see no issue going way beyond 1bar.

[@emperor002002]

Interesting

[@A.QPerformance]

this or their T3/t4 hybrid on a k24A2 Honda engine? power goal is near 350 whp.Currently using Gt3076(ebay) but is laggy.i want quick spool. will T3/t4 at 12 psi near 350 whp? www.maxpeedingrods.com/product/for-t3t4-t04e-t3-t4-a-r-63-turbine-5-bolts-flange-max-universal-turbocharger.html

[@dangerousfandango5943]

I must've got a maxxpeeding knock off from Ebay. Cus mines came in just a brown box lol

[@DJToneRI]

That's really sad when they're knocking off the knock off. What's next?

[@dangerousfandango5943]

@@DJToneRI lol i know right.. got a knockoff of a knock off lol

[@clayreal]

D4A

[@benerst10]

Where you based?

[@JKFab]

benerst10 Stoke on Trent

[@abdulghafoor2526]

Tarbo Ke bare mein Urdu mein bataen

[@waterlover]

Well was balanced 🤣🤣🤣

[@justinulrich2128]

Those turbo SUCK and they don't back their garbage product. Avoid it like covid. Or say goodbye to your money. Hot side leaks and the oiler hole leaks. Total garbage

[@JKFab]

Sounds like you have no idea what your talking about. I’m in no way sponsored by these guys, or a big fan of this turbo. But it works just fine. This is coming from personal testing experience, and numerious customers and affiliates using that exact turbo. Try using a quality gasket set and a copper crush washer for the oil feed 👍🏽

[@tonydighera5286]

On the next one PLEASE use a dedicated audio microphone or SPEAK UP! You're inaudible or mumbling through most of this... argh!