Mmm know the feeling. I started with a high mileage WRX Wagon. Had it remapped to 265BHP (ECUTEK) very quick at the top end. Lasted 3 months wanted a bit more and ended up spending ££££'s 2.1 Stroker, SC36 turbo etc etc.but money well spent in my book - great car to drive with loads of low torque. Courtesy of Engine Tuner

 

No need to start throwing insults, at people you don't know.

Lets try and be adults shall we, unless you would like to pop over to fight club forum and we can duke it out like men.

 

Sorry, but come on. You moan about him buying second hand parts but have no problem with him buying a second hand car? Even you have to admit how insane that sounds!

 

Apology accepted.

Ok we are talking about a second hand turbo now, if it's on a car and you take said car on a test drive before you buy the car then you can work out wether it and the other components on the car are working as they should.

But if you go out and buy a second hand turbo that to the eye looks ok, then you fit it to the car and for what ever reason it's no good it can be bye bye engine.
The only place to buy a second hand turbo is off a turbo specialist, it's just not worth the risk.

You could also pay a specialist to check it out but then you may as well buy one off him after the costs incurred.

But granted lots of people do, and most getaway with it, but there is no shortage of horror stories.

But at the end of the day and to get back to the original discussion, the op's money is better spent on a different car with less miles and an engine and drive train that can cope with the planned mods, as we all know once the modding bug bites there is no cure..