Pulled over and looked underneath, the bottom of the downpipe has seperated from the rest of the exhaust, the noise was incredible! good fun though scaring other drivers!! Probably the original downpipe 10yrs, and all the speedbumps which have weakened it.

Managed to get home safley and temporarily patched it up, but my question is, whats my best option if I want to upgrade the exhaust\turbo?

I currently have a standard exhaust with a scorpion ss silencer, my turbo is on its way out(sqeeks very slightly when cold, seems to be more turbo lag than there used to be), I dont know how much longer the turbo will last.

I'm quite interested in getting a hybrid turbo, but I dont know much about them, would like quicker spool up and better power nearer the redline. So would I be best to get an exhaust downpipe and turbo at the same time, how much do you think this would cost me and what specification of turbo \ exhaust options would you recommend?

hhmm...just read a post on 20vt Garrett GT Series Turbo Kits, mabey thats the way to go

you have a fundamental choice to make, which will determine your exhaust choice

Standard turbos connect to standard downpipes using a circular fastening called a V-Band adapter. Its only 2" in diameter and is restrictive for the exhaust gasses when you start to increase the gas flow (usually by increasing the boost) Its fine for standard turbos though, and will cope with about 260 - 270bhp

Bigger turbos have a different exhaust fixing, known as a 5-stud - its an irregular oval shape housing. Its far less restrictive.

So - here are your choices (turbo AND exhaust)

1) Standard turbo (or hybrid version of standard turbo) and standard downpipe
2) Uprated turbo (with 5-stud to V-band adapter) and standard downpipe
3) Uprated turbo and 5-stud downpipe

Costs as follows:

1) £20 (plenty of perfect secondhand downpipes around)
2) £300 (s/h) to £1,000) and anywhere inbetween - the 5-stud to V-band adapter is about £150
3) £800 - £1200

your bhp range

1) 220 - 260
2) up to 280-ish
3) Sky's the limit, but without lots of other mods, around 320 - 330

It all depends on your budget - let us know how much you have to spend and we can tell you the best solution

Ok thanks Nigel.

I think i'll buy a standard downpipe at the moment and consider a hybrid version of the standard turbo later on.

My car is standard, I dont want to crazy with mods or increase the horsepower over about 260 anyway.

I think you've made it clearer for me though, because i've read posts on larger diameter downpipes but from what your saying there would be no gain to be made and I should just stick with standard front pipe as i'm not going over 260bhp.

Thanks

I have 300bhp with option 2 and could have got more without slipping clutch.