Turbo for Mazda

Hi Ray. The 98 2.5 motor is essentially the same as the 99 on, factory turbo intercooled unit, unfortunately it does not have the twin balance shafts of the factory unit and the vehicle is very short geared 3500 @110k as compared to 3000k@ 110 for the factory unit.This makes for a harsh and noisy unit. I fitted a DTS turbo intercooler tro my 97 model , it gave it heaps more go! but still was not very pleasing to drive,I also had two incidences of gearbox bearing failure. I eventually traded the vehicle for a later model factory turbo unit whitch I was verry happy with it has a much heavier gearbox as well. I did a lot of heavy towing [up to 2.5 tonnes] with my newer vehicle and traded it after 100,000 with no significate mechanical problems.
Regards Ken.

Remember its a SMALL motor.... 2.5 is not world lighting....

Also depending on what you are towing, where for how long etc.

Turbos DO make a world of difference, it maynot be enough for your situation.

Maybe ask the local dealer to test a later model one like Billowaggi was talking about, and see if the power suits you and your situation before you shell out $3000ish on turbo etc..... Even better if the one you test has towbar, and take your trailer with you!!!!!

ray, it seems common to have gearbox problems after fitting a turbo to non-turbo cars, i'm in the car industry and hear a lot of sad stories of how something went 'bang' after putting the turbo on, however generally speaking the same does not seem to apply for factory fitted turbos, maybe the manafacturers 'beef up' the gearboxes to compensate for the increase in power anf torque - regards tim

I own a 2.8l hilux with a DTS turbo fitted. Power and torque increase was great, but after 70,000km's with the turbo on the gear box is very noisey and one diff went bang. After market turbo's are a good investment but make sure the drive line can take the extra torque.