Journal vs Ball Bearings

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5speed

New Member
Well, pretty much from what i have concluded, Ball bearing turbos spool up to 15% faster than journal bearings. But Journal bearings are a little under half the price of a ball bearing turbo. You can get the same size turbo, Same trim, and both will produce the same amount of power in the end. How much of a difference can a ball bearing do compared to the journal bearing in drag races such as 1/8 and 1/4 mile? And is it worth getting the journal bearing, or save up for the ball bearing?
 
If you're going to drag, anything to help with reaching full boost sooner is always going to be worth it. If you just want a fun daily driver budget build, then the price difference may be worth saving.
 
BB turbos last longer for one and will spool faster but there is no need for it the float bearings are fine 90% of oem turbos are journal bearing.
 
BB turbos last longer
Internet myth if you ask me. It's just that the people who save their hard earned money to shell out the extra dough for a ball bearing turbo generally are the types of people who overall do it right the first time. A ball bearing turbo that is carelessly maintained will gernade just as fast as a flat/journal type bearing turbo...
 
i wish i can afford a BB turbo... to me the BB turbo just sounds WAY better........i love BB turbo but too much for the my budget....i had J. turbos before nd they spool pretty good, atleast good enough, i was happy, buying A new after i finished paying for my blokk to get out
 
Internet myth if you ask me. It's just that the people who save their hard earned money to shell out the extra dough for a ball bearing turbo generally are the types of people who overall do it right the first time. A ball bearing turbo that is carelessly maintained will gernade just as fast as a flat/journal type bearing turbo...
They were originally created as a stronger alternative to a regular journal bearing. It is not an internet myth.
 
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