Need new/rebuilt first stage Turbo for ej20H

[heywood1231]

Hey all... New member from Canada here. I imported a 96 Legacy GT-B with the ej20H a couple years ago from Japan. Last week a bunch of black smoke was coming out the back and was noticing an occasional loss of power that worsened over a couple short rides.

I brought it to a local Subaru guy, he pulled the Intercooler (or just the hoses I guess) and saw some oil in the one going to the first stage turbo.

From all my research online (which isn't super easy to come by), it looks like it's an IHI VF13. I can source a new one from Japan but that'll be around $1400 CDN, which I guess is pretty standard (apparently the Nissan turbos are quite a bit more). I can also get it rebuilt. I've contacted a couple shops (in Quebec and BC) that will either do it for a flat fee of $525, or a range of $100-$400 depending on how bad it is.

I'm wondering what you all think is the best option? I have only been able to find one used VF13 online and it's in the UK. A lot of the documentation I've read has suggested I can do a straight swap with a VF18, which is apparently more reliable... Not sure...

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks
Dave - Canada

[Rust2Runner]

I thought they started using 18/19 in 96?

[Rust2Runner]

In any event; I believe it was a direct swap in manuals. One of the other guys that have done this will have to chime in on that. At this stage, I think most people start the single turbo conversion.
I'd get the oil issue sorted out before you toss a new turbo at it first though. At the very least have your intercooler+hoses cleaned out, not just drained. you might find some spare parts for you turbo in there ;)

[Telemekas]

Yes you can directly swap the VF13 primary turbo (1st generation turbos) with a VF16,VF18 or VF20.
These turbos are consistent with the existing VF13. They are all ball bearing and with the same size exhaust wheel and housing.
The compressor wheel however is increasing in size/trim from VF13 -->VF16=VF20-->VF18.

[heywood1231]

Bloody marvellous. That gives me a few more options to look for and try and source.

From what I've read, the conversion to a single turbo was mainly for the ej20R and a kit wasn't readily available for the ej20H. Am I wrong here?

[Rust2Runner]

I've seen at least 1 guy around here with an Outback with the ej20h that went single turbo.