'GT' vs. 'T' Series

Turbocharger technology has advanced during the recent years, and at the forefront of that wave has been Garrett, leading the charge of modernization at the OEM level. One notable advance at the OEM's has been the shift from the traditional T-turbocharger to modern GT technology. Older 'T' products served as a workhouse for the aftermarket for many years, but now Garrett GT will revolutionize turbocharger performance and enable the reduction of turbo lag to virtually undetectable levels.
The GT Evolution
In the 1990's Garrett engineers developed a radically new efficient turbocharger baptizing it 'New Garrett Technology' aka the 'NGT' turbo. Over time the term was shortened to 'GT' and is now used to specifically describe the aerodynamically advanced Garrett turbos that cause the turbo to spool up to boost and accelerate your vehicle quicker than ever.

Ball Bearing vs. Journal Bearing
Ball Bearing - Click to view graph Journal Bearing - Click to view graph

 Why is Garrett GT better than T product?

  • Product Simplification - T product typically contained 54 components, compare this with GT technology, which has drastically reduced the number of components by more than 45% to average of 29! Reducing the number of individual parts drastically diminishes the opportunity for failure, thus resulting in smoother motoring.
  • Journal Bearing - The bearing system in the GT turbocharger allows for improved shaft stability and less drag throughout the speed range. In fact, the GT shaft motion has decreased by 20%, which greatly improves the durability of the bearing system.
  • Thrust Bearings - The new GT turbochargers have an increased load bearing capacity of up to 35%. This provides greater resistance to thrust bearing failure, especially when the combination of an oversized compressor wheel to turbine wheel is used.
  • Improved Aerodynamics - The wheels used on the GT turbochargers increase the efficiency of the turbocharger system. Increased efficiency allows improved engine performance in each application.
  • Wheel Trims - The GT range has several more wheel trims than the T range, enabling a more accurate match of turbocharger to engine that will in turn result in optimum performance.
  • Piston Rings - The piston rings on the GT range are made from M2 tool steel. This material can withstand higher temperatures than traditional T range piston rings, making the GT product more appropriate for today's modern engines.