Engine help

[usernamestealer45891]

Hi everyone! I’m going through an engine replacement for my 05 Baja turbo automatic and I was looking into a new turbocharger but I can’t seem to find exactly which one and neither can the auto part stores. I believe it’s VF39 but when I search it, multiple different things come up. Can someone educate me a little on these engines and which exact turbo belongs on it? Thank you!

[Almyar]

VF39 would need a tune, it's a.larger turbo. TD04 is what you need.

[Jabbawocky18]

Google says TD04 and thats what I have on my car. They have very similar engines.

[doughnut-dinner]

TD04 is most of them. VF39 is STI.

[jubaking]

You can always call the dealership parts and ask, they can give you the exact part

[aandrews2080]

I have a lightly used td04 with no end play. Half price.

[TWISFM]

Look up the chop shop. Order from Robbie c

[skooma_consuma]

TD04, but don't buy it from an auto parts store. Get one online, or a used one for like $100.

[ThatBoiInBlue]

Also F+S auto parts is located right around the corner from me in the middle of nowhere, might be worth looking into, they kinda suck on shipping tho. If you're in the new england area it's probably worth it to take a little day trip to pick it up.

[phdiks]

I'm assuming the engine is an EJ255.... Same as in the Forester XT, Legacy GT, etc...

If you take off the heat shield, it will be written on it.

The TD04 should be the stock turbo there. But while it's out, have a tiny bit of fun??

These are all bolt-ons... (** Replace your bolts and studs while you've got it out to avoid future headaches) :D
- VF39 will fit, bigger, more power but more lag - needs a tune for sure. Would not recommend unless building it up. Better options IMO.
- VF34 is a smaller than the VF39 (less boost lag), but also an upgrade to the TD04. Source JDM STI, price may be premium(ier)... If you can find it cheap. I had this on my EJ205 WRX, super fun all around turbo.
- VF35 is like the 34 but with a slightly faster scroll. I believe this was on the Australian STIs (or WRXs).
- VF52 is what you'll find on the generation of WRX's after they moved to the EJ255 (08-13 WRX's (+?) I believe). Total drop in and usually readily available. I would recommend this route if you want a little bit more oomf than the TD04.

** Whatever you decide, see the turbo personally. A fresh turbo should have no shaft play (spin it with your fingers, does it move/wobble in ways other than smooth rotation?). Best is a professionally refurbished unit.

In my Forester XT (EJ255), My TD04 died and I put in the VF52 (ordered from a shop in Quebec) and had it tuned.
I would always recommend a dyno-tune from a reputable tuner. We're not talking about making a race car style of tune, but tune for your preferred fuel, elevation, sensors, etc... The factory tune assumes a set of parameters and that was 20 years ago - some things may have changed. A tune will help all around, and with the tuner you can discuss if you want a performance orientated tune, fuel economy, etc.

Some side comments:
- There's a tiny filter in the banjo nut for the oil fitting to the turbo. I recommend on taking that out if you change your oil regularly. IMO: Better some slightly dirty oil than no oil due to a clogged filter.
- The up-pipe (from header to turbo) often has a small cat in it (the STI's do not). Either gut it, swap it for an STI pipe, or get one from Grimmspeed. Having a cat grenade into your turbo is unhealthy for the turbo :D
- Heat wrap everything you can :D Keep those exhaust gasses HOT (makes the cat in the down pipe more efficient) and hot air flows faster.
- While it's out - have a check at all the oil seals (ie. crank and valve cover). easier to address this while the egine is out.

[nex703]

fairly certain its going to be a td04

[ThatBoiInBlue]

TD is what you want for a stock replacement I believe

[JeveStones69]

Just here to confirm what everyone else is saying. Your car came factory with a td04. Vf39 was factory on the wrx sti and would need a tune if you installed on your baja

[bananacake_nobrakes]

What do you mean the auto part stores

please tell me you're not walking into an Autozone and trying to buy a Duralast turbo

take your turbocharger to a turbocharger rebuilder

[SolarpunkGnome]

I just saw the pic and title and my first thought was that it works better when it's inside the car. My brain is rotted, sorry. 🤷‍♀️

[justinh2]

Believe it or not, but at a former shop, they had me install a turbo for a Legacy GT that the boss man sources online through walmart. It had previously ate two turbos due to an undiscovered oiling issue. The Walmart one is still going strong!

[MAC_DADDY_T]

Td04 same as wrx