Okay, well after reviewing at length both types of units here is the list I put together to help compare things. Note that I also considered Blow-off Valves and Intercooling, but those issues remain regardless of which solution I went with.
| Feature | Aerocharger | Garrett Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Installation | Yes | Sort of | Garrett styles need oil and water plumbing etc wich makes the install more complicated |
| Boost Levels | 0-15lbs | 0-20+lbs | Once over 10-15lbs both units really need an Inter-cooler. |
| Wastgate | Not required as the variable vanes do the job | Required | With the Garrett style the wastegate can be internal or external |
| Oil In | Not required as it has an integrated oil system | Oil feed from engine | On the Garrett both plumbing the oil and getting the pressure spot on are not trivial tasks |
| Oil Out | Not required as it has an integrated oil system | Oil return, by pump | |
| Water cooled | Not required nor needed | sometimes | |
| Orientation | Any direction | very specific needs | The Garrett style can typically be 'clocked' though |
Decision
What swung it was a combination of Oiling and Orientation.
The Aerocharger runs an internal self contained oil system using Synthetic oil while the Garrett needs both a pressure supply from the engine as well as a return hose (that depending upon how high the turbo mounts may or may not need a scavenger pump as well)
Orientation wise the Aerocharger can be mounted flat or vertical and at many different angles; which absolutely blows away what the Garrett can handle. The only negative is that you cannot ‘clock’ an Aerocharger unit – this has to be done by the factory.
If you like what you read here then drop these chaps a line as they make damn good gear!
http://aerocharger.com/