Turbo For '99 V70XC AWD--which one-- 13G, 13T, 15G or 16T???

[1steven]

I need to replace the turbo on my '99 V70XC AWD automatic with the 2.4 L engine (code B5254T). I am getting conflicting answers as to which turbo is correct--the Mitsubishi TD04HL-13G or the 13T? According to one dealer the Volvo OEM part code is 8601692 which should be the 13T but I've found the same part code with a 13G. What's the difference? And can I upgrade only the turbo to a more higher performance unit without having to do any modifications? I've been told I can do a 15G or 16T. The problem is to make sure the flange angles are the same. How can I tell if I have a straight or angled flange BEFORE pulling the turbo out?--so I know what to buy and minimize down-time? Does anyone know a really good rebuilder if I find a decent used unit (no cracks, etc...)? And how about a tuner?? THANKS VERY MUCH!

[MadeInJapan]

Found this over on Volvospeed:
1998: s/v70, 2.4L normally aspirated engine (168 hp, 162 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 glt, v70 xc, v70 awd, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 t-5, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft, bigger turbo)
----- v70 R awd, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 228 lb-ft, s70r not in u.s.; euro-spec R manuals had a mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-18T)
----- *factory introduced option ohlins 8-way adjustable shocks with remote resevior, $1600
----- c70 coupe, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
1999: s/v70, same as 1998
----- s/v70 glt, s/v70 awd, v70 xc, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 t-5, same as 1998
----- v70 R awd, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-18T (247 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 coupe, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 coupe, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
2000: s/v70, 2.4L n/a engine (168hp, torque up from 162 to 170 lb-ft)
----- s/v70 glt, s/v70 awd, v70 xc, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- s70 t-5, same as 1998 (no v70 t5 for model year 2000)
----- v70 R awd, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-19T (261 hp, 258 lb-ft)
----- c70 coupe, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 coupe, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, lpt, 2.4L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-13G (190 hp, 199 lb-ft)
----- c70 convertible, hpt, 2.3L inline-5, mitsubishi turbocharger TD04HL-16T (236 hp, 243 lb-ft)

Ok, so I posted the above and did a bit more research and find guys claiming that there was also the 13T used, but also comments that they are basically the same but the "g" flows a bit better/faster- I'm pretty sure that the above is correct though- it came from a post of a long timer (one of the founders of the site over there). I guess if you want to be 100% certain, you're going to have to take the turbo shield off and take a look at the identification plate on the turbo that will clearly be marked either as 13g or 13t. Btw, the 13g is straight flanged while the 13t has an angled outlet.

That said, the main difference between the smaller 13g and larger 15g is that the 15g will give you more boost but at the higher end. The XC, being what it is, an AWD utility vehicle of sorts, is designed to have more power and torque on the low end. If you switch up to a larger turbo (your engine could handle it with the right tuning- or else you could damage it), you will have less power and torque on the low end where it is needed, but at highway speeds, you'll be able to boost up quickly from say 70 - 110 mph+ I'm not sure this is what you really want. My thoughts are that you'll be much happier getting your ECU chipped or upgraded (by IPD for instance) and you'll be able to take advantage of the faster spooling and power/torque on the low end with the smaller turbo AND get more boost on the higher end. This will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the different turbo's: http://www.stealth316.com/2-3s-compflowmaps.htm

So....guess my question is, why are you interested? Is your turbo shot or are you just wanting to upgrade? If you think it's shot, who's telling you so? These turbo's are very stout and hardly ever go bad. If they do, you can buy a rebuild kit and if you're savvy you can rebuild them for less than $100. If you're not, you can get yours rebuilt by someone who is. Just my $0.02. Oh, and btw, you can change the size of the turbine in either the 13g or 13t to increase its performance.... a bit more research is needed to do this- I'm not an expert in this field to post anything about that, but those over on V.S. do and so you might want to go there for more how-to's and opinions- just make sure and search before posting questions- they can be ruthless to newbies over there.
-MIJ