The Kinugawa Ball Bearing TD04 15T spools 500rpm faster than any other TD04 turbo tested — including the DR750, 3SX Executioners, and IPS 19T — and made 413whp / 410wtq at 19–20psi on 93 octane pump gas in a stock 1991 Mitsubishi Stealth TT.
What Makes the Kinugawa Ball Bearing 15T Different?
Ball bearing turbos spool faster, handle higher back pressures, and last longer under abusive conditions compared to journal bearing turbos. The Kinugawa TD04 15T is the first and only ball bearing, stock-frame, drop-in replacement turbo available for the 3000GT/Stealth platform.
Test Setup (Credit to Mike Vincent 3000gt tuner)
Testing was conducted on a stock engine 1991 Stealth TT with 90K original miles on 93 octane pump gas. Modification list:
- Kinugawa Ball Bearing 15T Turbos (6+6 compressor wheel, 9-blade STS turbine)
- ID1050x Injectors
- Walbro 350 Fuel Pump
- AEM V2 with 3.5 Bar MAP Sensor
- Turbosincebirth Intake Pipes with K&N Filters
- Cat Delete Pipes
- Tanabe Revel Exhaust
Dyno Results: Kinugawa 15T vs DR750 vs 3SX Executioners vs IPS 19T
The virtual dyno graphs overlay spool-up curves for four turbos — none were maxed out; this is a pure spool comparison:
- Kinugawa Ball Bearing 15T (red) — pump gas, full boost by 3000rpm
- DR750 (blue) — pump gas, journal bearing
- 3SX Executioners (green) — E85, journal bearing
- IPS 19T clipped (yellow) — pump gas, journal bearing
All journal bearing turbos spooled identically. The Kinugawa Ball Bearing TD04 showed a clearly superior spool — delivering 25+ hp and 50+ tq advantage between 2500–3500rpm versus every journal bearing TD04 tested. All cars ran AEM V2 with a 3.5 bar MAP sensor.
Which Compressor Wheel Should You Choose: 6+6 or 11+0?
The 6+6 compressor wheel spools faster and is ideal for pump gas builds targeting street boost levels. The 11+0 compressor wheel makes more peak power at higher boost and suits high-boost E85 builds. For a stock block on pump gas, the 6+6 is the correct choice.
Back Pressure and Durability: Ball Bearing vs Journal Bearing
Ball bearing turbos withstand significantly higher exhaust back pressure than journal bearing units. Under sustained high-load or abusive driving conditions, ball bearing turbos demonstrate superior longevity — a key advantage for track or spirited street use on the 3000GT/Stealth platform.
Turbo Comparison Specs at a Glance
| Turbo | Bearing Type | Fuel | Full Boost RPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinugawa 15T (6+6) | Ball Bearing | 93 Octane | ~3000rpm | 413whp / 410wtq @ 19–20psi |
| DR750 | Journal Bearing | 93 Octane | ~3500rpm | Identical spool to other JB TD04s |
| 3SX Executioners | Journal Bearing | E85 | ~3500rpm | Identical spool to other JB TD04s |
| IPS 19T (clipped) | Journal Bearing | 93 Octane | ~3500rpm | Identical spool to other JB TD04s |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kinugawa Ball Bearing 15T a true drop-in for the 3000GT/Stealth?
Yes. The Kinugawa TD04 15T is a stock-frame, drop-in replacement requiring no modifications to the OEM turbo location, oil lines, or exhaust manifold on the 3000GT/Stealth platform.
How does the Kinugawa 15T compare to the DR750 on back pressure?
Ball bearing turbos tolerate significantly higher exhaust back pressure than journal bearing turbos like the DR750. This translates to better durability under sustained boost and high-load driving.
What power level can the Kinugawa 15T support on pump gas?
On a stock 1991 Stealth TT with conservative timing, the 15T produced 413whp / 410wtq at 19–20psi on 93 octane. Higher power is achievable on E85 with supporting modifications.
Should I choose the 6+6 or 11+0 compressor wheel?
Choose the 6+6 for faster spool on pump gas street builds. Choose the 11+0 for maximum top-end power on high-boost E85 builds.
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