9000CSE turbocharger replacemet.

Ugh, I was driving down the road, and after about 2 months of my
turbocharger whining at me it finally blew (94 9000CSET). Now its
incredibly loud and is making the car smoke. My question is this: how
much do you think it will cost me to have the turbo replaced by a local
indie shop. Also, what is the feasibility of changing it myself because
I have seen used/rebuilt turbos for $150-650 which is much better than
what it would cost me to get a shop to do it. Having said that, I'd
guess my mechanic ability is a 3-4 out of 10. I do a lot of my own
maintenance, and I've undertaken some larger projects like water pump
R&R, rebuilding a transfer case on my 4x4, and doing a clutch job. I'm
going to try and get an estimate in the near future... if its out of my
price range (college student) I might have to sell it. If anyones
interested, I'm in Maine, 94 9000CSE FPT (with a bad turbo). 110,000mi
automatic. Make an offer if interested.
Thanks for your input guys.
-Chris

Chris Campbell wrote:
> Ugh, I was driving down the road, and after about 2 months of my
> turbocharger whining at me it finally blew (94 9000CSET). Now its
> incredibly loud and is making the car smoke. My question is this: how
> much do you think it will cost me to have the turbo replaced by a local
> indie shop. Also, what is the feasibility of changing it myself because
> I have seen used/rebuilt turbos for $150-650 which is much better than
> what it would cost me to get a shop to do it. Having said that, I'd
> guess my mechanic ability is a 3-4 out of 10. I do a lot of my own
> maintenance, and I've undertaken some larger projects like water pump
> R&R, rebuilding a transfer case on my 4x4, and doing a clutch job. I'm
> going to try and get an estimate in the near future... if its out of my
> price range (college student) I might have to sell it. If anyones
> interested, I'm in Maine, 94 9000CSE FPT (with a bad turbo). 110,000mi
> automatic. Make an offer if interested.
> Thanks for your input guys.
> -Chris

You are way ahead of me. When I was in college I couldn't afford a car
like a SAAB 9k. Besides, anything happens to it I would have done it
myself. But I digress...

It is not that difficult to replace the turbo unit. Space is cramped
but you'll manage. There are oil inlet (from the oil filter base) and
outlet (oil drain to the engine block), coolant inlet (from near the
water pump) and outlet (again back to the engine block transmission
side). Then there are air inlet and outlet, exhaust inlet and outlet,
a number of vacuum lines. Strictly unbolt and bolt.

I'd get a used or rebuild turbo if I were you.