PRI 2017: Garrett Launches 2,500HP-Capable GTX5533R Gen II Turbo

If we said the word “turbocharger” there’s a good chance that one of the first names that come to mind is Garrett. They’ve been making some of the best turbochargers on the market for a long time now, but one thing that makes them one of the best is that they never quit innovating—and today is no different.

For PRI 2017, Garrett rolled out their new GTX5533R Gen II turbo—which just so happens to be their range topper and the largest snail they offer. On the the inducer side of things, the turbo is offered in several sizes, depending on your needs, including 85, 88, 91, 94, and 98mm. According to Garrett’s Rob Simmons, the inducer sizes are geared toward drag racing, specifically class limitations on inducers sizes.

The compressor cover is also new for the Gen II turbo and increases impeller efficiency. It has also been ported to help reduce compressor surge, should any become present. A water-cooled, dual ceramic ball bearing center hub rotating assembly (CHRA) is also used to improve transient response and decrease rotational resistance. According to Simmons, the rotational inertia of the inducer has been reduced substantially compared to the Gen I.

“Inertia is down on the compressor wheel, based on the size, between 20 to 25 percent—which is substantial,” Simmons said.

The inducer wheel benefits from improved aerodynamics and is constructed from forged aluminum that has been CNC machined to achieve the appropriate shape. Due to the forged construction, Garrett was able to achieve a thinner blade and improved shape that is less susceptible to fatigue and is thus more durable.

On the turbine side, the GT5533R is available with the same stainless steel housing as the previous generations, though the inconel-contructed wheel benefits from improved aerodynamics as well. The housings are available in either a standard T-6 flange, since it is a mid-size frame turbo, or in a V-banded inlet as well.

Multiple A/R options are available on both the compressor and turbine housing, depending on selected sizes. The Gen II GTX turbo comes with a turbo speed sensor port and, in its most aggressive configuration, can support up to 2,500 horsepower.

Simmons says they are working on compressor wheel sizes ranging as far as 102mm, which theoretically should be capable of supporting up to 3,000 horsepower. The GTX5533R is geared toward high-horsepower drag racers, if that wasn’t already apparent. So, if you want “all of the boost”, give Garrett a call.

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About the author

Chase Christensen

Chase Christensen hails from Salt Lake City, and grew up around high-performance GM vehicles. He took possession of his very first F-body— an ’86 Trans Am— at the age of 13 and has been wrenching ever since.
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