Tomioka Racing WRX/Forester FA20DIT OEM Turbo Upgrade - Direct Replacement GTX29 Turbocharger (2015+ WRX, 2014+ Forester)

The perfect solution for upgrading or replacing your aging factory turbocharger, this direct-fit Tomioka Racing turbo delivers OEM reliability with enhanced performance potential. Built with premium journal ball bearings and featuring a 20% larger billet compressor wheel with 17% longer blades, this turbo ensures both longevity and improved airflow over the stock unit. The matched porting and TR billet wastegate actuator maintain factory-like spool characteristics while offering headroom for additional power when desired.

Whether your factory turbo is showing signs of wear or you're proactively seeking a more robust replacement, this upgrade provides peace of mind with its superior build quality and expanded performance capabilities. Quick spooling characteristics ensure a seamless transition from your stock turbo, while the enhanced design supports higher power levels without sacrificing daily drivability. Installation is straightforward with all necessary fittings and gaskets included, making it an ideal choice for those looking to replace their factory turbo with a more capable unit.

Features:

• Ball Bearing
• Billet Compressor Wheel
• Larger Turbine Wheel
• 100% Bolt-On

Applications:

• 2015+ Subaru WRX
• 2014+ Subaru Forester (FA20DIT)

Kit Contents:

• Turbocharger
• Gaskets
• Hardware Kit
• Motul 300V Competition 2L

Wastegate actuator spring choice: 1.1 bar vs 1.3 bar (what customers need to know)
What the spring actually controls (and why it matters)

On a pneumatic internal wastegate, the actuator spring sets your gate pressure (often called base boost): the boost level where the wastegate starts to open because boost pressure overcomes spring force. Haltech describes it simply: changing spring pressure changes the default boost pressure, and when boost exceeds spring pressure the valve opens and begins regulating boost.

Choose 1.1 bar (16.1 psi) / Red if:

You want a lower boost map (street/traction/valet) around the mid-teens. Remember: you can’t go under the spring.

Your normal target boost is roughly 18–22 psi and you want good controller authority and flexibility.

You’re building a setup where drivability and multiple boost modes matter (daily + weekend map).

Choose 1.3 bar (19.1 psi) / Silver if:

You will not run low boost—your “low boost” is still ~19 psi or higher. (If you need 15–17 psi sometimes, don’t pick this.)

Your normal target boost is roughly 22–28 psi and you want:

less “work” from the boost control system to hit target, and

typically better resistance to the wastegate being pushed open early (especially in higher load / backpressure situations).

There are two different “maximum boost” questions people ask:

1) Maximum boost your boost control can hold consistently

Using the GFB rule-of-thumb (target boost ≤ ~2× gate pressure) :

With a 1.1 bar / 16.1 psi spring, the “control stability ceiling” is roughly ~32 psi (2 × 16.1).

With a 1.3 bar / 19.1 psi spring, the “control stability ceiling” is roughly ~38 psi (2 × 19.1).

Reality check: that does not mean “safe to run 32–38 psi.” It means beyond ~2× gate pressure, boost control tends to get inconsistent because the actuator isn’t receiving enough meaningful reference signal for correction. GFB explains that once you go beyond double, boost control becomes less stable and more affected by variables like RPM/load/backpressure.

2) Maximum boost your turbo/engine can safely run

That’s not spring-limited. It’s limited by:

turbo efficiency and speed/heat,

fuel quality and knock margin,

intake temps/intercooling,

exhaust backpressure,

engine/clutch/trans limits,

tuner strategy.

FAQ:

Can I run less boost than the spring rating?
No. Spring pressure is the lowest boost level you can reach.

Does a stiffer spring automatically mean higher peak boost?
Not automatically. It mainly raises minimum boost and changes how the wastegate behaves. Boost above spring comes from the control strategy.

Why do people say “don’t exceed 2× the spring”?
Because boost control gets less stable as target boost gets too far above gate pressure; beyond ~double you tend to lose correction authority.

What spring gives the best spool and boost stability?
A spring that puts gate pressure about 10–20% under your target boost is a strong general guideline for best performance.