the guy who is selling the turbo replied to me with this .......The numbers stamped on the turbo are regarding the model no for that year ,the turbos still all have the same A/R ratios. I think you are getting mixed up with the jdm market turbos were all roller bearing turbos ,and had ihi stamped on them.Subaru fitted ihi turbos to most sti models and fitted the td 04/05 to theuk/wrx models. What model year is your car?
What do you guys think ??
What you've quoted above is a sort of FUDGE, however it's more accurate than your previous quote "the import td04 has different bearings to the uk tdo4"
As a LOOSE guide...........
Subaru fitted the Mitsubishi manufactured series of turbo's (TF035;TD04;TD05) to thier "main stream" models. These all have plain sleeve bearing cores
For the more "exotic" versions (STi's and some Legacy's) it fitted the IHI manufactured "VF" series.
Some of the newer VF series come with ball bearing cores.
To broaden your Turbo knowledge base look through the NASIOC threads below.....................
Subaru Turbo List - NASIOC
Turbo FAQ: Read if you are thinking of upgrading! - NASIOC
The Melett's parts catalogue attached has some useful application data in it although it's not comprehensive.
Some confusion can arise as "TD04H" is sometimes used on here to mean an Andy Forrest TD04 HYBRID which he calls an AFP04H. This is a standard TD04L fitted with a larger compressor wheel, a machined to match compressor housing and a larger wastegate aperture.
The various TD04L's fitted to Subaru's are basically the same with minor model variations.
The big question is..................
What are you actually after? A straight replacement or a more "exotic" turbo?
Don