Who can tune this thing right?!

[Hammerhead]

(06-28-2017 )un_yun Wrote:  you would recommend a fixed vane on a heavy haul unit? I look at the dependability, cost of replacement factor. not just the turbo, but the actuator too. it's a big freaking deal if it pukes out while I am under a big load. I am running an 870 though, so I guess not as complicated as an 871. As far as jakes go, I always down shift, hell my last truck didn't have jakes. I have the vg, just interested in know what application you would recommend a holset turbo?

Depends on your definition of "heavy haul", and what your typical application is.
I run 150-190,000lbs GVW for a living. I long haul heavy equipment predominantly, always with a jeep & booster, which means I deadhead stacked up about 40-45% of my annual miles. My "empty" is most people's average loaded. I'm 64,500 to 72,000 unless it's the full Monty @ 81,000lbs empty depending on configuration and sections.
With all that being said, I WAY more than make up any slight gains a fixed vane turbo would give me loaded while I'm empty with the VGT on my 871.
I have a few buddies that run 2250's doing the same thing I do for a living, and I think the reflected heat issues of the smaller turbos on them is what leads to longevity issues. I've tried telling them they should consider switching to a small 871 turbo and run low closing rates to keep the boost and volume down just to eliminate the reflected heat issue, but they look at me like I'm talking about unicorns and pixie dust, you can lead a horse to water...
My point is, unless you're running over 200k GVW, I don't think you run enough average torque load to statistically make it worth the time investment in the R&D to get it right. I have the HE551VE and with my tune the max closing is 48%, so needless to say my turbo isn't working very hard.