Opinions Requested: Difference between K14 & K24 turbo with JX engine

[epowell]

I have an '82 T3 (Vanagon) with a 1,6TD JX.

I need to buy a new turbo as soon as possible, and I am struggling to make a decision between buying a KKK K14 or a KKK K24. I have a K24 on the van now and it performs fine. The highest altitude I drove it was Brenner Pass 1500m, and still it was OK - no problems. [I must replace it because the exhaust housing is welded to the mounting bracket so this would be EXTREMELY problematic if the turbo would fail in the middle of a holiday trip].

But I am told that a K14 performs much much better than a K24 (especially in the mountains). Fine, but the problem is that the K24 is 300euros CHEAPER than the K14! That is a BIG price difference.

I live in Czech and will not be driving in super-high mountains, although some time in the distant future I would love to make a trip to Central Asia or even the Himalaya (but this is maybe just a dream...  I am sure that in the Himalaya it would be necessary to have a K14)

So I am just asking for opinions.....   what would you guys do? Get the K24 and save 300euro, or spend the cash for the K14?   ...and why?

Thank you very much!
Edward

[vanbcguy]

Unless you have the boost turned up above 15-18 psi the K14 is going to be a better choice, especially in a heavier vehicle. It will spool up sooner making the van more lively under pretty much all driving conditions.

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[epowell]

Unless you have the boost turned up above 15-18 psi the K14 is going to be a better choice, especially in a heavier vehicle. It will spool up sooner making the van more lively under pretty much all driving conditions.

I totally agree....    but confused about this price difference. It makes really no sense that the price would be essentially DOUBLE!

[vanbcguy]

Price I can't help you with - the K14 is definitely much more rare though.

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[epowell]

Especially K14 original KKK and for Transporter!   ...that's why they jack up the price.
http://www.turbomarkt.de/Turbolader-53149886000-53149887022-53149706000-53149707022-K14-6000-BorgWarner-KKK

...alternatively, here is a K24, also original KKK, but for a Golf or Jetta (Passat or whatever)... but this one is clocked the same as for a T3 Vanagon...      300eur cheaper, but essentially the same turbo.
http://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/turbolader-dieselmotor-cy.html