TNTSF Turbo Guide: The Drop-In Garrett G30/G35 Alternative

The Garrett® G30 and G35 series set the template for the modern ball bearing small-frame turbo — and they set the price, too. The True North Turbos TNTSF series was engineered to change that math: four direct bolt-on replacements that share the G30/G35 footprint, out-rate their G-Series counterparts, and sell for hundreds less — every unit designed, machined, assembled, and balanced in Canada by Black Sheep Industries. This guide covers what "G30/G35 fitment" actually means, how each TNTSF model lines up against its Garrett counterpart, and how to pick the right size for your build.

What Is the TNTSF Series?

TNTSF is True North Turbos' small-frame lineup: the TNTSF54, TNTSF58, TNTSF62, and TNTSF68. Every model runs a water-cooled, oil-lubricated ball bearing centre cartridge and is built to install in an existing G30/G35 location without custom fabrication. These are not Garrett products and are not rebadged clones of them — they are independently engineered turbos that happen to speak the same fitment language, so builders with a G-Series-plumbed manifold, downpipe, and oil system can bolt one in and go.

What "Direct Bolt-On G30/G35 Replacement" Means

Fitment is more than a mounting flange. The TNTSF series matches the G30/G35 platform on the points that matter for a drop-in install: the same compact small-frame footprint, matching mounting points and oil feed/drain connections, and the turbine housing options G-Series builders already plumb for — a T3 0.83 A/R housing or dual V-band in 0.61, 0.83, 1.01, and 1.21 A/R. Turbine wheels come in the two familiar sizes: the 60x55mm G30-size wheel for maximum response, and the 68x62mm G35-size wheel for maximum flow. The TNTSF58 and TNTSF62 are offered with either turbine; the TNTSF54 runs the 60x55mm wheel and the TNTSF68 runs the 68x62mm wheel.

Model-by-Model: TNTSF vs Garrett® G-Series

Model Compressor inducer Flow Rated power Comparable G-Series Its rating From (CAD)
TNTSF54 54mm (2.13") 69 lbs/min 615+WHP / 720+ HP G30-660 (54mm) 660 hp $2,099
TNTSF58 58mm (2.28") 78 lbs/min 745WHP / 870 HP G30-770 (58mm) 770 hp $2,199
TNTSF62 62mm (2.44") 91 lbs/min 800WHP / 935 HP G30-900 / G35-900 (62mm) 900 hp $2,299
TNTSF68 68mm (2.68") — 950WHP / 1,110 HP G35-1050 (68mm) 1,050 hp $2,410

The compressor inducer sizes line up one-for-one with the G-Series ladder, so cross-shopping is simple: whatever G30 or G35 your build was specced around, there's a TNTSF at the same wheel size. And across the board, the TNTSF's rated output — converted to crank horsepower — exceeds the Garrett counterpart's advertised rating. The TNTSF62 is a good example of why: it shares the G35-900's 62mm inducer but carries a larger 82mm (3.23") exducer, flowing 91 lbs/min.

WHP vs HP: How We Rate These Turbos

True North Turbos rates the TNTSF series in wheel horsepower (WHP) — what a car actually puts down on a chassis dyno. Garrett rates the G-Series in crankshaft horsepower. To compare apples to apples, we convert using a 1.17 drivetrain factor: WHP × 1.17 ≈ crank HP. That's how 745WHP becomes roughly 870 hp, 800WHP becomes 935 hp, and 950WHP becomes about 1,110 hp. Wheel figures are the more conservative number — they're measured after drivetrain losses, not before.

Price: Where the TNTSF Wins Outright

Garrett G30 and G35 turbos typically retail between roughly $2,400 and $3,300+ USD depending on model and housing. The TNTSF series runs $2,099–$2,610 CAD — roughly $1,500–$1,900 USD at recent exchange rates — for higher rated power, a full ball bearing centre cartridge, and Canadian machining and balancing. At the other end of the market, offshore budget alternatives exist below $1,100 USD, but they're resold imports. The TNTSF sits in the gap the market actually wants: genuine manufacturer-direct quality, designed and built in Canada with direct-from-brand support, at roughly two-thirds the price of the G-Series equivalent. Pricing is in CAD, and Black Sheep Industries covers US customs and duties for American customers.

Choosing Your TNTSF Size

Pick the smallest turbo that meets your power goal — response is what you live with every day. The TNTSF54 is the response king: 69 lbs/min and proven 615+WHP on EJ25 builds, ideal for street WRX/STI, Evo, and 400–500 hp 2JZ setups. The TNTSF58 is the sweet spot for 600+ hp street/strip builds. The TNTSF62 steps up to 700+ hp single-turbo territory and 1,300–1,400 hp twins. The TNTSF68 is the flow king for full-send singles and monster twin-V8 combinations. Not sure? Send your combo through the Turbo Spec Form and we'll spec it with you.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Are TNTSF turbos direct bolt-on replacements for the Garrett G30/G35?

Yes. They share the G30/G35 footprint, mounting points, and turbine housing options, so they install in an existing G30/G35 location without custom fabrication. They are independent True North Turbos products, not Garrett turbos.

Do TNTSF turbos make more power than the equivalent Garrett G-Series?

Yes — rated output converted to crank horsepower (WHP × 1.17) exceeds the comparable G-Series rating across the lineup: TNTSF54 (720+ hp vs 660), TNTSF58 (870 hp vs 770), TNTSF62 (935 hp vs 900), and TNTSF68 (1,110 hp vs 1,050).

How much cheaper is a TNTSF than a Garrett G30/G35?

TNTSF turbos run $2,099–$2,610 CAD, versus roughly $2,400–$3,300+ USD for typical G30/G35 retail pricing — a saving of several hundred to over a thousand dollars, with US customs and duties covered.

What turbine housing options are available?

Every TNTSF is offered with a T3 0.83 A/R turbine housing or dual V-band in 0.61, 0.83, 1.01, and 1.21 A/R, with 60x55mm and 68x62mm turbine wheel options across the lineup.

Are TNTSF turbos built in Canada?

Yes. Every TNTSF turbo is designed, machined, assembled, and balanced in Canada by Black Sheep Industries, with Canadian warranty coverage and direct-from-brand support.

True North Turbos TNTSF turbochargers are designed and manufactured by Black Sheep Industries Inc. They are not manufactured by, affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Garrett Motion Inc. "Garrett", "G30", and "G35" are referenced solely to identify fitment compatibility.