Billet vs. Batmo

[Powerstroked162]

I've been reading these threads lately about these batmo wheel replacements for stock chargers and I also see we've now got the option to upgrade billet wheel Tow Powers to Batmo wheeled turbo's. I even read somewhere today that the tow power batmo wheels will show great gains over the billet wheels from Elite because of gains seen in Powermax upgrade wheels(which is a completely irrelevant example for more than one reason but it kinda address' the mindset some people are in when it comes to turbo wheels that I want to discuss). So I figured I'd start off by asking, do any of you know why Batmo wheels make a difference over stock charger wheels? Have any of you seen dyno or track comparison's between the aftermarket billet and batmo wheel turbos? I know I have, and there honestly really isn't much out there saying the batmo is hands down wiping the floor with the billet like you'd be lead to believe. I really think people are so caught up in the name that they are over-looking the results. Maybe even ignoring some readily available resources to them when they are in the turbo market. I figured we could have a discussion on it. Maybe even get some data from both sides. Im not really biased, I just know that from what i've seen, I like the billet wheels top end ability that the batmo lacks. This discussion isn't necessarily 6.4 limited either, but it just seems to be the platform where the batmo is catching the most attention

Discuss:

 

[jdgleason]

The Only comparisons that I have seen for the batmowheel is against cast wheels. I am a firm believer that the majority of the gain that is seen in these comparisons is the change from cast to billet (as batmowheels are billet). One thing I've always been skeptical about in regards to the batmowheel is how thin the blades are. To me, it seems like a likely failure point. I have heard of a few batmowheels grenading in some dodges as well. I really want to see some apples to apples comparisons with a reputable billet wheel and a batmowheel.

 

[04stroker]

I'm not sure what vehicle it was on but my turbo builder dyno tested a standard 72mm Borg Warner billet wheel vs. 72mm batmo back to back. The batmo had a 19 rwhp 30ft/lbs loss in power. The batmo also introduced surging issues.

 

[jdgleason]

I'm not sure what vehicle it was on but my turbo builder dyno tested a standard 72mm Borg Warner billet wheel vs. 72mm batmo back to back. The batmo had a 19 rwhp 30ft/lbs loss in power. The batmo also introduced surging issues.

Any chance you could get a hold of those graphs?

 

[04stroker]

Any chance you could get a hold of those graphs?

Let me see what I can do monday. I'll try to get graphs and more specifics.

 

[MINK]

The Only comparisons that I have seen for the batmowheel is against cast wheels. I am a firm believer that the majority of the gain that is seen in these comparisons is the change from cast to billet (as batmowheels are billet). One thing I've always been skeptical about in regards to the batmowheel is how thin the blades are. To me, it seems like a likely failure point. I have heard of a few batmowheels grenading in some dodges as well. I really want to see some apples to apples comparisons with a reputable billet wheel and a batmowheel.

I agree 100%. I would love to see a "drop in" for lack of better words billet wheel without the batmo design, I think the improvements that people are seeing are simply the cast vs billet as JD stated. This would be at the stock charger platform.

 

[jdgleason]

I agree 100%. I would love to see a "drop in" for lack of better words billet wheel without the batmo design, I think the improvements that people are seeing are simply the cast vs billet as JD stated. This would be at the stock charger platform.

Agreed. I should have specified.

 

[Redneck6.0L]

i've talked to alot of chev guys that love there big singles, and they've had this argument also, and from what i'm hearing from guys who have tested billet vs batmowheel, theres no gains from one to the other, however both show good gains over stock cast wheels

 

[Jmoore1225]

Is there just a billet replacement for stock turbo's, or are you only stuck w/ upgrading to a batmo?

 

[jdgleason]

No direct billet replacement for stock chargers to my knowledge. There is the batmo and then the 71 upgrade (several variations) and there is also a billet 59 (upgraded high pressure) available through elite.

 

[Powerstroked162]

Is there just a billet replacement for stock turbo's, or are you only stuck w/ upgrading to a batmo?

Not that Im aware of. Honestly its not worth it if you think about it. Batmo wheels run $400 a piece, plus labor to remove and install the turbos and whatever balancing fees are (if you want it done right). Just isn't worth it for minimal gains.

Shawn, I've heard the same thing from the bench racers. I've seen the dyno numbers and the batmo is almost always draggin tail at peak power by 25-30hp on average, most pulls. I'll see if i can get some dyno sheets to post up.

 

[TyCorr]

Im not.gonna.jump on board with this.either. Id.just as soon get an stmospheric.charger than dump 600 into buying.housings and boutique wheels for my 38r. Which is about as perfect as can be in stock.form.

 

[oneturboforme]

I have to sets of stock compounds so someone should send me a 71 atmo and a 71 with a batmo in it and i will gladly dyno both of them and whichever makes less hp ill send it back to them to keep haha but I also feel the batmo gain is bc its billet vrs cast, I think any billet wheel would make around the same hp

 

[motoxracer42]

ive seen situations where a cast wheel makes more power than a billet wheel. there is more to this than materials though.

 

[oneturboforme]

Maybe if there's a big enough push someone will come out with a billet wheel for a stock atmo.. or someone(elite caugh caugh) will offer a cheaper 71mm upgrade that includes a wheel and machining your factory cover? I know the atmo they offer is very inexpensive for a brand new turbo essitally but to some people a bucks a buck

 

[BFT]

then why not just buy it all ready to go? a wheel, with extra machining on the buyers end, would not be ideal. i dont think it would be ass good of a seller aas a unit on its own due to extensive labor

 

[Ipkyss]

Maybe if there's a big enough push someone will come out with a billet wheel for a stock atmo.. or someone(elite caugh caugh) will offer a cheaper 71mm upgrade that includes a wheel and machining your factory cover? I know the atmo they offer is very inexpensive for a brand new turbo essitally but to some people a bucks a buck

Elites 71 is the cheaper option. Can't ask for much better than that for price.

I am really starting to feel like this topic is just something to bicker over vs actually whats better for the truck.

 

[jdgleason]

Elites 71 is the cheaper option. Can't ask for much better than that for price.

I am really starting to feel like this topic is just something to bicker over vs actually whats better for the truck.

I think this thread was honestly designed to compare billet vs batmowheel. I'm really excited to see some good results posted as comparison. I have not seen any solid results brought to light on either wheel. Elite did one test, but I don't have the graphs to show, so I'll let the person who does bring them out. I have only ever heard speculation one way or another, as I believe that's all the info most have.

 

[oneturboforme]

Jd what kinda warranty do you guys have for your atmo? I am thinking of doing your wheel vs a bat just to finally throw numbers up but i dont want to just ruin my turbo if you guys do have warrantys with them

 

[jdgleason]

We have a year warranty buddy.