I bought a new turbo that I ordered from a local shop. Well i get it in the mail and i can wiggle the fins from side to side a bit. Is this normal for a brand new turbo?

 

Yes.

 

I bought an s-coupe turbo from crackheads, and I can wiggle the compressor shaft side to side by a good 10mm. It also blows blue smoke.







But seriously, a small amount of shaft play is okay, but no more than say 2mm.

 

There is also a big difference in shaft play weither it is side to side or front to back... Minimal side to side okay! Front to back no bueno!

 

Please don't just toss out figures when you're uneducated in the matter. If your turbo has 2mm play, it's garbage.