Ive found most of the kits provide you with alot of extra parts ina box that you cant use as they are all universal. better to order the bends that you need.
Turbos stay with the bigger names,
Yes, As a matter of fact I have used the "cheaper" turbo's 3 times now and not a single failure. The first "pair" installed on a 351w that had 180k miles on it.
Engine failed but the turbo's did not, they were then put on a 347 small block and are still going almost 7 yrs later.
This was "mock up"
Also the Honda Rail I posted earlier and another 347 in a capri.
On the other hand I purchased a big $$ Turbonetics turbo for my own truck and it had a very short life. Most people were getting 2-4000 miles out of one and they were around 1700.00 just for turbo.
I bought what I thought was the best turbo going for my 7.3L diesel they all had very short life. My original 7.3L turbo lasted 49,000 miles and because of time Ford would not warranty.
Less than a year ago I replaced it again. This time with a upgraded replacement ball bearing turbo from Garrett at a cost of 2200.00
Here is another we just ended up rebuilding on a early 7.3L because the Big $$ one did not last.
So to answer your question of good and bad turbo's yes! but it is not always what the vendor's lead you to believe.
There is no such KIT as a turbo kit that is direct bolt on for a FE engine.
Fab work is going to be needed. Just a decent intercooler and piping will set you back 550.00 or so which was included in the kit price I gave you.
I am sure there are better turbo's out there than what I have in kit but they would be direct replacement. For the amount of miles you will drive the Galaxie I would not forsee you ever having to change them.
A complete bolt on kit will usually run you around 5000.00 that is a far cry from the what 900.00 I quoted. I would actually do 750.00
That would give you room to upgrade any parts needed.
As far as I know there are no Turbo' headers made for a FE. A simple home deal to make them yourself. Even starting with a cast iron manifold upside down.
So as long as money is not an object you can put together a better (Piecemeal) system than what I have! I offered it to you for 1000.00 less than I have in it.
If it were a easy & cheap task there would be more people doing it!
If you search the internet there are maybe 2 or 3 FE turbo's running around that I could find.
I must have misunderstood what you were trying to accomplish.
I will just put it on ebay.