K03s turbo is done... best option?

vwGLI · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2012, 11:16 PM

A lot of you saw that video of my exhaust shooting oil, so my turbo is almost definitely done. I have several options.

1. Remove and rebuild current turbo. (does this require any special skills or knowledge? Or could i figure it out through how-tos and youtube?)

2. Buy a used K03s turbo.

3. Buy a used K04-001, direct replacement right? (currently have a uni 1+tune. I have read it can be used just fine without a specific tune. True? Even worth the little bit of extra cash? Any negative effects?)

thanks everyone.

Matticusdav · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2012, 11:28 PM

How To: Rebuild a T25/T28 Turbo (PIC HEAVY)
Heres the how-to on how to rebuild. Id go for it!!

tom5191 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 12:01 AM

K04.

Everything but the inlet pipe is the same as the K03.
VWVortex.com - OFFICIAL: K04-001 Information Thread (click here before making another k04 thread) Read this.

_FUBAR_ · #4 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 06:52 AM

ko3s rebuild kit is around $100
used ko3s hit or miss $100-$200
ko4 $600+ add the TIP $80-$120
im in the same boat. my turbo is puking oil into the IC.

Pssst...passed you · #5 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 11:09 AM

I am thinking of a Frankenturbo or just a KO4-001 in the next year. i have no business gong bigger yet, and it allows for many other modifications to occur that i want before i think of dumping 400hp at a FWD car. the FT and KO4 give just enough IMO to be a good daily, enough pep, and not NEED to have an LSD installed.

vwGLI · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 11:37 AM

i dont think i have the time to rebuild. so either used k03s or used k04, im not gunna buy new because theyre each over a grand.

from vwvortex:I asked if i could run k04001 on uni 1+ software.

"Unless someone says otherwise — you could do it, but may have to run a MBC parallel to the N75 — to lower the peak boost from what the Stage 1+ requests (since the software thinks it's talking to a K03"S", but no longer is). I know that's what you have to do to run the hybrids on K03 software, I'd suspect the same for the standard K04 (though it doesn't flow as much air as the F4T or new F21s from FrankenTurbo)."

sound accrate? i thought u could just run it no problems

_FUBAR_ · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 12:09 PM

ko4 001 is a direct bolt on beside the tip. no software required. but if you want to get more out of it then you need software.
having uni 1 would i think be fine.
also rebuilding takes a few hours. just about as long as it would take to swap one out. i plan on buying a used ko3 and rebuild my stock one.

vwGLI · #8 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 12:27 PM

right now its whatever comes my way. if i get a good price on a k04, ill do that. good price on k03, ill do that. but fubar thats a real good idea. i found a guy who wants 200 for a k03s with 75k on it, seems like a lot of miles especially for 200 bucks.

dallas257 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 12:46 PM

In all the paper work Iv gotten with my frankenturbo, and from unitronics for the frankenturbo tune it strongly advises against running a boost controller in any sort of form with the n75 valve. They say just leave the n75 plugged in but not plumbed at all. Dont know how that would go for a normal k04 not running a stage 2+ tune, but I would hazard a guess its similar. Don't quote me on that though.

rodgertherabit · #10 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 02:27 PM

if you are thinking of getting a k04, highly consider the FT F21 or an F23 You get basically everything you need for less than a BW unit and will out perform it. and there are plenty of tunes available.

I run a MBC in parallel with my n75 and dont have any issues (F23 though)

Pssst...passed you · #11 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 02:37 PM

F23 is the Audit TT manifold right or the longitudianl audi model? How long have you had it, any word on longevity on those models compared to early F21 models and can you run a APR Stage 2 for the Ko3s on it?

rodgertherabit · #12 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 02:43 PM

The F23 is the Transverse Model Audi TT225 platform and a tad larger than the F21. So far its been a Beast. No complaints and only @18psi none the less

I usually run around 13-15psi around town and its def an increase over the BWk03s

Its really best to get a tune. I would only suggest mixing and matching hardware/software not designed for one another unless you can perform and interpret logging data from your ECU. That is the only SAFE way to do so.

vwGLI · #13 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 03:52 PM

i would but im looking to spend no more than 500 on a k04 with the TIP.

_FUBAR_ · #14 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwGLI

right now its whatever comes my way. if i get a good price on a k04, ill do that. good price on k03, ill do that. but fubar thats a real good idea. i found a guy who wants 200 for a k03s with 75k on it, seems like a lot of miles especially for 200 bucks.

thats too much. maybe $100-$125, $150 if your desprate.

vwGLI · #15 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _FUBAR_

thats too much. maybe $100-$125, $150 if your desprate.

ya my friend with audi has a friend who is a mechanic and rebuilds turbos. im looking to get a rebuilt k04 from him for pretty cheap. depending on how long it will take its either that or a k03s used.