I know there has been a lot of discussion recently on the APR Stage 3 and 3+ kits and the K04 kits (AWE, Neuspeed, etc).

Both kits sound great but I'm planning on looking more into the K04 (due to costs mostly).

My questions:

1. What is the max amount of hp/torque that the K04 will deliver? I've heard 240hp but I think MC is making more with his setup (although it's not just a plain K04 kit).

2. What are some items that will help the K04 that can be used on my existing K03? For example exhaust, BPV, MC Intake, electric fan, etc.

3. Does anyone have any preferences as far as K04 kits go or are they mostly the same? I don't want to start a war but how would AWE's kit compare to Neuspeed's and/or compared to another company's kit?

My plan is to enjoy my chipped K03 for a while longer but make small improvements that will (hopefully) yield gains when combined. Then, when I have the cash to get a K04 kit I'll have a reliable and strong system that's putting out some decent hp/torque (I'm looking for 250hp/270lb/ft).

All the while I plan not to spend more than $1600 at a time and keeping the total budget under $3500 (for the KO4 kit/IC/etc).

Any information would be very helpful!

-Don
99 1.8TQM
APR 1 bar, MC BPV, Borla catback

1. What is the max amount of hp/torque that the K04 will deliver? I've heard 240hp but I think MC is making more with his setup (although it's not just a plain K04 kit).

Answer:

In terms of MAX HP and MAX trg on a setup like mine you can get 250-260hp with 280-300 ft lbs. This would be the absolute max you could make with a ko4-15 turbo. At this point you are running it beyond its design limits. I made one Recent Dyno pass with the PES setup(chip and injectors) @ 15 psi peak. I made 251hp and 283ft lbs of trq.

2. What are some items that will help the K04 that can be used on my existing K03? For example exhaust, BPV, MC Intake, electric fan, etc.

Answer:

Look at my car for an example. I have addressed every area for improvement. Since the Ko4 is a bolt on upgrade You can use ALL of these parts with a ko3 turbo. This allows you to build up over time. All the items you listed would help. DOnt ever look the most important part. The IC.


3. Does anyone have any preferences as far as K04 kits go or are they mostly the same? I don't want to start a war but how would AWE's kit compare to Neuspeed's and/or compared to another company's kit?

Answer:

The main difference in the those two kits is the software. My setup started life as a Neuspeed kit. I was not happy with the Neuspeed software on my car. I found more power with GIAC software. There is nothing wrong with the Neuspeed setup per say but the GIAC software does provide and edge. Dont overlook the PES setup. You get GIAC software and larger injectors.

You goal can be obtained. My car is proof.

Thanks

Clark

You mentioned the PES kit a couple of times. Is this the new kit they are coming out with? Or is it the current K04 kit with some improvements (I thought their kit's output was 225hp). The dyno numbers are exactly what I want - 251hp and 283ft lbs - but I'm sure your components (ie. FMIC) helped.

I'm planning on doing this "upgrade" over the course of a year. Spending a few hundred $ or so at time will be easier for me than putting down a few thousand at once.

Thanks for the comments. You've definately given me some motivation.

-Don

I ran the PES setup on my car. Its a Custom GIAC chip and RC 310cc injectors. They are selling this setup now and have been for some time now.

My view on it is this:

If you have a stock car with a ko4 a 5Bar FPR and a GIAC ko4 chip will be great. Many people run this setup.

If you have a setup like mine the extra fuel on top that the 310cc injectors provide was worth some power and will lower EGT's.

The IC was a main power adder.

Without the IC expect about 225-235hp with any of the kits. Less in the summer. The stock IC is Realy to small..

With the IC and oil cooler expect 235-245hp.

Cat/downpipe/intake/exhaust/adjustable FPR/ported manifold = 251hp-283ftbls.

Again.. that was at 15psi peak.. With a hotter chip more trq can be made but you are realy getting to the point of working the hell out of the turbo.

Clark

If you are comparing nothing more than price its cheaper.

Clark