GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: OutlawStar on 13 January 2009, 09:42
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I'm bored of the power my 1.8t is putting out and ive been told that the next logical step is installing a better turbo along with performance exhaust etc, I currently have a ko3 and want to upgrade to the ko3s. Has anyone had any experiance with this process, how easy is it to do and what are the costs? If anyone can point me in the direction of a good turbo specialist in the derby/midland area that would be great! cheers
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I am thinking this route in mine in the summer. Any links to new/reconditioned turbos, or DIY threads or info in here will be much appreciated :smiley:
We're not too far away either matey, but I'm planning a DIY job :smiley:
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Is it just the turbo needed, as in will it fit straight into place or do you need anything else to get it up and running? Looking to get a rough estimate of cost into my head, have you any idea?
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Not yet mate, just a rough guesstimate of £300-£500. From another thread, there was a comment that you can get them on e-bay from the US? I'd be quite wary though, think I'd want a UK supplied one with warranty.
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hi, well having just done the same thing, you will need a new TIP as the Ko3 tip wont fit the Ko3's turbo.
other than that a new gasket set for turbo, new bolts to hold it on ect. and some scraped knuckles. and it will go striaght on. about 4 to 5 hours to change it, make sure the oil feed pipe is fitted correctly ect, you dont want any leaks there.
then a remap and your off! :smiley:
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Matt was it an easy enough roadside job?
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Got to be an FAQ/DIY guide around here somewhere..
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well aslong as you can get the car nice and high on axle stands, you can do it road side. just make sure you cover the little things, like new turbo bolts, gaskets ect and it will be ok, getting the oil feedline back can be awkward. just make sure the washer goes under the banjo or you will get a leak.
its not to bad, but things like removing the down pipe cat which might be rusted in the exhaust are the things that take time, and remeber not to smash the cat with a hammer to remove it or you will damage the cat.
preperation is the key, not hammers and screwdrivers!
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would people recommend the ko3s or the ko4?? :huh:
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K04 needs alot of other stuff, Ko3 is simplest to swap too but K04 = more power!
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apart from uprated clutch,new intercooler,and remap what would the ko4 require?
becuase ive heard the internals can take it? :huh:
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I believe unless you want to spend serious money the k04 isn't much worth it. Ash had a lot of problems.
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apart from uprated clutch,new intercooler,and remap what would the ko4 require?
becuase ive heard the internals can take it? :huh:
oil and water feeds, read Ashmonds project page.
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juat pyr k04 parts in a k03
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juat pyr k04 parts in a k03
Pardon?
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Alot of things to consider when going Ko4 over the KO3's
ATB diff or you will be spinning the wheels and not puting the power down. KO3,s spools up faster than a KO4. useable power is what you want. its no good being the first to replace your tyres every other month.
A good KO3's setup can still get 230+ to 240 BHP, remains punchy round town and feels responsive. KO4 great for motorway's ect and top speeds 70 to 100mph + depends how long you want to keep your license.
when i did mine i could have gone the KO4 route but after talking to people in the know and wanting to keep the car drivable round town ect i opted for the KO3's, decat, 4bar FPR, DSG intake, Forge TIP, FMIC, pipercross panel filter, miltek resonated. uprated brakes 312mm, N75 J valve, forge DV, G60 flywheel VR6 clutch, R32 dogbone mount, or for more power powerflx bush's, but expect vibration. and an R-tech stage 2 map. and on the liquid gauge it has shown 238bhp suposed to be dam close to actual.
things to be carefull of going KO4
GTi driveshafts are not that strong, spin the wheels to much on a grippy surface like shell grip that you get at roundabouts, junctions ect, the wheels bounce and the shock you put through the drivetrain is massive. I have already broken one and at £200 plus can become an expensive item. you can modify Beatle RSI drive shafts, but thats real expensive and they can still fail. the more power the more weak spots you will find through out the drive chain ect.
another thing to consider is engine life, in the AGU lump the internals are very strong, very simular to the BAM engine. later engines used fracture con rods. not as strong! so if you go KO4 you might well have to upgrade internals aswell. diffrent injectors, the list goes on. yes you will have lots of power but can you put it down on the road and how long will everything else last. do you want engine rebuilds added to the list.
basicly it depends how deep your pockets are, and how much you can keep puting into the car to keep it tip top.
just some things to consider, so think hard and see how much your willing to spend and keep spending till she goes POP!
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thanks matt, sounds like something I'll attempt when the weather gets better then
I don't have a cat and my decat has only recently been fitted so I should be able to get that off no worries :wink:
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I really wouldnt bother with the Ko4. Ash even said himself that he wouldnt suggest it and just stick with a Ko3s. Whats your overall budget? Ko3s, new exhaust, new brakes and a remap and your laughing :)