a k04 will run a little lean on k03 tuning. especially under heavy load. The only difference between the gpopshop k04 and a "real"k04 is the gpopshop retatins the k03 compressor wheel on the manifold side. the gpopshop wouldnt have a whole lot of knowledge of audi specific turbo applications and their affects, etc compared to GIAC.

 

So, your recommendation is to stay pure K03 then?

 

Ya, if you dont want to spend money on k04 tuning and supporting mods then stay with the k03. A complete and correctk04 setup costs $1000-$1300 min. depending on where you get your parts from.

 

AWE agreed with you 100% so i'll stay all K03. Thanks everyone![/align][/align]

 

Can they make a k03 into a k03s? - 20hp increase before the chip - they don't list the k03s on their site I was wondering if there is anything that would stop this change.

 

A K03s is desinged to work with different ecu tuning than an a4 with a regular k03. That extra 20 hp01+ models have by utilizing the k03s is not donejust because of the turbo... In other words, forget about using a different turbo unless you can spend extra to make it safe and effective.

 

Ok - I'm just tryin to find ways to make cheap HP even cheaper

 

by no means am i an expert, but aren't there internal dimensional diferrences -- not just the blade?

 

I ordered the refurbed K03 with the heavy duty journal from G-Pop Shop with no other bells or whistles. I'll come back with a report when it goes in (hopefully the next week or so).

 

Great to hear -

I've made up my mind for when my turbo takes a crap. I can order a new K04-15 spec turbo from g-pop. with instal kit for a little over $600 + tuning $600 cheaper than 1595 from AWE
I emailed G-pop to see how much they would charge to change my k03 into a k04-15 - I don't know if they need to rebuild it first then do the upgrade? they list the price of $425 for a k03 to k04 conversion so we'll see what else they tell me I would need