i don't think i've ever seen anyone on here comment on this subject but i've read a few posts on AW stateing that no-one really has aduquite software to run a K04 on an '01. it's been said a few times that getting the "x-chip" is the best solution for an '01 and that the K04 software doesn't really help.
i've also seen multiple people say that b/c the '01 (170 hp stock) has the K03-sport (where the 20 x-tra hp is partly coming from), the K04 is even less worth the $$.

what's everyone's feeling on this?

 

lack of reply b/c no-one knows for sure??

 

Im not sure how it ko4 software would be different on the 01 from any other B5 .
Im sure its worth the money. That extra 20HP you have isnt that much

 

i am a running a K04 on my 2001

the GIAC software has a overboost problem with the K04. in high gears and in 2nd when at WOT
the turbo spools up to mid 25 psi. problem is the ecu closes the throttle body as a safety feature
when psi gets over 19.

from what i have researched clamping the map sensor is not a option. the map sensor is what sends the signal to the ecu which in turn sends signal to throttle body to close.

i have tried cutting the boost spike off with a MBC set around 19 psi to open the wastegate and
keep it from overboosting but no luck. i think my MBC might be junk.

i cant explain why tuners skipped over the 2001 and the k04.

i think it would be more than a 20 hp upgrade if some R&D were put into it.[:@]

 

much thanx "black b5"
...i'm sure thats the problem i've heard about...
makes me think that i might want to be happy with the 225hp my chip and an exaust will get me

but on a "bang for the buck" look at it:

'99 = 150hp stock + 15hp w/ exaust = 165hp.. K04 claims 235hp (pre-exaust, 250 w/ exaust)
250hp - 165hp = 85 hp diff. for $2K ( 47hp of which can be obtained with a chip alone ) - K04 = 38 x-tra HP for $2K

'01 = 170hp stock + 15hp w/ exaust = 185hp.. K04 claims 235hp (pre-exaust, 250 w/ exaust)
250hp - 185hp = 65 hp diff. for $2K ( 40hp of which can be obtained with a chip alone ) - K04 = 25 x-tra HP for $2K

...considering a chip alone will get me 40hp on the K03-sport models, i think i'm gonna have to find my sport-K03 sufficient enough for my needs right now.
economically, it doesn't seem to be worth the cost
and if it has querks, it's even less worth the $$

 

now here's a follow-up question....

knowing the basics of how a turbo-charger works..

the '01 gains 20hp partly based on the larger "sport"-K03

so wouldn't an exaust bolted onto the "sport"-K03 give you more of a HP gain than the same exaust on a non-sport K03 ?
can it really be an identical 15hp gain for both turbo's

seems unlikely to me

 

The '01 A4 has the same k03 that the rest of the A4's have. It is not a k03 sport. The extra horsepower comes from increased boost settings in the software, lower compression and variable valve timing.

'01 A4 increased power info

I'm going to make an appointment with AWE to get my software upgraded for the k04 in a couple of weeks. My offer is still good if you want to meet up and go for a ride.

Total cost of k04 kit without exhaust= $700 for new k04 (you can get them for less used just be careful when buying)+$200 for software upgrade at AWE+$750 for k03 chip+$45 install kit+$40 new plugs=$1735 of which you have already spent the $750 for the K03 chip.

Total additional cost without exhaust is $1k.

You can get a custom exhaust for $300 to $600.

So your total additional cost with new exhaust is $1600. $1675 if you add in a MBC.

Don't forget, you can sell all this stuff when you get rid of the car or if you don't like it. You won't get all your money back but it's better than nothing.

What black b5 has neglected to mention is how much he likes the k04 setup.

 

yes, i would like to check out your set-up..

..and where have i gooten this idea that there is a "sport" K03 from then ??
is there one in another model / year ??

or am i just stoned and no such thing exists ?

 

I think alot of people think there is a k03 sport in there. Urban legend, I guess. The k03 model number in the '01 is the same. I looked when I pulled mine out.
I think the K03 Sport was the most popular early 1.8T turbo mod. I believe it has the k04 exhaust (turbine) wheel and the k03 compressor wheel. It was also probably cheaper than the k04.
I read that it has problems with heat generation since it has to work harder to make the same boost as the k04 due to its smaller compressor wheel. This causes heat saturation problems in the little side mount intercooler.

 

dafrazi you are right i do enjoy the K04 no doubt. just want to get the quirks worked out.

the 01 MY got the extra hp from slightly higher max boost and vvt. K03 sport is b.s.

i find myself feathering the gas and watching the boost gauge to keep under 19 psi so the throttle doesnt close[:'(]

i bought my K04 and gaskets for $700 shipped. already had GIAC x-chip so the upgrade to K04
software was $200 and FPR was $80

it ran damn good with the x-chip to be honest. i ran with it for about a week then upgraded. driving the car right after the install was a night and day difference. huge torque in low rpms.

you can do a K04 for less than $2K easily

JD if i had it to do over again to would have done a big turbo upgrade instead. not that i dont enjoy
the K04. hell i thought to myself after installing the K04 ( oh yeah this will be enough power ) now i am hungry for more.

if you wanted to you could just buy a K04, 5 bar FPR and run x-chip and make nice power

you would want to do some logs with vag com to watch a/f ratio in high rpms and could correct it
with lemmiwinks or custom code