whats the highest boost a k03 charger can produce before it becomes harmful to the turbo or engine

 

Around 1 bar or 14.5 psi. After that the stock intercooler rapidly becomes heat soaked due to the heat added by the turbo. I believe this is why the GIAC only ups the boost to about 1 bar. I think one company offers a 1.1 bar chip. Not sure what company.

Even with a FMIC (no heat soak problems), the k03 just doesn't have enough muscle to go much above 1 bar. You could probably push it to near 16 psi. Not sure at what rpm's it will run out of breath. With stock conditions, the k03 doesn't last much above 5000 rpms; it just runs out of breath.

 

Yes, this I've noticed. On a related side note, a K04 can be bolted on to the stock manifold correct? With a K04, FMIC, and exhaust, what kind of psi/power could be expected? And finally, how much psi can be run before internals need to be strengthened?

(sorry if I changed topic too much)

 

i dont think the k04 could ever make enough power, to where u would have to replace the internals.

 

I'm just curious because I'm torn between the ease and cost effectiveness of the K04 swap and the raw power of the GT28RS swap.

 

the k04 makes more torque

 

Oh, and one more noob question while I'm at it. How important is upgrading your diverter valve after a 1bar chip. I've heard it's a common upgrade that goes hand in hand with the chip, but haven't had any problems with my stock one. What exactly will I gain from upgrading?

 

its important to upgrade your DV with your chip upgrade. you may not experience full gains without it, because your stock dv cannot handle the extra boost.

 

That's pretty much what I figured, but what exactly happens? Is it like it just constantly re-circulates anything above .5bar or what's the deal? Also, is a stock TT DV a sufficient upgrade, or is it generally better to go aftermarket?

 

The diaphragm tears or the spring inside wears out. The stock DV doesn't really have a spring but it's the best analogy I could come up with. When this happens the boost blows by back into the intake.

The TT valve will be fine.