I use 93 oct here, it looks like it's not going to make sense to run a ft for me since I have to have money in college so it looks like ill be sticking with a k03 . That being said I think I'm going to go with the first 2 links, I'm trying not to shave much off my bumper if at all. Thanks

 

Honestly, this is probably what I'll end up doing as well, but with a larger core. I plan on going with a frankenturbo in the not-too-distant future but I'm not willing to hack up my bumper and lose my fog lights in the process.

 

You will still likely need to remove some material for stock bumper fitment, so expect that. But you shouldn't have to trim the aluminum bumper support to fit that FMIC.

 

I don't mind cutting some bumper but I don't want to have to be cutting almost all of it out. I wish I could do ft, but between rods, tune, injectors, etc. I'm looking at $2k which unless I get a full ride to college...isn't going to happen

 

With FT it isn't necessary to upgrade rods, at least for a B5 1.8T. (mine are original/stock @ 150k, FT since 135k)
Fuel pump could be required, depending on how yours is doing.

BUT: if you did go FT, I'd advise upgrading more than just engine/drivetrain. Just in general with cars, upgrading power should also be accompanied by an upgrade in brakes and suspension. Brakes would be most important, though, and are a good upgrade for the B5 A4. Many of us run the A8/TT setup with nicer brake pads, which works rather well, and is an excellent upgrade even if you're still running the K03.

Definitely put school first... your car will simply get you from place to place (whether K03 or FT), but a well-earned college degree will take your career forward.

 

I personally would upgrade the rods but I also have 193xxx miles on mine. If I do infancy get a full ride, $23k will go in my bank account (I have prepaid tuition but not room and board) in which case I may just have to make it a s4 big turbo rather then a4 . But the school I want to go to has not offered me anything at this time (other schools have). But I'll have to wait and see

 

Say I got the 6" tall one, the gap for my center grill is only about 3", wouldn't the only 3" of ic be blocked off airflow behind the bumper defeating the purpose?

 

If you applied the same logic to your radiator, then your engine wouldn't be cooled. It would be fine.

 

But the radiator is 2.5" behind the bumper so air can flow everywhere, whereas the fmic would be like 1/4" behind the bumper limiting air flow...but I guess air will probably find rs way