Would like a lil more info than N00b guide provides about k04 upgrade...

1. how important is a front mount intercooler?

2. Is 2g a good price for full installaion including software?

3. is there a better alternative roughly around the same price and factoring reliability as well?

 

ive searched and have a few more questions:

WTF is an adjustable FPR, does it come with the k04 kit, whats a good price on it & how important is it?

Do injectors come with a K04 kit & if they do not how much do they go for?

 

An adjustable FPR is an adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator. It is used to make sure you are getting the right amount of fuel for your setup.

2K is a decent price if they are doing the full install. Are you getting the big injector file? What year is your car? The K04 really is not that much of an upgrade depending on what year your car is. Plus the K04 is more of a torque monster instead of high-end power. It will through you in your seat at first but then the power is all gone by 5K or so. Spend a little more and go BT.

Josh

 

Oh yea? Car is 99.5 a4 manual. Guy at black forest motor sports in buffalo says k04 is best in terms of reliability/performance as me a4 is a day to day driver.

I am not really sure what file is to be installed just that is giac?

 

A k04 is a very good upgrade for a day to day driver, it will provide enough power to put a smile on your face, but like said above won't get large numbers.
A front mount intercooler is only necessary if the tune is written for it, like the GIAC hammer file. If you have an agressive tune like that and don't have a front mount intercooler the engine will knock at full boost (you'll hear it) eventually the engine managment will keep retarding the timing until you lose 20-30 horse power eliminating the use of the hammer file.

 

what is the hp/tq diff between a normal K04 tune and the hammer tune? (can you tune the K04 any higher then that)

I am considering K04 (along with a few other turbos) because I want that torque more then high end power. Plus I get a deal since I already have a GIAC chip and could easily do an FMIC myself

 

Well i can't remember exactly what GIAC calls their higher performance tune for the k04 right at the moment, i think its PC-16 or something like that, but you would max out around 250 horse power with a little more than that for torque. Of course with a good FMIC down pipe and full exhaust must be installed.

 

Yes, for the 99.5 it is the PC-16. i had it in my A4. It was fun but after a while it's sort of like you want more power. You will want a FMIC if you are using the PC-16 file.

As for the drivability of it it's actually not as good as you think. It's almost impossibly to drive it without getting into boost. And when it comes on it comes on quick so it's a little of a rough ride if you know what I mean.

josh

 

99.5 uses the pc16, 2001+ uses hammer? what does 2000 use?

I'm at ~190hp with my GIAC chip, so 250hp would be a big diff. Just asking if that can be cranked any higher with FMIC but didn't realize it needs an FMIC so I guess not

 

it is really annoying sometimes either your not boosting but spoiling then wham 10 psi or it will hit full boost and drop to 10 and drop its weird