I was about the pull the trigger on a K04-015, but ImTheDevil got me thinking about the future a little bit, and I reversed course and did a bit more research, and now I'm thinking I may spend the extra $ and go BT (GTRS).

I was concerned initially about it being a much more difficult install, but everything I've read indicates these Eliminator turbos go on as easily as a K04/K03. (Correct me if I'm wrong, here please!)

I was also concerned that additional mods were "required" to even allow daily driving with GTRS (fueling, MAF, turbo manifold, etc.). Again, my research has left me believing those are only required to begin to maximize the performance of this new, bigger turbo. Right?

My only remaining misgiving is, will the car be a total dog after I install the GTRS if I don't immediately also invest in a tune? Over time I plan to do all these things (exhaust, turbo manifold, downpipe, TIP, injectors, FMIC, etc.). But it's going to take time and $.

Long question short: Can I install the GTRS with everything else stock, and still drive the car confidently?

 

Update on this one: I contacted a tuner who sells the GTRS, and he let me know that minimum additional mods to run the GTRS safely on my 1.8t are:

- 550cc injectors ($299) plus adapter ($32)
- Stage III software ($599)
- Turbo to catalytic converter gasket ($20)
- Turbo Hardware Kit ($1500)

So, minimum investment to move ahead with this turbo is $2,450.

That's a pretty big hit, all at once.

Maybe I'll give it to myself for Christmas.

 

+1 for xmas

 

What year is your car? Because I offer Elim packages that include those and can also include other things that you might want to end up changing out later. Packages will help you save some money since your buying all of the stuff at 1 time anyway.

B6 Elim/Revo package with GTRS, 550cc injectors, high flow manifold, test pipe and spark plugs

Another option is the Frakenturbo, power wise like the GT2x Elim which makes less power then the GTRS/GT2871r Elim kits but more then the K04-15. Basically making power like a GT28r.

 

Mike- I've enjoyed your posts around this forum. Not sure there's anyone more knowledgeable about Audis and turbos than you!

My car is an '03, A4 1.8t Quattro Tiptronic.

I've been researching the Frankenturbo as an intermediate option. I like the quicker spool it evidently has than the GTRS etc.

This is a daily driver, and will never be a track car or engaged in street racing (well, except for dusting off that pesky Sunbird at a stoplight ). I'll be doing the install myself, and my biggest goals are:

1. Car runs after install.
2. I'm not broke after install.
3. I don't get caught in a cycle of having to constantly replace/upgrade pieces just to overcome limp mode or misfires, etc.

In a perfect world, I'd get a decent boost in power with the turbo and a tune, then some room to grow down the road by adding larger injectors, better exhaust, FMIC, and so forth. I'm not too keen on having to do them all at once just to avoid damaging my car.

 

The FT might be the better choice for a Tiptronic car since that turbo setup will spool up quicker then the GTRS elim kit. You will just need to check with the tuners to see if they offer a FT tune for a Tip car.