Hi, the turbo on my 96 1.8 has blown due to a blocked oil pipe.The car is stock other than a boost gauge. As I now need a turbo is there an advantage to fitting a k04 or k03s over the std k03. I was looking to chip the car but this has blown a hole in that budget for the time being. I understand that neither turbo would give significant power gains on its own, but I assume the car would still perform correctly and that the turbo would have an "easy life" under stock tune, while my bank balance recovers.

 

the k03s is pretty much the same as the k03, i think it just holds boost a little longer then the standard k03. the k04 is a litter bigger, more power but the car MAY not run as good with that turbo unless u get a tune at the same time as the k04 goes in. if you put the k04 in without the tune it will run may even run pretty good but the car will have to compensate more to run correctly, the car will use more fuel and will be constinitly adjusting itself to compensate for the bigger turbo. see i made the mistake of puttin a bigger turbo in without tunning it right away and i ran into a whole heap of trouble.........i may be wrong and someone is bound to correct me on this. im just going by past experience.

 

A ko3s is a little more efficient (nicer compressor wheel) and you should be able to find one with low miles and cheap in any of the forums classifieds.

 

so is a 04 a4 turbo from a 1.8 a ko3s and will it bolt on to a 99? Im looking at buying a low mileage turbo from a a4, but if it doesnt fit them im going to pass.

 

It is the same. I replaced my ko3 with a ko3s when my turbo went

 

awesome i just bought a oem ko3s with low miles for 250. this thing looked brand new. Mine had blown seals, worn out bearing, and the wastegate was worn out so it wouldnt stay closed. I cant wait to get it on.