What mods do you really have to have done before you look into doing the K04 kit. I will likely be doing the ARP kit when my stock turbos go, but I would like to get everything else ready.

I have an APR chip (stock and chipped at 91oct), Stratmosphere compact hyperboost DVs. APR bi-pipe, UUC short shift kit, APR snub mounts.

I would assume that with the APR kit you would want the RS4 intercoolers, as well as a new exhaust system before doing the turbo upgrade. Is there anything else that needs to be done?? For example would you need a new cluth or flywheel etc...

 

Actually I would recommend the AWE intercoolers over the APR - check AWE's website for a really detailed comparrison. APR uses stock RS4 intercooler which has less elements/cooling area and requires some cutting to fit - AWE claims theirs does not and that it is far more efficient/effective. I believe it - however I'm not upgrading the intercoolers just yet - going to see how stock manage. I don't plan on much tracking (OK maybe a bit) - and I really don't see them being necessary unless one is tracking the car and constantly pushing hard for extended periuods of time. That was my take anyway. I initially was going to do the intercoolers and skip the lightweight flywheel (for clutchmaster stage 2 clutch) but was convinced that the clutch/flywheel combo was more important (for may needs). The intercooler was the next thing on the list - as well as cat back exhaust - also cut due to cost (and easy doability later if needed). I already have a custom exhaust - but I don't think its cat back - it very free flow however and I like it - so I'm going to see how it goes keeping it. My take is with the K04s is that you want the chip programming and fueling kit and corresponding air intake with UG MAF (Hitachi), downpipes (a must), and at least a stage 2 clutch to handle the extra power. This seems to be the minumum to make it worthwhile. Of course G DVs, hoses (particularly Y boot) - and I'm doing a Samco upgrade throughout, and I'm also going with the (AWE) transmission stabalizer. JBQuick had a good suggesting about possibly upgrading mouting points (for the stabalizer). I mentioned the issue to my mechanic and he is going to put on some porshe? mounts - but only if I already have wear - he says otherwise should not be needed - may depend on how hard the car has been pushed. I'm also doing a reinforced snub mount. Can't think of anything else.

Actually i do have one issue that folks might wiegh in on. My mechanic is wanting to instal a stock airbox (mine is gone) and put an IGT S-flow air filter - he says it outperforms the cone filters and he is worried about engine damage from particulates (I've had a problem with this with my current mesh filter) - anyway I like the IGT or EVO external but he is pushing very hard to re-instal a stock box and go with the IGT S-flow. Any comments?

 

Thanks for the Info. I am looking looking to use the car as a daily driver, and will not be tracking it much. I currently have an APR chip and have heard only good things about their components. Minus the intercoolers how to do you guys feel about the AWE kit vs the APR kit. The APR uses alot of OEM hardware from teh RS4, while the AWE kit has alot of thier own injectors etc.. I would be real interested to hear what everyone thinks. I want the most reliable system I can get, because lets face it, at 400+ HP the car is fast as **** reguardless of what kit is in it.

 

Yeah - while I think AWE might have the most slightest of edges - and many think that there chip programming is absolut tops - its mostly a matter of preference I think. If you like APR - go APR (As it were) and you will be happy with it (though I seem to have had some trouble with my APR chip - fixed with change to GIAC - long story - I have discussed details in earlier posts). I'm still not set against APR. My impression is that their components are good - but in some cases they are more expensive then AWE or others. There are also other kit makers - Revo and OCT chips come to mind. Autospeed also makes a beautiful exhaust package for the S4 - though some here (well at least one reputable poster) felt it was too harsh and switched to AWE (also very nice). As for reliability (don't get me started as i am not a great believer in Audi reliability - at least not yet...) - I think the quality of your instal will determine some of that - including making sure the chip and engine are properly tuned...(caveat - I'm no mechanic so I should not be relied on as an authority on any of this!)

 

If I don't have 10,000 for the entire kit installed all at once is there any way that I can just put in the K04s in the meantime?? For example if my K03s blow, it is my understanding that the K04 turbos themselves are entirely bolt on. Could I just buy them and put them on the car then 3 months later get the rest of the kit finished? I know I would not have the same performance, but it would be putting the k03 back in there....

 

Yes I think you could add fueling kit & DPs & such later. I'm not sure how much extra oomph you would get out of the K04s without at least a chip reprogram - but again with normal s4 fuel injectors you don't take advantage of full potential of K04s...would be interesting to see some dynos or at least get comment on anyone who has done just what you propose - UG turbos only and nothing else...