KO4 Turbo review

[mikepologti]

yeah im pretty sure the maf, due to higher air flow, cant read properly and throws a code. sorry unsure how people got around this.Guy from h/p would definatly know as would flaps since he has a k04.

[GT3]

If you're considering a KO4 upgrade, the first step is working out which K04 tune you're going to use to run it all. Most tuners specify exactly which parts are needed for their k04 upgrades - that's the best way to approach it.

[pogo_55]

Chris,

Yep that's all you need with the APR software. Mine has had a vagcom connected to it several times since the K04 and no maf errors, so I guess there is some smart, or not so smart code in the software to handle this. Guy Harding is the man you would need to talk to for details. If you're around Guy, I would like to know about this too.

The kit is listed here:
http://www.goapr.com.au/products/turbo_k04_vw.html

[Chrisuk-polo]

right apr dealer in uk doesnt have this kit listed, anyhow im gunna source my own parts turbo etc but they can get the map off apr server for me from aussy, plz can someone list the parts extra needed exactly so i can get on with buying bits .

thanks chris

[Plautos]

right apr dealer in uk doesnt have this kit listed, anyhow im gunna source my own parts turbo etc but they can get the map off apr server for me from aussy, plz can someone list the parts extra needed exactly so i can get on with buying bits .

thanks chris

Turbo, hi-flow exhaust manifold (not needed, but recommended) and a 4bar fuel pressure regulator OR 36lb/h injectors (TT225 0280156063).

[Skywalker]

Just out of interest how much would it cost to upgrade from stock to K04? ie the complete package wit everything needed

[mikepologti]

how much is a hi flow exhaust mani running for these days anyway. did you find it really helped that much with the k04 plautos?

[Plautos]

Just out of interest how much would it cost to upgrade from stock to K04? ie the complete package wit everything needed

Turbo, manifold and FPR will cost around USD1200,00.

[Plautos]

how much is a hi flow exhaust mani running for these days anyway. did you find it really helped that much with the k04 plautos?

I paid on mine USD200,00.

People complain about the stock manifold to be restrictive, so I changed it. You saw the pictures at my thread, it is a big difference.

[Guy_H]

right apr dealer in uk doesnt have this kit listed, anyhow im gunna source my own parts turbo etc but they can get the map off apr server for me from aussy, plz can someone list the parts extra needed exactly so i can get on with buying bits .

thanks chris

Ring Awesome GTI about it - They can supply no problems.

No larger injectors / Maf required - the APR software is written around a 4 bar fuel pressure regulator.

We just did another K04 on a polo in Brisbane this week - car is on its way driving to Wakefield as we speak - look for a report from the owner soon!

[Guy_H]

Just be careful about different brands of high flow manifolds for the K04's.

We tried 2 types - both purchased from well known turbo suppliers.

They are all cast in Asia.

They all cracked, one particular version had a clearance issue so that when the turbo was bolted down, it hit & wouldn't seal.

We did find some more power, but in the end the reliability wasn't worth it. Maybe we had bad versions & they have improved (It was two years ago).

One other thing we found was the hole in the turbo did not line up with the hole in the manifold (one in the manifold was too big) so it left us with an 8mm step which seriously hampered flow - we had to weld up the manifold & regrind it & machine it to match the turbo.

If anyone wants them cheap (or wants to see them) they are all still sitting in our workshop!

[Petrina Polo]

So how much faster will a K04 polo Gti be than a chipped K03s Polo? all other things being equal...

I dont wanna spend $3000+ doing it for it to be 2/10ths quicker down the quarter mile.

[Guy_H]

So how much faster will a K04 polo Gti be than a chipped K03s Polo? all other things being equal...

I dont wanna spend $3000+ doing it for it to be 2/10ths quicker down the quarter mile.

A fair bit - down the 1/4 ? no idea - traction is the old enemy. It probably will not help your launch or your 60 foot time at all - maybe hurt it.

On the back straight at QLD Raceway where you could just pull 190kmph (Brakes permitting) The K04 car would pull 5 lengths over the K03 Polo.

Thats a big amount.

[Plautos]

Just be careful about different brands of high flow manifolds for the K04's.

We tried 2 types - both purchased from well known turbo suppliers.

They are all cast in Asia.

They all cracked, one particular version had a clearance issue so that when the turbo was bolted down, it hit & wouldn't seal.

We did find some more power, but in the end the reliability wasn't worth it. Maybe we had bad versions & they have improved (It was two years ago).

One other thing we found was the hole in the turbo did not line up with the hole in the manifold (one in the manifold was too big) so it left us with an 8mm step which seriously hampered flow - we had to weld up the manifold & regrind it & machine it to match the turbo.

If anyone wants them cheap (or wants to see them) they are all still sitting in our workshop!

Guy, did you test stainless steel manifolds?
I never saw one mounted with a k04.

[Chipped]

A fair bit - down the 1/4 ? no idea - traction is the old enemy. It probably will not help your launch or your 60 foot time at all - maybe hurt it.

On the back straight at QLD Raceway where you could just pull 190kmph (Brakes permitting) The K04 car would pull 5 lengths over the K03 Polo.

Thats a big amount.

So Guy, the KO4 is really a "track" upgrade..which is what I'm keen to get into afterall there is nowhere in the country aside from a race track I can pull 192kmph without serious risk to myself and others around me...let alone the legal speed limit issues.