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I've bounced around with a few ideas and I'm pretty sure I've made up my decision.
I wanted some Borgwarner K04s because they're a proven OEM turbo setup found in the european spec RS4 and can produce around 400whp on 91 (aka, cat piss), 450whp on E85.
A new set of OEM Borgwarner turbos goes close to $3,000 which really is a lot of cheese for just snails. I've debated on buying used, but I ultimately decided against it.
I plan on going a different route and getting some SRM K04+ hybrids which run around $1800 shipped. Since I don't plan on running over 450whp, these will fit the bill nicely. Based on what I've researched, a conservative tune should net 400whp on 91 and will have very similar spool to the stock turbos found in my car.
will you have to upgrade any other parts for those turbos? larger injectors?
Oh yeah, I have a spreadsheet of parts I'm looking to order.
Mandatory:
550CC injectors
Walbro 255 Fuel Pump
Upgraded intercoolers - I'm thinking a used set of AWE (New = $$$$) or some SRM units. K04s will heatsoak the OEM SMICS easily.
RS4 Intake & new Hitachi MAF
ARP Bi-Pipes - Discontinued, will have to dig for these.
Stage 3 tuning, still undecided on which tune I will use.
SSAC hi-flow downpipes (damn CA smog)
RS4 pressure plate & clutch
New Stern transmission mounts
New Differential mounts
Optional:
JHM Short shift kit
Tougher Stern Motor mounts
Rebuilding the trans while it's out. 1st / 2nd gear synchros are notorious for failing. Once they break, you got to pull the engine & trans together ...
My goal for this build is having everything done awhile it's apart and not having to pull the engine a 2nd time.
As much as I want to pull the engine myself, I want the build done once and done right. The B5 Expert here in SoCal is going to charge me $1500 in labor for assembly and will take roughly 3 weekends to do.
Originally Posted by CCColtsicehockey
That means it will be a worth while power upgrade then
When this is all said and done, the build & maintenance alone will be more than the car and some.
$1,500 doesn't seem like a terrible deal for labor for that list.
I should have made myself more clear, I'm not complaining about the pricing at all. Very reasonable and the quality of work is high
Originally Posted by SamDoe1
Does the $1500 include the trans rebuild? If so, that's a bargain.
In other news, I might be back in your neck of the woods in the next month or so...
Guh I wish. The transmission rebuild is something I really don't want to shell out for but we'll see how it holds up this year. If it shifts consistently till the end of the year, I might hold off on the rebuild until it goes boom.
I still have nightmares about the K04 in the MS6 I had, but completely different application and I know the K04s are nice reliable upgrades in the Audi/VW world. Good luck with your build. Blue sedans unite!!!
I still have nightmares about the K04 in the MS6 I had, but completely different application and I know the K04s are nice reliable upgrades in the Audi/VW world. Good luck with your build. Blue sedans unite!!!
What issues did the K04s present you?
These K04s should last me quite awhile and I won't be near their power limits. Reliability is my primary goal for this build
I had oil blow by the seals so if I was sitting idling on any sort of incline or decline my car would smoke like a diesel truck. Huge plumes of black smoke would flow out of the tailpipes. The car ran fine but it just made it look like a POS when it did that. I think it may have been a MS6 specific problem with the way the oil lines ran to the K04. It was the main reason for trading the MS6 in for the Charger.
Unfortunately, turbo purchase is on hold due to unforeseen house issues (no spending with the tax refund).
Although, I am slowly knocking out my list - just ordered 6 x Bosch EV14 550CC injectors & a Walbro 450 fuel pump. Fueling is now done.
After further research, the Walbro 255 can theoretically handle the flow of 550CC injectors, but I've seen a few fuel flow charts and it simply can't deliver enough as you start doing heavy 3rd & 4th gear pulls.
85MM Hitachi MAF w/ new intake & Bi-Pipes are next on the list.
I had oil blow by the seals so if I was sitting idling on any sort of incline or decline my car would smoke like a diesel truck. Huge plumes of black smoke would flow out of the tailpipes. The car ran fine but it just made it look like a POS when it did that. I think it may have been a MS6 specific problem with the way the oil lines ran to the K04. It was the main reason for trading the MS6 in for the Charger.
Funny, MS3s had the same issues ... I believe they run K03s stock?
Pretty much, my car *technically* a weak Stage ll since I have a catback exhaust. From what I've seen, people usually push over 15 PSI and get aftermarket downpipes for a strong Stage II car.
This came up as an unexpected purchase (as Craigslist finds typically do ), but I've had a little buyers remorse since purchasing my SSAC (XS Power) 2.25" catback exhaust. It's made by XS-Power - the sound is good, fitment isn't 100% and exhaust feels flimsy... so I decided to get something a little nicer with a little more girth
3" Milltek Sport Exhaust - welds are beautiful, added width is nice (no homo) for future turbo setup, and I couldn't argue the price of $150 (considering for it's time, it retailed for around $1200)
Installation happens tonight!
Lets just hope I like the sound so I don't end up like SuperTrooper
Dayum, I don't know if I want to know how you managed to pull that off...
Like most of you here, I'm always on Craigslist scoping for parts. I decided to type something totally generic in, like "Audi Parts" and the ad was pretty obscure & vague. It literally read off as "Audi sport exhaust" with a Miltek part #.
Curiosity got the best of me and I made the call - jackpot
Originally Posted by 1killercls
Tyler..you still have cats on your car?
When I put my test pipe on it made my stage one really come alive. In Florida no smog check so it's doable...
Yup, I still have the stock downpipes and it's restricting 15-20whp and spool time.
You Floridians are lucky, 93 gas AND no smog. I would love to go catless but I simply don't want to take the risk of failing smog - high quality catted downpipes (new) go for $1000+
I'm just waiting for the right deal to come along on the classifieds for a used set.
No upgrades planned for the moment. I have a big hit coming in 5 k more miles. Timing belt, water pump, and coolant flange and cooling hoses on the back of the motor. About a 1500.00 dollar hit. After that maybe a after market exhaust..then stage 2! I just want to be sure all the important stuff is handled before I start modding anymore. It's been such a great car.
), but I've had a little buyers remorse since purchasing my SSAC (XS Power) 2.25" catback exhaust. It's made by XS-Power - the sound is good, fitment isn't 100% and exhaust feels flimsy... so I decided to get something a little nicer with a little more girth 
Nice find. Hope you like it!
