[robbyb413]

The k04 is a topic which has been covered time and time again. Variants, strengths, weaknesses, and alternative options have become the proverbial dead horse.
Links to the common k04 topics are listed below. Please read through them, and if you're looking for more info on any of the topics please post in that existing thread.
If you have something new, post it in here.
All other k04 posts will be merged into existing threads or locked and pointed to this thread.

 

[robbyb413]

Re: The k04 thread (robbyb413)

Installs, reviews, dyno results, general k04 FAQ:
Review with dyno results
K04 install w/pics
Where DO k04's come from?
eBay k04 turbos... be sure they are real
More agressive files for the 2001 1.8T (Unitronic/Hammer) - parts, results, info
What boost should I be seeing with a k04?

Other options:
Will a k04 be enough?
k04 vs. gt28 vs. k03-sport
Thinking of using a k04-23? The turbo off a a TT or another VWAG vehicle? Look here...

K04 supporting mods and prep work:
Supporting mods in general
K04 software / software advice
Uprated GIAC k04 files - list & parts
Unitronic Stage II k04 info
Running a k04 on stock programing / k03 programming
Running a k04 on stock exhaust
Manifold upgrade options
GIAC FX programming for the 2001 a4
k04 and auto transmissions / transmission upgrades
FMICs and k04s

 

[geoff16vII]

Re: The k04 thread (robbyb413)

good stuff, im going to keep this tucked away http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[sirswank]

Re: The k04 thread (geoff16vII)

bumping this for some info:

Quote, originally posted by sirswank email »

From: Kedrick Swain [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 8:28 AM To: Main Email Subject: B5 K04 Hi, Do you currently have, or planning on offering, a K04 upgrade for the B5 platform Audi A4? You offer it for every other platform, B6, B7, and VW. We B5 owners feel neglected, and would like a mid-range upgrade option, not just having to choose between just software and exhaust, or the full stage 3 upgrade. Thanks Kedrick Swain.

Quote, originally posted by APR rep »

From: Greg Custer [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Main Email [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 11:36 AM To: Kedrick Swain Subject: RE: B5 K04 Kedrick, Unfortunately we will probably not be offering a K04 upgrade for the B5 A4, sorry. Greg Custer Sales / Dealer Representative Event Team Manager APR, LLC. Phone: (800)680-7921 1027-B Opelika Rd Tech: (334)502-5181 Auburn, Al 36830 Fax: (334)502-5180

It's a shame, really. APR is usually so good at providing quality products. Is there really that small of a market for the B5's? They offer a K04 upgrade for the B6, B7, mk4, and mk5 platforms. pretty much everything else that came with a turbo.

Modified by sirswank at 8:43 AM 8/16/2007

 

[robbyb413]

Re: The k04 thread (sirswank)

Quote, originally posted by sirswank »

It's a shame, really. APR is usually so good at providing quality products. Is there really that small of a market for the B5's? They offer a K04 upgrade for the B6, B7, mk4, and mk5 platforms. pretty much everything else that came with a turbo.

x2. I can confirm I got the same email, and share the same feeling of annoyance and frustration that they seem to have stopped caring about the b5 world.

 

[geoff16vII]

Re: The k04 thread (robbyb413)

so this may be a stupid question, but could you not buy the turbo for the b6 and get it tuned somewhere else, or is a software package youre after?

 

[robbyb413]

Re: The k04 thread (geoff16vII)

You can get the k04 anywhere. It's about the software.

 

[geoff16vII]

Re: The k04 thread (robbyb413)

oh, any reason not to go with GIAC, thats who id go with if and when i upgrade....any advantage to APR, or is it preference?

 

[Euro-tuner]

Re: The k04 thread (geoff16vII)

I have the Borg Warner ko4-15 w/ GIAC J-31 file (race, stock, & chip) and I couldnt be happier, spiking at 26 psi (I know...slightly high, but it feels good), and all the possible bolt on's.
feel free to PM me questions, or even check out my car if you are local to southern NH! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[robbyb413]

Re: The k04 thread (geoff16vII)

Quote, originally posted by geoff16vII »

oh, any reason not to go with GIAC, thats who id go with if and when i upgrade....any advantage to APR, or is it preference?

Well, I have a 2001, so that's the reason to not go with GIAC. They didn't do a very good job getting around the MAP sensor, even according to their own vendors will tell you that. Unitronics used a different methodology and aparently is getting much more power.

 

[Harv]

Re: The k04 thread (Euro-tuner)

Quote, originally posted by Euro-tuner »

I have the Borg Warner ko4-15 w/ GIAC J-31 file (race, stock, & chip) and I couldnt be happier, spiking at 26 psi

26?! I feel like I'm pushing it with 20.

 

[robbyb413]

Re: The k04 thread (Harv)

Quote, originally posted by Harv »

26?! I feel like I'm pushing it with 20.

(ps check out the page that is from... freaking sweet resto project)

 

[sirswank]

Re: The k04 thread (robbyb413)

my only reason for going with APR is the fact that i already have their software and might be able to save a hundred bucks or so.
i contacted GIAC about the J-31 file... you spike at 26? any MBC installed to control that? sounds like that could kill your turbo pretty fast.
also ,what exhaust and IC are you using? they stress the need for a better intercooler over stock.
lastly, ever dyno? what numbers are you seeing?

 

[geoff16vII]

Re: The k04 thread (sirswank)

see, this is my issue, i dont really want to(and wont have the luxury of being able to) spend alot of money on this, but when my turbo dies i want to ge k04. can it be done without a front mount, FPR, injectors, exhaust, etc.
im ok with having the software redone, but all those other things are huge expenses.

 

[robbyb413]

Re: The k04 thread (geoff16vII)

Quote, originally posted by geoff16vII »

see, this is my issue, i dont really want to(and wont have the luxury of being able to) spend alot of money on this, but when my turbo dies i want to ge k04. can it be done without a front mount, FPR, injectors, exhaust, etc. im ok with having the software redone, but all those other things are huge expenses.

Not really. Used injectors are like $150 to 200. 3 inch MAFs are in the $100 range. Not all the cars need the FPR (mine doesn't). EBAY FMICs are $250-300. It's just not much more.
Although, exhaust, well, you should be doing that anyway!

 

[geoff16vII]

Re: The k04 thread (robbyb413)

ya i know, i guess i dont really need that diecast then eh?

thanks for that info too, i guess its only a few hundred dollars plus exhaust, which, like you said, should be done anyway. the FMIC can wait, at least a little while i think.
*starts to save money*

Modified by geoff16vII at 3:50 PM 8-16-2007

 

[Euro-tuner]

Re: The k04 thread (sirswank)

Quote, originally posted by sirswank »

my only reason for going with APR is the fact that i already have their software and might be able to save a hundred bucks or so. i contacted GIAC about the J-31 file... you spike at 26? any MBC installed to control that? sounds like that could kill your turbo pretty fast. also ,what exhaust and IC are you using? they stress the need for a better intercooler over stock. lastly, ever dyno? what numbers are you seeing?

I have yet to hit a dyno, I am really wanting to though. I have a Milltek resonated exhaust, Racetec FMIC, and I am in the market for an electronic boost controller. hope that helps.
I also am running a Euro-Spec Adjustable FPR cranked to 5 bar (what the software calls for)

 

[geoff16vII]

Re: The k04 thread (Euro-tuner)

i just thought id throw this link up, its from GIAC(which i know some of you guys dont want to use), but it lists some supporting mods. i would have thrown it in that thread, but i didnt want to bump it. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
http://www.giacusa.com/programs.php?mpid=170


Modified by geoff16vII at 9:30 AM 8-17-2007

 

[robbyb413]

Re: The k04 thread (geoff16vII)

That's the support specs for the hammer file, not general k04 supporting mods.

 

[Lazer Viking]

Re: The k04 thread (robbyb413)

Quote, originally posted by robbyb413 »

(ps check out the page that is from... freaking sweet resto project)

linky ?