Frankenturbo FAQ

[cdn20valve]

A summary for those that don't have time to read the long thread.


Early BETA MK1 F4h-l, the first FT on an Audi, compared to K03s. Note: MK2 housing is identical to MK1.

FT Tunes

APR 1+
18 psi spike, holds 12psi to 7000rpm. ECU adjusted for extra flow, and AFR was spot on, no issue with driveability at all. No limp mode, no overspiking. Wastegate was set as received in the box. Power was a touch better than K03/k04, but without the massive torque spike. Turbo did not choke pass 5000 rpm, but near redline, the software controlled the boost back to 12 psi.

APR K04
18psi spike, holds 12psi to 7000rpm. Very similar to the 1+ file. No driveability issues. AFR spot on. Not really worth the $250.00 I paid for this upgrade. If you currently have APR 1+, I would either spend $500 and get another tune, or keep the 1+.


Note: Both APR tunes were 91 octane files. Not 93 octane The 93 octane may have allowed for more boost at redline, albeit unlikely. They probably just advance the timing more.

Both very reliable files. No issues at all. The turbo was babied.

REVO
Did not work out. Had boost control issues. Test car did have lots of running issues. So it's hard to say. REVO should be very similar to APR, so I'm surprised it did not work out. I don't think we should discredit it so fast.

Unitronic 2+
20 psi spike holds 16-17 to redline. This is a great tune. As soon as I got the car flashed, I couldn't wait to go back on the dyno! The dyno results? The highest HP K04'd A4! 239awhp. 265 awtq! A beast, with no lag. Granted, Mike at UNI said he bumped up the base 2+ file for me my 2 psi. So if you opt for this, make sure to ask the Uni dealer, for the 2+ file that was used at waterfest 2010 for the FT Audi A4. They hopefully keep records of their files. Again no driveability issues. AFR spot on, no limp. The 386cc injectors, are pretty much maxed out, so this is the ceiling for this tune. There is no getting better than this without drastic changes to the software. If you already have UNI, than this is a 100% easy decision. Get this file.


Motoza
New player on the block. Dave, who owns a B6 FT himself, has created a special tune for our cars. His car made as much power as mine, without meth, and at high elevation! The price is the same as a base tune from the big three, and he tunes for 440cc injectors. I do not have first hand experience with him, or his company, but Slappy (Doug) recommends him, and so do a few other forum members.
SAI delete and Test pipe options avail at no extra cost.


Giac Unknown, someone step up to the plate!

To be continued...

[cdn20valve]

My setup

First of all, I'm not using the FT manifold. As someone who has spent years working on cars, I cannot put up with the stress of installing a high flow mani on our engines. I vowed a long time ago (after doing my first one, never again!) If you can put up with the install, more power to you!

F4h-l
FT TIP
Stock ported exhaust manifold
Cone air filter, custom heatshield
034 3" cat
TT 2.5" downpipe
Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust
Stock SMIC
Labonte Water/Meth kit with MAF based contoroller (basic kit) using -35'c windshield washer fluid. ;)
386cc TT injectors
Unitronic 2+ file with slight 2psi boost bump, courtesy of mike at Uni.

Install tips

- Your goign to need a k04 install kit, as gaskets and bolts do not come with yout FT. Install kit comprises of exhaust mani to turbo gsk. Turbo to cat gsk. Three bolts for Mani to turbo, and the three turbo to cat studs. You'll also need the new oil return gasket, and the seals for coolant and oil lines.
- If using the high flow manifold, you'll need longer bolts than oem.

- The heatshield below the turbo on the B6 is massive. There is not much room for the wastegate arm to move. When i first installed my turbo, it got caught, and I overboosted. This may have been a BETA test issue, but I have gotten IM's from others saying the same thing. So it needs to be said here. The solution is to punch down the heatshield so that it is flush with the mount below it. Also, I remove nut 'c' clip retainer from the wastegate rod. I snugged the nuts up good, and they never backed off. I suggest you do the same. Once the turbo and mani are in, it is next to impossible to access that area wihout taking off the mani or turbo.

- Manifold, just like all other high flow K03/4 manis are a pain to install. Bend a wrench, have a couple beers, pray. Whatever it takes.

- The TIP is larger than stock, but all aftermarket TIPS are simlar. Clearance is tight with the HID's.

Other than the above, it's the same as any other K04 install.

If I think of anything else, I'll add it. If anyone else wants to share info from their setups, be my guest.

MAF

The FT TIP is made for 3" MAF. However, many tunes only call for stock maf ( Uni stg 2+ and APR) You need to use the maf that your software calls for.

In my case, I'm using the stock maf. Of course the FT TIP is too large for the maf. Here is the easiest solution:

Take the stock TIP, cut off the last ring. Place it on the stock maf, then slip the FT TIP over it and clamp it down strong. As long as all the surfaces are clean, it will never slip off. Mine has not moved in over a year. The seal is perfect. Hope this helps.

[cdn20valve]

[BerNur]

good post very informative thread saving this post when i get my stuff up and running correctly then i will edit
on another note two thumbs up for Franken Turbo and Motoza

[dubgli]

This post is the fucking shit. good work.

[jordon]

Quick question: does the FT tip require a different maf? I heard you need a Audi TT maf housing with the stock maf sensor, is that correct?

Ps: thanks for this write up- great job of condensing the info!

[cdn20valve]

I'll add MAF info above.

[danothegrate2]

Ive been doing some research and am definitely looking into doing the uni stage 2+ FT to my a4 come this summer. This thread is really awesome for newcomers to turbo replacements and provides great info. I would also suggest going onto the FT website, they provide great answers to common questions. Needless to say I am super excited about getting further into this "build" come summer!
Those numbers are incredible with the uni tune.

[spector]

Can we get a sticky, mods?

[Outerfroggy1]

THANK YOU

[AudiA4_20T]

Your post is a bit misleading considering you did 192 on a dyno dynamics and 230 on a dynojet. To be honest if you went back on the dyno dynamics I bet you only picked up 10awhp

[daghstdrummer]

Can we get a sticky, mods?

^x2

[Kittrell]

Having not read through the long thread, or noticed this anywhere. Is it possible to order just the turbo?

[kneel]

Nice write up.



* Revo Tune user here: I had the FT and like cdn20valve stated it wasnt the best option for the FT. Had to run a MBC to control the boost spikes. BUT once that was installed i spiked at 22psi and held 20psi slowly tappering to 18psi at redline.

** I wish my motor held up (not FT related) so i could have produced better results for everyone.

[a4darkness]

fuckyeah OP. We've needed one of these for a while.

[CamrideA4]

Having not read through the long thread, or noticed this anywhere. Is it possible to order just the turbo?

Not sure but I would shoot Doug an email, he's always fast to respond.

Awesome thread cdn20valve! I'll be able to add Malone's numbers soon.

[manhertm]

It's about time, excellent write-up.

[a4darkness]

IIRC, someone mentioned somewhere that they were available stand alone.

[Kittrell]

Not sure but I would shoot Doug an email, he's always fast to respond.

You weren't kidding...........

[A4 Moda]

Too bad I sold my car. *Sigh*

[CleanA4]

Wow so glad that Im not chipped yet because I was planning on going with revo but the Unitronic tune is a beast.
BTW could I see simliar numbers on my tiptronic or does the manual cause a better power output.

[Kittrell]

Wow so glad that Im not chipped yet because I was planning on going with revo but the Unitronic tune is a beast.
BTW could I see simliar numbers on my tiptronic or does the manual cause a better power output.

Similar enough that your butt dyno won't know the difference.

[CleanA4]

Having not read through the long thread, or noticed this anywhere. Is it possible to order just the turbo?

I would like to know this too.

Similar enough that your butt dyno won't know the difference.

My butt dyno doesn't mind all that much just wondering if the power will be smooth meaning no limp mode/acting up.

[EBG 18T]

Wow so glad that Im not chipped yet because I was planning on going with revo but the Unitronic tune is a beast.
BTW could I see simliar numbers on my tiptronic or does the manual cause a better power output.

If you are planning on going FT eventually then i would urge you to go with the Uni tune. The Revo tune will require the use of a MBC and lemmi to get the same results as the uni on the FT.

[CamrideA4]

cdn20valve - It may be worth mentioning in the OP that the FT (like any K04) is going to put out a lot of hot air at boost and that an upgraded IC or W/M injection is needed. I thought I'd be able to get away with not upgrading that part of my build (stock SMIC) but my IATs are through the roof when it's anything but freezing out. I'd be more than happy to post my 66*C IAT logs if that helps.

[BASARAB]

Franken seems like a good choice, however its disappointing to find out that there is no

the massive torque spike

compare to k03/k04. I like torque better than hp

[Rirruto]

Can't tell if you are being facetious or not, but no torque spike does not mean less torque. FT has a lot more torque.

[M-Hood]

Franken seems like a good choice, however its disappointing to find out that there is no compare to k03/k04. I like torque better than hp

Too bad the K03/K04 tq lasts for a split second and then falls on its face. It gets old really quick. lol

[itsmatt33]

Your post is a bit misleading considering you did 192 on a dyno dynamics and 230 on a dynojet. To be honest if you went back on the dyno dynamics I bet you only picked up 10awhp

this

[Bische]

I like torque better than hp

Signature material right there haha

[Kittrell]

I would like to know this too.

I would recommend emailing Doug. He will answer that question pretty quick for you.

[danothegrate2]

Thats what I continuously hear regarding the ko4 setups, that they get nice torque but not for long.

[CamrideA4]

Franken seems like a good choice, however its disappointing to find out that there is no compare to k03/k04. I like torque better than hp

Torque spike is also what kills rods. smooth torque curve>torque spike

[CleanA4]

I would recommend emailing Doug. He will answer that question pretty quick for you.

Just did. Thanks

[G-Ride]

Just did. Thanks

You'll also need the turbo intake pipe. Your standard piece wont fit the FT as the inlet is larger.

[daghstdrummer]

I also am running revo software and have to run a mbc.. though i have yet to crank it to 20psi...

[Arclight]

Nice writeup CDN!

A VAST custom tune using 440cc Bosch injectors is also a good option for the F4h. It takes a little more effort to get it dialed in, however, it will be dead reliable. Dyno results still forthcoming....

[kneel]

I also am running revo software and have to run a mbc.. though i have yet to crank it to 20psi...

crank that shit up! 22psi on the FT is nice smooth power

[BerNur]

crank that shit up! 22psi on the FT is nice smooth power

no lie John you gotta do it

[danothegrate2]

From people owning the FT, i would just like to know cause I have seen numbers but want to also hear from you guys. Were you happy with the power increase over a 2+ setup with a ko3? Was it quite noticeable and if you had to do it again would you??