APR Stage 1+ vs. K04???

[maclem8223]

Alright, the car is getting dropped off at EuroCode in a couple of weeks; the mods being done are as follows: ER sport FMIC, JHM shifter w/linkage, H&R coils, Neuspeed Exhaust, TIP, Forge 007DV. My question is with their K04 kit; is it worth the extra 700 bucks over APR stg 1+ with the supporting mods listed. K04 owners chime in please this is my daily driver which is why I'm not going BT, as well as the fact that everybody on here seems to be having problems right now...blown engines and such. I just don't think I'll be happy with the stg 1+ and am looking for a little more I just don't know if it is worth it. I just got rid of a chipped b5 and was always wanting a little more. Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Carlitos]

ok... why don't you search?

Here, I'm bored at work right now so you got me in a good mood, lol;


Click Here
Click Here Also

There are a lot of threads about this, let me know if the ones I link you to doesn't help...

[maclem8223]

Sorry, I failed to mention I'm still in Iraq and the damn proxy server over here won't let me use a lot of functions including the search. Thank you for the links directly that i can do.

[Carlitos]

Sorry, I failed to mention I'm still in Iraq and the damn proxy server over here won't let me use a lot of functions including the search. Thank you for the links directly that i can do.

don't worry, Glad I could help...

[HeHateMe]

Most here will tell you to go right to a big turbo. A big injector program with exhaust could get you around 220-235 CHP. A K04 would add about 25-30 CHP to that with more usable torque adding to the driveability/fun factor of the car.

With a k04 it would be prudent to add an intercooler upgrade ( FMIC, DSMIC) and probably a brake upgrade as well ( at least upgraded pads but going to something like b6S4 or b7A4 brakes would be advisable).

Many people here have and like their k04 upgrade but seemingly just as many went k04 only to upgrade later to a bigger turbo and advise going straight to a BT to save money among other reasons.

In the end I think it depends on how you drive. From your statement about wanting more power, maybe you should look at going BT. Do some searching/reading. That should help with your decision.

[maclem8223]

Yep, K04 it is...threads helped tremendously thanks!

[maclem8223]

BT is an option but from everything I've been reading on here the past couple months; the extra problems that come along with it doesn't work for me. Being the daily driver I can't afford to have the car down for extended periods of time. Thanks for the advice; I was originally going to go with a GTRS kit but have backed down from that for other reasons.

[dr. brian]

My APR stage 1+ gives lots and lots of low end, not top end. The peak tq is around 4K. So, if you are driving mostly in town you will love the rich running low end torque of the stage 1+. It did transform the car BTW.

K04 being bigger will have more top end and will take longer to spool. Obviously you will loose low end due to physics of the turbo. What i'm considering is since my stage 2 reflash for my stage 1+ will work with a K04, that's what my next step is. My opinion here...

[HeHateMe]

BT is an option but from everything I've been reading on here the past couple months; the extra problems that come along with it doesn't work for me. Being the daily driver I can't afford to have the car down for extended periods of time. Thanks for the advice; I was originally going to go with a GTRS kit but have backed down from that for other reasons.

Yes, that is the main reason I'd like to go k04 too. A lot of the BT guys here do their own work so they can get to any problems pretty quickly. I, on the other hand, am not great on doing my own work. That's why I fear any downtime on the car, as it's my only form of transport.

[A4Dit]

K04 will leave you wanting more.

[HeHateMe]

My APR stage 1+ gives lots and lots of low end, not top end. The peak tq is around 4K. So, if you are driving mostly in town you will love the rich running low end torque of the stage 1+. It did transform the car BTW.

K04 being bigger will have more top end and will take longer to spool. Obviously you will loose low end due to physics of the turbo. What i'm considering is since my stage 2 reflash for my stage 1+ will work with a K04, that's what my next step is. My opinion here...

I thought the k04 gives about the same low end and more usable tq throughout the range? Could be wrong though.

[HeHateMe]

K04 will leave you wanting more.

I knew that was coming from somewhere

[maclem8223]

K04 will leave me wanting to more; hence why these cars are such a money pit to begin with.But I think personally I could settle for the K04 and be happy. I'm not looking to win any races just enjoy the canyon roads a little faster and get the heavy thing moving quicker...

[dr. brian]

according to APR, without the stage 2 reflash a drop in K04 would really not change much from K03. from what i've read you can even upgrade the blade inside the K04 for even better power and spooling response. I guess the K04 just needs the proper tuning and having bigger injectors is a must. Still learning here...

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^BT kits are quite reliable actually, the people u read about on here are pushing the turbo out of its efficiency limit, and are trying to get the most power possible!

[SeKKeY]

i like my K04, its a pretty noticeable difference from 1+..although i dont boost as much, im still making more power. now whats this about changing the blade inside the K04, i didnt know that.

[maclem8223]

^^BT kits are quite reliable actually, the people u read about on here are pushing the turbo out of its efficiency limit, and are trying to get the most power possible!

This is true, in all reality though I think I will be happy with the K04. I just bought the thing and will have plenty of time to play. I own it so the money from car payments can be saved for my addiction to this car. BT...all in good time.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^make sure u buy a manifold for it exhaust manifold less torque spike longer boost band and more power!

[A4Dit]

^^BT kits are quite reliable actually, the people u read about on here are pushing the turbo out of its efficiency limit, and are trying to get the most power possible!

We're not pushing the turbo past its efficiency range, we're pushing the engine past its limit. An Eliminator on a non-built 1.8 still has power past redline so its actually the other way around. But, boost leaks; however, are another story.

[EBG 18T]

The K04 is a nice compromise. I went from APR 1+ to APR K04 and it was much better. The power delivery was smoother and there was no longer the big boost spike of 1+. The K04 just feels more linear when compared to 1+. This car is my daily driver and also used on the weekends for auto-x and HDPE's.

Sometimes at the HDPE's i want a little more power on the straights. But i appreciate the low end torque of the K04 in some of the slower tight turns. So it is a compromise.

I spent my $$ getting to car to handle & brake better. I only need to go so fast in a straight line. And the K04 is fast enough for me. If i need to go faster i just take out the Ducati.

[kneel]

K04 will leave you wanting more.

This is a very true statement. Went Ko4 2-3 weeks ago, and already looking to go bigger. But gonna go with front mount first and see after that.
Ko4 is great for the traffic in NYC, but I need more power when i get out of city and onto Highways.

[widgget]

i run my GTRS conservatively (not squeezing it for every PSI i can), have had no problems so far and just LOVE IT!