Finally getting a B5 S4!!!!

[MPK022]

Alright so I finally got rid of my VR6 and will soon have a new(used) s4! Reeeeeeeally excited BUT I am concerned with the K03s that are on the 2.7t. Ive done lots of research and it really seems to be pretty inconsistant when they start to go. Obviously it depends on how well they are taken care of but im concerned because I will be purchasing an s4 with higher mileage(under 100k). My question is, besides the obvious proper warm up/cool down, replacing old DVs, and keeping up on usual maintance(only ever used synthetic oil on all of my cars), what else has anyone done to make these stock K03s last as long as possible? Im very meticulous with my cars and can do most work myself but Ive only worked on a few of my buddies turboed cars so Im somewhat unfamiliar with that. Any input on what you have done to make these bad rep. K03s last as long as possible would be greatly appreciated. I know it be easier to just upgrade to the K04s but no $$$$ after the car purchase. Im not new to audi/vdub cars I just want input specific to the B5 S4. Thanks

[DonnieDark0]

im at 110k on stock turbos and stock clutch. and my driver side turbo leaks a tiny bit of oil. monday through friday I almost NEVER get into boost. I drive my car every single day. On the weekend ill get on it very rarely too, which is about 20 psi **->17psi. So basically, do not put it into boost if you want them to last long.

and also, try to judge the previous owners character. See if he was meticulous with proper warm up and cool down. You usually can tell when someones bullshitting you.

( if the car was boosted and beat on and raced, thats a big no no on the turbos lasting)

[AudiSportB5S4]

Proper maintenance of the turbos is key. Not boosting isn't a factor, it's more or less how you take care of them. You can boost away all you want as long as you wait until the oil is warm and you allow them to cool down for 10 seconds or drive easy for a few miles before parking the car. Really not a big deal..

You can buy the low-temp thermo switch which will activate your afterrun coolant pump 9/10 times you drive the car and that will pro-long the life as it will continue to pump coolant through the turbos once the car is off to ensure they cool off correctly.

Pull off the lower intercooler hoses on the car if you want to see how much oil is getting past the seals. On a tuned K03 car, some oil is expected, you don't want it pouring out obviously. Other than that, you can't do much more.

[quattro1432]

Throw a turbo timer on there! Shouldn't be too expensive - much less than new K04's... Congrats on the new car though. I've always wanted a B5 S4, but went with the B7 2.0T for a couple other reasons.

Hey DonnieDarko, you got any pics of your car? I am missing my cactus green B5 a few months after selling it and would love to see yours if you wanna show.

[GunSupplier]

Piggies.

The only thing that can help the K03s last longer, other than making sure you use high quality synthetic and a good oil filter (Mann), is gutting the pre-cats or getting downpipes. The reduced heat right by the turbo will help them last a bit longer (with the caveat that it's kind of unproven. It's just a theory. There isn't any documented evidence of people without downpipes blowing their K03s faster than people with, but the principal of heat is valid)

But honestly, if they are already damaged, or on their way out, there is nothing you can do to help them work any better. If they are going, they are going. It might take 10,000 miles or 50,000 miles. Pretty much all K03s make some noise, just make sure yours aren't noisy in boost.

They can whine all day long, LOUD, in vacuum, and still be just fine. Mine don't blow any smoke, or leak oil, but they howl a bit in vacuum. Dead silent in heavy boost. That's what you want.

Other than that, just be very diligent about warming the oil and turbos up before you stomp on it and don't run excessive boost.

[adr3naline fix]

no $$$$ after the car purchase.

uh oh

[GunSupplier]

uh oh

Yeah, I was gonna make a joke about that, but figured a gentle introduction would be fair.

But yes OP, better start saving cash fast. You gonna get raped on maintenance.

[Yuckie]

Assuming the car is mechanically sound the only way to truly ensure your K03's will last is to stay out of boost. Driving style is the ultimate villain in the end, boost leaks are a close second in my opinion. Keep both in check and stay on top of the maintenance but most important, enjoy the car and don't let all of the horror stories keep you up at night. Most of them are blown out of proportion and lead back to a user error, again IMO.

[ski&drive]

Good luck!

[hotshot32890]

post pics of this b5 s4

[MPK022]

uh oh

I have money all I ment was i dont have thousands to upgrade the turbos thats why im trying to do anything i can to make them last. Buying a used S4 i was expecting maintance.

[HardHitter]

Buy my Stage 3 S4. Daily driven and well maintained. PM me if you'd like info.