A4 Centaur's Build Thread

[avantagg]

I was tempted to take part this year. Hearing you talk how good it was, may have to be more than just tempted next year.

Car looks great! Love the all black look.

Agreed! Murdered out to the max.

[A4 Centaur]

So, been getting a CEL every few days or so, and after clearing the code the CEL would re-appear. Kinda aggravating so I decided to just go with the latest revision to the OEM DV



Not sure if the GFB mod did anything at all, but now with the Revision "D" from VAG things seem a little better. A few pulls up I-70 should show if there is a significant difference.

I think the original DV just gave out, again not sure the GFB upgrade played a role in the longevity of the DV.

Also, I'm at 80k now and I plan on doing the cam chains and updated cam chain tensioner, and the SA said Audi is doing this by "VIN number specific" due to the shortage of kits in inventory.

More to follow on that.

[A4 Centaur]

So, the P0299 code keeps coming back after the DV replacement the other day.

This was the Rev. D version, and after looking around I'm thinking perhaps I try adjusting the wastegate rod?

Any thoughts?

[shellraider]

Holy murder


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[A4 Centaur]

^ Haha! just had my summer rims powdercoated gloss black as well.

Got tired of the faux titanium look. Might spend the effort to source some Vossen or others with a different color at some point.

Now its time to save up for the K04. Its been way too long and with this many mods thus far.

[JeriQo]

those wheels are perfect for your car, in every way!

i wish i couldve said that to my ex girl before she left me..

[A4 Centaur]

^It's all good. More will come around!

Lot's of goodies coming this way. Upgrades interior and engine wise as well.

[A4 Centaur]

So with the P2099 Code forever coming back, stumbling power and weak response from the engine, I'm going K04 and this actually becomes a real build thread after 5 years.

Based on metrics alone, I feel the JHM Tuning K04-R Turbo is the best bang for the buck. $1695 https://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catal...0t-p-4004.html

Get to keep my HFC and I have become a big fan of thermal barriers now.

Here is my updated Timing Chain Service parts List:

Cam Control Valve Tool 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI Gen III T10352/1 $30.00 from: https://www.toolsource.com/vw-tools-...h9upufj0qbisi4

Cover Engine: 06H 109 210 AG and the Audi Gasket Maker $220

Timing Chain Service Kit from ECS Tuning $543.73: https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_A4...ing_Chain_Kit/




This work is gonna suck up a lot of my time, so I may do the turbo first, then come back and do the timing chains.

[A4 Centaur]

Ok, Updates for the week:

Ordered the K04-R from JHM.

I have to say the customer support provided by JHM has been second to none! What a great shop and hats off to Jake@JHM

Working on this kit this coming weekend, and Jake has made sure all items have been triple checked. Thank you guys again!

[avantagg]

Awesome! Can't wait to hear more about the JHM K04. Can't beat that price. What tune are you gonna use?


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[A4 Centaur]

Chris, I am going with APR and their K04 file, unless Bluewater Performance has a better idea with United Motorsports? or other.

Cost is about $500 for the APR? IDK, but I did save a few bucks going with JHM, and I get a better turbo than doing the APR kit.

Should be here this week, I'll get her bolted up and document here :)

[Jake@JHM]

Subbed

[Zach L]

Watching this. Before/after dyno please!

[spin0rz]

What made you decide to go with APR with the k04-R? Have you given Eurodyne a look? The tune they have for the f23L frankenturbos seems solid and people reported how the stage 2 was smoother than APRs, maybe their k04 tune would prove to be better with the k04-R, you also have more chance of geting a K04-R oriented tune with Eurodyne than you have with APR.

Subbed tho, curious about this variant. I'll be geting mine later this summer if this proves to be a viable and better option than F23L (who do offer 2 year waranty on their turbos)

[A4 Centaur]

^ Good question on the tunes. I 'll have to see what the folks at Bluewater recommend. I just assumed that the APR tune would work easiest, based on what I have seen from others with similar set-ups.

[A4 Centaur]

Ok, update for today:

JHM Turbo arrived well before the time stated when I purchased! Well done to both JHM and FEDEX! Kit is complete and well packaged as well. Install will commence over this coming weekend. Now on to the pics!



Really liking the look of the powdercoated cold side:



This kit certainly has had the little touches and finish which shows how these guys are working overtime to bring a great product to the community. Certainly I feel this sets them apart from other offerings.





As JHM explains on their website they Ceramic Coat the hot side of the turbo and manifold. I mentioned previously that I have done Ceramic Coatings on other vehicles in the past, and the stuff works. Lowers temps on the outside of the part about 20 Degrees. That's why I used it on my Ducati and it works. Another benefit of the Ceramic Heat Coating is that it helps with flow, and the reduction of back pressure. I think this contributes to a turbo which will flow better than non-treated manifolds and related parts. Just my opinion, I sure some internet scientists will offer a challenge.



As you can see the blades of the wheel have been clipped and this will also contribute to a faster spooling turbo. If you look at some of the turbos coming out of Kerma TDI, they do something similar to the VNT-17/20 which based on my understanding is a good way to get better performance on street applications.



Now, time to install and get a tune, which is scheduled for the coming week. Based on time and money, I will just go with the APR K04 tune. I am an existing customer so cost is around $500.

[Jake@JHM]

I see you like 1911s ;)

[A4 Centaur]

^ Jake, yes love 1911, but I'm a big fan of Glock .45 as well. Dogs can't chew up a 1911 Haha!

For shooting paper I have 9mm because .45 ammo is so pricey. Don't get me going on long gun choices!

[Jake@JHM]

^ Jake, yes love 1911, but I'm a big fan of Glock .45 as well. Dogs can't chew up a 1911 Haha!

For shooting paper I have 9mm because .45 ammo is so pricey. Don't get me going on long gun choices!

I don't discriminate either. I just built a 9mm 1911 to go with my 45. I also carry Glock and S&W

[adamazing]

I am stupid excited to see these results.

[A4 Centaur]

Ok, updates on the Turbo Upgrade!

I got to tell you all, I was a little concerned about this job. I read, and re-read DanQ's DIY a hundred times, and was imagining working on the Ducati. Let me tell you, the Ducati is an experience in mass-centralization.



So, for all of you sitting on the fence about a K04 upgrade; here is another recommendation to make the jump! Like I had discussed previously, the idea of heat coating the hot-side of the turbo was very very appealing. Having this feature was a big selling point of the JHM kit. The kit came very well packed and complete. No issues at all with the layout of the K04-R.

Taking a look at how worn and ugly the K03 was or had become, gave me some renewed energy to get busy tearing this crappy turbo out of the car.



Based on what JHM has done for the B8 enthusiast, working the turbo out of the car, while being able to leave the Cat in place was a real benefit. After getting the turbo out of the car I test-fit the gasket and found they matched the manifold! Thanks JHM!!




Working my way through the disassembly, I made sure to put the two turbos side by side and began the process of transferring the oil and coolant lines. My old wastegate was burnt!

[earhythmic]

[A4 Centaur]

So, I got to tearing it down around 5 pm last night. By 10 pm, I had everything removed and cleaned and ready for installation.

Everything in the JHM kit was ready to mount, save for 1 vacuum hose which I had on hand. All gaskets, fittings and crush washers are in the kit. Actually, I had a few extra in my kit, so thanks for the piece of mind JHM!

1. Best thing to do on tear down is follow Dan Q's directions. Take the hoses off the block last. I separated the two peices of the turbo to make it easier, but the studs that come with the JHM kit allow you plenty of room to move the turbo out of position.

2. DO not tighten fittings until you make sure you have placed them properly. I took pictures with my phone for reference.

3. Replace the fittings and hose connections on the block, and the turbo bracket before mounting the exhaust manifold down. There is very little room to maneuver wrenches is you don't follow this.

The JHM turbo kit went together without any issues, the kit is clearly marked and the DIY and other info available online helped tremendously. I have above average mechanical skills, so this was a fairly straightforward affair for me.

Here is the end result:




Now, a lot of you will probably say things about the gold heat film. I did it as an "homage" to the V8 S7 Engine, though the engine doesn't have bright gold heat film, it's more of a yellow color like urine? Anyway, with the powdercoating and black of the engine bay, I wanted something to make it pop a little.



So I got the engine put back together today. Total was around 7 hours, with walking back and forth from the tool boxes probably at least 2 hours! Put your kit closer to save time! Again, because I didn't have to remove the Cat, it saved me hours of problems and removal of parts which would have cost me at least another2 hours.



Now, to the APR Stage 2 experience: The car pulls the way it should have years ago! The car pulls and pulls now. I have the huge APR FMIC so cooling is spot on, and the torque is there! Going around corners and stabbing the throttle the car just pulls!

With the K04 Tune this coming week I am looking forward to the pesky Subaru folks that live here in the Denver area. I'll at least be able to hang with the little cars I think. Others have said that this car will now be able to lay down 12.6 sec 1/4 mile times seems very doable.

Great mod, great company JHM! Thank you very much! Fantastic kit and very easy installation!

[A4 Centaur]

So, compare the old turbo with the new one and the level of care and thought that goes into what JHM is making, and what you see with other companies. This real was the point where I knew I had to go with JHM:





Damn, this car is fun to drive again!!

[earhythmic]

Awesome! Can't wait for mine!

[A4 Centaur]

Update on the parts I pick-up and or used during the build:

1. Exhaust Bolts for the hot side of the turbo. Sourced 4 from the Audi Dealer.

2. Vacuum or fuel line section for line between N75 valve and lower portion of turbo. You will need a short section of 1/4 ID of about 7-8 inches. Really, I think it iis a good idea to replace all the vacuum lines while you are tearing it down and mounting up the new lines to the K04-R turbo. The OEM lines are garbage. I had a bunch of lines laying around which I had done to my Ducati, and used the remainder on the DV and N75 valves area.

3. Anti-Seize compound for manifold bolts.

4. Anti-Freeze, to top off the half-gallon you will lose while you wonder what you got yourself into.

5. Oil and Filter, because you are already in there making a mess. Plus, I timed my normal 5k oil change that day.

6. Heat foil for the fenderwell area, which you might be able to see in one of my pics. My heat shield was falling away from the area, and it was driving me crazy.

7. A bright LED shop light.

8. Small 1" hose clamp for oil drain to crank case connection. The OEM one was a pain to get back on the tube.


Loving this K04-R kit!!!

[Jake@JHM]

Woot!

[A4 Centaur]

JHM, Thank you again for a great product and great support as well! You helped make my Avant fun to drive again! She has the power under the hood she deserved over 5 years ago.

Update for today:

Went to Bluewater Performance in North Denver to have the APR file loaded. Found out that APR was having a sale! So I saved $50 yea!

I have been with Bluewater since the APR Stage 2+ Beta development a few years ago. Funny, the tech said something about seeing the Beta file, when he loaded the APR K04 File. Of course they called to see if APR had a problem or any concerns. I would have gone with the United Motorsport tune, but that would require some dyno time, and I want to do my timing chains before I stress her like that.




The folks at Bluewater Performance do work for folks all over America, and I was surprised to see a Superleggra in there for some work.




Got the tune loaded and they mentioned that I should get a boost gauge to keep track of whats going on with the pressures that I might have down the road. They are talking overboost conditions potentially based on the dynamics of the Turbo. I am not so sure, but certainly getting a boost gauge will help keep an eye out.



Good work, all in all, and I am very happy. The car drives and is so smooth, but powerful when you need her to be! I just love driving her now!

[Zach L]

I have been with Bluewater since the APR Stage 2+ Beta development a few years ago. Funny, the tech said something about seeing the Beta file, when he loaded the APR K04 File. Of course they called to see if APR had a problem or any concerns. I would have gone with the United Motorsport tune, but that would require some dyno time, and I want to do my timing chains before I stress her like that.

Congrats! I've been impressed with Bluewater... wish they were in my backyard.

If/when you switch from APR to United Motorsport, PLEASE do a before/after dyno. There won't be a more perfect chance to see before/after of the same car on the same dyno running the same hardware.

[A4 Centaur]

You bet!

I will hopefully be able to do that later in June. I just want to get those chains done before I start beating on her.

My former colleague at work has the B7 A4 with the Stage 3 APR kit. Man, that car rips, and I would love to get mine dyno'ed and then run her at the drag strip too.

[CONative]

Lookin' good as always, Jim


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[A4 Centaur]

^ Gracias!!

[earhythmic]

So how does it run now with the official K04 file compared to stage 2 file?

[johnnySV]

@a4 Centaur if you are considering a boost gauge then you may want to consider this kit which gives you both a boost gauge + Water Meth injection for cleaning, cooling, and octane:


Potential Group Buy: Water/Methanol b8/b8.5 Specific Installation Kit

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url...9&share_type=t



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[A4 Centaur]

So how does it run now with the official K04 file compared to stage 2 file?

Very smooth and much more noticeable than the APR Stage 2+ or Beta file I had on there before. Down low it still seems like a previous file, but as the revs build this file is much more than than previous.

It's a beast up top.

[A4x]

@ A4 Centaur

First of all, I commend you for pioneering the way with this JHM turbo on these forums. You seem like the only person here with this product.

How do you like it a couple weeks in?

Any modifications required to the waste gate to get it running smoothly (like the Frankenturbo might need)?

Anxiously awaiting an update, or some further reviews of this turbo

I am hardcore debating splurging on this turbo, or rather saving the thousands for a next down payment on my next ride in a year or 2. It won't be 4 cylinders is all I can say.

Currently I'm APR stage 2 which is great, but going K04 would be badass. Sucks that I already spend like $700 for stage 2 software and program switching.

[A4 Centaur]

^Yea, I understand the concerns over spending money on a car you may get rid of. None of the decisions over any of my hobbies have made any economic sense, just passion. Having a rare Avant has helped justify my spending.

But thinking of doing the fresh turbo and the smile you will have on your face, just might make that math a little easier! Haha!

After running a tank through the car and about a week on now, I can say the car has gotten better actually. It would seem to me that some sort of adaptation has occurred? It runs smoother, pulls harder it would seem. No mods made to the wastegate or other issues at all.

Perfect set up for me now. It gives me an excuse to go drive!

[A4x]

Nice. Yea it definitely takes a few hundred miles to adapt fuel trims and other things. The transmission also needs to adapt. I go through this whenever I change APR programs.

Fresh turbo is an excuse that I can't use! Mine was replaced under warranty for the waste gate issue last October, so only has under 10k miles on it. At least I could get some value selling it, maybe $350 back.

Another justification to go K04 is I don't think I will sell my car (wayyy too deep in mods; and like your ride, mine is pretty unique with the Garnet Red). I'll just hand it off to a family member or keep it as a winter ride.

Grrr! My friends and girlfriend will think I'm crazy if I spend this kind of money lol. So tempting.

Good luck!! And keep us updated with any kill stories!

[A4 Centaur]

The eBay replacement lenses showed up yesterday, and since I already had the Morimoto lenses, I decided to get hot:



The lenses off eBay are only $155 and look and have the same markings as the OEM versions. My headlights a 5 years old so they both are pretty battle-scarred and need some blackout treatment on the amber too.



Picked up a heat gun at Home Depot and softened up the adhesive. Worked from outer to inner and the covers come off pretty quickly. However, after messing around for an hour trying to figure out how to pull the guts without breaking anything, I decided to save the lens swap for another day.



Used black paint to black out the lenses and buttoned her back up. Overall, took about 2 hours.

[CONative]

^Nice! Did you use the adhesive they provided or just reuse existing? Any plans to install Lamin-X or anything else to increase the longevity? Was pretty impressed with these out of the box, hopefully they last


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