Thoughts on FT vs. GTRS

[redline380]

Was going to bump this thread, but not with all the bickering going on there- http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...kenturbo-GTRS/

Basically, I am tired of 150hp in my DD avant. Passing sucks, pulling out from a light sucks, merging sucks, basically anything besides going slow sucks. I need more power.

I commute a bunch, 150 miles a day at least, so reliability is paramount here- no stupid stuff like under manifold coolant pipes and shit like that on my sedan. I just want a better, faster version of the car that came from the factory. But just as reliable (which doesn't say much lol).

I want your thoughts on if a GTRS is worth the extra dough over a FT for a few HP. And keep in mind, the most HP is not the goal here. I just want something with extra umph and RELIABLE. I do not want to be left on the side of the road. This is going to be a very basic build when and if I pull the trigger. No FMIC, no 3" exhaust, just enough stuff to get by.

I will probably swap to AWM ecu.

As it sits, the avant had 237k miles on it. The head only has 30k. So, I will probably rebuild a lower end for it just because. The engine is healthy the way it is as far as I am concerned, but a fresh lower end wouldn't hurt. If I rebuild a lower end, I will put rods in it just because.

[a4kamila6]

If BW EFR is not out the question, you can choose a good sized one, internal or external wastegate, whatever you wish.

[redline380]

If BW EFR is not out the question, you can choose a good sized one, internal or external wastegate, whatever you wish.

EFR is out of the question. If I was going to do that, it would go in my sedan. Bascially, I am looking at keeping the stock flange but something less than a 2871 since that is what my sedan has.

[Avant Nate]

I put my car back to stockish for emissions and holy s#$% is it boring. i had an eliminator and it was fun on stock exhaust, stock intercooler.

[10kredline]

I was running my FT on stock intercooler and a stage 1 tune at the beginning and it was pretty quick and enough for DD, easily passing up people. Ran that setup for about a year and it was fine. Is the gtrs new? Big price difference? FT flows similar to the gtrs anyways. If I were you, I'd save the money and put that towards your sedan, since the avant is your long commute DD.

[Davdraco1]

I have the "stage 2" kompresd tune and it is more then enough for a DD car. Passing is easy, no down shifting needed. Merging is easy, again, no downshifting. Lights aren't a hassle anymore as well. I know your thinking an FT or GTRS but I think a simple tune will suffice since your not worried about HP or things like that. If the turbo on the avant is bad, go FT I think. Cheaper, proven.

[vwblackb5]

Getting it chipped should be the first step. If that doesn't suffice, would recommend upgrading your K03 for BW K04-015. Not sure which B5 you have, but if AEB, GIAC PC16 setup or even the base 5Bar K04 file should be adequate for the DD purpose. That's what I have on my B5 (mods on sig) and (knock on wood) has been reliable since I upgraded 7yrs/60k miles ago. It's been relegated to beater status now that I have the S4, but it's plenty fast stop light to stop light.

As far as FT, haven't read any recent slappy dunbar threads but I recall F4H-L (early version) and F21's have been pretty good, but population of owners chiming in on reliability not as established as Borg Warner (based on inference and anecdotal evidence).

[SacSantorin]

I just installed a F21 on my b5 about a month ago. I love it! I'm still working on revisions for my tune with Motoza, but I love the low end torque it has. I don't really have much experience with the GTRS, but the F21 definitely makes the car quick. You won't be punking on any stangs but it makes for a great DD. I think the best part was the cost of the tune. I got it on the Winter sale, and it was really nice to not have to pay someone labor to plug a computer into the OBD-II port.

[OverSpun]

For the B6 Avant?

[redline380]

I was running my FT on stock intercooler and a stage 1 tune at the beginning and it was pretty quick and enough for DD, easily passing up people. Ran that setup for about a year and it was fine. Is the gtrs new? Big price difference? FT flows similar to the gtrs anyways. If I were you, I'd save the money and put that towards your sedan, since the avant is your long commute DD.

I don't have a line on a GTRS, so I would probably get new I would imagine.

Dumping the money into my sedan would be nice, but I am at the stage in my life where I am getting married, buying a house, blah blah. The sedan is going to take many thousands to get it to the next stage. In the mean time, I'd rather just have a fun daily. And it isn't even just about fun, but more about having a car that functions in certain situations. 150 HP is so slow!

I have the "stage 2" kompresd tune and it is more then enough for a DD car. Passing is easy, no down shifting needed. Merging is easy, again, no downshifting. Lights aren't a hassle anymore as well. I know your thinking an FT or GTRS but I think a simple tune will suffice since your not worried about HP or things like that. If the turbo on the avant is bad, go FT I think. Cheaper, proven.

Getting it chipped should be the first step. If that doesn't suffice, would recommend upgrading your K03 for BW K04-015.

Not going to waste time/money tuning it. It already was and I took it off because the clutch slipped, meaning I will have to upgrade that if I upgrade the turbo.

Plus, my sedan was also chipped. Not very impressive. I think somewhere around 250awhp, or even a little less, would do my avant right.

For the B6 Avant?

For my B5 Avant. Just sold the B6 because there was more profit in it for me. Plus, I now have two Ebony Pearl Effect facelift B5's, one Avant, one Sedan. Has perfect is that? Have to keep the B5 Avant around and I think I will for a very long time.

[rodgertherabit]

I say go with a the new <Mixedflow F21 that Doug offers. Airflows are comparable to a gt28rs yet but for only $1k...

Since this vehicle is not your main focus save yourself some time and $$ and just get a FT. Bolt on power, GT28 power, and cheaper.

Add a GOOD sidemount, dp, and catback along with some 630s and a tune and the car should be as fun as you need it to be without a big turbo.

[redline380]

I say go with a the new <Mixedflow F21 that Doug offers. Airflows are comparable to a gt28rs yet but for only $1k...

I was kinda set on a GTRS but damn that price is attractive. Kinda leaning FT now. Whole kit with fueling for $1800, all I would need is a SMIC and exhaust. Well, that and a clutch, but that doesn't count.

Eff, might have to start putting this in the works.

[rodgertherabit]

get the exhaust on ebay. wont cost much. or the classifieds.

Doug@FT will set you up with a plug and play kit if you want, hell include hardware + injectors + tune. for a very reasonable price.

I dont remember if he still has the "FrankenDV" or not, but it was a decent adjustable oversized valve.

[rodgertherabit]

http://cart.frankenturbo.com/Product...oductCode=F21L

Start there, Season to taste, and hit the button!

The quality of the turbos are great! I ran a f23 on my GTI for a few years @20+ psi... no issues.

Spoiler alert, a fully loaded kit including tune + install kit + DV etc is around $2500. But this will get you the MAX performance out of your kit from day 1. Build it right once is my montra

[GOODBYNAAIR]

I run the GTRS in may car and vs stock its a world of difference it pulls what feels like forever vs a k03 that is out at 5k. I do not DD my car but if I needed to it would be a fine setup only thing a would change Is the 6 puck CM is no fun in traffic. Next, one of my friend and members on here runs the f21 none maxflow and I have been in his car and driven it. we have done pulls all that he went to the dyno with me but had over boosting problems that day due to tuning. no numbers. My GTRS is the faster car as it probable makes 50 more hp but the FT feels more like the stock car would with faster spool but still making power and holding on to boost till 6000 6500k. I don't know a tone about the new maxflow but the word is it should see close to GTRS number?!

the GTRS is old really but still good and gets the job done, price point if buying all new the F21 its a better deal. Known as the best bang for your buck for sure in the B5 & B6 world.

I think ( Member nynoah) is selling his FT mani PM him that may save you a buck and will work with FT or GTRS.

[andyrew]

I am a huge fan of over turbo and lower boost.

A GTRS has just as much drivability as the FT. It spools up Stupid fast, has a broad powerband, and is not that much money all said and told. I say GTRS, 15psi and done. 10psi if you want chipped KO3 like power.

[A1 A2 German]

Response 3,567,432

Gt2871R Eliminator on a tubular XSPower Manifold