B8 Ko4 owners follow up thread

[OzeyeruZ]

Hey Guys,

Been reading and searching over and over about experiences on Ko4 for both B8 A4's and even GTI's. Overall a large majority seems to have no regrets and thoroughly enjoy their car and driving experience even more.

Just wanted to start a thread in regards to those who own or have owned Ko4's for their B8, and any updates on ownership, mishaps experience etc. especially since updating to current versions 3.0 and 3.1. My take after all my readings is that as long as you take the gain in speed and torque for what it is and not overthink or Look just at higher output or Dyno queen numbers, then you will be content after the honeymoon phase and getting used to the power.

With the EFR right around the corner and an expected cost of $4999? (turbo loyalty), it will put our cars in a whole new level just on 93. Along with that comes a bit more wear and tear, upgrading internals, fueling etc. I dont think I would willing to put anymore money in my car after this upgrade other than oil changes, brakes and maintenance. Therefore Im pretty much about to pull the trigger on a Ko4.

Anywho, any input or updated review of their Ko4 today would be great, thanks again for all the info.

Oz

[AllroadCorbin]

If anybody with a lightly used K04 wants a low ball offer on their hardware before they go EFR, hmu

[Smellie]

I've gone from stage 1 -> Stage 2 -> K04 -> K04 100 oct.

Stage 2 -> k04 was absolutely amazing. I definitely felt that I was over the honeymoon phase on stage 2 as I'd have my foot down and the car just wouldn't go any faster.

K04 on 100 oct is intoxicating. With the huge amount of torque boost, you can absolutely feel the difference.

I've put over 1500 miles on k04 100 oct already, and still excites me every time I do a pull.


IMO, without fueling upgrades the EFR isn't worth 5000$. I'm making ~330/350 whp/wtq which is isn't far off from EFR numbers (I'm estimating around 400whp)

Maybe when fueling is available and the EFR can push the car into 11's, I'd consider it.


There's just no way a ~0.3-0.5 second difference in a quartermile is worth an additional 2500$

[OzeyeruZ]

I've gone from stage 1 -> Stage 2 -> K04 -> K04 100 oct.

Stage 2 -> k04 was absolutely amazing. I definitely felt that I was over the honeymoon phase on stage 2 as I'd have my foot down and the car just wouldn't go any faster.

K04 on 100 oct is intoxicating. With the huge amount of torque boost, you can absolutely feel the difference.

I've put over 1500 miles on k04 100 oct already, and still excites me every time I do a pull.


IMO, without fueling upgrades the EFR isn't worth 5000$. I'm making ~330/350 whp/wtq which is isn't far off from EFR numbers (I'm estimating around 400whp)

Maybe when fueling is available and the EFR can push the car into 11's, I'd consider it.


There's just no way a ~0.3-0.5 second difference in a quartermile is worth an additional 2500$

Just read your Sig. You are running water/meth with 93 to use the 100oct apr file?. Who did you're install? Did you need larger injectors for the meth? Any issues with that thus far? Was reading into going meth and thus far its a hit or miss.

[Smellie]

Just read your Sig. You are running water/meth with 93 to use the 100oct apr file?. Who did you're install? Did you need larger injectors for the meth? Any issues with that thus far? Was reading into going meth and thus far its a hit or miss.

Drive autoworks, you don't need bigger injectors for meth. The meth kit has a pump that sprays into the throttle body. No issues at all

[OzeyeruZ]

Sweet! Then it must be your parts in one of their IG posts. May consider going the same route. Thanks!

Oz

[ParadigmTony]

Just read your Sig. You are running water/meth with 93 to use the 100oct apr file?. Who did you're install? Did you need larger injectors for the meth? Any issues with that thus far? Was reading into going meth and thus far its a hit or miss.

Or just run 100oct like I do..

[OzeyeruZ]

Or just run 100oct like I do..

100 octane is not too common around me, would have to travel 20+ miles for fillup. I have 2x E85 stations nearby which I run once in a awhile.

Oz

[blbroo]

I've gone from stage 1 -> Stage 2 -> K04 -> K04 100 oct.

Stage 2 -> k04 was absolutely amazing. I definitely felt that I was over the honeymoon phase on stage 2 as I'd have my foot down and the car just wouldn't go any faster.

K04 on 100 oct is intoxicating. With the huge amount of torque boost, you can absolutely feel the difference.

I've put over 1500 miles on k04 100 oct already, and still excites me every time I do a pull.


IMO, without fueling upgrades the EFR isn't worth 5000$. I'm making ~330/350 whp/wtq which is isn't far off from EFR numbers (I'm estimating around 400whp)

Maybe when fueling is available and the EFR can push the car into 11's, I'd consider it.


There's just no way a ~0.3-0.5 second difference in a quartermile is worth an additional 2500$

Like like like

[kiw1]

How is EFR different from the KO4? Why is it preferred?

[Smellie]

How is EFR different from the KO4? Why is it preferred?

Bigger turbo, more power.

I'd prefer it if it wasn't double the price of a k04 haha

[Jacon]

Can we rename this thread to, "Post here if you want used k04 kits for those that go EFR!"?

PM when y'all are ready to sell.

[OzeyeruZ]

Can we rename this thread to, "Post here if you want used k04 kits for those that go EFR!"?

PM when y'all are ready to sell.

Lol!. Im leaning more on getting a brand new kit while there is a turbo loyalty program.
Oz

[kwbdc]

Have to echo what Smellie said. Been running K04 with water/meth 100 octane file for close to a year now with no issues. Great power though all gears and no turbo lag to speak of. I Dyno'd before getting the updated firmware and got 305/325 so I'm sure it's consistent with what Smellie is putting down at the wheel.

[B44]

Like like like

Blbroo any update on your turbo upgrade?

[zcspec]

Have to echo what Smellie said. Been running K04 with water/meth 100 octane file for close to a year now with no issues. Great power though all gears and no turbo lag to speak of. I Dyno'd before getting the updated firmware and got 305/325 so I'm sure it's consistent with what Smellie is putting down at the wheel.

How is it that I haven't seen your car? I must get a ride as I am considering the K04 for my AR.

[kwbdc]

How is it that I haven't seen your car? I must get a ride as I am considering the K04 for my AR.

Stealth mode. J/K I work in Bellevue and live in Seattle.

[blbroo]

Blbroo any update on your turbo upgrade?

I think I'll have it on within the next three weeks.

[AllroadCorbin]

How is it that I haven't seen your car? I must get a ride as I am considering the K04 for my AR.

I'm considering this as my next great waste of disposable income too

[Smellie]

Have to echo what Smellie said. Been running K04 with water/meth 100 octane file for close to a year now with no issues. Great power though all gears and no turbo lag to speak of. I Dyno'd before getting the updated firmware and got 305/325 so I'm sure it's consistent with what Smellie is putting down at the wheel.

What dyno did you do yours on? Mustang?

[kwbdc]

What dyno did you do yours on? Mustang?

I believe it was dynojet

[Smellie]

I believe it was dynojet

That's weird, my numbers are 329whp/348wtq on a dynojet.

[kwbdc]

That's weird, my numbers are 329whp/348wtq on a dynojet.

Yea, i got the dyno before i upgrade to the v3 APR update so i'm sure it's about the same now. I hadn't gone back to re-do one after the flash.

[Smellie]

Yea, i got the dyno before i upgrade to the v3 APR update so i'm sure it's about the same now. I hadn't gone back to re-do one after the flash.

Ah yeah that makes sense. And v3.1 might add a bit more power

[kwbdc]

Ah yeah that makes sense. And v3.1 might add a bit more power

Absolutely! I agree with your assessment above, would love the EFR kit but not sure it's really worth re-working everything to squeeze out more power that i don't necessarily "need" however need is purely subjective!

[WAF]

I've gone from stage 1 -> Stage 2 -> K04 -> K04 100 oct.

Stage 2 -> k04 was absolutely amazing. I definitely felt that I was over the honeymoon phase on stage 2 as I'd have my foot down and the car just wouldn't go any faster.

K04 on 100 oct is intoxicating. With the huge amount of torque boost, you can absolutely feel the difference.

I've put over 1500 miles on k04 100 oct already, and still excites me every time I do a pull.


IMO, without fueling upgrades the EFR isn't worth 5000$. I'm making ~330/350 whp/wtq which is isn't far off from EFR numbers (I'm estimating around 400whp)

Maybe when fueling is available and the EFR can push the car into 11's, I'd consider it.


There's just no way a ~0.3-0.5 second difference in a quartermile is worth an additional 2500$

I'm starting to feel the same way, now im feeling the K04 might be a better option. If neither im going to stay as is and wait for an RS3 or S6, mind you the new S4 with 3.0 turbo seems rather interesting.

[blbroo]

I'll be doing dynojet pulls on 93 and 100 tunes when mine is installed.

[OzeyeruZ]

I'm starting to feel the same way, now im feeling the K04 might be a better option. If neither im going to stay as is and wait for an RS3 or S6, mind you the new S4 with 3.0 turbo seems rather interesting.

Wish I have the luxury to be able to purchase one when they come out, but with a kid going to college soon I will be keeping my B8.5 for the long haul. Might as well finish her off with a nice Ko4.

Oz

[auditd0rk]

Love mine, especially on the 93-octane map.

[WAF]

My only issue with the K04 is that my car is a b.5 and the output between the b8 and b8.5 tune via APR is a bit of a difference between them from what i last remember unless they recently released a new version.

[farbaj]

I have the K04 for a year or so and absolutely love it. Once I got the 3.1 to fix the hesitation at 4k rpm it just pulls like a freight train of torque and hp in each gear. But I want to do the internals and the EFR...I will be keeping my B8 since we are going to get a new Q7 for the wife soon. My K04 will be on the block in the next month or so whenever the efr is out...happy buying if you want a nice K04 from me soon...

[OzeyeruZ]

Thanks for all the updates guys! Glad to hear more B8 Ko4's coming out, there is a treasure trove of GTI Ko4 and they were/are in love with it as well!

[seangrimes590]

I've had the K04 on since the end of the summer (though with a month period of downtime) and it still surprises me on occasion. The power above 4K in 2nd and 3rd is definitely nice (first is nice too, but feels short), and 4th is a great passing gear on the highway.

A lot of people have talked about the good things with the K04 so I'll focus a bit on my experience which hasn't been ideal...though as far as anybody has said to me the K04 isn't the issue. The good news first, the car runs great at the moment, it's ridiculously fun to drive, and still very smooth when I want it to be. As far as I'm concerned this is around the ideal power level for a daily driver, if you have a car you take to the track a lot or it's a weekend cruiser I could see how you'd want more...but you'll have no trouble blasting around the backroads with the K04.

Alright, the bad...well the hesitation is still there on occasion. A properly sized intercooler helped with the problem, but it still shows up now and then. The occasional clutch stutter has been happening more frequently so that'll need replacing sometime in the next 5K - 10K miles. Some of you may have seen my post a few months ago about engine issues (I'll update that soon)...well I ended up with a new engine. To make a long story short, cylinder 1 was not exactly a cylinder... it was slightly out of round as seen here:

-- it's not very obvious that this is the case in the picture, but there's no doubt when looking in person (also, the missing part of the piston that went and bent some valves...). The side of the cylinder was smooth with no obvious wear markings so my opinion is this was a lifelong issue with the engine that got exacerbated by the extra power with the K04. My experience with the car seems to back this up too, the engine always made an odd noise (stock, stage 1, more so with K04), though logging didn't show any obvious issues; no detonation / misfires / other problems. The car also seemed to be down on torque pre-boost, e.g. coming off from a stop sign in 2nd at low rpm; the same can't be said for the new engine, it feels as strong as a 2.0T pushing a 4,000LB car can feel.

The point of the above isn't to talk you out of the K04, there's no way I'd go back to a stock or stage 1/2 car now, it's way too much fun and so far it's been worth the trouble; just make sure you check things over on your car and fix up any weak links before you go forward with the new power. That said, you've been stage 2 with E85, so you've been stressing the engine with that big torque spike, anything wrong with it would have probably shown itself by now.

I'd say go K04 now and let the EFR be...there are much better platforms for that kind of power.

[hyperunion]

100 octane is not too common around me, would have to travel 20+ miles for fillup. I have 2x E85 stations nearby which I run once in a awhile.

Oz

Didn't Boomtime dyno at 295 awhp and over 356awtq on e85 on our stock turbo.. !!????.. 20 whp away basically from the 100 Oct k04 tune

[OzeyeruZ]

Didn't Boomtime dyno at 295 awhp and over 356awhp on e85 on our stock turbo.. !!????.. 20 whp away basically from the 100 Oct k04 tune

Yes he did, Mmmmmm. I can only imagine how E85 would be on Ko4. I saw Majerhamin's video spank a tuned M4 from a dig, I definitely feel the Ko4 may be my endgame for this car!.

[OzeyeruZ]

I've had the K04 on since the end of the summer (though with a month period of downtime) and it still surprises me on occasion. The power above 4K in 2nd and 3rd is definitely nice (first is nice too, but feels short), and 4th is a great passing gear on the highway.

A lot of people have talked about the good things with the K04 so I'll focus a bit on my experience which hasn't been ideal...though as far as anybody has said to me the K04 isn't the issue. The good news first, the car runs great at the moment, it's ridiculously fun to drive, and still very smooth when I want it to be. As far as I'm concerned this is around the ideal power level for a daily driver, if you have a car you take to the track a lot or it's a weekend cruiser I could see how you'd want more...but you'll have no trouble blasting around the backroads with the K04.

Alright, the bad...well the hesitation is still there on occasion. A properly sized intercooler helped with the problem, but it still shows up now and then. The occasional clutch stutter has been happening more frequently so that'll need replacing sometime in the next 5K - 10K miles. Some of you may have seen my post a few months ago about engine issues (I'll update that soon)...well I ended up with a new engine. To make a long story short, cylinder 1 was not exactly a cylinder... it was slightly out of round as seen here:

-- it's not very obvious that this is the case in the picture, but there's no doubt when looking in person (also, the missing part of the piston that went and bent some valves...). The side of the cylinder was smooth with no obvious wear markings so my opinion is this was a lifelong issue with the engine that got exacerbated by the extra power with the K04. My experience with the car seems to back this up too, the engine always made an odd noise (stock, stage 1, more so with K04), though logging didn't show any obvious issues; no detonation / misfires / other problems. The car also seemed to be down on torque pre-boost, e.g. coming off from a stop sign in 2nd at low rpm; the same can't be said for the new engine, it feels as strong as a 2.0T pushing a 4,000LB car can feel.

The point of the above isn't to talk you out of the K04, there's no way I'd go back to a stock or stage 1/2 car now, it's way too much fun and so far it's been worth the trouble; just make sure you check things over on your car and fix up any weak links before you go forward with the new power. That said, you've been stage 2 with E85, so you've been stressing the engine with that big torque spike, anything wrong with it would have probably shown itself by now.

I'd say go K04 now and let the EFR be...there are much better platforms for that kind of power.

Thanks for the input sean. Just had my car oil changed and looked over last week, my Audi Tech buddy said its in great shape. Oil changes every 5-6k miles from here on out! Feeling real excited for a Ko4! Lol

Oz

[hyperunion]

Yes he did, Mmmmmm. I can only imagine how E85 would be on Ko4. I saw Majerhamin's video spank a tuned M4 from a dig, I definitely feel the Ko4 may be my endgame for this car!.

I meant 356 aw torque originally, I'm real curious how giac's up coming hfc stg 2 for our e85 cars will be.. .. Curious how this would stack up against a k04 turned car

[VNA4]

Seems like quite of the Audiziner have K04 but not a lot of video clips are available online, would be nice if the K04 owners could post some videos here. =)
Thanks guys.

PS: I'm debating between CTS K04 vs APR K04 any pros or cons for one vs the other?

[ryanhmusic]

I have the K04 for a year or so and absolutely love it. Once I got the 3.1 to fix the hesitation at 4k rpm it just pulls like a freight train of torque and hp in each gear. But I want to do the internals and the EFR...I will be keeping my B8 since we are going to get a new Q7 for the wife soon. My K04 will be on the block in the next month or so whenever the efr is out...happy buying if you want a nice K04 from me soon...

Hi @AllroadCorbin, don't be a dummy. Buy this man's turbo.

[AllroadCorbin]

From him or Eric probably


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