K03 vs K03s & K04 Performance Tuning [Upgrade Tips]

[@bhugeloo95]

ive got a ko3s genuine bora and its currently stage 2 at 240 bhp

[@deniskucevic2257]

Any problems yet? And what does your boost peak at?

[@ryanshaw3268]

I have an audi a3 2.0tfsi axx engine ko3 stage1 mapped running 260bhp and drives like an absolute dream. Boost up well and hard right through all gears

[@CVCFFF]

Really liked your video. I'm trying to finish with an Audi A4 2007 QUATTRO B7 FSI 2.0 T . LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING MORE FROM YOUR CHANNEL

[@johnpeap]

I ran a hybrid K03s (k04-001) in a mk1 TT, the cheap 150 € version with journal bearings, at 1.6 bar (23 psi). It couldn't hold this level of boost at high RPM of course. I don't have an official dyno number but power was around 250 hp for certain (tested against another TT with a fresh remap at 250). It died quickly after 20 000 km though!

[@vdubmhana6214]

ive ran a k04--001 for 2 years with 280 crank HP and 310 Crank tq, 27 psi then tapers around 19-18. Fun little car. However, since then i swapped it over for a e50 turbo. Make even more power.

[@torquecars]

I'll have to look into the E50, this sounds like an amazing project.

[@stefanoakley8840]

I got Audi dtm 2tfsi it’s standard bul engine remap stage 2 dynoed 278bhp Mods full miltek and decat and high flow intake

[@korey420]

27 psi only got you 280 Crank hp? I have a 2012 beetle turbo 2.0tsi e888 gen1 cbfa with a cts ko4.. boosted at 20 psi and im right at 300whp.. I would not run twenty seven pounds through a little ko4 But if I did, And my fueling could handle, Guaranteed I'd be at 350 whp

[@chaselaframboise2511]

@@korey420 they might be saying british people hp

[@aarona2374]

Amazing videos, amazing content man!! Thanks for all the know how 👍🏽

[@7_camric504]

2012 Octavia vrs 2.0 TSI Ea888.1 Sports cat down pipe Full Apr pex intake system Stage 2 map from Awesome gti 272hp on my standard turbo. No problems for over a year.

[@ATOMICBLACKBOX]

first of all great video , turbos are a new topic for me ... I have a stock 2.0t tsi engine that is going to be fitted shortley , no mapping just a plain standard vw [cawb ] my question is : can i fit a k04 turbo. without damaging the engine with the factory map on the ecu ? im not pushing for massive HP gains ....can i just plug and play safley ? any comments would be appreciated. cheers

[@gravooo]

did you ever find out? I have a stock 2.0 TFSI and was wondering the same thing

[@ramiro4533]

If the engine has a k03 then you need to remap to be safe

[@MasterSumai]

Hello! I have a 2024 KIA SELTOS SX with a 1.6L Turbo Smart Stream Engine that uses a Borg Warner K03 Turbo. Makes 195hp & 195 ft. lbs. Torque. I'd like to know more about the turbo. 1) Is it a Twin Scroll Turbo ? 2) What's the Max I could bump up Boost Pressure? 3) What would be the standard boost for it on this engine? KIA sure doesn't give any info. Any and all specs that you cam give me. I've tried to gonna Borg Warner's Site, but to navigate it is a nightmare. Much thanks!

[@amranyusoff8931]

I just bolt on turbo for my honda r18a stock engine with k03 turbo running low boost just 0.5bar or about 8psi can get 193horse/240nm on torque dyno.

[@jabumriga3756]

thank you for a very informTIVE VIDEO. I have a Scirocco 1.4tsi and I think my Turbo doesn't kick. I was thinning of upgrading but I am not sure what turbo do I have. I dont want anything crazy, just an efficient power

[@torquecars]

Is this the 150hp version? The IHI units I think were the turbos used on those although the year will have a bearing on that. A bigger turbo will spool up more slowly and is only a decent upgrade on the dual valve timing engines, the intake only valve timing engines seem to spool up really slowly.

[@peternedilsky9851]

Fantastic video, very informative indeed. I am curious though, would a '06 A3 2.0t Fsi then have a K03 or K03s? I apologize of you had answered that question at some point.

[@torquecars]

The only way to know is to check the engine code, it'll be 3 or 4 digits on the engine number. There were some regional variations on years, so engine codes are much more reliable. My guess on 06 plate would be the K03.

[@yuridj123]

Have the same with the Bwa engine it comes with k03 stock

[@eldinamita7550]

Had my 2010 a5 swapped from k03 to k04...but now my engine is having misfires😢

[@torquecars]

Have you checked for error codes? It is probably overboost, did you remap the ecu when this was done?

[@CliffB5A4]

Misfires as in limp mode or something else? You might need the ecu tweaked so the MAP sensor can accept a higher boost pressure. Or check your actuator arm and wastegate flap to make sure it's functioning properly. You could have the N75 configured incorrectly too. Simply swapping from K03 to K04 shouldn't cause misfires or limp mode though.

[@davidoviedo664]

What about the safe limits on a K04-064? Still 320hp? And is the DV relocation kit by Unitronic required when going K04? Or can I run the K04 without a DV?

[@DaytonCarCare]

Basically what he is saying; If you have a stock 1.8t 150, 170, 180, or 190 HP car with a K03 or K03s turbo, swapping in a K04 turbo will add more power. With a few bolt-ons you can add even more... high flow cat and or down pipe, larger injectors, and or a tune.

[@anonlincracing2484]

Iv got a k04 001 4668 manbatek turbo im getting it tuned in January my AGU can only be mapped by only a hand full of ppl on the old narrow band ecu. The turbo follows the same housing so it still can be set up the same as all the original set up from factory.

[@TomoReso]

Great stuff, thanks a lot for your time and knowledge you share with us! Is there a limit with stock maf sensor on 1.8T AWT engine? my friend has bigger turbo fitted (k04 hybrid) , fuel pump upgraded, larger injectors, front mounted intercooler, downpipe with no cat and larger catback too. Basically he is ready for a remap, but he is scared his maf will hit a limit? What is your advice, he aims for 250-300HP?

[@torquecars]

I would certainly recommend upgrading the MAF but speak to your chosen tuner first this will affect the map itself. If further upgrades are planned take this into account as well you don't want to have to redo this. There were narrow band and wideband sensors 2001 onwards, used depending on the ECU used, ME7.1 narrow & ME7.5 wide. From memory the stock mafs usually struggle around 290hp. Also make sure the MAF is clean and working properly, they do degrade over time. www.torquecars.com/audi/18t-tuning.php

[@TomoReso]

@@torquecars Thanks a lot for your reply! He has ME7.5 ecu, he wont be going past 400NM because he is scared of connecting rods failing... He would be happy with 250-300HP range. So it should be achievable?

[@RekitRalph666]

I was always under the impression the long side of n75 to tip..

[@JamesWilson-xo8ps]

Which one do you think will fit on a 2006 mazda 2.0 diesel, k04 is specced on the 2.3 or 2.2 later model diesel mazdas

[@keatoncreates]

wondering if anyone can help, i have a b5 1.8tqs avant 2000, some forums says k03s and some dont, i live in aus so i think outside of europe they did come with k03s but so unsure and cannit access the part number on turbo itself. I want a K04 but not sure its worth if i have the k03s, i will say it certainly feels more than the 180hp stock so maybe has tune already

[@havaecakaribski4933]

Hey i have audi 1.8t 165 hp just fitted with s3 injectors 380cc , k04 turbo and big intercoler but stock fule pump. How much hp can i get from a toon with this set up tho?

[@MilosevBosko]

how much did you get

[@luisrodrigues5160]

Good afternoon companions, I am the owner of a Seat Leon Cupra R with bam 225hp engine, what power can I achieve with an airtec intercooler and a down pipe keeping everything else original? thank you all

[@johnpeap]

I believe a Stage 1 remap on a BAM engine gets you in the 250 hp / 350 Nm area.

[@johnpeap]

I don't know if changing the intercooler is going to help much considering the somewhat low levels of boost on the stock setup. Downpipe will help the turbo to spool faster but probably won't help much in terms of power as well, maybe a few %.

[@farmboys2223]

What is the best Turbo upgrade for a 1.4 Twincharge polo GTI..?

[@gorkemsunneli]

IS20 for the win!

[@reesemiguel8032]

I have a 2005 Mk5 2.0 TDI and I want to install a ko3 hybrid turbo. Is this possible and if so, what are the steps I need to take to do this?

[@cezarmihaibogdan]

I can't seem to find the turbo model that my engine is having. Its a Passat B7 2013 2.0 TSI with CCZB engine code and a factory 211bhp. I'm inclining to think that its a K04 but I'm not sure. I want to do a Stage 1 remap for the moment and that will take it to an estimate of 260 bhp s I'm thinking that they wouldn't have put a K03 with a maximum load of 230 bhp with a stock 211 bhp engine right ? 😀

[@tannerbarrera7897]

Sounds like you have a ko3. I don’t think any vw that came with a ko4 from factory around that time ever had less than 300bhp, idk I could be wrong. My 2011 CC 2.0tsi cbfa has a ko3 and 201bhp. Getting my ko4 soon

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

So, i have a 2013 a4 quattro 2.0tfsi, k03 turbo. Remapped to stage 2, down+mid pipe, gfb blow off diverter. Turbo muffler delete. If i was to strap a k04 on, would she not need tuned? Or would the map just accept the larger turbo considering its looking higher boost? My mx+ performance stats stated 200bhp pre map and now it's 300bhp. So what would happen if i strapped on the k04?

[@torquecars]

In some cases the K04 will work on a standard ECU without a tune, but you'll typically get overboost errors at higher rpms. It depends on the mapping in the ECU, the stock maps are fairly generic and it is more likely you can just slap it on and drive it to the tuner for a tweak, any aftermarket map is a little more touchy if it doesn't match up fuel and air delivery with what it's expecting. The air metering may also need an upgrade and corresponding tweak in the ECU. I have heard others having problems with a swap and needing a map due to the limp home mode being engaged all the time.

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

@@torquecars that's what i had figured. It's exactly what happened with the down pipe, it kept throwing check engine, i had to keep clearing the fault. Then i had the stage 2 done and factored in the pipe, all runs gorgeous. Im divided though. I don't like to waste money. The k04 offers a nice punch but the likes of the boss 500 offers loads more - future proofing. If I planned on slowly building up as i go, k04 tune and stop or the boss 500 and tune later do injectors and pistons/rods. It's like drugs mate, you say no, no thanks. Eventually take a dab, realise it's fun, next thing you're starving yourself for more boost lol .. i also don't wish to kill the motor. I have good, fun power. But i drive completely normal otherwise. I only push it sometimes. I've seen people push, push, push. Guess what? Cars dead.

[@dragos7886]

Could you please tell me for my Seat Leon 1M 1.8t 180hp with KO3 from 2000 year can i put KO3s withoit doing any changes or i must do remap ?does it fit out and in or needs some modification?thank you very much.

[@torquecars]

The remap just releases the full potential, the stock ECU map will hold things back thinking it's only got a really efficient K03. The K03s will generally bolt on and work ok, there are a few revisions and differences between the brands so I can't be 100% specific here but if you do your research it should be an easy upgrade. Check photos and just make sure the pipes and turbo components are the same as yours. Worst case is usually swapping a few things around like if you fitted a K04 and this is typically a few hours work but certainly achievable.

[@cimmful]

I got mk5 gti 2009 with K03s does it worth to make it hybrid and how much power i will get,please reply🙂

[@torquecars]

It is hard to say, there are so many hybrid options out there. I would say you can push a K03's towards the Mk5 traction limits fairly easily (which I would conservatively say is around 250hp when you start getting too much wheel spin if you are heavy on the throttle). You'll just get a lot of wheel spin at the high 200hp region, although a decent quaife diff should see you manage around 290hp without traction problems. This TFSi video guide should be useful kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKOriqqjo8yMi8U I had the BUL engine in my 2008 A4, which was rated to around 225hp on the stock turbo but it had Quattro so I could push a lot more power without traction problems.

[@cimmful]

@@torquecars thanks a lot but for traction is not problem because in my country we race from 80-100kmh 😅😅✌

[@N1NJAKIDD]

Are we talking about power limits for the K04 on a 1.8T engine? Because my S3 8P 2.0T which has a K04-064 makes 390bhp at Stg2+ and has been running reliably for nearly 2 years. Well it was running fine until I recently decided to swap it for a Venom 450 hybrid 😁😁

[@torquecars]

That is really interesting, yes I was discussing the K04 (Particularly the early one I have experience with) but after I released this video it has become clear to me that the K04 is far more capable than I had been let to believe and my power limit suggestions are rather pessimistic. This is how we all learn isn't it? I must do a video that drills down into the differences between the K04 turbos. Sorry to hear about your problems with the Venom 450, was it the turbo or did something else fail on you?

[@N1NJAKIDD]

@@torquecars no there was no issue with my turbo, just upgraded to the better hybrid turbo for more power😀

[@youtubejunkie8053]

The CTS K04x is pushing 400hp reliably. Alex from Stratified is the man when it comes to tuning your VW

[@korey420]

Wish that was true.. but hardly anyone tunes my specific vw.. 2012 beetle turbo 2.0tsi.. I'm stuck with OTS tunes🙄

[@thejunior9497]

@@korey420Very common engine, anyone that tunes GTI’s or S3’s should be able to do it no problem

[@thejunior9497]

Also stock ea113 with k04 and an air intake+map will be pushing strong 300hp very reliably

[@timprice8877]

Yes to the crank, Not the wheels 🛞 😅

[@frisodeman4299]

Nice video! Question.... swapping a k03 to k04 eliminates the divertervalve since it is on the k03 and not on the k04. What is your view on relocating the diverter ? Swapping to blow off and remap is way easier.

[@torquecars]

I would use something like the UNITRONIC DV Relocation Kit. NB: atmospheric blow offs are best avoided on most VAG Engines.

[@frisodeman4299]

@@torquecars I will look into that relocation Kit thanks! Lets say someone is going for a full remap. why would we still avoid the blow off? Having no air going back into the intake is actually more predictable for the new mapped ECU than having a diverter dumping an unexpected amount back into the intake. I am hearing everyone saying to keep the diverter unless you go 600HP and up. But my engineering mind does not understand how a diverter is better than a blow off on a complete new map where the ECU is not expecting the added air.

[@torquecars]

Without going into to much technical detail here this is a peculiarity of the VAG ECU's and air pressure/flow sensor design, when this pressure is lost it throws an error. The DV is in this case pumping an expected amount of pressurised air into the intake, and if that is not what was expected the engine will throw a "hissy fit". Keeping the pressurized air in the intake also (in this setup) improves throttle response as you are not waiting for the turbo to spool up again and have some pressurized air to use. Partially atmospheric DV's have been used on some engines to some degree of success or using an aftermarket ECU is another option.

[@benjaminsmith5342]

The k03 fitted to 1.8t do not have a built in diverter valve

[@korey420]

Or you could just get a turbo kit that uses the diverter valve placement... Like the c t s..

[@marka1712]

The hp numbers here are bogus af lol. I’ve ran stage 2 fsi for almost 170k miles. Original turbo with 194k miles total and I drive the 💩 out of this car every single time. I also got my two biggest gains from the tune and then a month later the 3” catless dp. I have clocked my 0-60 at 5.3 with some wheel spin. At the strip I can’t get traction in first or second so i don’t have a clue what it would do with traction but on the street I’ve ripped some 400hp Camaros and a few mustangs and a buddies b5 s4 tuned on stock turbos

[@torquecars]

Interesting, which turbo and engine was this on, I'm always interested to hear peoples experiences on these turbos. I do find that people quote very different safe and max limits, some can be down to the engine they are fitted to and some turbos were slightly different as well to confuse things. I would much rather someone make more power than come back to me saying it blew up because I recommended too high a figure! It is always amazing how much difference a tune make to a turbo engine.

[@marka1712]

@@torquecars I have an early 2008 with the original ko3, stock and original everything internal with intake, dp, catback and clutch/flywheel upgrades. I agree sometimes you just get a car with a “good” engine that seems faster than normal. But I have seen many videos of these cars with these turbos dynoing at the numbers you’re saying bhp. I don’t think you’re way off but I think it’s enough to mention. My car no way it only makes 220-240 bhp and runs like it does. I have lost a bit of boost and spool but I’m thinking the wastegate actuator rod needs to be tightened up. Car is secondary/toy status these days so not a big rush to worry about it now but I will probably end up ko4 and new tunes in the near future.

[@nigh7swimming]

I'm running 360bhp with k04, some people do 380, Audi ea113 platform.

[@torquecars]

Nice, any other mods needed to support that power level? What do you recommend to people looking to hit these higher power levels?

[@nigh7swimming]

@@torquecars consult the local tuner shop, but basically hpfp, downpipe, fprv.

[@zakarossi]

R56 jcw/gp2 has k03s and on stage 2 they can do easily over 280hp

[@torquecars]

That is really interesting. Most of my experience on these is with VAG group cars. You've got me in full on nerd mode now, I'm comparing the boost psi with power provided on each type of engine. I suspect the R56 engine is more efficient and able to pull more power out of the air fuel charge. I'll report back with my findings.

[@jpra64]

Aren't those mini motors 2.0l? It's going to move more air better low torque so more power

[@notyouraveragegoldenpotato]

Pro tip. Skip k03-029 (oem stock turbo) skip the k03-s (literally the same turbo with a turbine that is LITERALLY a few mm's larger.. mms) skip the k04-015. Its again... a few mms larger, absolutely worthless all of them. The k04-023 can be alright at ultra high boost u til the chra dies quickly. but isnt a bolt in for longitudinal. Go with a gt2871r or a gt28 if you want to even notice gains😂

[@TypicalBlue-rq8ri]

I thought the AJQ had the k03s bud 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Notyournormaltt]

My tuned ecu made my k03 give 280HP 😎😎

[@torquecars]

Nice, that is a very good result. What engine is that fitted to? Keep those oil changes up and let the turbo cool down after you've been pushing it and you should enjoy it for many years to come.

[@StrataGz]

who tuned your ecu?

[@korey420]

Stock my beetle turbo is 200hp 207 tq with a ihi (ko3) turbo at 8 lbs of boost... 120k miles and have been stage 2 untronic 15 lbs of. Boost... 240hp easily... ko3 can handle more than 190hp🤣

[@michaelw6277]

I thought he was speaking about long term durability. Still though for a street car you can push the turbo as hard as you’d like because you just can’t keep your foot in it long enough to destroy it. Take the same tune to a lot of track days and you might find that the durability becomes more of a problem… but with junkyard replacement turbos for my GTI costing around $200 it’s hard to care much about that.

[@alexfrancis7509]

The k04 safe limit is 5bhp under what the bam engine code came out of the factory with this does not make any sense at all

[@torquecars]

When swapped onto a 1.8T I have seen 2 failures at fairly low power figures (220), hence the caution, but these could easily be one offs. I now feel that these are safe to around 250hp and will top out around 280hp if properly cooled and lubricated. Welcome to my dilemma because the K04 was used on a number of engines I chose to go with the figure which I considered absolutely safe (which I now concede was wrong and too pessimistic) on the average 1.8T (not the big port versions IE S3 etc) which is lower than on the 2.0. I should probably do a version of this for each engine type, which includes a 2.5 TFSi as well, which again is more efficient than even the 2.0 if it has the big port head and direct injection setup. The 2.0 TFSi made much more power than the equivalent 1.8 as it was far more efficient. 5bhp is still well within the margins of a "safe limit" this is not an absolute figure, but pretty much guarantees reliability on these and I'm not surprised that VW were pushing the limits when they can. Personally I choose to go just outside the "paranoid safe limits", so I'm getting a decent power gain, but won't compromise reliability too much. I tend to view these safe limits as paranoid, but they are a useful guide to people when thinking about upgrades.

[@benjaminsmith5342]

1.8t S3 comes with 225 hp

[@torquecars]

What do you feel are the "safe" and "max" limits are on these turbos and on the S3 engines with the K04? I'm always interested in others experiences to round out my own, limited knowledge.

[@benjaminsmith5342]

@@torquecars safe 250-260 max 280 and that's going to get really hot, that's what I'm currently running on a early golf with me7.5 swap, to get around 280 I'm at 28ish psi of boost

[@J3rryTortoise]

@@torquecars my k03s has been running happily at around 230hp at 20psi for a couple years now, havent lost a drop of oil and im considering seeing what a k04 could do for me

[@baedanbutler5995]

K03s helped prove shit auq blocks from good ones 🤣🤣 if the little pins were gonna let go they would have and gotta keep the boost high

[@jamieharris5170]

220 bhp for a ko4 ?? Are you crazy. Ko4 will happily sit at 350bhp

[@torquecars]

You are quite right, that was a mistake on my part based on bad information on my research. I still feel that 350 is too much for a daily driver based on feedback I've had. The consensus I've found based on conversations I've had with tuners on this engine is that around 280-300 is a good safe limit, but I'm always interested to hear your thoughts. I think I've managed to cut out that bit, as it is quite misleading in the video. I will redo this video in the near future and update a few other things I've found out. Thanks once again for your feedback and suggestions, it really does help me improve the information we share.

[@321ror]

Cant be, K04 064 is about 360bhp before major upgrades like autotech HPFP upgrades and keeping the boost of the K04 064 to 1.2bar. The K04 on the 1.8t is a smaller turbo, so what upgrades will provide 350bhp?

[@richiec9077]

No way on earth can anyone run at 30mph😂

[@torquecars]

Maybe if you had the right motivation!! lol

[@benjaminsmith5342]

Some of the comments on this video lmao 🤣🤣 k04 isn't good for 300 hp lmao

[@iambigmac1302]

Actually, yes it is He’s talking about crank horsepower. My car put down 290 wheel horsepower with a ko4 🤷🏾‍♂️ and I’d say that’s roughly 330 crank 😂 you should stop using shitty ass APR stage to crap and get a custom tune. It’ll actually pull power.

[@korey420]

Ok so if you go on every website that sells k04 they will clearly says they are good for 350 hp.. But thank you for showing the world your ignorance..

[@eeiko321]

@@iambigmac1302 what car do you have? A friend of mine had an APR tune and the motor blew.. most likely from the tune

[@Tijaek]

@@eeiko321 late to the conversation but my friend has a 2003 GTI 1.8T with KO4 and supporting mods and a custom tune is around 300 to the wheels, he ran this for many miles with a stage 2 transmission and no issues. Stop using jank tunes!!! Spend the extra money for a custom tune!

[@mathewhoffer4541]

Word of advice .. stop using the word MAP .. in the rest of the world it is called the engine TUNE it is much more recognized and it falls into the same category as people calling the TRUNK of a car the BOOT ? a boot is something you place on your foot prior to shoving it up the arse of someone not using proper English grammar and referring to stuff with stupid names.

[@p1fly]

Engine mapping / tune, same shit different wording

[@torquecars]

A long time ago I realised (realized) that different areas use different terms and language, whilst we try to cater for everyone but I am based in the UK and the majority of our viewers are from European regions where we generally use the phrase "Tune" to mean an analogue adjustment such as with carbs etc or adding bolt on parts to an engine, and we use map/remapping to explain the modern process of adjusting the ECU parameters. The "Remapping" term is gaining wider acceptance even in parts of the US. I will try to use both terms if this is causing confusion though and have tried to reflect this on our website. I do feel your pain though as someone from England who speaks English it is challenging to see others using different words for the same thing but different is not necessarily wrong, just a localised (sorry localized ) dialect. Vive La Difference.

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

Word of advice, if you have an issue with the vernacular, you're free to watch a different video.

[@MrRuss.]

Just fitted a (?) K04 turbo on a 2012 Audi Premium plus platform..... The build is very stock (Quick/Nice Cars can be quiet sometimes too :), minus (?). Its like having a super diesel car at low RPM start up and after that she goes crazy! I hid the specifics with (?). If you need to know more, please Subscribe and Like. I will try to answer all. @MrRuss.