AWE K04
Turbo upgrade kit
Peak wheel-hp: 233 @ 6340 rpm
Peak wheel-torque: 243 lb-ft @ 3590 rpm
Features
* Direct-replacement turbo
* Electronic diverter valve relocation kit
* Silicone hose
* Custom high-flow turbo discharge
* GIAC software
Pros
* Direct replacement turbo uses all factory gaskets, water and oil lines-no risk of leaking when properly installed
* Kit can be used with the stock airbox. It's nearly impossible to tell the car has been modified, making trips to the dealer less worrisome
* OEM exhaust housing compatible with any exhaust designed for the stock K03
* Exhaust housing designed to maintain low-end torque with only a 500-rpm shift (approx.) in the curve
* Externally mounted diverter valve helps reduce common failures associated with the factory valve. By relocating the factory valve out of the turbo housing, extreme heat and stress on the diaphragm is reduced
* Good basis for big power. With the addition of larger injectors and a new fuel pump, there is potential for even more
Cons
* DV relocation kit is a little close to the factory A/C lines. If not properly installed, or as the motor mounts wear, this could become an issue
* Not a 100-percent reversible install, since the stock discharge pipe must be modified to install the high-flow turbo discharge and DV setup, but the stock pipe is only about $80 to replace
Parts
Turbocharger assembly with studs, billet DV relocation housing with bolts, high-flow turbo discharge silicone hoses, T-bolt and regular hose clamps, gaskets, exhaust manifold and downpipe lock nuts
Tools
10, 13 and 16mm box wrenches, 5, 6 and 8mm Allen head sockets and 10, 12, 13, 16 and 18mm sockets (all on 3/8-inch drive), 5 and 8mm triple square sockets, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, T25 Torx, hose and diagonal cut-off pliers, flat screwdriver, spray lubricant, hacksaw or cut-off wheel, extension and ratchet, coolant clamps
Price
$3,795
Installation time
6 to 8 hours
Recommendations
The turbo can be changed without losing any oil or coolant. If the car has low mileage, there's no need to be worried about the coolant. But changing the oil and filter is highly recommended, since running used oil in a new turbo is not a good idea.If planning on a home installation, ask for assistance from a second person-four hands will make it much simpler.
Overview
A K04 upgrade is our favorite type of upgrade, for so many reasons-the most important being reliability. The K04 isn't the biggest or the baddest turbo, but it does have these advantages: millions of dollars in R&D, hundreds of thousands of miles of testing by VW/Audi personnel in extreme conditions all over the world, and it was designed specifically for the 2.0T FSI engine.