S4NIC8

instead of the exhaust side.

Okay, I'm not an Audi Engineer nor a math major so I can't calculate the specifics regarding increased exhaust volumes, back pressure reductions, and resulting temperature deviations.

The point I'm simply trying to make is this:

Turbocharged engines run hotter than normally aspirated engines simply because the compressed intake air generated from the turbochargers becomes heated due to natural laws governing pressure, volume and temperature.

Running the air back through intercoolers lowers the temp of that compressed air, but if you run stock IC's with larger turbos, you are naturally gonna get higher engine temps because the volume and/or surface area of the IC doesn't match the higher output turbos and therefore can't cool the air as effectively.

Nogaro Nitwit

to do a full Stage 3

PSUEng

If my K03s go south, then I'd go straight K04, DPs and possibly ICs---but that's it.

BeeRock::Riding Red

do what i did, buy parts here and there and preparefor it, that way it wont hit your wallet hard

Dr. Jekyll

Just make sure you don't get a ride in a stage 3 and you'll be fine ;-)

Nogaro Nitwit

And with the modding disease I am looking at even just a start at fueling with new injectors, FPR, and lemmiwinks tweaks to tide me over until teh full fueling kit can be afforded

Jon-1.8t

I'll stick with my 300whp for now... Less cyl and turbos to blow up

The R

If you're paying for a turbo replacement out of your own pocket and weren't planning on modding the car a lot, that would be a no brainer in my book. Just a better turbo even at stock boost levels in terms of life span IMO.

I had price it back in 2003 and it was around 3k or higher for K03s from the dealer. K04s at that time were $2400 w/ inlet pipes. I can always use an extra 600 or 700 bucks.

I was never Stage 3- though. Well, maybe for like a week. lol