clever_handle

I've recently pulled the trigger on an ABT(AMS) chip. The throttle response is better and there is better fuel economy with highway driving. I'm not on the boost all the time or streetlight racing, but the rare & occasional drive on back-country roads makes the extra power something that I appreciate.

While STFA can yield a wide range of opinions from : "YOUR K03s are DOOMED!" to "I've put 170K on my GIAC-X K03s", I believe that more than voodoo is involved in squeezing high-mileage out of the K03s.

I'd like to know what other preventive measures make sense on a limited budget.

I'm driving a 2001.5 with the changes that brings.

I doubt that I will have the $$ to go stage III anytime soon. If the K03s bite the dust, I'll likely have to sell my ride...

clever_handle

Other STFA results : Turbo Timer, Best Oil Money & Opinion Can buy

Nigel (no more S4)

don't drive in boost.

sj6sp

K03s are pushed hardest when you run full boost to redline.

pentosinjunky

If you're getting into the used B5 S4 game that's something you have to be prepared for. That, and the transmission.

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

within a few mintues of shutdown, use OEM quality oil filter, maintain cooling system, and obviously avoid boost leaks. Many early turbos failed due to chipping/abuse on dino oil. The MY '01.5 upgrades helped a lot. Yeah chipping will shorten the life of the turbos, but you can still make them last a long time if they are not already damaged.

they are pretty robust devices, but abuse them and you pay the price. Using 710N BPV's also helps.

Rudy H

cryogenic freezing until we figure out how to make them last forever

sindoe

lay off boost when cold or when about to shut down (highway rest stops are a good example of a hot shut down)

keep your oil changes in check.

make sure the intake plumbing is all sealed tight.

Make sure your bypass valves are in working order. It is worth checking them every 3-6 months. While you are there, check the TBB, the f-hose, and any other rubber components in that area for wear and tear.

Have a boost gauge installed to monitor how the turbos behave. Any defects to the intake plumbing and or wastegates will become apparent when watching how the boost gauge behaves under throttle.

Be smooth on the throttle.

All i can think of.

(MTM Stg 1 chipped for 115k miles)

Hibiscus Red S4

Also, replace the TBB with a reinforced unit (I've had Samco for 60k miles with no problem. Be sure to get good clamps that don't cut into it. Always wait until the oil is at least 1 click past the first mark, change oil and send it in to blackstone labs to get analyzed. they will tell you how long you can go between changes. Only use synthetic oil (I like German castrol syntec 0w30) but Mobil 1 is alright too. Don't shut off your car after it's been driven hard until it has a chance to cool down. look for and inspect any leaks/problems asap. I have almost 130k miles on stock K03s and an AMS/ABT chip (chipped for ~70k miles)

Hibiscus Red S4

that could save you big headaches.