High mileage S4, Should I recon the turbos?

[Dan Yeates]

Hi,

Had a brief conversation with Turbo Dynamics as they're just across the road from me.

I have a 98k miles bi-turbo S4. Sounds and pulls great, had no problems with it, but keep reading stories of the turbos blowing up at 80-90k miles on here and RS246.

Question is...it's a big job to take them out to have a look and I don't want to waste my time hauling the engine out as it looks like a hell of a job! Should I pull them out and recondition the ones I have before they blow up? Should I wait? Should I replace them? Should I upgrade them?

I really don't want to spend a fortune on the car so realistically I'll probably go with the cheapest option but want some opinions really. I'm not looking at tuning it up a huge amount, just a stage one remap and exhaust probably. I don't tend to keep cars long enough to tune up!

Thanks,

Dan

 

[PW-Motorsport]

Plenty go on for a lot longer.

Most are killed off by boost leaks or poor remaps.

 

[Markey]

It is a massive job so just wait start saving now then when they do blow you will be ready to rock and roll on getting them replaced with some hybrid ones.

 

[aragorn]

keep on top of the common boost leaks and they'll last a good bit longer yet imo!

I'd preemptively change all the common points of failure, TBB, fhose delete, replacement dump valves and the 1 way valves too, then pressure test the whole system to ensure there are no leaks!

The parts arent dear (perhaps £100 all in?) they're pretty easy to install, and could save you a couple grand changing the turbos prematurely.

If they do go, well... upgrades such as the K04 cost a very similar amount to the K03's hence why most people go for the larger turbo if they do fail...

 

[Dan Yeates]

Ok, thanks for the info. TD pretty much said the same regarding the upgrade to K04's.

It already has new 710N's, still not entirely sure what the f-hose delete is after seeing some confusing thread on RS246. I'm looking at fitting a complete silicon hose kit to replace the TBB and other hoses, will get onto the Audi dealer and change the 1 way valves too. I understand these are round the throttle body?

 

[Blue_Thunder]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

You're looking at approx £1300 for a turbo swap on an S4... and that's just labour, fluids and gaskets, etc.

Chris from MRC has well over 200,000 miles on the clock and he's running the original turbos. Seen a few track days as well I believe.

Unfortunately as I found out, the turbo fairy is a frequent visitor to us S4 owners. Worst still, no one knows where or when she will strike. She is an unpredictable bitch!

 

[Blue_Thunder]

There are three one way valves. All three (2 green, 1 grey) are visible if you remove the Y-pipe.

I wouldn't say they are near the throttle body.

 

[aragorn]

i wouldnt be paying the dealer to change them either, unless you like anal rape.

Get the screwdriver out and fit them yourself, or take it to a specialist if your afraid of the dirt!

 

[stapo69]

Mines on 130k, remapped, exhaust etc. Basic stage 1. Full service history which i keep up to date. Still pulls just fine. Don't spend it unless you have to for such a big job.

 

[Dan Yeates]

Thanks guys. I will just save up then, just in case! Only plan to go to a remap anyway, so no major mods planned.

Wasn't planning on taking it to Audi to do anything to do it. I always do all my own mechanical work, don't trust garages. I've rebuilt several VX220's but never worked on such a complex engine as the S4 lump.

Will get the hoses replaced then, and the one way valves. Are there part numbers on here or will Audi know what I'm talking about if I ask for one way valves?

Dan

 

[SonicDeathmonkey]

My turbos are original and I am on 180K wih no problems. Stick with them until they blow, then get the KO4s. Just dont tell the wife...

 

[Dan Yeates]

Wife? I'm only 23! Girlfriend does want to decorate our house though, and a new hoover...

 

[jcb]

just tell her you are getting a new "hoover" and get a couple of Ko4 hybrids in there!!