S3 1.8t Standard Component Limitations

[Imola-S3]

Hi...
I've searched for the forum but not really been able to find a definitive thread that describes what sort of power you can safely achieve before the standard components are going to need to be upgraded.

Based on the experience of some of the sites members would anyone be kind enough to offer their views on what safe limits parts can be run at before needing to be upgraded.

Here's a list of components I'd be interested in hearing what the safe maximum is for them to be run at. At what point would a standard part become a restriction. All assuming the parts in question are in good working order... of course!

Engine Head:
Engine Bottom End:
Air Filter:
Turbo Intake Pipe:
Diverter Valve:
Turbo:
Intercooler Hoses:
Intercoolers:
Inlet Manifold:
Injectors:
Fuel Pump:
Exhaust Manifold:
Downpipe:
Catalytic Converter:
Exhaust from Cat:
Brakes:
Clutch:
Flywheel:

Also... what grade / brand of oil would be best suited to engines which have covered various mileages of say 'below 75,000' : '75,000 to 100,000' : '100,000 to 125,000' etc.

It would just be nice to have a single 'go-to' post for people out there who intend on tuning their cars with a certain power level and / or budget in mind.

Hope to see some input and I'll update this list above to simplify everything (with a credit to the person who gave their input on the subject )

 

[Jenno007]

From what I've read rods are usually the first part to go. If you're aiming for around 300bhp you'd be wise to upgrade them. But then some people have bent a rod with stock power, and others are making over 300bhp with standard rods. I believe everything else is forged and is capable for big power, there are a few threads on how the internals cope.

I'm not sure you'll get many answers for the bolt ons, as people usually upgrade parts they know will restrict them before they are on the limit. Ie a pod filter is a lot of people's first mod when the standard airbox isn't at its limit.

K04 should be good for around 260.

Brakes are too subjective to have a "limit".

Hopefully someone will be able to give you a better answer but it's pretty hard to find the limit of a specific bolt on

 

[daz-20vt]

people have bent rods on stage 1 power though. there is no safe number sadly. mapping, engine health and luck play a massive part!
brakes in my opinion are terrible at oem level. cars too heavy for them.