Just a note on some recent work on my B3 passat.
I replaced the bottom end due to a crack in the block-- many thanks to the previous dough-headed owner who decided it was a great idea to continue adding water to the coolant during the winter.
During the process I took off the T2 turbo and installed a K03-003 baby turbo.
I have to say, I'm quite impressed. Boost comes quickly and the tires (225/50R15) scrabble for traction. Second gear gets rubber easily if you're not careful. I also have a lightened flywheel and the very first performance Giles Pump ever built. (going in for updates soon)
I've mentioned it before, but I'd recommend anyone trying to decide on turbo sizes consider using the smallest one that will handle their desired max boost. Having a strong low and mid range powerband really makes for pleasureable driving.
Sounds like she's workin' good Dr.
When I replaced my flywheel recently, I was tempted to go with a lighter one, but time and money were not on my side.
I agree. When I toasted my Ko3 I went to a T3. It spools up WAY slower, and now I miss the Ko3.
Advantages of the T3 is that they are cheap and plentiful... it's hard to find a good k03.
I agree with the Dr. I'm running a K-14 on a tdi and it's spools much quicker than a t-3 or k24. It seems you're always looking for a little traffic space to feel the turbo instantly spool up. I think the k-14 is good for 25psi max intermittently.....although it accidently with 30psi+ when I went for a test drive and forgot to tighten the wastegate boost line. It pinned the gauge instantly...
I have a mint rabbit 4-door gas that I'm converting to a td and I've spec'd the tiny k03 AAZ turbo. The rabbit has a newly rebuilt 1.6 NA engine, k03 and an auto tranny. It's really for someone who does alot of city driving, driving a stick gets old fast in city traffic. Hope to have it ready by the spring...new everything..and I do mean everything.