K03 turbo.

[anarchyx34]

I've seen some posts around here referencing the K03 turbo. From what I know this is the same turbo found on 1.8t's. I've driven 1.8t's and love the response that turbo gives and would love to have that instead of my laggy K24. Is this an easy bolt on? What are the chances that the 1.8t exhaust manifold bolts on to the 1.6td?

[jtanguay]

as far as i know, the K03 has a different oil drain line, which you would need to swap.  im unaware of any extra brackets you may need.

the k03 will make your car run a bit hotter, but yes the response will be that much greater, way down low

[QuickTD]

The 1.8T K03 is not the same as the diesel K03. They share bearing sizes in the centre housing and thats all. The 1.8t manifold won't bolt up to the diesel head, the gas housings and wheels wouldn't be suitable for diesel use anyway. You need a K03 turbo and a manifold from a canadian spec AAZ engine to fit your diesel. The manifold is a direct bolt-on to the 1.6 but the downpipe flange and oil drain lines will require some work.

[scopefrfd]

I have both turbos...1.8t and the AAZ.  The diesel K03 has smaller compressor and turbine wheels.  I think the gas K03 would be a great upgrade over the AAZ.  Or atleast use the larger 1.8t compressor wheel and housing.  The 1.8t will not bolt on to an AAZ exhaust mani.  Your best bet is to use an adapter plate on a early AHU tdi gt-15 exhaust manifold.  That's what I have, an adapter.

[anarchyx34]

Thanks for the replies. I was also considering a GT15 from an early TDI. I've heard those spool up nice down low and that they're more efficient than the K03 as well. Custom oil drain line and downpipe work is no big deal. I dealt with that on my other car, and I can do it again. To me the K24 seems like a poor OEM choice considering that it's only intended to blow 9psi, but only after 2800 rpms. I wonder why they didnt chose something much, much smaller from the get-go.

[QuickTD]

To me the K24 seems like a poor OEM choice considering that it's only intended to blow 9psi

I don't think there were alot of small turbo options back then. Small automotive diesels weren't common and other small diesels were mostly used in steady state applications (tractors, stationary engines) so lag wasn't an issue. The late 80's and early 90's brought lots more small automotive diesels and many more small turbo options.

 You could also consider the garret T2 or K14 used on early passat 1.9TD's, both bolt up to the trapezoidal 1.6 manifold and both are better low end performers (lag wise) than the K24 or T3. The 1Z and AHU TDI turbo's (K03-006 and GT15) are also a good choice and bolt up to the older diesel head but the low mount manifold can be a packaging problem in older body styles.

[scopefrfd]

In regards to the K24, vw back then primarily designed their cars for the autobahn..even the td's.  A k24 at highway speed is a really nice turbo.  Germans didn't really modify they're engines for other markets.  They could care less what amercians wanted...back then.  Hence they're miserable north american sales in the late 80's-90's

[addautomotive]

Speaking from experience, I miss my k03. I have a T3 on my 96 1.9TD, and while it's great on the highway, it's a bit of a dog around town.

Having said that, I'm headed to Monteal tomorrow morning. The t3 will probably endear itself to me again. The Jetta was much quicker with the k03, but has more "legs" on the highway with the t3.

[anarchyx34]

So theoretically, if I got a used K03 and manifold, including the oil line, and then put the K03 flange on the end of a passenger performance DP, this should be a pretty easy install right? I wonder if the turbo's inducer diameter is the same meaning I can even re-use the stock intake hose.