Rebuiling stock K04 vs. GT28/GT30

[ccs70]

I'm new to this site and to tuning, and hope someone can help me out by answering some questions. I have a mostly stock 2007 MS6. Only upgrade so far is a cat back REMUS exhaust. I have ordered a new DP with hiflo cat and plan to get an inlet pipe and a better TMIC, while keeping the original Air Box and filter to keep turbo and BOV sounds down.

I would like to get better drivability and response for daily use. I do not plan to drag race, do track days or any thing of that kind.

It appears that some people have descovered that they have a defective turbo when swapping DP. I am a little worried about installing a DP, on the other hand there is no point riding around with a defective turbo.

I see that swapping out a smoking stock turbo with a GT28/GT30 is proposed as an option to hassling with dealers about warrwanty issues. An other option (cheaper?) is to rebuild the stock K04 turbo.

-Will a rebuilt K04 solve the smoking problem (for "ever")?

-How does a rebuilt K04 compare to a GT28? (in terms of spool up, drivability and power vs. price)

-Does a rebuilt K04 or GT28 work well with the stock ECU and stock boost level? (in terms of reliabilty and gain)

-What can I expect with the above mentioned mods (DP with hiflo cat, new TMIC, new inlet with original air box and rebuilt K04/GT28 in terms of response, torque and hp?

-Which TMIC is recommended? (I see they range from $500-1200...)

-Should I consider lowering the boost level to ensure reliability and how is that done?

-Are there other mods I should consider, keeping in mind that response, drivabilty and reliability are most important, not peak power?

 

[Captain KRM P5]

- our rebuilt K04 is designed to cure the oil burn/smoking issue. our field experience with the units on the market thus far have proven that we have been pretty successful in this regard. if you have no cats in the car, you will always get more smoke from a richer exhaust stream and nothing in place to burn off unspent fuel. if you don't want at least some smoke, keep your cats. its really that simple.

- the K04 will spool faster than the GT28. drivability is fine on either. top end power and potential is slightly better with the GT28

- stock ECU and stock boost is fine on either turbo. having a wideband to monitor your exact air/fuel ratio is strongly recommended however.

- those mods should net you quite a bit of power on thier own. it varies from car to car but i'd say 50 to 60whp depending on the vehicle, your conditions and how if at all you tune it, that is not an unreasonable expectation.

- there is no reason to shell out $1200 for a undersized AutoEXE intercooler unless you want the pride of owning an ARC/AutoEXE part.

- lowering the boost level and installing a new turbo is counterproductive and defeats the purpose

- engine management, colder plugs, engine mount - there are bunch of little nagging things to consider really.