K04 Refurbs - Recommendations Please

[Blue_Thunder]

The unfortunate demise of at least one of my newly installed K04's has prompted me to find a refurb outfit asap. Because I am absolutely skint, I want to find a place that will do a quality job for a decent price. Unfortunately I can't afford any nice to haves such as porting, ceramic coating, etc. I also need a place that has a quick turnaround as I can't afford to have the car off the road any longer than it has been.

One of the turbos sounds pretty dead, you could hear the blades hitting the case at high-boost. The other I imagine should be ok (both turbos had done <1000 miles since fitted).

I had assumed that these should both be refurbed at the same time as it is recommended they are replaced in pairs (to do with matching of the actuators?), but one company I spoke to said that I could get away with refurbing just one. What are people's views on this?

I've had quotes from the following (prices indicate from basic seals, etc. up to recores):

AET - ??? -> £450+vat
AR Turbo (www.arturbo.co.uk) - £150+vat -> £400+vat
TurboRepairs.com - £275(inc. vat?) -> £400+vat (includes delivery)
Tait EuroTurbos - ??? -> £475+vat
TurboTechnics - Been waiting 3 days for a quote!


Does anyone have anything positive/negative to say about any of these companies, or any recommendations of anyone else?

[ZeroK66]

I really believe if you refurb them you are going to be doing the same thing again. get new ones (speak to S4woody as he can source cheap) and sell your ones on.

You are one of many guys I have heard have refurb K04's fail.

[si_hill]

You are one of many guys I have heard have refurb K04's fail.

Really?? I am surprised by that. Why should a properly refurbed unit be anymore likely to fail? My car has refurbed K04's, I believe the work was carried out by AET but I'll check on that.

[Blue_Thunder]

Already got a quote for new ones and it's well over a grand more than I'm able to pay. Refurb is the only way forward i'm afraid.

[Blue_Thunder]

Anyone? Help please!!!

[s4woody]

try turbo dynamics..they mite even have a pair on the shelf..

[Blue_Thunder]

Looking likely I may go for AET, although they appear to be the priciest. Engine has been pulled and turbos are out. Anyone with any last minute recommendations?

[Nige_RS4]

I have a set sitting in a box that were done by AET - quick turnaround - they cocked up the price (but it was in my favour, thought I said Escort RS, not RS4). Also, balanced them beyond the OEM specification and tweaked the actuator by 2PSI.

[dummi]

'the turbo centre' in derby, he's got 20 years experience done a good job on mine before, think it was 200 quid + vat per turbo

[Blue_Thunder]

Went ahead with AET. Pretty quick turnaround at 4 working days, and Grizz says they look like a good job.

Only problem is they haven't lined up one of the turbo cases correctly so the orientation of the pipe is wrong meaning ti can't be fitted.

I was desperate to have the car back on the road for the weekend, but now because of their carelessness i'll have to wait another week before getting it! Grrrr....

[Blue_Thunder]

A quick update and a word of warning for anyone planning on using AET in the near future.

When I finally got the turbos back 'fixed', they were fitted and lasted a whole 150 miles (not thrashing it either) before a seal blew.

My car has been off the road since whilst i've saved up for another engine pull. Pressure tests and compression tests have confirmed that the car is as it should be, so looking very likely that the turbo refurbs weren't up to scratch.

Sending them back to AET this week and we'll see what they say. They should at least sort the turbos out off their own back, but I will also try and get them to cover the cost of the engine pull and investigation work carried out.

Update to follow....

[dr_wimpkins]

Are you really gonna risk putting them in again? What if the same happens another 200 miles down the road.

For the price of another engine pull you might be better taking out a loan and getting new ones...

[saf]

Get some new ones. Not worth the hassle. As Zero said on the second post. You dont want to do refurbs again.

You can get them from 034 motorsport including customs and delivery from the states at about £1250 for a set. My friend just got a set and had them instaled. Straigh KKK RS4 K04's brand spanking new.

[DavidT]

I would get the tuner to supply & fit new ones, job done.

[CliveH]

Sounds like a nightmare Scott!