New member, with one or two questions!!

[bradyb]

Hi Guys,

My heart was set on buying a S4, around '99 - '00. . but since reading the forums and talking to a few people I am having second thoughts...

I hear the turbo talk might be slightly exaggerated but never the less, I think if I'm buying one I should be prepared if they do go at some point..

If the turbos have to be replaced, how much access is available to take them out? I hear space is very limited around the engine and gearbox..can they be taken out easily or does the engine/subframe have to come out too?

Also, how much would a set of K04s set you back? Or would you be better off using the K03 repairing kits that can be bought?

Lastly, how does general day to day maintaining compare with other cars?

Thanks for the help,
Brian

[stumpyrs4]

Welcome to the world of expense and immense highs and lows of S/RS ownership!

No access available to change turbos - it's an engine out job.

New K04s cost approx £2k supply. K04s obviously will get you up to 500bhp, whereas K03s definitely wont get above 350bhp. If you're going to the effort of taking out the engine, and you can afford it of course look at upgrading the turbos to K04s, or RS4 Hybrids (RS6), RS6 turbos, or maybe a TIAL 605 kit...

The car's can be quite expensive but everything is relative - you are talking about a car quicker than a 911 (K04'd that is), so you shouldn't expect a Ford's servicing costs.

HTH

[s4-99]

Welcome to the forum mate.....

Firstly i wouldn't get caught up in the forum paranoia and secondly the people you have spoken to have they actually got an S4 or ever owned one? Mines a late 99 facelift model and i've owned it for 6 years now, it's been re-mapped for 4.5 of them years and it's still running sweet now. I'm on 117K with original turbo's - some people are on higher milage than me with original turbo's too....

Yes everyone should be prepared for when there turbo's go or at least know it's going to happen one day. Regular maintainance and servicing and just generally staying on top of things will help to making them hopefully last a little longer but it is like a lottery and it could happen at any time...

It's definately an engine out job to replace both of your turbo's when the time comes. I'm not 100% sure on cost but i think your looking in the region of 3k - 5k (K04s) with a few other performance related parts inclusive of fitting??? I definately wouldn't bother with a repairing kit for K03's, your're better going for bigger better turbo's and more power while the engines out.....That's my future plans anyway

General day to day maintainance is nothing different from any other car, except remember to warm up before you give it a blast and cool down when you've finished giving it a blast and ready to switch off. Petrol will be your main concern for every day running....V power is a must and @ £25 for under 20 litres it aint cheap....Overall though it is very very satisfying owning one of these car's and definately makes you smile when you press your right foot down hard.....

A few mods like suspension, ARB's, brakes etc will also transform the car, it all depends what you want and how big your wallet is

Well thats my little essay, i'm sure other members could add a few things,

Good luck with whatever you decide....