K03 or K03s turbo - Whats the bulb on the piping?

**WARFURIC** · 05-01-2016, 04:13 PM

Whats the bulb like thing on the tubing?

Reason I ask, the turbo in my 9N3 Polo has needed replacement for some months now, I ended up sourcing one via a member last year which may have been from an Audi S3 of the same era which had the thinner pipes like the right hand one. When my mechanic went to install it, he found the stock VW one had that large bulb like thing on the left and didn't remove/replace it. He provided me photos of what it looks like, and it has the large bulb, but I can't see if it drops back down in smaller size after it.

I've only just found this image tonight, so I need to check a few things with it in person, but would this indicate that the turbo I have as a replacement can be used, or would it be entirely different model, and essentially, not usable?

**h100vw** · 05-01-2016, 04:27 PM

Its a silencer, as long as there's the same number of blades on the compressor wheel, you can chuck it straight in.

The pipe onto the actuator might be a bit close to the firewall but that's ok.

**WARFURIC** · 05-01-2016, 04:28 PM

So theres a good chance the mechanic simply stopped too early and it'll slot straight in?

**louis19** · 05-01-2016, 04:57 PM

Judging by the picture it does appear that the two turbos have a different number of blades.

Turbo on the left looks like it has 8 blades (K03s), turbo on the right looks like 12 blades (K03). Just look at both turbos and double check that. I assume the photo you posted is the one your mechanic took for you?

**WARFURIC** · 05-01-2016, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by louis19

Judging by the picture it does appear that the two turbos have a different number of blades.

Turbo on the left looks like it has 8 blades (K03s), turbo on the right looks like 12 blades (K03). Just look at both turbos and double check that. I assume the photo you posted is the one your mechanic took for you?

No, its not actually. Just one I found on the internet with and without the bulb (silencer) next to each other. I've got some on my phone, post them up in a moment.

**WARFURIC** · 05-01-2016, 05:03 PM

Images from the engine bay:

New turbo on the ground, poor picture, can get others later tonight:

**h100vw** · 05-01-2016, 06:56 PM

Neil, Just check that the inlet compressor wheels look exactly the same.

Also, when your mechanic spots the actuator is different, don't let him try and swap them. You can't. I have tried.

Gavin

**WARFURIC** · 05-01-2016, 07:03 PM

Is it possible to check the compressor wheel from a stock installed one, without engine disassembly? His words were he stopped on sight of the silencer. Snapped photos, and put it back together.

**h100vw** · 05-01-2016, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by WARFURIC

Is it possible to check the compressor wheel from a stock installed one, without engine disassembly? His words were he stopped on sight of the silencer. Snapped photos, and put it back together.

Yes, with a mirror or phone at arms length..

Gavin