Reliability of Turbo and Computer Upgrades / Engineering

**Smitch** · 12-05-2008, 08:09 PM

Hey,
I'm still looking at buying a Mk4 Golf GTI.

I'm seeing a few around with k04 turbo upgrades, computer upgrades, and suspension upgrades.

I have two questions;

1) How reliable are these turbo and computer upgrades? (how long is a piece of string, but general comments would be great).

2) Do these mods have to be engineered in NSW?

Cheers Everyone.

**99gti** · 12-05-2008, 08:22 PM

The K04-001 is quite a reliable upgrade. The outer housing is the same size as the standard K03 turbo and all of the ecu upgrades available through the many companys such as APR, GIAC, MTM, Superchips all run within fairly safe specs.

**Smitch** · 12-05-2008, 08:25 PM

does the upgrade need to be engineerd?

Thanks again

**DUB 20V** · 12-05-2008, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Smitch

does the upgrade need to be engineerd?

Thanks again

no, you can really see a difference, its not classed a big upgrade, but does give good power increase..

**99gti** · 12-05-2008, 08:49 PM

Your not physicaly modifying anything structualy so no - it doesn't requiring and engineering certificate.

**Smitch** · 12-05-2008, 09:33 PM

thanks for your help.

Suspension modifications need to be engineered though dont they. Is this a difficult task? I guess it depends on the units used now I think about it.

**schwartza3** · 13-05-2008, 12:22 AM

no, rears suspension are easy to swap, front is a little harder especially drivers side because of the thicker drive shaft. just use spring compressor or turn your wheel full right and use some force to compress the spring to get the shock out of its position. i've had my k04 for about 1.5yrs, no probs so far

edit: sorry didn't read ur Q properly, thought you were asking how difficult suspension are to swap, anyway you don't need a cert.

**D3bb4** · 13-05-2008, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by 99gti

Your not physicaly modifying anything structualy so no - it doesn't requiring and engineering certificate.

If you talk to any police: anything non-standard needs to be engineered, else you are able to be defected.

You may also find that a turbo upgrade and a chip may change emissions, and EPA aren't very friendly.

With regards to suspension: Lowered vehicles can be defected. 100mm ground clearance is stipulated in Australian Design Rules (ADR), and if you're lower, you get defected. Friend of mine was NOT lower (so his car was legit), still defected, needed to be certified to clear the defect.

Same deal with aftermarket rims.

And yes, alot of people here may not have been pulled up for such modifications, but that does not mean that you couldn't be pulled up for it.