and to be clear, just because a turbo is rated for more power does not mean that it it is the cause for more power. I'm not saying ebay isn't flooded with a bunch of half assed BS parts made in china, but I have honestly never ever seen a complaint from anyone running a k03 knock off.

 

I wouldnt give it credit for the 20hp jump from 150hp to 170hp at all. I highly doubt anyone has compared stock vs stock but i would guess the timing would be a couple *'s higher in the 170hp version. The turbo probably only made a 3-5bhp difference at 11psi. Its more like a 10whp difference between the ko3 and ko3s with full bolt on cars and 20psi however.

The only person with a 1.8t i have seen run an ebay turbo was someone with a B5 that bought it with one installed. Dont know who it was or what happened to him, but it seem to hold ok for him. I dont know how long its been running or if it still is. Still rather have a 70k stock turbo than a new ebay version like i said earlier. In fact i do have one in my car that i got used and it runs great.

Know any one else running an ebay ko3 or other on a 1.8T?

 

Ok....that is the EXACT turbo I have, same lettering, same symbols, same layout. Plus, the "blue plate" is clear like on mine and a clear triangle.

Thats the one! I'm assuming that the particular auction was for a k03 then.

Well, it seems from all the sentiment I am getting that:
1. I definately have an ebay POS turbo
2. POS turbos are supposed to be low quality but nobody has heard of anyone having actual problems with them (hopefully I'm not the first! )
3. The turbo doesnt make the big difference, it's the tune differences.

I'm assuming they would have gone with the cheapest solution which would have been a k03. I guess I can sit back and relax about it then, have giac chip me up a K03 program and enjoy the car for what she is! I'm gonna leave the turbo, just because it is not actually giving me problems right now and I dont want to create and new leaks.

I'll keep you guys posted if it throws a compressor wheel or anything.

Have a great weekend and happy motoring!