B5 S4 Single Turbo Conversion: Need Advice!

Performance & Modifications
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B5 S4 Single Turbo Conversion: Need Advice!

I’ve been diving into the world of single turbo conversions for my B5 S4 and could really use some insights from fellow enthusiasts. There’s a lot of information floating around, but sorting through it all to find what really works for a smooth and powerful conversion can be overwhelming.

Key Challenges I’m Facing:

  1. Turbo Selection: What single turbo are you guys using for your builds? Thinking about the RS4 or a Garrett, but open to suggestions.
  2. Compatibility: I’ve seen mixed opinions on what parts work best with the single turbo setup. Any recommendations for compatible parts or brands?
  3. Supporting Mods: Besides the turbo, what supporting mods should I look into? I want to ensure reliability while maximizing performance.
  4. Tuning: I’ve heard that tuning is critical for these conversions. Who do you recommend for a good tune for this setup?

What I’ve Done So Far:

  • I’ve already installed an upgraded intercooler and I’m looking at exhaust options.
  • Planning on beefing up the fuel system as well, but still deciding on which injectors to go with.

Your Experiences:

If you’ve already gone through this process, I’d love to hear about your experiences! What pitfalls should I avoid? Were there any unexpected challenges?

Any advice, tips, or build logs you can share would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your insights and happy to share my journey too!

Thanks in advance!

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Hey! A single turbo conversion can really open up the performance of your B5 S4. You can see gains of over 100 horsepower compared to the stock setup, depending on the turbo you choose. Just make sure you upgrade the cooling system as well!

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Absolutely! Plus, the single turbo setup generally has less complexity than the twins. That means fewer things can go wrong!

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From my experience, the single turbo gives you stronger mid-range torque, which is super useful for daily driving. It’s like having a whole new car once it’s tuned right.

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But has anyone considered the lag? Single turbos can have a noticeable lag compared to the instant power of the twins. That’s something to think about for street driving.

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True, but it really depends on the turbo size and lag can be mitigated with tuning. A good setup can make the lag manageable.

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I’ve been thinking about this conversion too! Any recommendations on which turbo models are best for the B5 S4?

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Look into the Garrett GT series. They are highly regarded for their performance and reliability on single turbo setups. You won’t be disappointed!

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Sounds good! I’ll also need to consider fuel injectors and a wider fuel pump to handle the increased power, right?

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Definitely! Upgrading those components is crucial. You might want to check out aftermarket cooling too since it can get really hot with a single turbo.

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It’s pretty exciting to think about these upgrades! Just remember that you’ll want a solid tune, otherwise the increased power won’t translate well.

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For sure! Tuning is key! What about exhaust systems? Are they also necessary for a successful conversion?

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An aftermarket exhaust is a must! It frees up the flow and helps maximize the performance benefits of your single turbo. Plus, it sounds amazing!

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So much to think about! It’s like preparing for a wedding – lots of planning! Any humorous ‘learning experiences’ from doing this conversion?

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Oh boy, I once forgot to tighten a clamp and my car sounded like a blender! Double-check everything and don’t rush the installation process!

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I recently did a single turbo conversion on my B5 S4, and the biggest challenge was getting the right fittings for the oil return line. Be prepared to do some custom work!

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Great insight! I found that the intercooler piping was also a headache. Make sure you have those couplers ready before starting.

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I agree with you both! Don’t forget to consider the fuel system upgrades. It’s crucial to ensure you have enough flow for the added boost.

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So true, Robert! Also, have you all thought about tuning? The right ECU tune can make or break your conversion experience.

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Tuning is vital! But from my experience, patience is key. It took me several tries to get the perfect map for my setup.

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