cool article on the turbo probe (i used to have a 95 pgt).

interesting to see they run no intercooler, i think the old merkur xr4ti was "intercooler-less" as well. probably ok for low-boost application, also if the turbo is efficient at low boost (ie boost to heat is good).

had heard good things about the probe 2.5, its tougher than the duratec if i read/remember right...?

Have heard good things about the T-3 (or TO-3, whatever), some of the 1.8T Guys use it.

FYI, stock 1.8T turbo is a KKK KO3, Audi S4 uses two of them on a 2.7L. It is small and spools fast, but loses efficiency above 12 psi. stock 1.8T's run 6 psi (150 hp), or about 10-11 psi (170/180 hp). Aftermarket chips run 14.7 psi (boost spikes even higher), but only for limited rpm ranges. (That's why they glow red-hot!)

Stage 3 turbo upgrade kits use a bigger KKK KO4 (found in the Audi TT-225 w/ 2 intercoolers) or T3 to allow higher boost at upper rpm range (better efficiency than the KO3)

Seems a small turbo with low boost would do wonders for the 2.5, fill in some of the weak spots in the hp/torque curve, have it spool fast so that it doesn't feel too laggy. a kit that works within the limits of factory internals, too.

Anyway, good luck!
-Scott


2001 VW Passat 1.8T 5-man Leather/Lux/Monsoon Audio/CD Changer
16" VW Montreals
Neuspeed 25 mm Rear Stabilizer bar
Coming soon: SS Boost Controller

Former: 99 Contour SVT Red/Tan Stock