markv

April, you mentioned spooling the turbo in a lower post...I have an idea of what you mean, but could you elaborate for a new 1.8T owner? Thanks a bunch.

April

for the turbo to get up to a speed where it actually helps the engine make more power. This is what they mean by turbo lag. Audis have very little lag compared to most systems, but have a small turbo. This limits how much boost you can run.<ul><li><a href="http://www.howstuffworks.com/turbo.htm">Here are more details.</a></li></ul>

markv

as in my driving style. What can I do to spin up the turbo more efficiently?

CMH

make sure you keep the rpms up near where the turbo kicks in. This is only needed if you go with a turbo that is too big. The APR and PES kits both make plenty of power in the 2500-3000 rpms range. It is some what like a chipped K03 in that range, but after that is when the car really comes alive with the turbo kits. Both of these kits can also hold a steady boost all the way to redline so there is no big drop off in power.

April

With the stock turbo, the party is over by 5000rpms or so. A larger turbo means more inertia. You have to think ahead a little more when using the throttle to ensure that the turbo is up to speed when you want it. In extreme cases, you watch the boost gauge like a hawk.

I once drove a Renault R5 Turbo. Just over a liter and 210hp ! You either had no power, or tons of power ! With the engine in the rear, it could be a handlful in a corner with the boost chiming in suddenly.

The AMS/Abt previous gen 240hp turbo kit was very smooth and not too laggy. The only way to really notice the extra lag, was to drive a stock car back to back. Any well integrated kit should be smooth and powerful in 240/250 form.