Originally posted by dohc_neon95
15lbs??, I find that hard to believe. R u running that on the stock turbo? and what type of diverter valve do u got cause the stock one opens at about 13 lbs. The stock turbo is no good after about 13 lbs, I am surprised that your intake manifold gasket or head gasket hasent blown yet...
The k03 can safely run no more than 15lbs sustained. Most chips you buy will put the k03 at around 1bar (14.7lbs). Stock is about 10psi i think.. But if you're talking about boosting more than 13 all the way through than you're slightly correct. The k03 is too small to run high sustained boost at higher rpms. The turbo gets "exhausted" towards redline and boost will start to taper.
The stock diverter valve opens regardless of the psi - that's why there's a vacum line attached to them. When you create any significant boost the vacum helps pull it open. Upgrading your diverter valve will not make a noticable change on the performance of the turbo! The 1.8t is a strong motor. The turbo will go way before the motor goes. For a whole lot of info try the vortex forums...
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeromain?id=1