My car is showing age and I'm sure the DMF + Turbo is going to be on their way out in the next 30k miles.

Otherwise its running very well, just that:

- turbo is louder than it has been, intermittantly

- the DMF can be noisy at idle, and I've noticed it a bit difficult to get into gear from idle sometimes after a run (but not slipping yet)

I got the bushes done at Unit 18 though and since then the handling / feel is definitely better.

Still actually running pretty well but its just something that is looming.Thinking like a scout and so be prepared seems like a good motto ?

I'm either thinking sell before I need to worry (with Octy1.8TSi or VRS in mind)... OR fix, and possibly upgrade those components that will soon need TLC...probably with assistance from Unit18 or similar

Does anyone know a good suggestion on turbo ? I'm thinking a Garret, like a PD150 ? ( I know something like MD446 or similar are common, particularly if going for a remap but is it really worth it, I don't know )

Although I have read some threads suggesting PD130 turbo can be as responsive and less lag etc.

Also Sachs clutch ? I was thinking of retaining the DMF as I've heard lots of noise problems with SMF

I take it this is the Garret version of my Turbo if I wanted to put a straight replacement in (this is non exchange I take it). Presumably if I replaced before the KKK packed in I guess I could sell that as used and still get a bit of cash back for it too

http://www.turbodynamics.co.uk/shop/7208555006s-new-genuine-turbocharger-for-vag-19tdi-130bhp-p-2282.html

I like a balance of budget / VFM so not necessarily looking for the very highest performance as I'm not looking to push 200+

Any advice from other members greatly appreciated !

Cheers

In your situation I'd go for a stock PD150 turbo, stock clutch & map to 190 ish. All of the maps from unit 18 have been perfectly done to fit the setup I had at the time. A nice smooth power/torque curve will make life for the new turbo & clutch easy.

Cheers Matt, would you say this was a stock PD150 ?

Its about same price as the PD130, not sure about the plumbing

http://www.turbodynamics.co.uk/shop/7210215006s-new-genuine-turbocharger-for-vag-19tdi-150bhp-p-2283.html

£330 for the full sachs is a very good price I would imagine

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Genuine-OEM-SACHS-Audi-A3-1-9-TDI-96KW-00-Dual-Mass-Flywheel-Clutch-Kit-/130782482272?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Cars+Type%3A1.9+TDI+RS&hash=item1e733e4f60

Makes the keeping the car going idea more realistic since whilst its expensive, provided its all I need to do on the car in the long term then its good value for several years left motoring

Trouble is I am sensing the need for it at some point, just not sure WHEN and whether to just get the pain of it done and dusted,

or wait until I have a failure e.g. turbo pop !!

I guess the clutch could be more catastrophic so it anything perhaps that should be resolved to avoid issues to the gearbox ?

Just driving the car more or less sensibly in the meanwhile .... not bad for original clutch flywheel and turbo ! Damn that just opened a can of worms

That's the turbo yeah will bolt straight in with original pipework, both turbo and clutch/flywheel can die epically taking things with it.

I'd say the turbo blowing and firing metal up through the intake path is more of a risk than a DMF exploding through the box.

It's just luck really mate.

Thanks Josh

Turbo can be had cheaper...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mk4-Bora-1-9-TDI-ARL-PD150-Garret-Turbo-GT1749VB-038-253-016-G-07-09-/230896906565?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35c2873145

Not sure I'd be keen on fitting an 8 yr old turbo to a car I intended to keep!

But, turbo centre uk supplied one for £540 all in and took a knackered kkk in exchange too

From my experience i would deffinatly change the turbo before it blows, its a right ball ache.