Long term frankenturbo users chime in

[forcefedjetta]

I'm about to pull the trigger on an f23 kit for my 02 jetta I'm looking to see how they hold up and issues if any also solutions for heater hose interference
Thanks Tom T

[Ninorc]

I have had the FrankenTurbo F4 (Mk1 original model) in my car since February of 2010.

I have about 35,000 miles on it and no issues. I had the turbo off a months ago when I was changing out my cv joints. (SO much easier to get the turbo out with the CV's out of the way). There was no play in the shaft at all, the compressor still looked brand new with no noticeable wear, and the turbine looked as you would expect from all the exhaust.

I have it tuned with Motoza tuning and it easily holds 20psi to redline. I was one of the originals to get an EGT probe as well and the temps were well within safe range from what I remember (Its been removed for sometime now)

The only thing negative I could mention, there is a lot more oil in my intercooler system then there ever was with my K03s, but it does not seem to be an issue at all.


Customer service is great. I could never say enough about Doug. To this day, I will email him with a concern and he will respond quicker then any other company I have ordered from.

Just as a story of how great my experience was with Doug, when I was installing the turbo, I snapped a bolt for the exhaust manifold to turbo and could not back it out of the turbine side. Doug overnighted me a new turbine housing to get my car back on the road ASAP.



If you have any specific questions, ask.

[forcefedjetta]

thanks i have been emailing back and forth with doug i feel like he goes above and beyond to help

[sauron18]

I'm stock right now but i'm planning to go with the F23 and Motonza.

[MÄDDNESSS]

Doug really does go above and beyond to help his customers. i believe hes a 1 man operation and hes got FAR better customer service that any'all of the big companies i've delt with. he replies to you at 2-3 AM, Weekends, Holidays, doesnt matter. Doug is there for his costumers.

I have the F4H, been in since last July 2011. just crossed 10K miles with it. no issues... yet, (knock on wood).

[Twopnt016v]

Still very pleased... No issues....pull the trigger!

[Big_Tom]

Doug @ Frankenturbo is the man! I don't have one, but a buddy of mine is about to purchase an F4, I can't wait to see one of those turbo's in person. It almost feels like i'm gettin a new turbo

[Twopnt016v]

Doug @ Frankenturbo is the man! I don't have one, but a buddy of mine is about to purchase an F4, I can't wait to see one of those turbo's in person. It almost feels like i'm gettin a new turbo

Your hommie is gonna be stoked
I would also highly recommend the Unitronic stage 2+ 440cc file written for the FT(not the stage 2+on the Uni website). Unless he is going Maestro of course...

[rodgertherabit]

Hes shipping my F23 set up monday! I cannot wait!!!!

I might post a thread about it, but it there but it doesnt seem like he needs more kudos! (jp)

[Big_Tom]

Your hommie is gonna be stoked
I would also highly recommend the Unitronic stage 2+ 440cc file written for the FT(not the stage 2+on the Uni website). Unless he is going Maestro of course...

oh ok. I'll tell him about the Uni FT file. He currently has revo, I don't know what software he wants to go with. It for sure won't be that muppet tuner tho lol

[MÄDDNESSS]

my buddy has the Revo 2+. they claimed it would work for the FT F4h. he hates it. cant get it to idle smoothly, misfires, ect, ect. i believe he is going to get the Uni file.

[20vturbslo]

my buddy has the Revo 2+. they claimed it would work for the FT F4h. he hates it. cant get it to idle smoothly, misfires, ect, ect. i believe he is going to get the Uni file.

Ran my F4 on the stock tune for 3 months before getting flashed uni 2+ at waterfest. now being almost a full year all I can say is top notch product. Only problems I have are the excessive pcv moisture, but that is a given for the ~23psi boost it's moving. And I have been getting a lot more backfires coming out of winter weather. Not sure what its related too but I have no investigated either. But holy heck this thing moves when its under 40F outside! Need W/M next.

[forcefedjetta]

Sweet I'm ordering after I post this my bottom end is built with ie rods snow progressive w/m front mount and peliquins LSD I'm running giac k04 100 octane tune on a **** rp turbo

[leonardodecappiccuno]

(Your hommie is gonna be stoked
I would also highly recommend the Unitronic stage 2+ 440cc file written for the FT(not the stage 2+on the Uni website). Unless he is going Maestro of course...) QUOTE from above !!!

What sort of RR figures BHP and torque are you seeing guys with this tune, with or without
water/meth, please

Regards Lenny

Im running the FT4h with 386cc, 4 bar fpr, 3" MAF, JBS exhaust mani, forge 007 dv.
I cannot seem to get above 250/258 BHP at 5,100 rpm, and at that stage IATs
go toooooo high. Also running this with a charge cooler. Has been in the car now for nearly a full year. This is with a local tuner, with a personal written file for my cars spec

[Twopnt016v]

(Your hommie is gonna be stoked
I would also highly recommend the Unitronic stage 2+ 440cc file written for the FT(not the stage 2+on the Uni website). Unless he is going Maestro of course...) QUOTE from above !!!

What sort of RR figures BHP and torque are you seeing guys with this tune, with or without
water/meth, please

Regards Lenny

Im running the FT4h with 386cc, 4 bar fpr, 3" MAF, JBS exhaust mani, forge 007 dv.
I cannot seem to get above 250/258 BHP at 5,100 rpm, and at that stage IATs
go toooooo high. Also running this with a charge cooler. Has been in the car now for nearly a full year. This is with a local tuner, with a personal written file for my cars spec

Around 280hp/300tq with upgraded sidemount IC, Water/meth and timing advance.

[MrAkalin]

I have the F4 on my car, so far I love it!

I have noticed the excessive PCV though

I'm interested on hearing your guys numbers with this turbo.

I don't have meth, but meth is in the near future.

I'm on Uni's F4 tune. What psi are you guys making?

Edit: Forgot to add my Southbend stage II clutch is slipping

[peace2matteo]

I have the f23 on my car for about 6 days right now. Running it on GIAC ko40-23 file with TT225 injectors. Car has 75k on the clock with the timing belt and water pump done. Holds 25 psi no problem im just concerned that the spikes are going to eventually bend a rod i know the turbo can put out much more i have the over boost valve set on the conservative side since i just installed the set up. As far as the quality of the turbo goes, im sure its just as good as most of the other stuff on the market, its way way better than a chinese ebay turbo. Im not a long term user but as far as my short term experience im very very happy. I didnt want to deal with daily driving a big turbo and this is a way better upgrade than a normal K04. Pull the trigger you wont be disappointed.

[STOICH]

The F23 fit the exact bill I was looking for. I didn't know it at first as I was just looking to replace my K03, but I'm very glad I went the F23 route for a bit more money. Seems to be a perfect fit for a FWD daily driver.

As far as Frankenturbo as a company, it's be wonderful dealing with Doug. Nothing but praise here.

[MÄDDNESSS]

Im running the FT4h with 386cc, 4 bar fpr, 3" MAF, JBS exhaust mani, forge 007 dv.
I cannot seem to get above 250/258 BHP at 5,100 rpm, and at that stage IATs
go toooooo high. Also running this with a charge cooler. Has been in the car now for nearly a full year. This is with a local tuner, with a personal written file for my cars spec

no FMIC?

[leonardodecappiccuno]

no FMIC?

NO FMIC, running converted tyrol sport SMIC with water jacket, frozen boost rad and 12" fan,
and meziere pump.

Regards Lenny

ps running this setup on my 18t Bug

[All_Euro]

NO FMIC, running converted tyrol sport SMIC with water jacket, frozen boost rad and 12" fan,
and meziere pump.

Regards Lenny

ps running this setup on my 18t Bug

Sounds interesting Can you share details / post pics?

[leonardodecappiccuno]

A few pics of my install

[Twopnt016v]

^^Nice set-up

[groggory]

I'm about to pull the trigger on an f23 kit for my 02 jetta I'm looking to see how they hold up and issues if any also solutions for heater hose interference
Thanks Tom T

There's an f23 install thread going on right now. I'd follow that for some more details.

[doug@frankenturbo.com]

Lenny -- that intercooler is nasty! I've never seen that done before on a Mk4. Nice stuff.

[leonardodecappiccuno]

Lenny -- that intercooler is nasty! I've never seen that done before on a Mk4. Nice stuff.

Thanks Doug, its still only holds about 5 litres of fluid without a header tank, so I'm
looking at having some sort of tank fitted to increase the capacity, and hence cooling.
Seems better than air/air that I have been running for several years (tyrolsport smic)
which is a super intercooler to start with.

Regards Lenny

[20VCanuck]

Finally nearing my $ amount goal for a substantial upgrade.

Should be there in a month or so, still deciding between a f23 and e2 eliminator gt30


I believe both kits would produce the same amount of power, maybe more-so out of the elim.

I guess it depends where I want the power, low or high.


Yeah ive heard atp horror stories, but I think that was their original design,

[spartiati]

stay away from eliminators. Terrible at best!!! You will regret it. I did. I am super happy with my F23!

[20VCanuck]

Did you have the original version or the e2?

Saw some videos and reviews making 20psi by 4000. Not horrible, 320 hp easily made

But yes, ive heard the horrible things but I thought they may have turned it around a bit with the e2




I guess using the stock flange should probably stick with a stock-ish framed turbo.

[spartiati]

Did you have the original version or the e2?

Saw some videos and reviews making 20psi by 4000. Not horrible, 320 hp easily made

But yes, ive heard the horrible things but I thought they may have turned it around a bit with the e2

I guess using the stock flange should probably stick with a stock-ish framed turbo.

I had the original which was a nightmare to install. I needed to extend my shift linkage to get it to fit, grind part of the transmission for clearance .... Just a nightmare I would never want to experience!

I had a friend with an e2. always plagued with exhaust leaks, blown gaskets, bolts backing out and terrible spool. He made 280whp with the 2871r kit.

[MikeVXT]

Im downgrading from a GT30R setup and Im going with the F23 Kit. Since day 1 that I talked to Doug, he has been very helpful.

I will be doing an install thread as well with my mods and maestro.

In my opinion, going "Big Turbo" (GT30R) is no fun, unless you are always on the highway and driving 60mph +.

From what I have read and seen, the F23 gives you power when you need it, and still gives you that OEM feel.

His threads are always active and you find help everywhere, "spartiati" one of the forum members from here has been very helpful and knows quite a lot from this setup, He has helped me answer some questions regarding this setup.

In my honest opinion, I think you should pull the trigger on the F23

[asylum]

stay away from eliminators. Terrible at best!!! You will regret it. I did. I am super happy with my F23!

How much power are you making with the F23?

[doug@frankenturbo.com]

How much power are you making with the F23?

Boy, did you open a Pantera's Box with that one...

[babarber]

with the f23 you can have 25psi by 3300 rpms and hold it til redline why would you go eliminator

[groggory]

Boy, did you open a Pantera's Box with that one...