Big Turbo Reliability

@Mauro_Penguin

Thanks a lot for sharing your input. I only really floor-it when I'm higher up in the rev range, usually during freeway driving, so that quicker spooling characteristic of the smaller turbo might be negated at that point. The 'tall gearing" aspect is something others have mentioned, as well - I even quoted another user who used a similar analogy. While that sounds great for what I need, I'll definitely have to consider the application of my driving in these instances. Thanks again - appreciate it. Gives me more to think about for sure. You mentioned the supporting mods will also help the S3 breathe higher up the range - that might just be the best way to go for my case, given that my driving will ultimate offset the dangers of putting too much strain on the internals. That's mostly what I wanted to know about - the reliability of running an S4 over whether or not I'll optimize the power of my build.

No, I got that part. What I wanted was some insight from people, which I definitely got a lot of, instead of just - it doesn't spool up as quick and it's wasted if you're not looking for big turbo power.

I knew that already - in fact, my first question was specifically regarding this topic; if detuning it and having it boost further up the range would be beneficial if one valued reliability over power. What I got was people telling me, again, how it will spool later and I won't benefit from the power...that's why this thread feels like its spinning its tires in the mud.

I don't understand how you can say "no upside" when there are plenty of people who have gone from S3's to S4's with stock fueling and preferred its power delivery - there's even examples of this behavior in this very thread, so surely it hasn't been a "terrible idea" for everyone. But what you said about underusing the turbo only saves wear on the turbo and not the motor is definitely insightful - and I appreciate that.

I think this gave me plenty to think about. I appreciate everyone chipping in and giving their $0.02

Cheers