1.6L MKTurbo short review/complaint
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1.6L MKTurbo short review/complaint
I placed the order with Lars for the full MKTurbo kit back on May 2nd, 2022. Everything was great, he was super responsive and gave me updates for all the parts that were being shipped. Lars even came in person on June 15th, 2022 and dropped off what was supposed to be the rest of the missing pieces.
Initially, once I started putting everything together I realized there were some missing parts, including a silicon coupler for the intercooling and an oil feed fitting (one that fits the 1.6L). I sourced those online as it was no big deal, not really more than $20. Once I started to put everything together that's when I noticed that the manifold supplied did not fit. It was impossible to get a nut over the two top studs, as it was to close to the tube. Pictures attached. I emailed Lars on Sept 10th, 2022 asking what I should do about it, and on Sept. 13th he said that I was the second person with this issue and that he would let me know what he can do once he gets some more supply in. He also let me know in that email for the time being to just use bolts instead of studs so I can at least get the car running.
Once I put on the wastegate actuator, I realized none of the supplied brackets would work or fit. They were all flat, not angled. They would either have to be so far away the actuator wouldn't reach or I'd have to position it where the hood support would have to be cut. He told me to send him some pictures in that last email, which I did, and obviously didn't get a response. I looked around online and I noticed in other people's builds they have received a completely different actuator and angled bracket which would have fit fine.
That was the last time I heard from him - 4 months ago.
I've emailed him several times over the last couple months with no responses. I was forced to source my own manifold and make it work with the kit. Of course when getting a full "kit" there is going to be things that aren't going to fit perfectly or need to be messed with to get working but I hoped that at least the main parts would be there.
Other than these issues the kit has been great. The car runs great, intercooling piping and cooler fits great, and the turbo spools as well as it can with a 1.6L. I would love to say that the kit is a great buy, but with the zero communication after missing and non fitting parts I can't.
I think the worst part was I didn't get a MKTurbo t-shirt :(
Initially, once I started putting everything together I realized there were some missing parts, including a silicon coupler for the intercooling and an oil feed fitting (one that fits the 1.6L). I sourced those online as it was no big deal, not really more than $20. Once I started to put everything together that's when I noticed that the manifold supplied did not fit. It was impossible to get a nut over the two top studs, as it was to close to the tube. Pictures attached. I emailed Lars on Sept 10th, 2022 asking what I should do about it, and on Sept. 13th he said that I was the second person with this issue and that he would let me know what he can do once he gets some more supply in. He also let me know in that email for the time being to just use bolts instead of studs so I can at least get the car running.
Once I put on the wastegate actuator, I realized none of the supplied brackets would work or fit. They were all flat, not angled. They would either have to be so far away the actuator wouldn't reach or I'd have to position it where the hood support would have to be cut. He told me to send him some pictures in that last email, which I did, and obviously didn't get a response. I looked around online and I noticed in other people's builds they have received a completely different actuator and angled bracket which would have fit fine.
That was the last time I heard from him - 4 months ago.
I've emailed him several times over the last couple months with no responses. I was forced to source my own manifold and make it work with the kit. Of course when getting a full "kit" there is going to be things that aren't going to fit perfectly or need to be messed with to get working but I hoped that at least the main parts would be there.
Other than these issues the kit has been great. The car runs great, intercooling piping and cooler fits great, and the turbo spools as well as it can with a 1.6L. I would love to say that the kit is a great buy, but with the zero communication after missing and non fitting parts I can't.
I think the worst part was I didn't get a MKTurbo t-shirt :(
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