Hi all --

I am new to the forum and looking for some expert insight into the K16 turbo that came stock on the 911 back in the '90's. I am interested in incorporating this turbo on a VW/Audi, but have noticed that this unit lacks a water cooling feature. The stock turbos on our Audis have both oil lubrication and water cooling, while the K16-series has no dedicated cooling fluid. Why is that? I'm wondering if any adaptation of this turbo into the Audi's environment might cause it to run hotter.

As for questions of fitment, I've got this sorted. Now I'm simply wondering if dispensing with the water cooling design would somehow be unwise.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

K16 was not used in the 90s
They were KKK k27.
No water cooling because these were used in air cooled engines. they are very durable and lived a long tome considering how hot they would get.


k16 are smaller used in the twin turbo set up for quick spool. they don't need water cooling either.

Elliot

 

The K16's in a 996 Turbo uses engine oil for cooling.

 

Elliot - Thank you for the reply. Do you think the air cooled engine environment was critical (hmmm... I'm pretty sure these things were used elsewhere than the 996)?

Just curious, when were these used? I'd been under the impression they were first used in the '99-up 996-series carrara. No?

 

2001 turbo...they are air/oil cooled FWIW

 

96 & 97 993 TT turbo used k16 variants last of the air cooled turbos.

Many guys with 996TTs have upgraded to garrett GT BB and then plumb in some water cooling.
Elliot

 

are they replacing the entire turbos or just the bearing cartridges?

 

new Turbos

 

So many other turbo options that are better

 

I understand. I am however limited by fitment. The K16 turbo has many compatibilities with the K03/K04 series. Parts are interchangeable. I am second-guessing the choice of a K16, nevertheless, thanks to solid advice you folks are getting me. Thanks again!