Spulen TOP Leak Fixed

Hey everyone,



I just wanted to inform you all about a problem that I found and was able to fix with the Spulen 1.8T/2.0T Turbo Outlet Pipe. I first noticed the problem when a non-car-guy friend of mine claimed he could hear my turbo. As I listened to the sound I knew it was not the turbo spooling up, but rather some type of metallic sound and most likely a boost leak (coming from the passenger side).

I assumed I had blown an o-ring. So today I went under my car and while taking my TOP out, I noticed I was able to pull the "CNC'd discharge adapter" off without releasing the retaining clip. Turns out either the adapter doesn't fit or had worn down after getting blown out of place.

I took the whole thing off, inspected the o-ring (no tears), tightened up the silicone hose and re-installed everything. Then I went for a drive and everything sounded and felt great, until on my way home the metallic whistling came back.

So I went back under after reading AWE's installation instructions and decided to put the OEM coupler and hose onto the Spulen pipe. I just finished a spirited test drive, and no more metallic noise and no more boost leak paranoia.

TL;DR: These two pieces will connect

glad you got it straightened out.

one day everyone on this forum will see that those couplers are a waste of time... sooner you get rid of that the better

Injen1us said:

one day everyone on this forum will see that those couplers are a waste of time... sooner you get rid of that the better

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Are KO4 and BT the only ways to get rid of it?

Dr Dad said:

Are KO4 and BT the only ways to get rid of it?

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AWE S3 TOP. It fits both IHI and K04 turbos

This is an older picture i took. I had the IHI turbo and S3 FMIC at the time.

I have the same TOP but with different hoses, FMIC and turbo... no fitment issues

Injen1us said:

AWE S3 TOP. It fits both IHI and K04 turbos

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Injen1us said:

View attachment 48815

This is an older picture i took. I had the IHI turbo and S3 FMIC at the time.

I have the same TOP but with different hoses, FMIC and turbo... no fitment issues

Click to expand...

I'm talking about the coupler to the turbo, not the IC connection.
My IC connection has been rock solid so far.

How is this holding up? I have a boost leak now and I plan on trying your strategy as a fix.

mamock116 said:

How is this holding up? I have a boost leak now and I plan on trying your strategy as a fix.

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Still holding strong!

Boost leak fixed! Used the stock coupler that connects the pipe to the turbo. The Spulen coupler didnt lock into the turbo which was causing my leak. Stock coupler with aftermarket pipe is the way to go.

mamock116 said:

Boost leak fixed! Used the stock coupler that connects the pipe to the turbo. The Spulen coupler didnt lock into the turbo which was causing my leak. Stock coupler with aftermarket pipe is the way to go.

Click to expand...

Glad I could help! I think it's a common problem with Spulen's TOP

Can confirm that this coupler is POS. Luckily, I recognized this upon installation and figured id give the OEM one a shot. It fit well and I dont believe has leaked yet.