Intercooler to suit 118TSI MK6 Golf (Cabriolet)

**The_Hawk** · 05-01-2012, 10:15 AM

So much for not modding

So I'm on the hunt for an intercooler to suit the MK6 1.4TSI.

Forge have "Twintercooler" kits for the 2.0 GTI, a different one for the Golf R and then there is one for the Scirroco 1.4 twincharged...

Of course no one is quite sure what actually fits on our cars

Has anyone fitted an intercooler to the 118? What did you use (and where did you get it)?

**Brendan_A** · 05-01-2012, 10:30 AM

If your front end is the same as the MK6 Golf hatch the S3 FMIC bolts straight up.Volkswagen Golf VI 2.0T > Engine > Intercooler > ES#9949 European S3 Intercooler - 1K0145803P

I had one installed 2months ago and the gains are awesome. Takes a lot for it to heat soak and when it does it still pulls harder than the stock cooler.

Just had to replace the 9 mounting bolts to m6x1 and 2 new hose clamps(cut the stock ends of the hoses)

This is the second best mod i've done so far!

**The_Hawk** · 05-01-2012, 12:30 PM

You're running a 118TSI? with GTI Wheels?

(Just looking at your avatar)

AFAIK the front is the same as the Golf's so if the S3 unit fits that would be awesome. Where did you get yours and what sort of price did you end up with?

From what I am reading this unit replaced the stock intercooler rather than running an additional cooler like the Forge unit does. I would be interested in what the difference between the two setups would be. ECS claim 30% improvement in cooling, Forge claim "10 bhp over the OEM intercooler" but I wonder how they compare. ECS looks like it would be considerably cheaper too which is the main reason I ask.

---------- Post added at 01:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:17 PM ----------

Installation cost would be nice to know too, from what I read the Forge unit might be more expensive, but is much much easier to install where the S3 unit is much harder. (Forge can be DIY, S3 is less so).

**Brendan_A** · 05-01-2012, 12:47 PM

Sorry, yes 118TSI with GTI wheels and other parts.

I got mine through ECS and had no issues with them. Total price shipped was $570US. Any good VW specialist can have it installed in 3hrs. $264 for my guy to install. The whole front end comes off to remove cooler and new one back in. It's a nice clean look. No one would ever know it has an upgraded cooler.

On a nice cool morning or evening it pulls like a train!

I'm looking at getting it dynoed this year.

**The_Hawk** · 05-01-2012, 01:03 PM

That sounds like an alright price, still probably cheaper than buying and DIYing the Forge unit.

Assuming performance is on par, I suppose it then comes down to OEM+/stealth install vs aesthetic appeal of the Forge (which I do like).

I'll keep reading and see how I go.

**Ryan_R** · 05-01-2012, 01:18 PM

Not seeing anything under the bonnet (stealth) is appealing. Would be interested in seeing more of your setup.

**rockDAhouse** · 05-01-2012, 10:05 PM

what about looking from the front? can we see the intercooler? picture please LOL

**willow** · 07-01-2012, 07:47 PM

Just out of interest, obviously the upgraded intercooler results in lower intake temperatures and allows the car to hold boost more efficiently, but what is the real world effect on fuel economy? Does it improve or does it remain the same under normal driving conditions?