IS 38 Turbo

[Lucas_R]

What's the go? simply replace the IS20 with an IS38 and get custom tune to suit?

Pretty much. It just bolts into place and replaces the IS20. There are also other bolt-on options these days that are more reliable than the IS38 such as the Garrett Powermax turbo.

Or is this something to think about once you've done your Intake, DP etc.

Either or. Even without upgrading the intake/exhaust etc you will gain more top end power and torque with the larger turbo. But you will sacrifice a small amount of power down low as the larger turbo takes longer to come onto boost compared to the smaller IS20.

Do you need other supporting mods like Intercooler?

Always a good idea to upgrade the intercooler if you are chasing more power (more consistent power) but its not necessary. But even upgrading to the Golf R intercooler which you can pick up used for $100-150 is a cost effective mild upgrade as its thicker than the stock Tiguan intercooler.

If not, how much is there to be gained with an IS38 swap + custom tune while leaving the rest stock,
vs. keeping the IS20 and going for an intake + catted DP + tune?

IS38 plus software but with stock hardware vs IS20 plus software plus bolt ons.....probably not much too be honest. Possibly another 10-15kw and 30-40nm in the mid range and top end.

[InsaneAsylum]

Pretty much. It just bolts into place and replaces the IS20. There are also other bolt-on options these days that are more reliable than the IS38 such as the Garrett Powermax turbo.



Either or. Even without upgrading the intake/exhaust etc you will gain more top end power and torque with the larger turbo. But you will sacrifice a small amount of power down low as the larger turbo takes longer to come onto boost compared to the smaller IS20.




Always a good idea to upgrade the intercooler if you are chasing more power (more consistent power) but its not necessary. But even upgrading to the Golf R intercooler which you can pick up used for $100-150 is a cost effective mild upgrade as its thicker than the stock Tiguan intercooler.



IS38 plus software but with stock hardware vs IS20 plus software plus bolt ons.....probably not much too be honest. Possibly another 10-15kw and 30-40nm in the mid range and top end.

Appreciate your response mate. Nice to hear a different mod path apart from the usual Stage 1 tune or Intake + DP + Stage 2 tune