IS 38 Turbo

[Eman]

Hi Everyone, has anyone upgraded their turbo from a IS20 to a IS38 turbo?
I want to upgrade, I've bought the turbo and now need to source a supplier for the software.
Any ideas? what are my options? thanks

[h100vw]

underground performance have done several, Cheltenham

[Lucas_R]

As above, go see Underground Performance.

Or, if you want a DIY type tune, consider Spectune (aka tarmac Engineering based in Brisbane) or Integrated Engineering. Personally I am a fan of the DIY type tunes, and have used them on several cars with success (currently have my Mk7 GTI tuned with Integrated Engineering).

[InsaneAsylum]

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

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

Do you need other supporting mods like 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?


(I know the OP has to replace the IS20)

[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.

[Eman]

As above, go see Underground Performance.

Or, if you want a DIY type tune, consider Spectune (aka tarmac Engineering based in Brisbane) or Integrated Engineering. Personally I am a fan of the DIY type tunes, and have used them on several cars with success (currently have my Mk7 GTI tuned with Integrated Engineering).

Thanks for the info. Integrated says that they cannot help at this time, they have yet a package for the Tig.
I will try Underground and spectune. I was honestly hoping to just change the turbo and software and upgrade as I go-along.

[Eman]

underground performance have done several, Cheltenham

thanks I'll email them and see what they have available.

[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

[InsaneAsylum]

Thanks for the info. Integrated says that they cannot help at this time, they have yet a package for the Tig.
I will try Underground and spectune. I was honestly hoping to just change the turbo and software and upgrade as I go-along.

Let us know how you get on, hopefully you can get a before and after power run to see the difference. As I mentioned, most people do the IS38 or bigger turbo after Intake and DP so don't really know how applying an IS38 to the stock setup would go power wise.

[h100vw]

Thanks for the info. Integrated says that they cannot help at this time, they have yet a package for the Tig.
I will try Underground and spectune. I was honestly hoping to just change the turbo and software and upgrade as I go-along.

Better way to go is fit the supporting hardware. The IS38 wont perform that well without the hardware upgrades fitted. Be prepared to fit an intercooler, downpipe and intake before you get positive answers.