Quote Originally Posted by Jak00 View Post
Thanks @sharkie
Would it be wise to do the IS38 upgrade without the intercooler (budget constraints) and the TCU upgrade (not available for this model) or is that risky?
Basically leaving car as is and swapping out the turbo.
Has anyone else with a MY2023 managed to get a TCU upgrade?
It might be worthwhile looking around for another tuner as the DQ500 can certainly be tuned.

The Mk7.5 Golf R runs the IS38 on essentially the same intercooler as the Tiguan stock, so not necessary to do the intercooler. It is highly recommended though as a typical IS38 tune for the 162 will make more power than a Stock Golf R and a bit less (not much less) than a Stg 1 Golf R and you don't need an intercooler for a Stg 1 R.

2nd hand IS38s are around on eBay and FB marketplace, so the cost to go to IS38 could be minimal. Even better if you put an OEM+ tune from Racingline on the 162 as there would be no additional software cost to go an IS38 tune .... most of the other tuners will hit you for full fees for every stage you go to.

Some info on your tuner would help identify any issues/challenges