APR Intercooler

[krracing]

First impressions - AWESOME, i've driven about 30km so far, I had no expectations as I only have APR Stage I tune and it's really designed around a Stage II+ car. Despite this, there is a noticeable difference.

It pulls harder all the way through the revs, but It's been most noticeable up higher in the range; it doesn't "fall over" or "run out of puff"...

Best thing, it feels repeatable, there is no problem with heat soak sitting/waiting at the lights etc.

As described by other people, it feels like a really cold crisp morning all the time - although it's only 15-16degs here in Perth at the moment, it's the same feeling described but emphasised even more in the colder climate.

The install was somewhat easier than the GTI instruction manual that came with it, I didn't have to cut any plastic, bend any brackets or crimp any washer fluid lines like you have to do with the GTI, and there was one less bolt overall...

To get the front end off, old intercooler out, new one in and front end back on only took a few hours to be honest with some help from some friends. Bare in mind, we'd done our homework and muscled through it.
-The difficult part was modifying the silicone hosing to extend and fit the extra length. Passenger side was a breeze, simply cut the hose in half, added a slightly bent piece of 2.5" pipe and used 2 additional hose clamps to hold the extra piece in.

Drivers side was genuinely a pain in the butt...
the tubing was too short, but we couldn't really add an extension (like the passenger side) because of the bends in the silicone. To make life even more difficult, the "pancake" pipe off the turbo needed to be spaced out at the bottom join so the silicone didn't rub on the pulley and belt. I ended up taking the alloy hose fitting down the road to an engineering place to get a 1.5" extension welded onto it, including a machined lip to stop the hose coming off. It came back PERFECTLY - fitted straight in, flush, nice tolerances etc.

First test drive, one of the pipes popped off under boost, but a slight modification to the position and bit of extra tightening meant no problems since

This would have to be the best Mod (bang for bucks, without going K04 turbo) for the Tig after a tune as far as i'm concerned - I haven't tried the DP yet, but I couldn't imagine it being anywhere near as big an improvement as the intercooler TBH.

Despite the hose issues, i'm very happy with the result and pleased we persisted.

[Pullstarter]

Nice write up and how to Sounds like a good add on, how much was the kit if you don't mind me asking?

[krracing]

Nice write up and how to Sounds like a good add on, how much was the kit if you don't mind me asking?

I know they're on sale in the USA at the moment for US$944.10, and they cost AU$1995 here in Australia. How much did I pay?! hmm, let's just say it was a VERY good deal - it was the only way I could justify the purchase really...

"who you know, not what you know", right?..

[BigTig]

Are you able to "share the love" with this deal? ;D

I am contemplating getting a APR ECU Upgrade for my Tiguan as well... ;D

[Pullstarter]

The love must be shared!

[krracing]

The love must be shared!

ahhaha, great "emoticon" there!
I'd like to be able to "share the love" on this one, but unfortunately it was a one-off - I ended up paying US$735; understandably I couldn't say no for that price...

Shipping was a few hundred bucks, but i wanted the uprated insurance etc - still a very good price landed and all considered.

I find myself looking for excuses to go for a drive now

[Pullstarter]

.

I find myself looking for excuses to go for a drive now

Sounds like me after I got the APR tune done hehe.