Tiguan S3 Intercooler Install Guide

[Tiggy1]

Actually, they haven't got "almopst the same x-sectional area". Mine are about 10% bigger when measured at the largest point. The difference is much greater when measured at the smallest x-section. The pancake pipe is worst for this as the x-section is all over the shop. Mine also removed a restriction between the turbo & the pancake pipe.

None of these smaller mods make huge differences in isolation but as a sum-of-the-parts equation it all starts to add up with regards to either power or driveability.

Hi Brad,
See what you mean by the restriction in the pipes (plastic ones that run beside engine) - definitely got that squished look!
Presume the S3 ones are the ones you're talking about that are "rounder"?
If so, would you know part numbers and if they'd be direct replacement (with S3 intercooler and hoses at same time)?
My only other concern is that where it runs past the "front" ( ie. RH side) of engine there could be a clearance problem with the crank pulley/dampener?!

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[tigger73]

Nope,
Just checked my MY11 147TSi and it's the same part number and thickness as your 125TSi!
Looks like I'll be on the the lookout for an S3 intercooler as well....
While under there I fitted up GFB DV+ like Ramee got - no noticeable diffrence (not that I was expecting it) but probly for the best anyway as discovered it had the old style diaphragm type DV so probly only matter of time before it failed?!

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Well I stand to be corrected. They've cheaped out on the 147 intercooler as well.

Would be interested if someone with a 132TSI can check to see if they have the larger or smaller width core.

I guess that means anyone with one of the first gen Tigs has some decent gains to be made from upgrading intercoolers.

Hi Brad,
See what you mean by the restriction in the pipes (plastic ones that run beside engine) - definitely got that squished look!
Presume the S3 ones are the ones you're talking about that are "rounder"?
If so, would you know part numbers and if they'd be direct replacement (with S3 intercooler and hoses at same time)?
My only other concern is that where it runs past the "front" ( ie. RH side) of engine there could be a clearance problem with the crank pulley/dampener?!

From the reviews I've seen looks like there's an AWE one and a Nuespeed and the Nuespeed seems to have better reviews in terms of fitment and not leaking.

[tigger73]

Looking at options for turbo outlet pipe and air charge pipe also.

Seems that Nuespeed is a top quality product but will be $500-$600 landed for both parts:

HI-FLO Turbo Discharge Conversion - TSI
HI-FLO Air Charge Pipe - Eliminates OE Sound Amplifer

Also available from speedlife (as recommended by Lucas_R):

NEUSPEED HI-FLO Turbo Discharge Conversion - TSI 48.02.71
NEUSPEED HI-FLO Air Charge Pipe - Eliminates OE Sound Amplifer 48.02.68 - Speedlife Motorsport

There's also some no-name ones available off ebay which may be worth a try: Aspec VW Audi 2 0 TSI HI Flow AIR Charge Pipe Turbo Discharge Conversion Black | eBay

[Lucas_R]

Also look at the Spulen version from USP Motorsports. They look good - ill probably get the Spulens for the GTI soon. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...pe-*Group-Buy*

If you decide to get the NeuSpeeds, then Speedlife is the place (good service and good shipping prices).

[Tiggy1]

Hmmm,
The Neuspeed one is obviously better design as it removes the restriction at the end connector as well, but there is quite a big price difference. I think intercooler will be first priority then will consider this some more

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[tigger73]

Also look at the Spulen version from USP Motorsports. They look good - ill probably get the Spulens for the GTI soon.

Thanks Lucas. I was hoping you had the low-down on these given you're looking into GTI parts at the moment.

Here's the link for the complete kit: http://www.uspmotorsports.com/SPULEN...-Pipe-Kit.html

Works out to US$350 including shipping.... and I said I thought I'd finished modding

[tigger73]

Hmmm,
The Neuspeed one is obviously better design as it removes the restriction at the end connector as well, but there is quite a big price difference. I think intercooler will be first priority then will consider this some more

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Agree here. The intercooler was a massive difference for me. Now that I've got that restriction removed, I'm left wondering how many more kW are being soaked up from restrictive pipework.

Only one way to find out I guess

[Tiggy1]

Hi Tigger,
Let me know how it goes - seems like once you start you never stop....

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[brad]

Hi Brad,
See what you mean by the restriction in the pipes (plastic ones that run beside engine) - definitely got that squished look!
Presume the S3 ones are the ones you're talking about that are "rounder"?
If so, would you know part numbers and if they'd be direct replacement (with S3 intercooler and hoses at same time)?
My only other concern is that where it runs past the "front" ( ie. RH side) of engine there could be a clearance problem with the crank pulley/dampener?!

Sent from my PadFone 2 using Tapatalk 2

I bought this ebay kit for about $200
I can't find fault with it except the hose clamps may be a bit weak. Fitment is solid & precise & I don't have any concerns about pulley clearance. Machining & weld quality were fit for purpose. The only gotcha is the bolts for the sensor which is an easy fix if you are aware before you pull the engine to bits.

I think on a bang-4-buck basis it's nowhere near as good value as a $200 plastic tank S3 intercooler (they were USD190 brand new not long back) but if you are looking for somewhere to spend money on your car & like it to go under the bonnet or on the suspension the pipes are not a bad thing. I also think that the metal end S3 intercoolers have got a bit expensive now ( ~$700ish on eBay due to scarcity) & would buy an aftermarket alternative such as the Airtech if I was shopping at that price point.

Those Spulen pipes look good value (look the same as my eBay ones actually but better clamps) at the GB price & it would be worth flicking them an email asking if you can still get the GB discount.

But hey, what would I know?

Fitment post of ebay pipes here

[Tiggy1]

Hi Brad,
Thanks for that - I agree they certainly look like they'll do the job (and at the end of the day it's just a piece of pipe), so how much better could the big name brands be?! I guess I'm just s^&*t-scared of any leaks having heard about what dusting can do to a motor. Same reason why not overly keen on CAI's that used oiled filters - maybe as efficient as paper when properly maintained, but nothing beats good old barrier protection of paper IMO
First thing is the CAC so am still trying to track one down (preferably S3 plastic end tanks one) - where at are they for $200 odd? Been trawling the 'net without much sucess