Hi all

I have thought about changing my intercooler to the S3-version. Since I am not planning on going for a K04 turbo, I think it has the capacity I need for around 275hp. Does anybody have an idea about what to expect in terms of power increase?

I have found this with the twintercooler from Forge: http://www.forgemotorsport.com/upload/images_us/TWINtercooler%20Power.JPG

and this for the S3: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140139

The Forge might be better but is also more expensive. My thinking is that if the S3 intercooler is sitting in factory built cars with up to 270hp, it will suit mine perfectly.

Hope someone has experience with this )

Best regards

They're certainly better in summer!

Have you considered the god speed intercooler? They get a very good write up in the states with good gains.

They're certainly better in summer!

Have you considered the god speed intercooler? They get a very good write up in the states with good gains.

They look nice, but are a bit pricey

I know nothing comes for free, but at that price I at least need to be 100% sure it works on my car and will benefit somehow. They have tested it on a remapped K04-car and it seems to do the job fine on that, but my boost pressure is lower at high rpm, so it is not entirely the same...

Edited 28 November, 201114 yr by saksager

Yeah the S3 one will be fine if you're good with tools or can get a mechanic to fit it. I got mine for £100 iirc from a breakers, they are sandwiched between two other rads so look like new when they come secondhand. As in your link you can cut the connectors off your O.E pipes and reuse them like I did.

Yeah the S3 one will be fine if you're good with tools or can get a mechanic to fit it. I got mine for £100 iirc from a breakers, they are sandwiched between two other rads so look like new when they come secondhand. As in your link you can cut the connectors off your O.E pipes and reuse them like I did.

Well Since I live in DK, I wouldn't bet on finding an S3. The price from new is £73000, so there are only a few on the streets, but perhaps it is also in the cupra?

Can you feel any difference? Tried it on a dyno?

Best regards

Fitting an oversized intercooler may lead to increased turbo lag.

Is that £730? If not I'd but the S3 car itself to start with

After a motorway run the car doesn't feel flat like it used to so there is less heatsoak. I think the general consensus is it helps keep temps down for repeated high speed runs but you won't gain much extra power.

My opinion is that for the money I paid it was well worth it, I felt a little more pull but certainly not remap pull. I made 280.5bhp with stage 2+ on a dyno dynamics RR with it on but I haven't done a before and after, I'm sure you could find some before and after runs on the yank forums.

Is that £730? If not I'd but the S3 car itself to start with

After a motorway run the car doesn't feel flat like it used to so there is less heatsoak. I think the general consensus is it helps keep temps down for repeated high speed runs but you won't gain much extra power.

My opinion is that for the money I paid it was well worth it, I felt a little more pull but certainly not remap pull. I made 280.5bhp with stage 2+ on a dyno dynamics RR with it on but I haven't done a before and after, I'm sure you could find some before and after runs on the yank forums.

Nope 73000 (but for the whole car)

I'll make some tests on the stock intercooler: Temps in intake, before and after IC. I'll make sure to post it here. If it shows too high temps, I think I'll buy an S3 IC.

With regards to the turbo lag, I am aware of it, but my thinking is that the S3 makes around the same power as mine do. Mine is estimated to 280hp, but according to the dyno operator they suffer massively from to little air flow, so the IC is practically not working. I might also find another dyno to figure out if it is really the case.

You won't notice any turbo lag with the S3 cooler. They do suffer from heatsoak badly due to the cooler being sandwiched between the other rads.

A good air intake is a good idea as my logs show boost tailing off quicker with the standard air box than with the intake, this suggests the car is not breathing as well as it should.

Depending on how old your car is, it might well be better to clean out the existing intercooler, pipework and inlet manifold and treat yourself to a fresh set of sparks if yours are old.