Automatic MK7 1.8T with IS20 Turbo upgrade. Cheapest Power?

[@euroberto85]

248whp on an auto is pretty damn good in my eyes. Especially since GTI owners are upgrading to IS38 or GT2260 and the IS20 is getting easy to find. I find them for about $250 in good shape. I'm really impressed

[@COMotorsports]

Yeah the issue with the used IS20's is they all pretty much have seized actuator arm.

[@euroberto85]

@@COMotorsports i didn't know that was a thing. Thanks for the heads up.

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

@@COMotorsports a rebuild shouldn’t be too bad then?

[@deanschofield99]

This is definitely a different car now :) I have since replaced my intercooler with one from a golfR and have upgraded my coil packs to APR. Car runs great and no tranny issues so far. Comotorsports does great work.

[@happy2Cyou]

Nice car! I'm wondering if your front windows are tinted as well. I have a mk7 golf with tints front and back and im trying to find someone in h.r.m who will safety it

[@deanschofield99]

@@happy2Cyou I got mine tinted after my inspection.

[@TheFranpito]

i recomend you a TCU tune. I have it on my car (with a dq200 gearbox too) and it removes torque limiters, improves the response of the paddles and adds launch control. Im at 260whp on my car for about 1 and a half year and it still running fine.

[@Jushwa]

​@@TheFranpito There is no TCU tune for aisin auto 1.8t mk7s. Only the wagons were DCT AFAIK

[@TheFranpito]

@@Jushwa i tought it had the dry clutch dsg. Were i live they sell all the golfs (except the gti) with the DQ200. I have a seat leon 1.8tsi with a IHI RHF5 (mk6 gti turbine) ok that gearbox with 280hp and 390nm torque with no problems.

[@colinmcdonell5034]

Love to see a hybrid TPC IS20 turbo with custom EQT tuning on that Golf 1.8T. Great video...

[@carbongecko]

Thank you for posting this, I have a 2016 mk7 1.8t auto golf and have done the is20 turbo upgrade, high flow 3" downpipe and full 3"dual exhaust. Since no one does the auto version I never really had number to compare to. I look forward to any more 1.8t upgrade dyno videos.

[@COMotorsports]

There's a handful on our channel, this just happens to be the first auto.

[@carbongecko]

@@COMotorsports I just wish a dyno like you guys was near me. Other than my unitronics tune I have no clue my specific numbers.

[@jims.3987]

@@carbongecko who cares what the numbers are? You drive around wondering if you're pushing 248 or 230 a lot? Spending hundreds of dollars to just find out what your horsepower is on a car you drive to work is retarded af. LOL Also, unless you live in the middle of North Dakota chances are there are several dynos near you somewhere. It's not like super rare to find someone with a dyno

[@yacluck8343]

I skipped the is38 and went gt2260s on my 1.8t mk7. Im using the 09G transmission with an upgraded lpfp and all bolt ons. Cars making about 23psi max, but room for more. Dont want to push it because of the torque. Eventually ill swap a manual trans in. So far it pulls like a freight train.

[@celderian]

Numbers?

[@JohnEvans-ct6mz]

Thank you for this. I have a scrap IS20 that only needs a new waste gate actuator. I planned to put it on my 1.8T Jetta sport. I know, it’s clocked and hangs differently than the Jetta Garrett/Honeywell setup, but I’m pretty sure I can make it work.

[@quiksilver330]

Let me know how it goes I’m looking to do the same thing

[@JohnEvans-ct6mz]

Near as I can tell, the only difference on the block is the oil return. On the PQ platform cars, it’s on the bottom right. On the MQB it’s on the upper left just over the exhaust balance shaft. On either block, a metal plug is pressed in to block the holes.

[@FlyingStuff]

I have an auto mk7 1.8tsi with IS20, APR PEX intake, larger tip, and intake tube. I blend about 3 gallons of E85 into every tank and the car feels like it’s making a solid 260-270whp. The addition of E into the tank really wakes it up a lot with no changes to the software

[@COMotorsports]

Risky business

[@FlyingStuff]

@@COMotorsports been doing this with every tank for ~100k miles now (4 years) and I drive the absolute shit out of the car on a daily basis. Recently added a 3” catted Unitronic DP, 12.0-12.2 100-200 dragy verified times. Was consistently running 12.7-12.9 with stock DP.

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

Well I just came back from Canadian autocross nationals and your gas is truly amazing to behold. Irving 91 was used and I had to pull a lot of timing out of my tune, even at cruising speeds. QC superclean 94 isn’t as good as Ultra94 in Ontario, but it’s way better than your 91 octane fuels. I immediately threw 2 degrees back in.

[@COMotorsports]

It's very trashy yes.

[@buddysshop1860]

At least our beer is good.....? 😐

[@pudermcgavin4462]

Thanks for this video I have a mk7 tsi 5 speed with a full racingline intake setup, with elbow turbo muffler delete! It changed the vehicle it now will rev out to redline at least!

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

Cool to see! I'd read that the autos weren't capable of handling the torque from a turbo upgrade, and even just a stage 2 would be more than what they could handle. Definitely hoping to go stage 1 within the next year, but an IS20 upgrade looks very tempting...

[@COMotorsports]

We've done a few IS20 Auto's now, but this one is the first one we've dyno'd.

[@deanschofield99]

I don't regret it

[@TheFranpito]

i have the same gearbox on a seat leon 1.8tsi with a ihi rhf5 (gti mk6 turbo). With a stage 2 TCU tune. Im currently at 280 HP krank and 380nm. It´s not about power, it´s about torque. You can make a low torque tune that makes a lot of power. People kill the dry clutches with 450nm of torque at 2500 rpm. thats the main problem

[@shawnreems493]

I thought so as well. But what I have read from other players is that the auto has been able to hold out 350Ibft. I'm at about 300Ibft. Transmissions still feels really really good.

[@dylan651995]

Love to see 1.8t content. I have an IS38 on mine but the auto did not like it. I threw it in the trash and swapped in a GTI 6 speed manual and with my new fuel system it should make some good power. When the car was still automatic it put down 306 whp and 278 lbft of torque on 93 octane. The torque curve fell over before peak and did a weird blip we think due to transmission computer holding the power back. It was down about 30 whp and about 50 lbft of torque from where it should have been on the apr tune I used to run

[@COMotorsports]

Yeah likely trans holding TQ back

[@TheFranpito]

yeah, a IS38 is a bit too much for the dq200 gearbox, it will destroy the clutches at the first full throtle pull. Im running 280hp and 380nm of torque at the cranck (wich is about 270lbft) on mi 1.8tsi with dq200. It runs really good, but i take care of it giving it full thottle always over 3,5k rpm on the higher gears. I have a Stage 2 TCU tune wich removes all the torque limiters.

[@COMotorsports]

@@TheFranpito This is not a DSG transmission... so not comparable. This is a true automatic transmission.

[@TheFranpito]

@@COMotorsports i tought it used the dq200 dry clutch DSG that most 1.4/1.8tsi golf/audi/seat uses. I dont really knew that vw used a torque converter auto on those cars.

[@cam_fras4605]

What year was your 1.8t? I have a 2018 and really want to ditch the auto for a 6 speed

[@syrconcrete6399]

for anything modern VAG you wanna be running higher octane fuel and the stock DP and intecooler should be done for sure

[@TheFranpito]

i have the same gearbox on a seat leon 1.8tsi with a ihi rhf5 (gti mk6 turbo), full 3" exhaust with downpipe, CAI, cold spark plugs and a custom stage 2+ tune . With a stage 2 TCU tune. Im currently at 280 HP krank and 380nm. It´s not about power, it´s about torque. You can make a low torque tune that makes a lot of power. People kill the dry clutches with 450nm of torque at 2500 rpm with manual gearboxes tunes. thats the main problem, you need DSG specific tunes.

[@DontKillRoyalty]

Sweet! now lets throw an IS38 on it

[@Jushwa]

gosh that 135i sounds so sweet

[@SuperHbkforever]

Oh shit! Cool to see you guys dyno an n54! That's actually what my car is! I have an e90 335xi with hybrid 17t turbos and e50 fuel, a whole bunch of other mods, and made 598whp and 573lbs/ft wt on a mustang dyno It's a fun car to drive and crazy fast.

[@COMotorsports]

Well by the sounds of it, I should say we appreciate you watching our VW content. 👍

[@SuperHbkforever]

@@COMotorsports I also own a b6 Audi 5speed and a Mk4 golf :P. And used to have a Mk5 gti...I pretty much like anything German aside from Mercedes xD. No but for real, you guys are great! Really good content, and gotta support the Canadian content!

[@DustySteel]

Awesome video!! I can’t wait to go big turbo on my 99.5 Audi Quattro and go from around 250hp to 400hp+. I’m definitely going to have to upgrade the clutch at the same time.

[@DustySteel]

A4 B5.5 1.8TQM*

[@COMotorsports]

Best of luck on your build.

[@DustySteel]

@@COMotorsports thank you!

[@ToxicDeflect]

The gen3 1.8t has cast internals / pistons, rods, crank shaft etc. the 2.0 gen 3 like GTI GLI and the R have all forged internals with the same cast engine block two different boost beasts I’m surprised it safely makes the extra 80hp

[@COMotorsports]

Cast VW stuff can go much further than most people think. I've made 700whp on cast 4cyl vw cranks in the past. The gen3 18t has its weakness compared to its bigger brother for sure but still very stout for what it is.

[@thomaskoch2793]

I have a 1.8t mk7 Wolfsburg edition with dsg paddles, I dont see many of them. I'm stage 2 IS20 on 93 thru unitronic and the file says 301HP and 310 torque and it definitely feels like it.

[@DavidRivera-ps7mf]

would you say the is20 has been decently reliable ?

[@thomaskoch2793]

@@DavidRivera-ps7mfvery much so, i had a brief problem in the beginning but that was tuning related.

[@Lambeerto]

That’s the 2017 model? I recently purchased one. carfax said Wolfsburg and dealer had it listed as tsi-s. I have paddle shifters.. so it’s dsg? Unitronic site doesn’t pull up any TCU options when I filter for year and model….

[@SuperHbkforever]

I'm curious to see a 1.8t 20v with a is38 bolted to it. Sounds like a really good 400hp combo to me

[@COMotorsports]

Its not a normal turbo flange so it would have to have a custom manifold.

[@SuperHbkforever]

@@COMotorsports there are adapters are there not?

[@COMotorsports]

@@SuperHbkforever nothing specifically to mount to a 20v head. A manifold with the odd is38 flange would need to be used. Could it be done, yes... Worth it, no

[@SuperHbkforever]

@@COMotorsports good to know, thanks for the reply

[@nateeaton4163]

Is38 bolts right directly in place of is12 just did it on my sportwagen yesterday. Does anybody know the safe limit of the mk7 1.8t stick internals? I'm running mpi and e85 with 29lbs of boost on is38

[@oakzy3647]

Love the vids

[@seissix6]

New to the VW world and I’m curious if this would be the same 1.8t and gear box on the Mk6.5 jettas. I’d love to get the most bang for my buck while still maintaining reliability. Do to carbs in my stat I require a catalytic converter so I originally only planned intake and res delete but I know I’d love some more power.

[@COMotorsports]

Basically the same yes, however the layout of the turbo is different on some of the MK6 stuff so it can be tough when it comes to turbo upgrades.

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

Oh. I’m surprised APR is okay with running on PID loops so much. I’ve always found it better to let your torque and boost management slightly away from the produced power/boost.

[@skokeboystv9297]

My 1.8 is stage 2 with the is12 and makes like 270 to the wheels

[@MrGiovann1]

What tune?

[@lamazver]

Why is it so wavey? Have you pushed it hotter into measurement bc it spooled faster than oem🧐

[@rjack151]

So let’s have a discussion about IHI. My sisters 2016 Tiguan doesn’t even have 60k on it and she’s already faced with the dreaded P0299 code. Apparently this is dumb common. My friends wife’s Tiguan had a turbo failure at 25k lol. My friend who runs a VW shop in southern maine says their turbos are absolute garrrbage. And he’s been doing a K04 direct replacement on all of the ones with turbo failure, and apparently the OE mapping can handle it without any fiddling 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@COMotorsports]

You're not doing a k04 swap on these. Completely different turbo.

[@nateeaton4163]

Any idea what the safe limit for the mk7 1.8T engine is? I just installed EQT is38+ (bolts up like stock fitment) with 3" dp, big intercooler and piping, full awe track exhaust, apr coils, cold plugs, mpi kit with 535gph lpfp and 935cc injectors with flex fuel united motorsport software. Running 29lbs of boost, need to get it dynoed ASAP, guessing around 380 on 93 and roughly 15% more on e85?? Just curious if thats within safe limit on stock all cast internals. Thanks!

[@COMotorsports]

Haven't pushed one sorry.

[@edu1281]

i got a 2016 5speed wasnt aware of the power

[@likehyt8364]

My question is what was the upgrade i want to do it on mine lol

[@twitchub219]

for golf 7 1.4 tsi is that suitable for is20 turbo?

[@Night_keen]

yes, I run it. Autobox not DSG. works fine if tuned correctly

[@gergothzx]

oh wow I thought you needed a downpipe for the IS20

[@COMotorsports]

All depends on software being used. APR offers stock downpipe files for these.

[@pioteroski]

hello i have a question and noone can give me a straight answer, on my pre facelift alltrack 1.8tsi 2015 im swapping turbo, on my current is12 i have different type of WG actuator, on my new turbo which is is20 from 2019 i have newer type of actuator (its slightly different and electric plug is on the other side), are those two matching and can i use the newer one from is20 without any issues?

[@COMotorsports]

I have not run into this issue. Sorry

[@filipprisecaru2596]

You mention clutch upgrade for manuals, which clutch would I be looking at?

[@COMotorsports]

All depends on the power you're after and what the vehicle is used for. They're are endless options available.

[@filipprisecaru2596]

@@COMotorsports If I plan on making 260ish for a daily driver build what clutch do you recommend?

[@Sus_blues]

Didnt cobb come out with support for 1.8t? Maybe some tuners like EQT can help with that.

[@COMotorsports]

Help with what?

[@pnb17001]

What software/ Tune are you working with..or just tuning from stock ecu?

[@COMotorsports]

All depends on the project.

[@ArmoredBullTrading]

Going to do this to my 2015 Passat 1.8T tsi. Have the is20 for the upgrade (bought used). Gonna rebuild it first. I feel a little side to side shaft play :( lol, glad I checked. I have a neuspeed module i always run premium. It pulls decent. But is slow asf. Getting a m550 bmw sometime in the next few years. So this should hold me over. Tell me this. Since i see you are a professional. I gutted my downstream cat. And I personally noticed a butt dyno difference, along with much smoth power band overall and quicker revving. Wheel spin increased :(. Anywho. QUESTION IS: Does the upstream cat give more power (removed) or the downstream (removed) or will it give the SAME difference in airflow. It is compressed afterall. I could see a COOLER turbo from gutting the upper vs. Lower. However, it in my opinion they are the same exact material and flow rates. Maybe different metals or quantity of metals to reduce nox emissions between upper and lower cat (1.8tsi Auto FWD). Upgrades Gutted Downstream Cat. Nuespeed module (premium gas (93) K&N Panel Filter Charge Pipe CTS Throttle Pipe CTS Turbo Muffler delete (CTS) G.F.B. Diverter Valve Mod. (Love this one) Cheers! With the Turbo Upgrade (IS20) My local home grown pros VW shop. Will do an APR tune on the car after i install the turbo. My other question is. Is it sufficient to leave the upstream cat in tact, or gut it too. *(I currently do not have any engine light issues etc.) Never did. It does not seem to care at all that the downstream cat was gutted. I would indeed put an o2 spacer or o2 elbow for the oxygen sensor if i did/do the upper cat. Thanks in advance!

[@COMotorsports]

Catless can provide more power, but an upgraded downpipe cat vs catless is unlikely to make much difference at that power level. The benefits would come from the upgraded downpipe itself.

[@Adam5860]

How much HP / TQ can those automatic transmission reliably handle??

[@COMotorsports]

No clue, don't want to find out. lol

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

While I've read that the autos can only handle between 250-300 lb ft reliably, I've also read many forum posts from people pushing more than that through them, and have for years.

[@COMotorsports]

@@tyrellwashington747 I don't think that's the case in this scenario... but I'm open to be proven otherwise so please share if you can.

[@happy2Cyou]

Anyone in chat from nova scotia know somewhere to get a car safetied that has tints front and back?

[@jet_black]

Dope.

[@johncarrington1024]

I have 04 jetta wagon 1.8t and I put down 320 hp 335lb torq and mines and auto....

[@COMotorsports]

Completely different but still good info. Thanks.

[@ChrisGlasson]

My stage two is20 auto is catless 280whp 300+trq cant remember it off the top of my head conservatively on 1.8 fueling

[@COMotorsports]

What fuel? Good to know the trans is still allowing more power.

[@ChrisGlasson]

@@COMotorsports 93 octane, 2.0 fueling would bump it to a much more aggressive state, theres a few running hybrids and ethanol on the auto but i wouldnt push it that far

[@COMotorsports]

@@ChrisGlasson Fueling isn't required for this turbo.

[@ChrisGlasson]

@@COMotorsports not off that bat no, but for more power switching the fuel pump and vac box from the 1.8 to 2.0 increases power the 1.8 fueling system isnt that strong

[@ChrisGlasson]

@@COMotorsports if i wanted to bump my is20 file from 280 whp to like 340 the 2.0 fuel pump and vac box would allow it is what im trying to say

[@booperdooper2548]

Ive got pretty much the same car, but bone stock and its a manual. If im trying to boost horsepower what do you think are the cheapest and most cost-effective modifications i could do?

[@COMotorsports]

Tune it

[@gazza8596]

I’m sure this is the same as my Audi a3 1.8tfsi mine is a s tronic Quattro and I’m sure they come with a lot of restrictions on the gearbox side wich holds back power unless you manually go in and de restrict them to give you full whack - car sounded good tho I thought I already had a is20 turbo on mine but now I’m thinking I might not mines is a 14 plate 8v 6 speed s tronic model feel free to educate me haha

[@COMotorsports]

Gen 3 1.8T came with IS12. You have lots of room for growth.

[@gazza8596]

Do you know how much power I can expect to get from a stage 2 then Uv I only have is12 turbo ? It’s running stage 2 ecu and stage 2 tcu it also has golf R competition intacooler and large charge pipes - turbo muffler delete - rs7 style iridium spark plugs - Apr coil packs - massive turbo inlet with 4.5 inch pro ram air intake open with inclosed box and a gfb all in one compact diverter valve due to the charge pipe eating up all the room haha and since it’s been mapped it feels like it’s running super rich with no boost

[@rodianmatthys3328]

​@@gazza8596mine is a 2014 1.8tfsi dq200 dsg, stock turbo,3"downpipe into 2½" single box exhaust,jnestuned map on Ecu and Tcu pushing out 263hp and 325lb.ft torque

[@chewbaccabuddy3377]

How does the transmission hold up? Does it slip at all because of such a large torque increase?

[@COMotorsports]

Auto no, they're holding up.

[@HumanPanda_]

i have an auto mk7 1.8T. im gunna get an intake, downpipe, and exhaust. is there anything i should get to be safe? tune? intercooler? i need help 😅

[@COMotorsports]

Tune 100%, that's where all the power is. Check out our last video for a deal on software.

[@HumanPanda_]

@@COMotorsports what tune would be best? its my daily driver, im not looking for anything insane

[@COMotorsports]

@@HumanPanda_ read above message

[@johnboticki9154]

What do the gen 2 tiguans come with for turbo? Can you upgrade?

[@COMotorsports]

The bcycle engines are a bit different.

[@Nick-wp7md]

I've been looking at tuning my mk7, how much can these transmissions handle in terms of power? An is20 upgrade and tune is really all I'm looking for in terms of power

[@COMotorsports]

Clearly they hold

[@22chachalaca]

They're the same transmission as the Tiguans and have the mk6 GTI engine

[@COMotorsports]

@@22chachalaca incorrect, the MK7 Golf is a 5spd, like automatic. Neither of these transmissions came in the Tiguan or GTI.

[@luisattack]

Curious: i have a 1.8t and just did an apr strange 1 if I were to upgrade to an IS20 would I need to remap the tune?

[@COMotorsports]

Yes. Different turbo, different file. They have files for is20 and is38.

[@luisattack]

@@COMotorsports appreciate it I figured it would need to be! Might be worth it for some more hp

[@deciplesteve]

Could you run an IS20 on this car without the software? I know you wouldn't take full advantage of the upgrade, but would the car have any issues? I would never recommend doing this, the only reason I'm asking is because my coworker wants more power, but he's paranoid about his warranty and his ECU being flagged for a tune.

[@COMotorsports]

They can TD1 a car from visual mods if they feel, so having just a turbo can do the same thing. Also to answer your question no I would not run this turbo without software.

[@deciplesteve]

@@COMotorsports fair point, he's just paranoid because apparently some recent updates to ODIS have made it so if the computer senses a tune, regardless of your reason for scanning it, it will flag the ECU. I told him to just deal with his current power level or accept that he won't have a warranty.

[@COMotorsports]

@@deciplesteve Same thing I tell our clients. ;)

[@JaredGti07]

My mom had a 1.8t beetle someone crashed into it if she gets another one I'm doing this in secret couldn't find the 2.0t beetle I didn't know people mod these engines

[@COMotorsports]

Yeah for sure, there's a lot of potential in these 18ts.

[@ryanbunaisky8619]

Howd you get the 6at to go sutututu without unplugging dv..?

[@COMotorsports]

Driving it

[@ryanbunaisky8619]

@@COMotorsports lies, did u add a blow off? What year and is it 6at 1.8l?

[@COMotorsports]

@@ryanbunaisky8619 did you watch the video.

[@mhaas281]

Do you need wastegate adjustment when going to IS20 from IS12?

[@COMotorsports]

This turbo vibes with the actuator already set, however you do still need to run the test or it will fault out.

[@mhaas281]

@@COMotorsports hi and thanks. I had 1S20 installed yesterday with apr tune. The first time I launched the car I got epc light at third gear. I'm also 6 speed auto gsw. I thinking maybe shifting issue but hard to tell until I get codes.

[@willie123811]

@@COMotorsports is this a gen 3 1.8t

[@bowman9197]

@@mhaas281 did you figure out what it was?

[@mhaas281]

@@bowman9197 not yet still working on it. The misfire is in the upper rpm range. At the moment I have a solid check engine light but normal driving the car seems to run fine.

[@976-EVIL]

is that on stage 1? or stock configuration?

[@COMotorsports]

Clearly IS20

[@zachanator2011]

is this comparable to the mk6.5 1.8t auto jetta?

[@COMotorsports]

Yes and no. The turbo configuration may be slightly different.

[@zachanator2011]

@@COMotorsports configuration as tuning wise or the jetta runs a completely different turbo set up

[@jaylovesrage]

@@zachanator2011different turbo setup

[@rhbdssfky2]

DSG automatic??

[@COMotorsports]

These are not DSG.

[@rhbdssfky2]

@@COMotorsports do you think the DSG would have the same horse power as a manual transmission?

[@COMotorsports]

@@rhbdssfky2 dsg is a lot stronger. If you're taking about actual power... It may be a small difference, but not worth talking about.

[@luisarsuaga7637]

Does this mod requires ECU software?

[@COMotorsports]

Of course.

[@luisarsuaga7637]

@@COMotorsports will it harm the car if I install an is20 to a mk7 1.8t without the tune? The reson for this is that I won't be able to tune it right away, but if my turbo goes bad, I'd like to have a bigger one just incase.

[@COMotorsports]

@@luisarsuaga7637 Think about what you're doing.... this should be self explanatory. If you still don't get it... yes it will.

[@luisarsuaga7637]

@@COMotorsports To be honest, I don't get it, that's why I'm asking. The stock turbo of my car might go bad soon and I'm getting informed. Thanks for replying.

[@COMotorsports]

@@luisarsuaga7637 A lager turbo moves more air at less PSI... you're ECU needs to know how to deal with that otherwise you're just asking to melt the engine down.