Intercooler Install on our MK7 GTI - DIY

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Find the Intercooler that's best for you here! www.shopdap.com/make-model-year/volkswagen/gti/mk7-2015-present/engine/2-0l-i4-tsi/performance/intercoolers-mk7-gti.html

[@jmahtab]

I like how this was done without removing the headlamp assemblies or draining coolant.

[@dorkultra]

wow what a pain in the ass to install. props for showing what it takes

[@SpaceMissile]

he makes it look so easy though!

[@brianmaclachlan1699]

Just DIYed an intercooler for my MK7 R, and this was the most useful video I watched. Really appreciated the "front approach" that helped me avoid draining coolant. Thanks very much!

[@michaeldigruttila1440]

i realized from all these videos, a lift makes life a hell of a lot easier, lol

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Michael DiGruttila Yup. If I had a garage, I’d install a lift in it.

[@JohnNusik]

So does a 23" floor jack $99 HF

[@RaytheonNublinski]

Okay so I’ll be paying for this install.

[@joshuakerstein9573]

Thinking the same thing

[@user-bt3fo3og4z]

Lol I was thinking the same thing

[@boostedbliss07MK5]

Lmao! Suddenly $350 doesn’t sound bad! Installing the is38 was easier then this looks. I’m bet every one of those plastic clips is a 5-10 minute cuss fest.....

[@sethrichardson6042]

Hood release cables? Wonder how many forget to put those back and close the hood at the end

[@cengeb]

Cars have a lot of parts! clips, connectors, wow...engineering is amazing, it all just comes together on the assy line.

[@TheDailyBoost]

I just started installing my IC last night. Just alot of little steps and things to remove which is annoying but all pretty basic. This video helped. Thanks

[@bubzfishingchannel]

From replacing Honda and Subaru radiators. This job is on another level.

[@TheSuncloud]

Just finished! 4hrs total, those clips where not my amigos haha!

[@joshuakerstein9573]

Nice

[@rage9517]

Just did mine and took me about 5 hrs also !! And those clips were just not having it dude

[@kaiden572]

Did you need to evac the freon?

[@rambow70]

@@kaiden572no you don’t

[@ghetto29fab6]

Man you give the best install videos

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Devin Bridgewater Thanks glad you like

[@jasons2697]

This honestly doesn’t look that bad of a job. The hardest part looks like taking off the core support, and the separation of the a/c condenser and radiator. Putting the new radiator in looks very simple.

[@geogearbex]

Thank you so much for another great tutorial!! I was able to install my Do88 intercooler thanks to you 🎉

[@honestreview1043]

Before you remove the bumper unplug the fog lights. There is access panels in the wheel arch liners.

[@deborinquen13]

Thank you so much for the video. It was super helpful to us when we installed the do88.

[@Mikey-ug7nj]

OMG! Guess i'm keeping my intercooler stock.

[@joshuakerstein9573]

Definitely intimidating, trick is doing it with a buddy on their car first, haha

[@gary2kr1]

😆

[@Theurgicnick]

I know this is an old video but great work lads. Love your you tube content and shop, I only wish you had a store or warehouse in the UK as I would order so much more from you.

[@level5822]

Awesome GTi...

[@skiraf]

Its great how you did it all in 22 minutes. :-) Nice job!

[@kylewhipps]

What a painful install this is. Currently doing it to my mk7.5R. You make the yellow clips seem so easy!!! Definitely regret trying to do this my own under isolation

[@patrickroswell2449]

Dope. Certainly easier then changing your own timing chains or clutch replacement. I'll do this. Thanks.

[@drouleau]

Sometimes I miss my MK3 2.0L. Sure, it had the power of a moped, but damn that thing was easy to work on.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Dana Rouleau Ha... Yes the MK3 was an easy car to work on for sure.

[@skiraf]

no leftover bolts... job well done. :-)

[@dun8410]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 if i did this i will have a bucket full

[@Cobra-sv9uh]

There is a myth that says the best mechanic is the one that gets leftover parts lol.

[@MTLJack]

I think this is a great method if you don't want to drain the coolant except it takes more time because you have to remove the whole front end basically.

[@jaimesan2609]

Remove two screws and about a hundred or so clip fasteners. Great video.

[@chefantoniogiovanni209]

Did you forget to put the air baffles back on the radiator support?

[@Aldik1980]

You was very help me with that vlog ! THANK YOU ! I'm very greatful!

[@nickantuar1682]

Fantastic video, thanks for making the effort to show so much detail. I’ve seen other install videos where the radiator coolant pipes were disconnected in order to move everything forward. Is that a necessary step and did you do that in this instance but not show it? Also behind the front bumper, is the S3 8V basically the same as the GTI? ONE more question; many other videos showtime headlights being fully removed. Is this necessary? I’d prefer not to move the headlights due to fear of putting them out of alignment. Thanks :)

[@leocaldeira88]

I am attempting this on mine. I already snapped the clip on hood latch. More complicated than you made it look but I am not giving up.

[@wolfsburggti4476]

How long did it take to finally finish?

[@kent570253]

What. A. Pain. I felt the pain only looking at the video. Working on the E36 is soooo easy, I might look in another BMW instead of a MK7 GTI. That being said, I love your channel.

[@biscuiteater40]

Looks like you took apart half the car for this. Nice detailed video.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Brian Nash Thanks for the feedback. This is a pretty big job.

[@burrclausen]

Any chance you have a more current video showing removing grill and bumper on MK 7.5 with cruise/collision sensor? Also I will be working in an unheated garage so should I be concerned that plastic tabs on grill and bumper may be more brittle and susceptible to breaking off or cracking?

[@mr.adventure559]

Doing this would take up an entire weekend for most home mechanis.

[@chuggalueroifan]

This is my favorite video.. good content

[@gobluea2740]

Question...Can you remove the radiator without pulling off the bumper, condenser, and intercooler? It seems possible...

[@jonathangarbi782]

Yes. At 10:18 we see how the the radiator is attached to the assembly. At 3:34 the side air baffle is removed. The top attachment points of the side air baffles also serve as access holes to do what is done in the video at 10:18 without much disassembly. Using a small screwdriver from the back side to wedge into the point at which the radiator clips into the assembly, then a larger screw driver through the access hole to force the locking tab down, and finally a third screwdriver as a lever to pry the radiator from the assembly can work. I am currently doing a radiator replacement on a 2015 (not GTI but TSI). The $700 quote from an independent shop, together with the little bit of what I could find, including this video, led me to believe it was quite involved, but it is not nearly as involved as initially surmised.

[@GTI_CHHA]

Great install video! Would have been interesting to dyno the car for and after, to see if the bigger intercooler resuls in any additional Nm or HP. Or does it only help to avoid heat soak in summer?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+GTI_CHHA Take a look here for more info on intercoolers kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZzCpHuDiZprf5Y

[@TheTexican05]

Friends often wonder why I am still on the stock intercooler with a stage 2 car making 330 at the tire… This is why. Install is a very time consuming PITA, on top of the $800-$1100 purchase cost for a quality, stock location intercooler. I get to bite the bullet in a month or so. Temperatures are already out of control in Texas. Well into the 90s the entire month of May so far… 🥵 my little VW storm trooper deserves better!

[@albertocolon206]

How long does it take to do this job to put a 2015 GTI intercooler

[@SupernovaCNS]

Is it worth upgrading the intercooler with the stock is20 turbo or would it only be beneficial if you're going to swap to a bigger turbo?

[@silverfalcon068]

For the yellow clips that you said to be careful with. Yea fucking right. Just installing my unitronic intercooler In took me over an hour to get those clips out. Two flat heads nahhh, more like one flat head to depress and a two foot pry bar to try and pull the bracket off. Still an awesome install video.

[@Swervedriver71]

Excellent video, thanks a bunch for sharing this.

[@沈宏涛]

Very useful video, thank you!

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+沈宏涛 Glad we could help

[@R0yL33]

I'd go with a FMIC. Easier install and unaffected by a/c running. Sorry but I like to go fast and stay cool! No need to remove old i/c as I've never seen temp gauge move past 12 o'clock even in spirited driving.

[@shotbyram]

Fmic works in conjunction with the stock i/c?

[@R0yL33]

@@shotbyram no. It just sits there, disconnected. Although I've seen ic setups that also still use factory ic.

[@ahenrycc84]

Would this front mounted intercooler fit MK7 GTIs (2015-7 specifically) with ACC sensor mounted below the bumper, like mine? If it doesn't, are there any other FMICs that would fit?

[@Lv4LAX]

Did you guys put in a turbo upgrade? I think Revo made an upgraded is38 turbo that seems like it makes crazy power. Have you heard anything about it? Ever considered putting it on? I’m assuming it’s the same process and a regular is38 (with accompanying mods of course)

[@eliseocortes0228]

Good time to clean the condender, before finish the install

[@meatamigo3428]

Lifesaver video. Thank you.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Meat Amigo Glad to help

[@joshuakerstein9573]

@@Deutscheautoparts wish me luck, going deep for a downpipe/ intercooler/Is38/ spark plugs/ turbo inlet swap on my gsw 1.8t as a amateur this weekend..... thank you for your prayers 😂

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@joshuakerstein9573 how many leftover bolts did you have

[@mannyg1578]

Wanted to upgrade my intercooler but nevermind lol

[@90FirstGenPGT]

Would love to know how long it took you to install.

[@bracketbracket1133]

super informative

[@ilyaaronov7449]

Hi Paul, can you please post the tool list (including bits) needed for this job?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Ilya Aronov We mention all the tools used in the video. You can check it out there.

[@salik990]

very informative video, can u tell the dimension size of Revo intercooler as its not mentioned anywhere on your website and even on Revotechnik website

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+salik990 We dont have any specs on the core size yet. This product is not officially released.

[@salik990]

Did u compared with the Unitronic Intercooler? Was there size differences in both intercooler?

[@salik990]

+Deutsche Auto Parts just found out the core size, its 23 x 16.54 x 2 = 760in³

[@sivautharsan1]

Hey, Iam from Germany. I have a Golf MK7 1,6 TDI. I will change the water cooler. Is the repair immediate or different?

[@tcpomeroy]

Are there additional bolts under the fender liner to remove (m10) prior to popping the bumper tabs out on the fender side? I'm having trouble popping it free and wondering if those two bolts need to be loosened.

[@Watchtoday911]

Hi In this video we have not seen the method of emptying water from the old Also how was the combination without adding coolant How to add coolant after installation ؟؟؟

[@AADetailing]

There is no liquid in an intercooler. Just air. Also in this video he doesn't remove the radiator so there is no need to empty the coolant.

[@SpaceMissile]

it looks like you just move the condenser a little to get to the intercooler. My little installation booklet is telling me to discharge the a/c to do this job. you think i could get by without doing so?

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

They clearly didn't

[@SpaceMissile]

@@MeltingRubberZ28 oh hey! I managed to do it without. I just spread them a little and there was enough room. The only thing I broke was a fog light connector. Make sure you disconnect them first! Edit: I just realized you didn't ask and I'm accidentally replying to myself. 😅

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@SpaceMissile I appreciate it anyway bud!

[@kylew3643]

What size t clamps did you use for the install? I just ordered the AMS Intercooler and want to use them instead of the typical auto store clamps since they are boost pipes.

[@apache4541]

Remember stock location goes between radiator and condenser is a hot sandwich What are you think?

[@Rory_Simms]

Gunna pop this

[@joshuagreen9666]

I have a 2017 Jetta 1.4tsi is there any chance that a stock GLI intercooler would bolt up? I know the piping won't but I'm just curious if the lock carrier is the same minus the intercooler

[@kolbyturner3690]

do you have the link to the exact head lights you have? I can't tell if they are the chrome strip or black. Thank you.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+KOLBY TURNER Here are the ones deutscheautoparts.com/mk7-helix-headlights-with-silver-stripe.html

[@erikwahr8454]

How much do you charge to get this done at your shop in nc, I have a mk7 r that I just order a cts intercooler from y’all for

[@VdubK]

Hi, i know this video is old (but still decent) i was wondering if its possible to remove the condenser without getting the whole plastic frame out which holds the intercooler, condenser and radiator?, it looks possible in the vid as i can see the tabs but i'm unsure, many thanks.

[@KasamS]

Did u find out if its possible?

[@VdubK]

@@KasamS tbh I can't remember as it was awhile back and my memory is awful lol! But I did replace my intercooler + condenser so it all came out at once anyway, it's actually a REALLY easy job, just takes some time to do it, its really not complicated, I would though go to a place that regases Aircon and tell them you are replacing your condenser yourself, can they empty it then you'll come back for the recharge when it's done (it's the same as they'd do anyway it just splits it into 2 parts so most nice garages won't have an issue) as it's illegal to release the gas and not just that but it is a pressurised system so it's worth getting it emptied first regardless, Good luck with the job!

[@KasamS]

@@VdubK kl cheers, im also planning on getting an intercooler so will probably do it at the same time, my work has an aircon machine but it'll all have leaked out by then anyway

[@anngo4140]

what about the adaptive cruise control thing? do you have to remove it too?

[@solobellimino2356]

No disconnecting the battery?

[@ggv69340]

Item number for the intercooler will this fit 2020 mk7 gti

[@Jimz12]

does the revo intercooler fit with a gti with forward collision warning system i have vw gti 2015

[@ericmichel3857]

This is my first time looking at a German car, man that stock intercooler is huge! I guess those Germans really do over enginner everything, I have seen cars making 400-500 with units smaller than that! No wonder they are getting so much power out of just a tune. I am not so sure I would want to upgrade that piece, thicker is not always better, and that thing looks like it has plenty of capacity. Plus a thicker intercooler reduces velocity, and air to the radiator, which is not a good idea when you are making more power and trying to control engine temps. Seems like you would be better off spending just money on a bigger turbo if you really want to go crazy, no? Although more power and lag on a front drive car just seems like a bad idea, even with a limited slip diff. Personally I would just consider doing the ECU tune and enjoy it as is, if you want more get something with rear or AWD.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Eric Michel There has been a ton of testing that shows that heat soak sets in pretty quickly on stock intercoolers. Also you might want to check out the intercoolers 101 video as it talks a litte more about this. The stock intercooler is a tube and fin design which is not ideal for flow kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZzCpHuDiZprf5Y

[@formerengineer5784]

Would be interested to see the data from that testing. Replacing the stock intercooler with this one wouldn't address radiation. So it's only better when you're pushing air. I can't say whether the fan can push enough air to show a difference between an aftermarket unit and the OEM unit, but I am guessing no. The car has to be actually moving. In that case, is heat soak as much of an issue? Is this more of an issue for 1/4 mile/street racing, where you're struggling to cool everything off all the time?

[@ericmichel3857]

I would be interested to see how this testing is actually done myself. I am very skeptical about it because I have seen similar claims from many other folks selling intercoolers, ones that I bought and tested myself and could not reproduce their results, and these had bigger surface area, and were thicker. In some cases they did heat up slower, but the difference was not as nigh and day as they seemed to indicate. I would also be very wary of anyone claiming that an intercooler will increase power. In my experience they do not, but in some cases they allow you to run higher boost, and of course that gives you more power. Most intercoolers don't have anything in front of or directly behind them like this one does. Which makes me even more skeptical of the advantages, and a bit worried about the effect it has on engine cooling. It is surface area, not thickness that gives the biggest bang for your buck, and in that regard this is the same as stock. I would think long and hard before blowing a bunch of money on these "upgraded" intercoolers.

[@formerengineer5784]

Eric Michel time slips don't lie. Would like to see A/B testing on a race track. Can the stock tune take advantage of a bigger intercooler? Radiation is the big issue, because it's so close to the radiator. Radiation works the same whether or not you're moving. Move the OEM unit somewhere (who knows where) and it would be very effective I imagine. Alternatively, somehow partition the air between the rad and the intercooler. Both would require a ton of fab work. It's almost as if these VW guys knew what they were doing! Also, I was a little confused by the comparison between tune and bar construction. It seems to me like the bar is just what you get when you have to make these on a small scale.

[@ericmichel3857]

Indeed time slips don't lie, which is why I have never seen anyone claim improved time slips from just an intercooler. In fact if the intercooler were a significant improvement over stock there would be a software tune to go with it, perhaps with even more boost or timing to take advantage of the substantial intake cooling improvement, and yet no such tunes exist, that alone should tell you something. In fact the only real significant power improvements seem to be the down pipe (getting rid of the cats), and installing a bigger turbo. I have seen people with only a down pipe and a tune running times pretty much identical to those who spent thousands more on fancy looking intakes, hoses, intercoolers... I think most of that stuff is a waste of money, very little if any benefit for all the time, effort, and money spent. Plus these added parts tend to cause unforeseen issues and add more warranty risk, and for what MAYBE and 5-10 hp, maybe. I have just as often seen where these parts create false sensor reading that actually cause the car to lose power. But hey at least you reduced reliability and spent thousands of dollars so...

[@berto371rr]

i have a 2016 gli 2.0 tsi. when i look for parts all i can find is parts for the gti 2.0 tsi will they also fit my car

[@Zakw17]

So there’s no need to drain coolant here?

[@alexmacfarlane5188]

Would this be the same for a GTD ?

[@prinmiami85]

Good afternoon. I installed a unitronic intercooler on my 2015 jetta tsi 1.8t. along with a USP downpipe and intake. The intercooler, after install, seems to have a very light whistle as I release acceleration down to 2K to 1K rev. sounds interesting but yet concerning. Is this normal?

[@c.g.4195]

Do you fix that whistle ?

[@77chatham]

I’ve heard the best intercooler is the Wagner for the MK7.

[@beastmeetbybeastexhaust835]

Anyone have a video on draining the coolant?

[@jackmcdonald8355]

Wouldn't a thiccccccc intercooler cause problems putting everything back together?

[@matthewespinoza3932]

I need the mounting hardware for the intercooler to connect to pretty much everything but I don’t have it anyone know where I can get mounting hardware please

[@zhengzhou7716]

Will large intercooler increase the turbo lag?

[@DoubleMC856]

I installed the unitronic intercooler last summer and for some reason I couldn't get it to fit properly into those holes on the bottom of the housing. I took off the rubber around the holes and it fit and I secured it with some duct tape lol... Now it finally started to rattle, haha guess it's time to take it apart and do it right

[@adamdinglasan5244]

did the car feel noticeably better after the intercooler upgrade?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Adam Ding You should watch this video it should help give you more insight on this kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZzCpHuDiZprf5Y

[@johnbarrington5497]

Would this fit with a CSF radiator?

[@johnlastname2416]

If I have the lower grill radar sensor of acc how will my install?

[@dasauto44]

How much do you charge for this job?!

[@KasamS]

How long would it take to do this?

[@bettertraining3491]

I’m confused ;where was the coolant?

[@simonemito90]

Hello measures intercooler ? liters ? thanks

[@salik990]

+simone di nicola its 23 x 16.54 x 2 = 760in³

[@nizzy1057]

god damn, VW makes it so hard. id rather put a FMIC on a subaru than do this to my GTI lol

[@AAron_Pendragon]

I’m a beginner “hot shot” car enthusiast and have been slowly modding my 2017 Golf R. I want to install an intercooler and after watching this video…my hot shot enthusiasm went from like 100% to just over 1.5% lol! My first thought is, “This’ll be straightforward!” And then just ten minutes into the video it’s “That’s a lot of screws to keep track of😳”… Final thoughts…”I think I’ll let my mechanic sort through this.”

[@JonThompson90]

Does this intercooler work with cars that have Adaptive Cruise Control?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+Jon Thompson Yes this should work on those as well.

[@Jvilleman400]

Would this install be similar to a golf R install

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Yup

[@Jvilleman400]

Even tho I have DAP an no fog lights?

[@jmracing2010]

Would a gulf r intercooler fit a Jetta Gli mk6

[@laurentiuantonie9315]

is t30 screws , in no 27 in vag line

[@jsplasha]

Why are the ones at naps only like $200?

[@ErikRules21]

what stage do anyone recommend for me Golf R MK6? l already installed a cold air intake, down pipe too. any ideas?

[@level5822]

Stg1, stg2 of you have bigger intercooler

[@milliemil26]

What size wheels are on that bad boy?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

+milliemil26 18's yes they are BBS

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Free advertising for Hanes boxers 👍

[@jasoncuesta8942]

can anyone tell me about the pipiing routing

[@stutterz45]

What Bosch drill is that

[@Dcc357]

VW: We upgraded the intercooler for you.

[@SuperDumbfounded]

what was the hp gain after the install?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Check out this video it should help explain more kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZzCpHuDiZprf5Y

[@rogerea337]

I miss my MK2......

[@bassemyousfi2898]

this headlight FROM golf R not GTI ?