Do you even NEED an Intercooler? - VW MK7R Install

For being a pretty straight forward performance mod that many people do, it is often asked if you really need one. Lets go over some of those things to consider and I'll tell you why I'm installing one for myself. Follow along through this full install guide for my MK7 Golf R.
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[@JordieG8]

Use a heat gun to heat those tabs to make them more malleable. 👌 On a side note, I wish IE made a tube and fin intercooler.

[@Vaguh]

This is a great suggestion! When I'm not cold myself I forget that a heat gun can still be really helpful.

[@thepub245]

Gotta be realistic about this. If you're running stage 1 software, never go on track and drive on public roads, you don't need an intercooler, unless you live in a desert. If you're doing as described you dont need to go to stage 2. Have a holiday or buy a new hi- fi or mountain bike instead. With this engine, you would be better modding it for reliability. Fit a full catch tank system, to replace the PCV system, fit a water pump with steel internals instead of plastic, if you can find such a thing. Take out the teabag from the coolant reservoir. Consider fitting a cooler on the DSG gearbox, if you have one and change the gearbox oil regularly, on manual box too. Change the engine oil once a year or every 7000 miles and wait until the oil temp hits 80c before any hard driving. Keep an eye for rust underneath the car, Volkswagen water down the paint on chassis legs, brake calipers etc. to pish. Treat any you see before it becomes a problem.

[@Fastcarsforme]

What a great video you did! I am very impressed with your camera work especially showing how the connectors and clips are manipulated for removal! I have a 2016 R that I am doing Stage 2 on, with intercooler change out and your video will be my step by step. I appreciate you taking the time to do this! Many Thanks!

[@Vaguh]

I really appreciate you taking the time to leave this comment! The way we record how-tos mostly stems from us being upset with other people for not showing the details. Good luck with the install!

[@ColoredinLight]

So glad I threw one in. While my car is a daily - stage 2 in Texas' 105 degree days was not fun.

[@Vaguh]

That would be one of those, “Your climate requires it” sort of things.

[@LOUCABRASI]

Yes just like here in Florida

[@clyth9291]

I don’t have an upgraded intercooler to install but this was a very detailed video. Great job buddy.

[@Vaguh]

Appreciate the feedback! Stick it in your back pocket for when the time comes!

[@TheBigfatclown]

Great tutorial man, Cheers!

[@Vaguh]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful! What else are you planning to do on your R?

[@shaunmaxwell2745]

I have to do this due to road debris. Gonna upgrade while I’m at it. Great video! Subscribed

[@Vaguh]

Thanks for the sub! Hope the install goes smooth!

[@LastHumansGarage]

congrats brother, watching the install now

[@LastHumansGarage]

the yellow tabs were insane bro. i had to use a hammer.. (and i bought two spares before the job, which i still have..)

[@Vaguh]

@@LastHumansGarage I cut out so much footage of my frustration and anger at them. 😆 Buying a spare set is smart!

[@LastHumansGarage]

@@Vaguh i had to call BJP Bryce Jordan Prod. during my install to give me tips on those. He showed me the only way i could get those back in was with a rubber mallet.

[@LastHumansGarage]

then i also used the screw hole in the middle to pull it in.. that's what its for after all. and to keep it from coming out.

[@Vaguh]

@@LastHumansGarage oh that’s a great idea especially if you break them during the process.

[@MrCaterhamr500]

Did you notice any difference in how the car drove? I’ve fitted fmic to other cars before and seen torque and hp improved without even touching the mapping. Also what’s your opinion on the big boost pipes and hoses upgrade from Airtec and the like?

[@wedrivebynight]

Yes. You need an intercooler if you have to ask the question

[@archiefordham5541]

Just got my IE intercooler for my gti the other day! Its a beast! Im curious to know, do you think the rock chips in the ac condenser have any kind of negative effect on the intercooler? Mine is pretty chewed up…

[@Vaguh]

Great to hear! I guess any bent fins are going to have some kind of impact on performance. If the fins on the condenser are so bent they seem to be plugging up airflow it could be worth taking a pair of tweezers and straightening them out. However, I doubt they could get that bad.

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

Have you considered installing upgraded auxiliary coolers? I've been eyeballing the Mishimoto ones, I think they boast about a 76% increase in core surface area, and they come with covers for added safety.

[@Vaguh]

Personally I haven't looks at upgrading the aux radiators. If i get into more tracking days then definitely worth checking out.

[@ls6stroker850]

The eBay intercoolers for that platform have that very same design for $349 then fit with no modifications

[@andrewjohnson7324]

you got link

[@ls6stroker850]

@@andrewjohnson7324 eBay

[@theenglishtrucker1849]

I have a 2.0TFSI with standard TWINtercoolers and it made 290bhp stage 2. I only use it on the roads goin to work and weekend drives. Ive never been on a track so dont need one. Having one wont hurt though.

[@lagerace227]

Great DYI 👍Definitely use this when I want to take my bumper off. Did you have to take the bump off to install the additional supports for the All-Track skid plate?

[@Vaguh]

I didn't take my bumper offer, but with how simple it is I kinda wish I would have. Massive tip for that install is to leave the supports loose, put the skidplate on, then tighten the support hardware. This allows for the best alignment so you're not fighting the bolts when you're putting the skidplate on. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5vGqpZjh5WLZtk

[@GOODSATIVA]

I have a arm fmic and it blocks the mounting points for the all track skid plate so I wasted like 500$. I need the ie one

[@Vaguh]

@@GOODSATIVA That’s something I didn’t think about with that style of front mount. Bummer to hear, but good to know!

[@kylesheehan3813]

I read that the outlets and inlets are bigger than stock ones from a mk7 gti (2"75). Im curious as to if the golf r has bigger boost couplers coming off the boost lines. I wonder if it would mount to a GTI without having to change the hoses.

[@Vaguh]

Thats a good question. I want to say the answer is probably yes since the fitment application for IE's intercooler shows it fits both the MK7.5 R and MK7.5 GTI.

[@aldochairez358]

How often do you usually do an oil change on your vehicle. I have an Audi B9 A5 with apr tune, coils , spark plugs, and cts turbo intake. I tend to you step on it a lot every other day. By the way love all your videos!

[@Bouloama]

In the first 30 second, he explained all ;)

[@Vaguh]

YUP! Hope you stuck around for my sexy bod later in the vid.... (lmk if that worked)

[@laresev]

Hey brother, what wheel set up are you running in this video?

[@Vaguh]

Those are the 034 Motorsport ZTF-R01 units. I don’t run any spacers and I’m sitting on 034 springs. I also have a few other 034 suspension components providing front camber. www.034motorsport.com/ztf-01-forged-wheel-18x8-5-et45-57-1mm-bore.html

[@dalesmit7869]

great job and vid install. Wont there be more turbo lag with the bigger intercooler on stock map?

[@Random63R400]

Negative, you only get turbo lag with bigger turbo wheels getting to the max boost.

[@dksaevs]

how about water/methanol injection?

[@Vaguh]

Definitely a worthy option to consider for SERIOUS performance benefits and in climates with extreme heat. But I think thats going to be an option limited mostly to advanced consumers since it's not quite so "set it and forget it".

[@mazpr2025]

I think you need more bicycles 🎉

[@Vaguh]

😆 No! Please no more bikes!