Full summary of my Unitronic-tuned IS38 FBO 2018 VW Golf Sportwagen

[@ryanstarks6400]

Got a 19 alltrack absolutely love it. Car looks great. Hoping to hop mine up with some tasty mods! Thanks for showing your vw off!

[@splatbubble]

Mine has an APR Stage 1 (it was there when I bought it) and bow howdy the car is fun as heck.

[@TheTexican05]

Because #ShagginWagon 😎 👌 Great video, Adam. This was nice to see your GSW up close and learn a little more about the upgrades. I had no idea these could be had for that low of a price in 2018! It's a Golf R with a toned down interior and a 10% penalty in engine displacement. That's it. Your upgrades and IS38 turbo have more than made up for that deficit. Good stuff, friend.

[@14zapotokw]

Honestly man ive been looking into trading in my 17 GLI and i think this build has convinced me

[@camerone397]

Looks awesome. Sticking w stage 1 for now but looking to do the same sort of stuff to my '19 GSW S AWD DSG (very similar spec!) at some point in the next few years and this is a great resource. Love the plate too haha

[@ChummyChum18]

I’m really hoping to follow in the steps of this hahah, love it man!

[@jdizzle312]

Sweet! Nice ride. Wish I had that in my driveway.

[@GearGuy2001]

Thanks for the overview - very neat. Im in a MK6 Jetta TDI with a CR170 (turbo swap) and eyeing some different options. Cool to see how well this would respond to an IS38. 12.1 is cranking in the 1/4 mile!

[@karstgeo7290]

It's an amazing daily setup and v. reliable.

[@GearGuy2001]

@@karstgeo7290 How are the APR A01 wheels holding up? Looking at them myself after seeing them on a few VWs.

[@karstgeo7290]

@@GearGuy2001 just fine!

[@theRealJohnnyDubz]

Yooo I got a white 2018 GSW 6MT 4Mo 100% ripping around DC. Nice ride man!

[@IS38Alltrack]

I was your 333rd subscriber :). I am looking at is38 stage 2+ for my alltrack too lol

[@hoodlumhunter]

Hi I have a 1.8T DQ50 AWD Audi A3, and I can do the same tune with IS38. Think my car will be a bit under 3.91 to 60 considering it’s a bit lighter? Thanks, nice car

[@zippin1]

I could do a video on my GTI in ten seconds. I’m stoked to see the Apex wheels in person.

[@karstgeo7290]

So when are you fixing that haha?

[@zippin1]

@@karstgeo7290 43 months or 50k miles 🤓

[@karstgeo7290]

@@zippin1 goddamn warranty....just do it..hahahaha

[@Greasytireguyuntilidie]

Gorgeous build brother, one question would you do the is20 again for daily driving vs the is38? Or is it worth twice the cost to jump into the is38? Cheers and merry christmas

[@karstgeo7290]

The 38 is the way.

[@Greasytireguyuntilidie]

@@karstgeo7290any specific reason, just the speed? It won’t ever be tracked but I want the is38 just all the extras seem excessive for 60hp basically more than bolt on is20 w a golf r downpipe and intercooler. But you have the experience and I appreciate your time

[@karstgeo7290]

@Greasytireguyuntilidie I can't make the decision for you. Here's a post comparing them. I like the 38 but sure...the 20 is the budget winner. Bolt on and drive. golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/do-it-all-sportwagen-street-hoon-track-drag-you-name-it-this-is-the-way.360080/post-7522108

[@mat.o1995]

Nice build bud !

[@1987bigredk5]

Tastefully done. Nice job

[@karstgeo7290]

Thank you!

[@ebdprod]

Great video, thanks. I had a '16 S Sportwagen that I kept totally stock and put 85K on in 4 years, and didn't have ONE issue beyond the original battery dying at 31K (warranty obviously) Not a loose knob, handle, loose trim ANYTHING. I loved the car and I saw one for sale, a '15 w APR Stage 3 tune and a number of other performance and handling mods, plus an O2Q six speed manual installed replacing the factory five. It's everything I want in a car, utility, fun in the city plus can take to the mountains and carve it up pretty damn good. However, it has155K miles. With stock internals that worries me a bit. Should it? I'd appreciate anyone's opinion about it.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

It depends. If it was maintained and the throttle wasn't on the ground 24/7, you shouldn't really worry.

[@throwaway-ds6yg]

Thermostat housing if it hasn't been done yet

[@splatbubble]

I hope you got it!!! If not... do you have the listing?

[@vincentvanderbilt5598]

Hey not sure how to sportswagen ride regularly stock but when you were adding all these mods to the engine, did you upgrade the heat exchanger and driveshaft carrier upgrade to handle its additional new power per say?? Would IS20 upgrade be sufficient enough to as DD? I live in NYC so dont have many space to go hard on any of these bumpy roads here, hows realibility as well?

[@karstgeo7290]

I have an upgraded intercooler (is that what you mean by 'heat exchanger"?). No driveshaft carrier...never heard of that being an issue or anyone upgrading it. IS20 is a good daily upgrade. Reliability has been fine. Like/sub to my channel and spend some time watching my vids...should cover all of your questions!

[@willywampa9022]

Looks almost identical to my 7r wagon :)

[@aaccount8338]

How are the parts for this car? Are they hard to come by or do you just use other VW parts.

[@karstgeo7290]

Easy...MK7 is prolific...8 years. MQB/Golf platform share parts across all models.

[@jasongower]

Great video! Have similar wagon desires. Did you have an exhaust shop do your valence/quad tips conversion? Curious how easy it is to convert the stock pipes, which point down I believe, straight out to the tips? Thanks!

[@karstgeo7290]

Yes local muffler shop did the work. Lopped them off and welded the quads on.

[@boudreauxtr]

Thanks for the video! Been following your channel since I started looking into GTI vs Alltrack vs Wagon. Ended up landing on the GTI with compromise of winter tires to help compensate for no AWD. With this video, does this sum up your planned upgrades to the Wagon? Maybe focus more on the W8 Passat moving forward? Happy New Years!

[@karstgeo7290]

W8 is really just a maintain/drive car so nothing planned for it other than keep it running. On this one, I'm going to do some camber mounts shohrtly, probably a stud kit, and just small things as they come up. I'd like to do the Golf R f. end bits as well as GTI seats...I'll have the car a long time so maybe in the future.

[@bradstiff9075]

Can you share the details for the door sill protectors you are using? Also, the rear bumper protector (bumperdillo) looks similar to the one for the Tiguan, e.g., real metal, very sharp. Where did you find that? I would also appreciate info for the petal covers if possible. There are many knockoffs that are described as 'stainless' or 'aluminum' but it is hard to know for sure.

[@Fazzi93]

Great build Karstego ! How much power and torque You get ?

[@karstgeo7290]

Per Unitronic ~350hp/325lb-ft.

[@whoismario]

Nice Build! 😂 Well sorted!

[@salvatorecosenza727]

Where did you source the R Variant Lower Valence and quad tips? Did you get any fault codes when you replaced the Halogen headlight bulbs with LEDs? I have a 2017 s 4Motion with the DSG and am looking to begin the journey of making it a more exciting ride, rather than getting a 2016 2 door GTI for fun.

[@karstgeo7290]

Since you have a MK7 not a 7.5 the R wagon bits I have won't work. No faults on the bulbs.

[@salvatorecosenza727]

@@karstgeo7290 Thank You for your Reply

[@Stationwagoonz]

Love your Alltrack. Where did you get your Golf R rear valence and rear window side deflectors ?

[@reyemnuqui1862]

How did the engine take the turbo upgrade I am still looking for a front mount intercooler upgrade before putting the turbo, downpipe and associated tunes

[@karstgeo7290]

The video should handle this...72K with no drama.

[@samadams9023]

Best dad stealth wagon out there!

[@rileytully6813]

hey boss i have a 2019 sportswagen, do you think the golf r wagon valence will still fit, urotuning says it won’t be is it just because it’s meant for a golf R

[@karstgeo7290]

7.5 R wagon valance will fit the 7.5 wagons...I have it. Urotuning is likely thinking of the R hatch valance which will not fit. Have to order from Europe.

[@marcod.godbout7120]

Any more info on thay belly pan from the TDI Jetta?

[@karstgeo7290]

Following the link to my build thread in the description. It's not actually the TDI one...mistake on my end. Just a 1.4 I believe. Either way build thread has the details.

[@mcwendel8066]

Did you just put the quad tips on stock exhaust? Looks great! I like that much better than my Alltracks

[@karstgeo7290]

yes - details of my exhaust are in the description and video

[@mcwendel8066]

@@karstgeo7290 my fault i didn’t read the description.

[@edwardstewart4430]

Great video!. Just wondering if you had to change the valve cover gasket at any point. I just picked up a 2018 VW Alltrack and after a few days noticed a faint smell of antifreeze. Looking closer at the engine, I could see that the valve cover gasket had been replace at some point. What's strange is the car supposedly only has 17k miles. Just wondering if this is a weakness of this car. I have a 2016 honda fit with 106k miles and never had to replace the valve cover gasket. Thanks for any input.

[@karstgeo7290]

No valve cover issues for me or on these cars in general. Anti-freeze smell is most likely your water pump/thermostat housing which is common to leak.

[@DaciaProject]

We have a 2017 Golf Alltrak with the DSG. Stock it packs a punch in sport mode, but I'd love to tune it to get the 170 hp up to around 200 hp--a Stage 1 remap if you will.

[@karstgeo7290]

Do it!

[@DaciaProject]

@@karstgeo7290 I wish VW had made a GTI version of the Sportwagen/Alltrak but with tuning like you have done you got yourself one and a bit more!

[@karstgeo7290]

@@DaciaProject v. simple to add the turbo and tune. Many have done this.

[@DaciaProject]

@@karstgeo7290 I drove a 2020 GTI Golf hatch with the DSG and was impressed. 2.0 liter @ 230 hp. That is basically all I am after in our Alltrak.

[@karstgeo7290]

@@DaciaProject the AT with a stage 1 flash will be a bit more than that GTI - you'll love it. If you want more after that, the IS20 or 38 turbos and various bolt ons will take you there. I have a lot of videos on all of this on my channel here.

[@throwaway-ds6yg]

Interested to see how the engine handles the is38. I've seen reports of cyl 2 piston damage with tuned engines 🙁

[@karstgeo7290]

This upgrade is v. mature at this point in the platform. Answer is it that there aren't any issues. So many run/have run this for longer periods with nothing to report.

[@nickchavez559]

Where did you buy the valance and did you have to do any mods to fit?. Your car looks great btw.

[@karstgeo7290]

All of that can be found in my build thread in golfmk7 linked in the description.

[@acefighterpilot]

Great video. How long have you had the Haldex tune?

[@karstgeo7290]

About 9 mos.

[@MrFoxx2k]

Nice setup! - I was wondering if you have had any issues with the driver side duct block plate with your air intake?

[@karstgeo7290]

What kind of issues?

[@MrFoxx2k]

@@karstgeo7290 High ambient temp or heavy water/snow getting into the air filter? or overall has it been fine? Ive got a Passat R-Line and was looking to do the same thing + dremelling into the passenger side Thanks

[@karstgeo7290]

@@MrFoxx2k no issues.

[@melikesutube]

@@MrFoxx2k I’m pretty sure he has removed the block plate

[@lukemfross5533]

Any plans for adding camber for turn in/cornering? I am planning to go same route, just stage 1 uni at the moment and really enjoying this car!

[@karstgeo7290]

Yep - Eurosport camber mounts are getting ordered soon.

[@TheMrL3MON4DE]

Do you have a golf r estate catback? Or custom exhaust?

[@karstgeo7290]

Just the Golf R estate valance and tips. Exhaust is stock Sportwagen mufflers with the resonator removed.

[@scottroberts5529]

How do you like that haldex tune

[@karstgeo7290]

It's v. good with the added power. Really help exiting turns.

[@zaidkhandiya2661]

where did you purchase the golf r diffuser and quad exhaust?

[@karstgeo7290]

I got it from e-acca and the tips off Ebay. All of the information can be found by reading the description - there is a link to my build thread where you can find that info. If you join the MK7 Golf Sportwagen and Alltrack Facebook group (I'm a mod) the info is saved as a featured post.

[@zaidkhandiya2661]

@@karstgeo7290 thanks!

[@carljosephson1754]

Do you have a part number / source for the Jetta belly pan? Thanks! -8055WAGEN

[@karstgeo7290]

Follow the link in the description to my thread over on golfmk7...everything is there...

[@bradstiff9075]

Did the Haldex tune help with rev hang?

[@karstgeo7290]

Won't impact that at all if you have that issue. I have a DSG so no rev hang anyway.

[@throwaway-ds6yg]

Also looking to delete rev hang 🙏

[@karstgeo7290]

@@throwaway-ds6yg that's tune related so need to see which tuners do it.

[@V_I_S_I]

Trans holding up well?

[@karstgeo7290]

Yes. DSG is incredibly stout and can hold much more than this.

[@ayachtsman6847]

Where did you get your is38? Did you do the install?

[@karstgeo7290]

Shopdap. I had my go-to shop do it.

[@DaciaProject]

Have you dynoed it? What kind of hp and torque are you getting?

[@karstgeo7290]

The tune is rated for ~350 hp andn~320 tq by Unitronic. Based on the weight and 1/4 trap times that's accurate.

[@DaciaProject]

@@karstgeo7290 Yikes! I’d be good with like 200 hp+!

[@karstgeo7290]

@@DaciaProject a simple stage 1 tune is all you need then.

[@DaciaProject]

@@karstgeo7290 Yes! Cheers!

[@daviddemyan927]

This thing is faster than stock golf R

[@karstgeo7290]

100%. Similar to a stage 1 MK7 R or a stock MK8 R.

[@Bted__ever]

So much for being a sleeper with that LP 🤣

[@kevingrah32]

What's the top speed on your tune

[@karstgeo7290]

I've had it to 140 and it has room.

[@kevingrah32]

@@karstgeo7290 I just did a similar setup to my alltrack, just need coilovers now.

[@cpt.loogie]

DSG!?!?!? Why dude? You could get the manual that year...

[@karstgeo7290]

I had a choice but wanted the dual clutch for sure on this car. Best auto I've ever had.

[@karstgeo7290]

No thanks. Wanted the dual clutch on this one.

[@fredonia81]

I don’t understand why people like the lifted CUV. Makes absolutely no sense! I think the product development people at VW are clueless on what Americans like. We want Wagons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@karstgeo7290]

Clearly we don't or they'd be selling them.