How to Install an IS38 Turbo on a MK7 (1.8t and 2.0t)

Today we did a DIY on how to upgrade/replace your MK7 Turbo with a IS38 Golf R / Audi S3 Turbo! This video also applies to the cars listed below (with minor variation) for installing a turbo. All the parts talked about can be found in the links below, as well as other videos regarding Watsegate adaptation, downpipe installation, and coil pack removal!
Vehicles this DIY would apply to for a turbo install (with minor variation)
Volkswagen MK7 GTI 2015-2017 2.0L Turbo
Volkswagen MK7 Golf 2015-Present 1.8T TSI
Volkswagen MK7 Golf Alltrack 2017-Present 1.8 Turbo
Volkswagen MK7 Golf R 2015-2017 2.0 Turbo
Volkswagen MK7 Golf Wagon 2015-Present 1.8T TSI
Volkswagen MK7.5 Facelift GTI 2018-Present 2.0L Turbo
Volkswagen MK7.5 Facelift Golf-R 2018-Present 2.0L Turbo
Volkswagen 2018-Current Tiguan MQB 2.0L Turbo
Volkswagen Atlas 2018 - Current 2.0t
Volkswagen B7 Passat 2012-Present 1.8T TSI
Volkswagen MK6 Jetta (Facelift) 2015-2018 1.8T Gen 3
Volkswagen MK6 Jetta 2011-2014 1.8T TSI
Audi Audi A3 8V 2014-PRESENT 1.8 TFSI
Audi Audi A3 8V 2014-PRESENT 2.0 TFSI
Audi Audi S3 8V 2015-Current 2.0T
Audi Audi TT MK3 2016-Current 2.0T
Audi Audi TTS MK3 2016-Current 2.0T
Links Talked about in this video
--Parts / Tools---
MK7 Golf R and Audi S3 (IS38) Turbo
www.shopdap.com/06k-145-874-f...
IS38 Turbo Install/Hardware Kit
www.shopdap.com/mk7-is38-turb...
Hose Clamp Pliers
www.shopdap.com/vw-audi-hose-...
Ignition Coil Puller for Gen 3 1.8t and 2.0t Engines
www.shopdap.com/igntion-coil-...
Racingline MQB 2.0TSI Turbo Outlet Boost Flow Pipe
www.shopdap.com/vwr16g7tdel-v...
--Helpful Videos Talk About--
MK7 Golf R Revo 3" Downpipe Installation DIY (How to)
• MK7 Golf R (MQB AWD) 3...
MK7 GTI Unitronic 3" Downpipe Installation DIY (How to)
• MK7 GTI Unitronic 3" D...
How to Install RS7 Spark Plugs on a MK7 GTI
• How to Install RS7 Spa...
In the Shop Episode 2 | IS38 Turbo Upgrade on a MK7 GTI
• In the Shop Episode 2 ...
VW | Audi Tuning Software from Home (Unitronic) by ShopDAP.com
• VW | Audi Tuning Softw...
----------------------------------------------------
This Video was shot at our VW and Audi Specialty Shop
DAP Repair
10308 Bailey Rd
Suite 408
Cornelius NC 28031
goo.gl/maps/emANaqp9dMk
Shop for VW and Audi Parts Here
shopdap.com
----------------------------------------------------
VW AUDI Specialty Repair Cornelius NC
www.daprepair.com/vw-repair-c...
VW AUDI Specialty Repair Kent Ohio
www.daprepair.com/vw-repair-a...
----------------------------------------------------
More info on DAP Reward Credit
shopdap.com/store/rewardpoint...

[@Deutscheautoparts]

For anyone who needs it, we made a separate DIY for showing you how to adjust your wastegate properly kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWjVpKB-q5qXpck Also, Shop for VW and Audi Parts Here! Thank you for the Support! shopdap.com

[@ronaldov09]

A quick question. After upgrading the turbo on my A3 from an is12 to an is20, will I still be able to drive it with the standard software? I am getting a tune, but Im installing the turbo myself and will need to drive to the tuner.

[@nathanleitch7438]

Do you change engine oil at the same time when swapping turbo?

[@nickolastiguan]

No way I am going to attempt this. Still watched the entire video.

[@em1ownerify]

It’s super easy!! Do it

[@AndresDoblado]

I don't even have a Golf and couldn't stop

[@toddhunt2087]

me either, I wonder what the cost is for them to do it for me

[@331GTnvan]

I consider myself mechanically inclined and have done tons of engine work over the years. I was considering doing this swap myself, but it looks like a HUGE pain. At least a 24 beer job.

[@lordjop9684]

Just finished this job on my 2015 S3. It was BY FAR the most difficult job I've ever done on my car....and I've changed out A LOT of things on my S3. Everything went smooth until it came time to remove the coolant pipe from behind the turbo. It took myself and my bro in law a total of about 3 hours to remove it. Listen to when he says "i had a tech with an older gen S3 and it was damn near impossible for him". He wasn't kidding. The good news is that anything else i have to do on this car will be CHILD'S PLAY after this job. If you're NOT mechanically inclined and don't have the PROPER tools don't even ATTEMPT this job.....

[@rockervdrive]

Wow, thanks for the video! Must've been a pretty time consuming tutorial to get all those shots with good lighting.

[@luckyhands4995]

So I've been using all your vids as a template to mod my gli 35,and wanna thank you. I did have my dealership do my clutch,but I've done my intercooler, downpipe and my is38 from your vids alone pretty much. A huge thank you

[@thetruthz13]

Sooo, looks like I'm staying IS20 😂

[@EpicAnimeFan]

I hope you drive a dsg, a clutch would make you pee yourself.

[@nategunz8983]

@@EpicAnimeFan ??🤔

[@isaacarroyo7122]

@@EpicAnimeFandsg has a clutch too they are a pain when it starts slipping

[@RSXengineering]

@@isaacarroyo7122 the 6-speed on the mk7 has very weak clutch springs so it doesn’t hold torque well past stage 1. It’s a very long and complicated install. The only thing required for the dsg models is a tcu tune unless you go for a big turbo (bigger than a hybrid is38) which is pretty rare. Even then upgraded clutch packs aren’t necessary

[@tylerda282]

Hybrid is20 ballbearing is way more exciting than a mqb is38.

[@CiDirkona]

Heads up for anyone else doing this procedure -- a long, narrow 8mm triple square is IMPERATIVE for that turbo oil drain line bracket. A 3/8" triple square socket will not fit past the waste gate rod. Thanks for this video, it was very helpful for the is38 install! Also, a stubby 8mm triple square is great for the coolant line on the back and front as there's not much room for a longer tool in either location.

[@camerone397]

Yup. Learned this the hard way today 🥴

[@N9NE8N9NE]

Wow, thank you for this video, was curious to see it done but you guys provided step by step. Thanks

[@ghost_lukh]

Thanks for the video. Will leave this to the guys busy tuning my car, makes sense why they charge so much

[@bubzfishingchannel]

Been watching your videos and just found out you guys are 25 minutes from the house. Great videos and content 🤙 very informative.

[@jimmiemiller4327]

I just want to give a huge thank you for this video. I just pulled my turbo off, replacing the downpipe at the same time. I URGE anyone doing this if you are stock downpipe, get an upgrade. That 8mm triple square on the bottom of the turbo was so much easier from the bottom with the driveshaft and exhaust out the way. I’m semi mechanic savvy, never worked on a VW though. Had my car running and driving to exhaust and turbo out in about 4 working hours. Followed this video to a T, and I don’t know that I could have figured it all out without it. Y’all are awesome!

[@v1c3_]

I'm impressed. As a life long tech who thinks he knows more than every other tech, I rate this tutorial. There was a few miniscule things I do/did to removed my turbos but nothing that different.

[@boostedbliss07MK5]

Thanks for the help! I did mine last weekend after watching this. Hardest part for me was the solenoids on the valve cover electrical connectors lock tabs were a pain to release. The bottom turbo coolant line can be gotten to from down below with the DP out. I couldn't find it blind from up top. Remove the upper easier turbo coolant line 1st and u can push it out of the way to see the other line easier. Hardest part hands down was like the video....getting the damn turbo out! Tight fit! Oddly the is38+ went in very easily. It was a huge bitch to prime the system. Fuel pump disconnected & fuel pump module fuse out kept starting for ages! Happy boosting everyone!

[@silverfalcon068]

Great video. Wish we had this video a month ago when i helped a buddy install his is38. We went to torque the mounting bolts on and snapped a bolt off in the block.

[@WhoMeee]

RawdogginCowboy damn RIP

[@catrachan]

Great DIY video. I finally did this about 2 months ago but to IS20, also without removing the downpipe or without removing the coolant and oil lines from the block, is much easier..., this video is a great summary of how to do it, thanks 🙏🏻!

[@kdoran709]

That edit was that greatest of all time

[@grumpydevildog1462]

Great video guys!, now I want to upgrade my turbo😉

[@jasonbarrett9065]

You are a lifesaver!! Had done my 2wd Is38 and was ok Did my 19 Tiguan and was easier than expected thanks to your video Tiguan has a little more clearance between turbo and firewall

[@mikedavern2155]

How is the tiguan with the new turbo? Quick?

[@jasonbarrett9065]

@@mikedavern2155 still going well, has done 70k since the install I had it tuned to 218kw atw

[@sooperwill]

YES! Thank you for this! Thanks paul!

[@CanningPetto]

I've got a 1.8tsi that's coming up to the end of warranty. I was worried about working on it myself but this makes it look doable with close attention to details. Subbed and thanks.

[@BigCrispy1125]

Same im watching this to do an is20 swap on my 1.8

[@mrchabs6856]

@@BigCrispy1125 I’m doing the same with an is38

[@BigCrispy1125]

@@mrchabs6856 I will say the tranny swap might be a good idea ive gone through a couple

[@mrchabs6856]

@@BigCrispy1125 I went and installed a is20 instead lol 😅

[@sebayoutub]

@@mrchabs6856 Good that you took IS20. 1.8 engine is too small to spin up IS38 (characteristic is not so good)

[@davidpetrosyan7425]

for those who have not had to actually do this, those lower triple square bolts for the turbo line are insanely annoying and difficult to get to from the top. if you have a lift its easier to get to them from underneath rather than from the top. Paul made them look easy but im pretty sure he struggled quite a bit off camera( love ya buddy).

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

Very involved process, but worth the effort. One thing I did, was replaced all the allen and triple square fasteners to normal six point fasteners. It makes working so much easier…

[@5Minuteman]

Do you have a parts list to order?

[@Mark-hu9tf]

Great video! Looks a lot more complex than I thought. Am now thinking I'll get a shop to do it for me😃

[@billynguyen710]

Excellent work and video!!

[@AdrianPurcell916]

Great video quality. Nice content as well. Subbed

[@717StreetMedia]

I did this on a non MQB MK6 GLI if any of you guys are looking for a different route if you aren't MQB. Making 370HP on a stage 2 JB4 stack on my GLI! Hope it helps guys. Love the video btw very straight forward!

[@katt8104]

Seen a lot of the videos.. You have helped loads of people props dude

[@717StreetMedia]

@@katt8104 Thanks man

[@katt8104]

@@717StreetMedia no prob!

[@mk7gligang9084]

Very Cool they favorited! I watch your vids and plan to do the IS20/38 swap sometime soon. Awesome to see you here too. Thats awesome they faved. Cool stuff

[@717StreetMedia]

Harry Stiles thank you

[@nicholasmumford5616]

That’s the cleanest turbo inlet I’ve ever seen lol

[@Wazowski730]

Nicholas Mumford same hahah

[@patrickroswell2449]

Lol thanks. I've been waiting for this video.

[@istudy9]

I appreciate this work now. Gezz installing stage 3 must be costly.

[@half_r_mk5]

Hot damn! That was one difficult turbo to remove!! Great job. Really requires patience and time to get this thing done. 👍👍

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Not really...

[@TheSuncloud]

I just did this install and the easiest way to get that gotten screw was actually with a lot of extensions go from underneath the car and feed it up. Surprisingly easier as you can actually see the screw head. Made the removal and install way nicer.

[@prs314]

Harbor Freight has super long extension sets. Those are very nice for this kind of work. 24 inch one should do the trick.

[@Victornezzi]

Fwd or awd car?!

[@biertijdbroeder]

Did a turbo swap (on a 1.9TDI from 2004) and honestly, it isn't as hard as you might think. A lift is essential though. Don't even think about trying it without one. If you do have one, it's about 6 hrs of work if you kind of know what you're doing. Download a manual if you don't get one with the new turbo, it really helps a lot and makes you move a lot quicker. In the end saved me about 500 bucks, really worth to try yourself.

[@motor_citymuscle288]

Awesome video!!

[@gustavoburke1409]

Just completed this, it took use about 12 hrs

[@cake__1709]

Was it as hard as the video?

[@muznick]

That was the best part of Interstellar, especially the music.

[@kevinflorez6836]

Just finished this install... main issues were getting the bottom line to seat right, took about an hour, and I recommend pulling out all the coil packs because I ended up cracking the little housing for the connector on install and there’s a little cap that’s like a coolant vent thing that we also broke on install, we went from the is12 to the IS38

[@Bigdaddyhognuts89]

I wanna move from the is12. How much did you notice in power?

[@dha588]

What am I doing here? I am still learning to change the engine oil.

[@Gexone]

Funny thing. I've never done a oil change but I have done a carbon intake clean of the valves on my mk6 gti by myself.

[@richiesworld1]

You can change the engine oil? 🤔

[@brianhenry7983]

@@Gexone was that the first thing you attempted to do? lol

[@Gexone]

@@brianhenry7983 yes. Took me about 12 hours over 2 days.

[@shootmalones]

excellent video

[@cd155mx]

Great time on cracking loose the torx on the back of the turbo with little clearance!

[@azthegame84]

Easy job. It's even easier than it was made to be in this video.

[@bradfordamison7928]

I helped replace my brother's jetta turbo in my garage, this video is very familiar with my experience with vw turbos lmao

[@alkevinzmedia]

Paul: "We need to spin the 6mm Hex on the Turbo oil line feed bracket." Me: That's impossible! , Paul: " No, it's necessary"

[@MarquisWonsey]

Great video, I’ll make sure to have someone else install my is38 😂

[@Jbyrneham]

15:39 had me cracking up, liked

[@LifeofPandK]

For the bottom lines there is enough slack once removed from the engine to spin it around and disconnect the bottom lines. Saves you so much time and problems. The hard part is putting the bottom line back in place.

[@aaronjohnson9755]

Great... and here I thought I was doing good with buying the Uni ECU1+TCU1 upgrade from you guys... My '16 GLI is taking me down a dark path.

[@amineb6335]

hey Aaron how are you doing with you GLI haha ?

[@ivdubgti]

Did this on a GTI and the IHI is38 I installed blewup a few months later. Had to do the whole proccess again and reinstall the stock is20. Now going to a hybid turbo and dreading the install.. Considering just paying a shop to do it at this point.

[@xtr3mezer0]

you guys should do a wastegate adaptation video!! Lots of guys running into issues with the wastegate :(

[@heroichitsuji]

I have a TDI... But I’m still going to watch this because Golf.

[@shannonmcatee9610]

My same next upgrade, tryn to pick which is38 now

[@YoWassupFresh]

FINALLYYYY

[@bsfunk44]

FYI....I have a USP downpipe on my quattro A3, I can pull the head pipe portion up through the top of the engine bay once the clamp down below is removed from the midpipe. No need to remove the driveshaft. Might be different with other dp's but works with my USP anyway. Saves a lot of messing around with the driveshaft. Also I don't know why everyone insists on taking the o2 sensor off while the turbo is on the car, it's a pain for most people and not necessary. Once the turbo is off use a long wrench and tap the end of the wrench with a hammer and the sensor spins right out. Put the o2 sensor on the new turbo off the car as well. So much easier.

[@xukzALEXx]

BSfunk44 did you have to do any more supporting mods ?

[@nickcornelius9603]

First let me say love the channel please keep it up really saves me a lot of money, my question to you is I have a 2017 mk 7 gti s and I see oil leaking around where the turbo mount to the engine you have ever seen this before. Pretty sure you have seen this before because you are very knowable on these vehicles can you please help and thanks in advance

[@LastHumansGarage]

doesnt seem TOO bad... i did a K04 on a MK6 once.. this seems easier.. fairly tempted..

[@slayednpked1]

Thanks for the tool list lol

[@karstgeo7290]

I'll be paying someone 🤣

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Its not too bad really.

[@therooster_]

@@Chris-yy7qc it’s pretty bad when you have never worked in ur car 😂

[@t1mlocas]

Last month, I paid 400$ CAD to install an IS20 turbo + a downpipe on my car. After watching your vid... it was a bargain :D :D

[@xukzALEXx]

I that everything you've done with your car ? And Did I run fine ?

[@t1mlocas]

@@xukzALEXx So far so good :D :D

[@xukzALEXx]

@@t1mlocas I going with the get the IS38 with a downpipe and induction kit. On an a3 1.8 8v

[@vincentbourassa78]

tu es aller ou ???

[@t1mlocas]

@@vincentbourassa78 Laramée à Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, je commande mes pièces en ligne et il fait l'installation.

[@NoReverse77]

For anyone watching. Always pre oil a new turbo or a used replacement… always.

[@alkevinzmedia]

😂😂 that Interstellar reference 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@theephemeralglade1935]

The Blower-up-Quickerer.

[@jarviskarchewski6556]

Going to be attempting this on my 2019 GLI...wish me luck haha

[@nathanschultz6971]

are you done yet?

[@bmachucabm]

When I first bought the car I didn’t know how to open the hood. I really don’t have any business watching this

[@ZachMcphersonMusic]

Just finished replacing my turbo with a stock one cause my wastegate actuator rod snapped clean in half. This project is a complete nightmare and you could not pay me to do this again. I do appreciate this video but it really under sells how difficult it really is cause he makes it look so easy. My car drove on salted roads for 17k miles and nothing that was removed easily in this vid came out that easy irl.

[@CiDirkona]

The turbo support bracket upper bolt (turbo to bracket) was 6mm allen on my 2016 Audi TT, not 7mm as spoken in this video. Not sure if GTIs are 7. The replacement bolt in the parts kit was also 6mm.

[@soiireaper1]

I’m about to do this to my TDI mk7

[@SLMZ8]

Well done bro 👏 .. so no need to change the charge pipe or the downpipe only plug and play ?

[@Prime8evolved]

Another way to handle stuck hoses is to take channel lock pliers and gently twist the rubber side of the hose before attempting to pull it off.

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

Like whoa!! That's definitely a lot of work. Surprised u didn't just go to a IS38 directly from stock. Either way, I'm sure it's good for quite a few more HP than IS20 it had before. Also, was it just me or did that Alltrack look a little rusted out for being such a new car to market?

[@midtenn_life]

Thanks for this video, very informative! If I was going to do a turbo swap (IS20 to IS38) and a downpipe install, at the same time....could I pull the stock downpipe out through the top of the engine (as long as I had pulled the turbo out first of course) as opposed to through the bottom? OR is the stock cat big enough to where you couldn't pull it out that way? I would really love to know the answer to that.

[@prs314]

Are you AWD or RWD, and do you have a high enough lift to do that?

[@dorkultra]

i feel bad for VW techs with big hands

[@petrolpower96]

dorkultra VW tech with big hands here, these turbo’s kill my hands lol

[@DramA525]

I’m not a qualified tech, but I do all the work on my mk1 TT and wear 2xl gloves. Sucks a lot!

[@ethayer1]

Just changed my downpipe last night, my hands came out looking like Edward scissorhands was trying to give me a hand massage.

[@mohammedfareed9581]

@@ethayer1 My hands looked the same when I did my downpipe 😂😭

[@spkismyfavrapper9489]

dorkultra VW tech with big hands here. Just takes skill lmao

[@MagnetbergOfficial]

19:53 watch it in 1,5x speed.It sounds exactly like one of those auction guys 😂.

[@conorc4594]

lol!

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

🤣

[@Jesusprayerwarriorbw]

@Deutscheautoparts How much power will the IS38 add? Is there fueling upgrades needed? Would Golf R heads add power? Thx Paul and everyone at DAP, you guys rock!

[@Austin-ou2kf]

For the 2.0t the is38 stock will make 360whp with APR's OTS is38 tune. You can add JB4 and make more power, or get a hybrid turbo, use other software etc

[@jasonjimenez1801]

I did this, it took me 12 hours

[@hus-_-bro2993]

Do you need any internal work for the is38? Or just bolt it up and tune the car?

[@DubLSFaN]

Yaaaaaaay!!!!

[@TheSamlap25]

Great video, what tune would you guys recommend for a 17 GTI with PP 6-Speed? I’m leaning towards UM $600 tune which bumps up HP/Torque a good bit. Thoughts or recommendations?

[@RickJohnson]

Funny that you didn't include any mention of the wastegate adjustment procedure... 🤣

[@TheAdamcomiskey]

21:45

[@smitherzz001]

He didn’t show it being done

[@RickJohnson]

If either of you had been watching the series, you'll know they didn't do this until after they received CEL and limp mode on the track multiple times. (Edit: misread above, my bad).

[@smitherzz001]

Rick Johnson I know lol I watched it and I’ve been looking for the video on how to adjust it !

[@tuckerlutz8765]

You guys should do a dyi video on the mk7 water pump 🤞

[@jmd18]

They did.

[@xukzALEXx]

I'm doing the same. Do I need to do supporting mods for this apart from a air filer and cat back ? Any help would be appreciated

[@aloha_from_bradley]

I'm so glad I already have an IS38

[@Benvos]

Can I ask what was your decision to go for the racing line intake? I don’t see hardly any actual reviews of intakes for golf gti’s so I’m unsure which are worth while. Forge, arma speed, apr, racing line all have intakes

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Paul, do you fill the new turbo oil inlet until it basically overflows? Any benefit to spinning it by hand after filling it with oil? Planning on doing this swap some day....

[@xXspark365Xx]

After doing a turbo install on a e92 335, this looks like a piece of cake

[@Fugue602]

Which tune did you go with? I didn’t hear it mentioned

[@williamSmith-iu5kb]

So we can essentially install and is38 on just about any ea888 engine including the mqb tiguan?

[@timgandia39]

I died when u showed that interstellar clip..lol

[@morganschroeder8179]

Did you upgrade any bit of your intercooler system? If not how well will stock pipes hold?

[@_Auto_Insights_]

Searched and failed to find this video because I had to change the is38 to an upgraded one. Ended up taking the turbo out from under neath the car after taking out the Downpipe. Hate loosen and tighten up the Hoses from the turbo without loosening all the other parts on top

[@matteoolderico7871]

Hello, does the IS38 turbo work with bearing or bushings? Thank you in advance

[@zrgarage3730]

When you say software is there a specific tune you need or can you just do an APR tune ?

[@PyroShenanigans]

Hello! I have a MK6 2015 facelift Jetta TSI with the 1.8 turbo gen3. I have been told that there are limited turbo upgrades for this engine but I am wondering if the IS38 will bolt on to my 1.8. I’ve heard the turbo is backwards on this 1.8. Will a IS38 work to upgrade? Bolt on?

[@MrMrhappy69]

Is changing out the turbo mounting studs required when doing this?

[@howardkahn4330]

whats the HP increase when you replace the turbo on a 1.8 2019 alltrack with a IS38 turbo?? What other items must be added or replaced so the IS38 turbo functions correctly??......What is the total cost, parts and labor??......this 2019 Alltrack has a manual transmission....... in plane english please......thank you

[@Nahyanvr]

You should do this on a mk4 but how to go from K03 to K04

[@chicofernandez271]

I had the opportunity to go is38..cause my stock IS20 tookl a dump on me...But really so extra...its 100 hp...so that really doea sound enticing..but so much has to be done along with instalation and sorftware upgrades...so i decode to just replace stock IS20....running with a JB4..downpipe,stage 2 clutch rated at 400 TQ......i was ready drivetrainwise for the IS38...but really..if im gonna put 3 or 4 grand more into my car...ill put that money together and get the supreme GTI..Golf R....and done...Is38...

[@yoordriver]

how did you mount the IS38 if the mounting is different on the IS20? one is a twinscroll and the other is not , dont you need to replace the exhaust manifold also ?

[@Chefg3189]

What would be a decent turbo upgrade for a 2011 gti 2.0 cbfa??

[@5Minuteman]

how different is the 2.0 performance vs 1.8?

[@jamestatum6962]

I have a mk7.5 1.4 golf sport wagon. Could I put the is38 on? Is there a tune I could use as well?