Intercooler Upgrade and Installation ~ Stage 2 Golf R

In this DIY video we are installing an upgraded intercooler on a 2019 MK7.5 Golf R. This intercooler up grade is part of a full stage 2 build including a downpipe, turbo inlet pipe, and Stage 2 software. Installing an upgraded intercooler on a turbocharged car can help keep intake air temps lower, under high boost, and can reduce heat soak in performance driving situations. Stay tuned for the rest of the stage 2 Golf R build! #humblemechanic #golfR
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Disclimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@HumbleMechanic]

WOW what do you think of a 33+ minute video? Also can you spot the fun things I added? ;) I also think I counted wrong on the clips, good thing I added a few extra!

[@biggabenne]

Cloning is a new hobby?

[@blower1]

Chewie says: Good job!

[@blower1]

16:37 Very long left arm!

[@HumbleMechanic]

@@biggabenne HAHAH Good catch

[@stronger8888]

There were 2 Charles at some points

[@mikesmith8755]

I am absolutely paying a shop to do this for me. There was a time I would have tried to tackle this, but not these days and with no lift. Really glad you shared the whole process though, it’s good to be aware of what needs to happen even you pay somebody! Great video Charles!

[@rambow70]

I'm not sure if you ever did this upgrade but I'm curious what you paid in labor if you did get one professionally installed.

[@dw1508]

​@@rambow70I just paid around 400 Aud

[@nickhorne5493]

I know two really good mechanics well friends really ha the both said 200 for down pipe an intercooler think I’m gonna say yeah then 😂

[@FinalFormation]

Me 5 mins in: "Yep, worth the $300 install fee."

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha for $300 I’d say so too. Lol

[@spinnetti]

$300? In what century? I think I got quotes of 6-700 IIRC. I'd have paid $300!

[@FinalFormation]

Spinnetti In this century haha. There’s a shop in my area that does great work for really reasonable prices. They did my clutch for $450.

[@keithskoglund10]

Jeremy Stark where, and name of shop?

[@FinalFormation]

@@keithskoglund10 It's in the DFW area (Arlington, specifically).

[@odlyGud]

33 mins 1hr 2hr etc.. your vids are not boring, i actually keep learning on all your tutorial vids.. keep it up and stay humble.. and be yourself.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!!! This was fun

[@dmytrowp]

16:37 2x the Humble Mechanic!? Neat!

[@nicholasflowers7401]

That's what I'm saying.....like what

[@anonymjin3278]

Pawel Dmytrow his twin

[@MotivxTools]

"Roll around a little bit while you find your missing clamps..." hahaha - this was like a master class in clip removal

[@HumbleMechanic]

HAHA I figured it's a long video, why not leave some fun in!

[@MotivxTools]

@@HumbleMechanic 100%. Making videos like that is a ton of work, might as well have some fun while you do it.

[@agenericaccount3935]

Relatable AF

[@manzelli1981]

It’s like he’s seen 2/3 of us in our driveways...

[@SterlingRobertson]

Just did this for the second time on my 2016 A3 quattro. Man the aftermarket intercoolers are heavy. I have the CTS one and love it. Your instructions are almost exactly the same on the A3 too.

[@coses4957]

Imagine doing that in 5 or 10 years with all those plastic clips.

[@HumbleMechanic]

You’ll just be replacing a fair amount. Sadly.

[@deanharriss2029]

This is how I dream my install will go. Me. 5 minutes in “has anyone got a grinder”. 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheCuttz1984]

Love the vibe of your videos. So in depth. Maybe now people won't mind paying for workshops to do the work. Even though it's not a hard task. It definitely requires some finesse, skill and time. Thanks for sharing.

[@drawit5041]

You coming here thinking you'll do your car by yourself when you watch the video, and end up thinking "I should just hire this guy to do it for me"

[@KasamS]

Definitely going to use this method insted of pulling the front end if i fit an intercooler. This way ensures everything lines up like factory. Helps working in a working with the proper coolant bleeding equipment

[@avedgy]

I don't even have a Golf R but your videos are so detailed and makes everything look so easy. Thank you.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!!

[@ValFinale]

I feel an upgraded intercooler is something anyone should consider doesn't have to be stage 2 or up. An upgraded one just performs better making your car perform better making it last longer without possible issues.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I pretty much agree

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

Everytime he says "Plastic Clip" or "Clip" take a drink.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha I was waiting for this comment. I expected anyone that started to play passed out before commenting

[@therealderjett]

@@HumbleMechanic I just woke up and the bottle of Jack is empty. LOL

[@HumbleMechanic]

3 day blackout I’m guessing

[@Aciuce59]

You've had the bumper cover off 4 or 5 times and it still fits that well? Impressed!

[@whoismario]

Definitely one of those jobs that aren’t hard but tedious enough that there is a lot more cursing than you show. 😂

[@ljs7.5]

Thanks a ton for this video! Got my IE intercooler in on my 2018 Golf R with barely any issues. Definitely a lot more fun to do yourself and saved a bunch of money on labor!

[@michaelmerta8956]

I have many old 1976 BMW 630CSi also a1976 Beatle and 2009 VW CC. When I compare old BMW and my newest 2009CC. Build quality come to mind. No contest. No plastics.

[@godricortega5411]

Dude your knowledge and videos are lifesavers I got a mk7 golf R myself and I have just started my journey to stage 2 and want to do all the work myself so thank you! Keep them videos coming 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

I was scared this was gonna be hard. Looks straight forward thanks to this video. thanks, Im pumped to do it myself now

[@HumbleMechanic]

Those dang clips are the worst part

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

@@HumbleMechanic I hear ya. Wish there were someone who made metal replacements so I could just yank um and toss um. As counter to traditional logic as it maybe, the harder and more intracate these swaps are the more likely I want to do it myself, cause I have a hard time imagining a local shop putting everything back 100% without breaking something. Might just be me though.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Love it!!! Next time I’d bust the clips and use screws

[@Mizaeducation]

I'm learning so much from you Wish you the best from the heart ♥

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@thomascanning595]

Imagine all the plastic that will break if you ever get in a minor front end collision

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep. But it beats welding a new core support on

[@Zride_98]

Insurance would total it for the cost of all those plastic clips lol

[@drouxbag94]

These golfs have sensors that give you a pretty good heads up to help prevent but yes that would really suck if it happened 😂😂

[@zubuxstein]

Energy most go somewhere, the key is to prevent it from compromising the frame cabin, plastic parts absorb the impact, the reason many new cars when on impact look like an accordion, but the frame of the vehicle is mostly intact.

[@72gmtruck]

Thanks for the tips, sir! I just did my front-mount today, and this video was super helpful.

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME!

[@luisg1653]

Good job! I'm glad the new side mount for my MK4 doesnt involve nearly this many plastic clips. I could do a drinking game on how many plastic clips I would break here.

[@SVSportscars]

Facinating video. Love watching you work and explain. very detailed, calm and yet still fun. I find the engineering of the clips and fixings facinating, at the same time I wonder how well all the plastic clips last over time. As said love your vids...And that is coming from someone who works on Japanese cars :D

[@HumbleMechanic]

IF you don't ever have to do anything, they usually hold up great. After a while they are not serviceable

[@SVSportscars]

@@HumbleMechanic good to know. Thanks for the reply. Love your cars btw. The R32 is still one of my favorites. I might be seen as biased but I do appreciate and like a cool car where ever it's build. Keep up the good work.

[@gmans7859]

Thank You Charles. Huge Fun as always. Enjoy learning and utilizing some of your approach to things when we work on the GTI or any of our cars (EURO) for that matter!

[@SonOfTamriel]

Pretty much a guarantee when I work with plastic clips, or any plastic for that matter, I break it... go me! Excellent vid Charles! Love your caRs!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep, as you mile up, get ready to replace. "Clip is no longer servicable"

[@MaxNakfoor]

I've watched this a few times now getting ready to do mine and just noticed Charles in the background at 16:40 while he's also in the foreground lol

[@HumbleMechanic]

SPOOKY HAHA

[@carolynekeeler]

Of course, now I want one. I have nowhere to put it, but I still want one 🤣

[@matte8441]

You’re tempting me to buy a Golf R now. It will be my 3rd Golf after my old 2010 GTI and my current 2012 TDI.

[@HumbleMechanic]

It’s a super fun car

[@2of2DCH]

Interesting install method. Nice call out on keepin the engine bay grill screws separate since they are shiny. I had to dig thru mine to find them. ha For the dang IC clips pushing on them through the hole....bloody brilliant! So obvious. My method was to buy 2 spares on eBay, and not care if they were destroyed. Think one popped off easy and the other I used side cutters on the prongs. lol Edit: The FDS system is also pretty slick too. The fact that it comes with a meth bung and hoses makes it a solid deal.

[@joshpetit44]

Coming from owning a modded wrx, I’m mind blown in how difficult these stage 2 jobs are in comparison

[@TheMcilly]

It tripped me out when you were working on the car in the background and working on the cooler in the foreground at the same time 🤯

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha

[@JordieG8]

Heat those white plastic clips up with a heat gun, they’re far more flexible and can be popped out much easier. 👍

[@jconde7158]

Great DIY video Charles!!! Video quality is crystal clear! I've graduated from watching your videos on my LT to my TV!

[@burb17]

I installed this over the summer. I did not follow the instructions and remove the radiator tho. I went the Paul at deutsche method instead . This may have made it more difficult but I got it done. One thing I was glad to see in your video is how tight the fit is for the condenser tabs. I wondered if mine was messed up. One of the the tabs for on my intercooler actually cracked when I was trying to put it together. I decided to open up those slots slightly with a dremel so the tabs would slide in easily.

[@ryanking8058]

This is a really great video! Perfect amount of detail and very easy to follow. Well done, and thanks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@spawnneverland5334]

I don't have a vw or an upgraded cooler but your vid is super informative and a joy to watch sir

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@bicycle019]

Thanks for posting this, just installed my new charge cooler on my '16 GTI using this video. Really appreciated!

[@TheMrstig92]

such an awesome video. much different install process than i have seen in the past. can't wait to give it a go when i get my cooler.

[@tonywood6232]

Your videos are so good mate. I just changed my intercooler by following your video. Thx very much bro. 👍👍👍🍻🍻

[@AustinPetDetective]

Wow that's a lot of work just to change the intercooler. Crazy.

[@KC-lu7vo]

Way to go man. Make her yours. Would still like to see some videos of older platforms and special projects.

[@Rny62999]

I'm almost tempted to 3D print a clip removal tool...LMAO. Clips are keeping me at a Stage 1.

[@jjrican72]

I have watch this video about 10 times and I feel very confident at tackling this job now. The only piece that I'm a little concern is the process of adding the coolant back into the system and bleeding the air out. Care to point to some resources to help me boost my confidence doing this and also on how to use the special funnel you used.

[@TheArizonaAssasin]

I got my IE FMIC for my 7.5 R last week and it’s going to be installed in 2 weeks, and I’m freaking excited. I’ll also be happy to inform you that I got rid of that horrible MK6 GTI, and I have not thrown a single P0299 code since. We never did figure out what was causing that MK6 to keep throwing the P0299 fault. Replaced every single component of the turbo system and even the ECU and it still threw that damned code. I finally got to the point where I knew when the car would throw that code, and I was able to clear the CEL with my tune, so I just did that until I traded it in. Got a whopping 1000 dollars for that piece of crap. 😂😂😂 My R is treating me much better. The moral of my nightmare car story- don’t buy a used car from a small independent dealer.

[@AlexMK7]

Awesome detailed video, that’s a solid built cooler! Will most likely pick one up once I go Stage 2. CTS has a quality downpipe for a great price👍🏼

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks!!! :)

[@silentvalue]

I've been running an APR stg 2 high torque setup and have everything except an intercooler upgrade. Living in Texas during the summer makes me want to do this just because of the climate over 7-8 months out of the year even if I don't drive the car hard a lot. After getting some finally colder outside temps (30's), I can tell the car loses a large amount of torque due to heat soak in those hotter months. This seems like an install I'd casually say...eh i could do it, but would much rather pay one of the local vw/audi shops instead. I liked the caution of not accidentally stabbing the condenser with the screwdriver. Little heads up like that are the best bc dumb mistakes are the worst.

[@jeffmcconnell6214]

I was thinking the exact same thing, living in Houston. The car just feels so much better now that we have pleasant temps, this might be worth it before next summer. And yeah, pretty sure i'm going to be giving a local shop some business for this one.

[@Raguvian]

Awesome! I'm going to be taking the bumper off this weekend for my headlights, so it's nice to get a good video showing how to do it! Thanks!

[@spinnetti]

I found I didn't have to take the radiator out or disconnect it at all. Kinda hard to describe, but the passenger side stuff stayed mostly put, the splayed out the drivers side enough to slide our the stock IC and put in the new one. Can send you a pick if you like

[@miamirice6840]

appreciate seeing you so so much solo because it’s how i have to do it too

[@Sold_a_dummy]

Man! 5 minutes in I'm thinking ok, this does not look too bad 6 minutes in forget this! I'll pay the 100/hr. Like you work Charles. You are always safety first and incredibly meticulous.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha I don’t blame anyone on this job

[@sephiros9883]

Neil Porter exact. Same. Reaction brother LOL.

[@matiyah]

It must feel so satisfying snapping all those plastic clips back in on the install! :D

[@drummingsamir]

I fell asleep after 20 clips, but it was almost 2 am and after the Chon show.

[@RichLion]

Jesus christ, what a JOB just to change out the FMIC. From an engineering/performance perspective, I'm surpised to not see the FMIC up front, which probably would have made it far easier. Well done on getting it completed though.

[@arows66]

I usually put some detailing tape on the expensive headlights, so the bumper doesn't scratch them up, trying to get it off and on! Applies to mk5 & Mk6 as well.

[@paulhill4471]

Was going your way but the bottom radiator hose would not come off it’s been on thee 7 years yours look new lol so didn’t want to break it so went from the front but learned from how it worked thankyou

[@Coopjab]

I just did this install. I used the other method that didn't involve draining the coolant. It's a long install but worth the money saved IMO.

[@sirfartsalot1328]

Did you use a lift? Looks like this would really be difficult without a lift.

[@stevecuahuizo792]

Awesome 👏🏾 can’t wait to see the inlet pipe video and downpipe

[@kahirdey9547]

Great tutorial! Just saved me a lot of time I would of spent trying to get into the mind of the engineers and time is money! Thanks!

[@xLightning16x]

Me just buying a Golf R: doesn't look too bad Me reading reviews on Golf R: man I could do the water pump while I'm here too 😆😆😆

[@vidjunkiej]

You're an angel fallen to earth. I have been looking to see if this was possible but no one on any of the vw forums has tried it and I didn't want to be the guinea pig.

[@creativecontrol9047]

So happy you got a mk7.5! Your videos are so good and shot well. Gonna try this installing mine next weekend :)

[@autorev6191]

Hi I really appreciate your efforts to make videos I do learn a lot of your work your video has inspired me to open my channel and keep working I was going to leave this industry but people like you really inspiration keep it up

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hell yes!!! Go get it

[@kpone2453]

Thank goodness first owner did all this to make it stage two lol 😆 this would cause me a freakin headache

[@MotorStorm]

The amount of plastic parts in modern cars is quite terrifying

[@dkdanis1340]

Not all modern cars. Lots of old cars have plastic. Good thing is that modern plastic is really strong.

[@KasamS]

@@dkdanis1340 some interior plastic clips are stupidly weak but exterior ones are solid

[@danielmarshall4587]

"does anyone else feel like is taking forever?"..... No I feel like I'm sat back and watching you do all the work. SAT ON MY FAT ARSE.... yes I'll say it. Any how as all ways your efforts are not going un noticed thank you.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah Hahahahhaha.

[@peterrosenburg7070]

Love ur content bud u never disappoint me .as a fellow vw n audi n Porsche guy I love how well u detail ur work n make it look so simple n neat.this man hands down knows what he's doing with these Volkswagens. Wish u were my neighbor lol

[@knightnight0237]

Please check out the EQT discharge pipe kit, not many videos on this and i am sure it makes a noticeable difference!

[@petemechanic8249]

Vw service manual actually tells you to break the tabs/clips that hold the intercooler/ radiator in. (The white stubborn things haha). On the parts manual it gives a listing of 2x t30 self thredding screws to secure it back in

[@AP9311]

I like it. But that's so much to take off just to change the charge cooler. Wow. I don't even own VW. But I found it therapeutic to watch you change it lol. Awesome video, Charles!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!!!

[@theclutch19]

I love the clip counter bells/rings!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha

[@Slap0]

I use cardboard in front of any fins during removal or install of radiators to keep the fins from being bent.

[@HumbleMechanic]

As I was editing this video I thought that exact thing!!! Your comment is worth the price of admission!!!!

[@stefanschulte1]

It's the extra weight that's holding me back from upgrading.

[@robslater5560]

Hi love the vid. How about a more detailed coolant change video covering the bleed process using a scan tool . Also a ACC calibration video would be super cool . Keep the good work and have a merry Chrsitmas ...

[@robertdavis5714]

Excellent production and close-ups much appreciated, too many freaking plastic clamps, are screws that much money.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha it’s more about ease of production I think. They snap together rather than having a robot to torque them down. I made a big joke about it in the video, but it’s not too bad. Now 15yr from now will be a different story

[@MomboJumbo]

I don't even own my CC anymore . But still like your content man.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@kester135]

I don't envy you in the slightest the A5 b8 intercooler is so easy to swap

[@thomaswahahauw560]

Dude you are so clean with your explanation. +1 fan

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@TopGear759]

My family has had VW/!Audis since 1991. VW over engineers everything don’t they. 😊 loving the videos helping me decide what to do with my 2019 GTI rabbit.

[@joehaas6366]

Charles, I have the CSF aftermarket radiator. Now, I’m no mechanic, nor am I overly savvy at wrenching, but I’d love to be able to do the install myself. Could I follow the steps in this video to do a radiator swap? It seems like I can but I just wanted to confirm with you. Thanks man.

[@StreetShamann]

Love these videos, you’re the papadakis of vw techs.

[@keithbowen9561]

At 21mins 30 in when you tightened that T30.....I had a Wagner installed and due to the extra thickness of the Intercooler the screwed eventually wore through the condenser - make sure you check that T30 or use a thick washer or like me you'll end up having to replace the condenser. Ugh. Great vid though!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh dang!!!

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

Vw: we heard you don't like rivets Charles: are you replacing them with Phillips screws? Vw: Plastic Clips!

[@harrygatto]

Very professionally done, thank you.

[@Me-sb3mx]

Snuggy Snug ! I think VW is the best car for modifing or just leaving it stock bcs it is balanced well all around 😎😎

[@danielmarshall4587]

Right thten I need to get to work. However I will be revisiting this vid. Who am I Kidding, I'm going to be BINGING, oh boy am I ever.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha you can do it!!!

[@FlyingDarkLord]

Fantastic!!! Thank you 👍🏼

[@BBBoiko2004]

THis is one really good DiY Video ! Bravo Charles!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much

[@juanr.rodriguez3109]

Great job! Sooo dealer install sounds good to me. Can’t wait to see the Big brake kit installation. Rotora BBK is my go to next year.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Wouldn’t blame anyone for that. Or on the downpipe install. Lol

[@romariosmith422]

Hella work my guy. Lol. But some day I will get back into a golf. Miss it so much

[@Jimmyzb36]

Great camera work Charles!!!!!

[@gregprevite8548]

Wow. This install looks like a nightmare lol. Can’t wait

[@HumbleMechanic]

ITS not too bad. Unclipping the OEM cooler is the worst part LOL

[@rsr20t]

Would love to see you put Water (only) injection (not water/meth) on, keep temps down, use factory washer bottle, hidden pump in then boot spear wheel well. Haha 👌

[@gerardcurran8664]

Excellent video and explanation 👍

[@chloeleedow7250]

Massive fan of the Golf R, but holy crap that's a lot going on in a small engine bay, looks like a nightmare to work on, looks super time consuming even with your expertise! Dream car still ❤️

[@HumbleMechanic]

Its not bad. Once you get in the German car mindset, it's pretty easy

[@kscuz2848]

Well done Charles. Thank you for making this video. Aside from the front grill and bumper cover, are there any other differences between the 7 and 7.5 when it comes to disassembly or should this be pretty universal for the Rs? I'm also curious whether or not they are the same where the bumper cover meets the quarter panel.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Should be basically the same. Even the GTI should be the same

[@GRCDriver23]

I ended up doing a front mount instead from Baun Performance...you can find him on KZbin. Didn't want to pony up for IE pricing or completely pull apart the front of my car.

[@SavageOutlaw17]

Do you have to worry about the cable in the grille if you have only the autonomous emergency braking?