Intercooler Upgrade and Installation ~ Stage 2 Golf R

[@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

[@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

[@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 😂

[@dmytrowp]

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

[@nicholasflowers7401]

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

[@anonymjin3278]

Pawel Dmytrow his twin

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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...

[@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).

[@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

[@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

[@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 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Aciuce59]

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

[@coses4957]

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

[@HumbleMechanic]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@joshpetit44]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@deanharriss2029]

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

[@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.

[@Mizaeducation]

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

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@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

[@jconde7158]

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

[@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

[@thomaswahahauw560]

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

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@KC-lu7vo]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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"

[@tonywood6232]

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

[@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.

[@miamirice6840]

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

[@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"

[@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.

[@72gmtruck]

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

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME!

[@bicycle019]

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

[@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

[@ryanking8058]

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

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@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!

[@JordieG8]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😎😎

[@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.

[@stevecuahuizo792]

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

[@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.

[@matiyah]

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

[@carolynekeeler]

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

[@StreetShamann]

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

[@ericmichel3857]

Hey man, pulling that bumper plastic away from the fender I have seen plenty of folks end up breaking those and there is no good way to fix that. Those tabs were not designed to be pulled apart like that, there is no need to pull on those, if you push back the fender liner just a bit there are two 13 mm nuts up underneath, just loosen those and pull forward slightly and the whole assembly just falls out. When you go to re-install you can install the bracket assembly with those two nuts first, tighten them up, then when you put the bumper cover on they easily snap into place.

[@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

[@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.

[@SavageOutlaw17]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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!!! :)

[@creativecontrol9047]

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

[@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

[@nicolaspetrone3739]

I wonder what the benefits would be for an intercooler on my 2019 Golf R? All I have is stage 1 tune and an intake but live in a very hot state.

[@mikenap2858]

do you think the radiator and Intercooler can come out from the bottom if only on jack stands? This method looks better then messing with the core support.....although bleeding the cooling system seems scary.

[@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

[@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!!!!

[@kester135]

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

[@jasonmajere2165]

Tabs...lol...tired of saying plastic tabs. R134...propane. Any gunk build up in the old cooler? From the PCV system. Does the new cooler add any notice more turbo lag? Switch to waterless coolant?

[@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!!!

[@apache4541]

I was thinking stock location aftermarket intercooler goes between radiator and condenser is a hot sandwich ?

[@theclutch19]

I love the clip counter bells/rings!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha

[@joserubenvega]

My mk6 gti has a u1030 engine code I believe I’ve seen from my research that is a radiator sensor that cannot be replaced unless I replace the radiator itself Was wondering if I have time to replace it or do I need to do ASAP

[@AustinPetDetective]

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

[@drummingsamir]

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

[@jimbo.t7510]

Just wanted to ask if it would be better to go with the front mount intercooler instead just putting the bigger intercooler back in between two heat sources

[@mk7_nate970]

If you have front sensors will this get rid of them i know some intercoolers do

[@lemonmuffin4990]

What's better? Front Mount or Charge Cooler?

[@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

[@BBBoiko2004]

THis is one really good DiY Video ! Bravo Charles!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much

[@panzerveps]

The ACC radar behind the logo is a lot more forgiving than the one placed in the grille when it comes to calibration. It's to some degree able to self calibrate, but if it acts up, you could probably do it with VAG-com while driving, with no expensive special tools needed.

[@panzerveps]

Also, using a vacuum coolant bleeder is a lot faster. Reduces the bleeding time to 10 minutes top.

[@jordanwells2639]

When you installed your air intake did you totally remove the oem intake housing? I have installed a ram air kit to my mk7.5 R and didn’t think I needed to remove it? Will removing, as it seems you have, increase air flow to the filter?

[@Silbaru]

Is it better that the intercooler sits in between?? I put a front mount and now have a huge boost leak

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Charles I was advised to disconnect the battery before starting. I have a 35th anniversary GLI so it's got the sensor in the VW symbol for braking, and I've heard that you may have to get that re-calibrated if you disconnect it under power.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I haven’t. But it won’t hurt

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@HumbleMechanic man I never thought I'd get a response that quick but I was like...eh I'll post anyway. Thank you! About to tear into the car right now.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Make her fast!!!

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@HumbleMechanic hey bud, one other question. So my setup is 6M, and I'm considering removing the clutch delay valve. Apparently there are varied opinions on if it helps clutch life or not. I can't see how slowing the engagement of the clutch would ever be beneficial, so I'm curious if you think it would be beneficial to remove as well. Thanks! PS my ACC took a crap yesterday. Not paying the dealer to fix it, so I'll have to deal with the light for now 😭

[@ryansilk1577]

Trying to figure out if you can do it from the back like this on a 8v a3 I haven’t seen anyone do it but I don’t see how it would be different

[@Jimmyzb36]

Great camera work Charles!!!!!

[@erikestrada2408]

Thanks for the video and all the info. Quick question, I've heard that too big of an intercooler creates lag is that true I want to upgrade for my a5 2.0t b8 also for the piping whats better silcone or aluminum?

[@michaelnorman9096]

Is there a video or something that I can use to burp the coolant system ? What’s the best way to do this?

[@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

[@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.

[@UrW0rstNighmare]

What is that wheel guide tool? That would save the calibers and wheel, would like to get my hands on one of those if I could!!

[@Peachan123]

I don't know if you'll see this or not, but would this also be a good time to change out the water pump and t-stat housing too, while you have all that room up front? I'm going to be changing it out this coming spring as it's leaking, and I'm thinking of doing the intercooler upgrade while i'm in that area. 2017 Golf R

[@HumbleMechanic]

Not a bad overlap for sure

[@giuliasprint67]

What will these cars be like to work on in 20 years with all those plastic clips as they become brittle over time? Excellent video as always!!!

[@harrygatto]

Very professionally done, thank you.