Best EA390 VR6 Mods & Upgrades: The 2.8, 3.2 & 3.6 - Full R36, R32, R28 Tuning Guide

Create the best modified EA390 R28, R32, R36 engine with these unbiased introductory tuning tips. Discover the best mods & upgrades for your VR6 engine.
The best EA390 performance parts mods and tuning upgrades for the R28, R32 & R36 including the 2.8, the 24 valve 3.6 and 3.2 engine range with EA390 projects hitting 550-600hp
The EA390 VR6 is a powerful engine that has been used in a variety of cars, including the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, and Passat. It is a great engine for modification and upgrade, and there are many options available to improve its performance.
In this video, we will discuss some of the most popular and effective modifications and upgrades for the EA390 VR6. We will also discuss some of the myths and misconceptions about modification and upgrade, and we will help you to avoid making costly mistakes.
Some of the most popular modifications and upgrades for the EA390 VR6 include:
ECU tuning: ECU tuning can improve the performance of the engine by adjusting the fuel mixture and ignition timing.
Cold air intake: A cold air intake can improve the performance of the engine by providing it with cooler air.
Exhaust system: An exhaust system can improve the performance of the engine by reducing back pressure.
High-flow injectors: High-flow injectors can improve the performance of the engine by providing it with more fuel.
Forced induction: Forced induction can improve the performance of the engine by increasing the amount of air that enters the cylinders.
These are just a few of the many modifications and upgrades that are available for the EA390 VR6. By doing your research and choosing the right parts, you can improve the performance of your car and make it a more enjoyable driving experience.
Some car models that the EA390 VR6 was fitted to include:
Volkswagen Golf Mk4
Volkswagen Jetta Mk4
Volkswagen Passat B5
2.8 V6 24v FSI Essentially a 3.2 shorter stroke and Valvelift
188 bhp @5,500 rpm 207 lbft @3,000-5,000 rpm 201 bhp @5,250 rpm 207 lbft @3,000-5,000 rpm 207 bhp @5,500 rpm 207 lbft @3,000-5,000 rpm 217 bhp @5,750 rpm 207 lbft @3,200-5,000 rpm
3.2 VR6 235 hp @6,200 rpm, 232 lbft @2,950 rpm
Transporter T5 241 hp @6,200 rpm 236 lbft @2,500-3,200 rpm BFH 241 hp @6,250 rpm 236 lbft @2,800-3,200 rpm BML 250 hp @6,250 rpm 236 lbft @2,500-3,000 rpm BDB, BHE, BMJ, BPF, BUB
Best Engine Modifications For Your 3.6 VR6 Mapping - remapping offers the largest cost reductions, however aftermarket ECUs and piggyback ECUs are also options.
Fast road cams are one of the most important mechanical adjustments, but they must be fitted by someone who knows what they're doing, and they're not always easy to locate.
However, you may be able to find a local outfit to regrind a standard camshaft. Intake and Exhaust -
Keep in mind that these changes will NOT ADD POWER ON THEIR OWN in most circumstances, but they may aid boost power after other mods by eliminating the limitation.
Upgrades to turbochargers and superchargers - forced induction is the most efficient way to increase air supply, enabling you to burn more gasoline while producing more power. It is one of the most expensive modifications, but it delivers the finest results.
Porting and flowing the head's aims are to get air flowing into the engine while reducing flow limitations and turbulence.
We look at remapping, fast road camshafts, intake and exhaust mods and turbocharger upgrades and recommend head work and porting and big valve conversions.
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Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.

[@eddiericks6554]

My tt 3.2 mk2 is one of my favorite cars to drive 120000 miles and still pulling strong 💪 😊

[@donmike2821]

R32 is slow AF. Tell me r32 is fast 😅 Sound 10/10

[@ArmChairKoalaBare]

my r32 is actually pretty decent on the interstate@@donmike2821

[@sajidqureshi2175]

@donmike2821 what you smoking. You haven't driven one nor been in one.. they are fast enough for what they are

[@sajidqureshi2175]

Agreed I've MK4 R32 since 2015 nw on 100k and the grunt is amazing.. feels superior for being a NA engine.. the torque punch is strong.. love it

[@donmike2821]

@@sajidqureshi2175 i did. Even two of them. After rides i start to understand why everyone is adding turbo to engine.But i love sound and R32 engine very much(younger brother of NISSAN gtr ) But its just slow, you cant compare vr6 to golf R mk6 or even to golf V GTI. GTI after remap is flying compare to r32. Its just my opinion.Peace!

[@CmdrHahn]

Recently got into my first 24v; came with AWE exhaust, tune and pretty much fresh chains/guides …it…really does sound like a wookie….it makes me smile😂

[@Teasa617]

@CmdrHahn 🥲 I wanted the AWE catback for my 2.8 24v so badly. As soon as I could afford it, they stopped producing them smh. AWE cat back paired with TT down pipes and high flow cat would have been a dream. Still sounds good with the magnaflow but I still wonder

[@MrLarrylar]

My CC 3.6 4motion is one of my favorite cars. This is my 9th VW. I previously had a B6 3.6, and a glx

[@williamhall7446]

I have a 3.6 4 motion b6 wagon

[@brewmaster4two]

I have a 2013 CC 3.6 4-motion and thoroughly enjoy it! Currently have 88K on it and ir runs wonderful.

[@ionutandrei5836]

I have a 3.6L 4motion b7 2015 299hp Got 153.000km and runs like new

[@awpimp]

On the hunt for the best add on for my r32. Thanks for the info.

[@ampiko68]

Good to hear VR6 appreciated and talked about. Any recommendation on high flow injectors that would fit a BLV VR6 3.6 ?

[@jaygo8442]

Or bub engine

[@kinglouiesshed8995]

Siemens 850cc have the right hat and can supply enough for a small turbo build. Or could go FIC if you require more than 1200cc 👍🏼

[@deuceinfinity]

1973 Super Beetle with a Kennedy Adaptor to a 12v 2.8L VR6 with short runner intake and header.

[@clonejeepsrt8343]

2018 Vw Passat GT vr6 3.6l still stock I love it

[@tacobellballs4206]

not sure what to do to mine i have exhaust modifications and suspension

[@barryrappers7594]

MK1 Audi TT 3.2 Manual - only added a K&N panel filter for now and just in for chains and other items to get number of key points sorted 👍🏻

[@domuniluki_]

Got a Corrado vr6 and done a Turbotune i dont know the American Values but blows up to 2 Bar into my 2.9l 12Valve It makes 600 HP but im runnig a variable Boost controller and i love it

[@alkalinezombie]

I just came across this vidoe. A year late but full of useful info. I plan to make a mk4 r32 my project car. I appreciate any help and insight on the subject before i dive in. Youve got a like and subscribe out of me 🤙

[@torquecars]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the support my friend.

[@claritaturbo]

Mk5 U.S spec R32. I have a Cold air intake and I can confirm that it’s not for the power - but for the sound 😌

[@torquecars]

The R32 is one of the best sounding engines out there by a country mile, and I can only imagine what this is like with an induction kit on it. Do you have or are you planning any other mods & upgrades on yours?

[@julianpaublini4744]

I have a TT MK2 3.2, im thinking of supercharger, theres some kits there in the market that put a decent 100hp in the formula

[@deckstare]

nice video i have a mk5 r32

[@gregoryh4601]

Thanks for the Help. I have a 2017 Porsche Cayenne 3.6l VR6. Like to add a Second Radiator to keep my Engine run Cooler after that a Titanium 2.5 with X Pipe.and Lite Muffler to help weight Saving.Next add a New Computer Stage 3 with a Custom Oil pan to make a Dry Sump with rear Oil Cooler . Start the New Diet program on Cutting Weight program removing Rear Seat, making Carbon/Kevlar wrap Carbon-Core Thanks for the Info

[@glennlozuke268]

Great content. You mentioned 4 wheel drive systems with the VR6. Can you tell me more about that? Any info about swapping a VR6 into a A5 beetle?

[@martini3642]

2008 Audi TT VR6 DSG Quattro, Coupe, 143000 miles. KN Drop in air filter, Exhaust Tampa Mod

[@brewmaster4two]

I have a 2013 CC 3.6 4-motion and completely enjoy the car. Currently has 88K miles on it and have taken impeccable care of it since new. Runs like a watch. But like many, I am thinking of doing a remap tune only as gaining a wide band of 10% torque /HP increase would make this car even more fun. This combined with a upgrade to the Bilstein B6 suspension will make it a fun on the roads yet comfortable car. Any remap tune suggestions or experiences, please comment.

[@jquillenwest6168]

Thinking of picking up a 3.2l vr6 and swapping it into a b5s4

[@peterchakavamba9858]

Great content, can you do a video specifically for a vr5 engine. There is very limited information about that particular engine out there

[@torquecars]

Great suggestion! I will add this to the production list, as you say there is not much information out there but I know a few guys who have these engines so I'll compare notes and put something together for you.

[@torquecars]

I have pulled together all I can about the VR5 for you, hopefully there will be comments added to this expanding the topic and discussing what is out there. Intro: why the VR5 is special kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5CXgnesgp2AkKs From July 4th tomorrow, a guide on upgrades and tuning the VR5 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXywiZeFadx3gc0

[@nah4got]

Got a 2015 Passat sel premium 3.6 vr6 , pretty quick

[@mikeehagues3511]

Ive got an R32 VDUB mk5, getting it mapped soon👍

[@michaelrennie2958]

2000 mk3.5 black Cabrio convertable 12 v V-r6 luvn life plenty of power smooth no turbo

[@cliffbaloyi7155]

I have mk5 R32, thanks for the info.

[@torquecars]

Glad to help and thanks for the support and kind words of encouragement my friend.

[@tazz1226]

cc vr6 would be interested to know your opinion with the superchargers, from what i know there is not much gain, but its very easy to install, looking to do that one to mine

[@YoursDadsMomDaddy]

Where?! I want one!

[@friscostreetstories5403]

I love my Mark 4 R32.

[@SNL92100]

I have a 3.6VR bolted to a 02A ready to into my mk3 GL, my tuning will consist of creating a true cold air intake. not just a cowboy cone filter bouncing around the engine bay collecting all the hot air.

[@Kevin-hm2di]

I currently own a 2017 B7 NMS Passat 1.8t with cat-less downpipe, throttle pipe, turbo discharge, and cold air intake. Along with a stage 1 tune. Been debating trading in for a VR6 just due to the engine note, and hopefully it would keep me from spending so much on mods. A coworker has a VR6 corrado with a big ole Volvo turbo pushing over 40psi, I’d imagine over 700hp

[@alfredomaart6460]

Hey I own a 97 jetta vr6 executive slight drop infront outside stock just tinted engin mods is currently just cammed stroked and a set of bmw m50 flat top pistons 84mm headwork k&n cone 57mil downpipe and 63mil from downpipe 2 box system and full sound system just to avoid the temptation when I have passengers with me

[@friscostreetstories5403]

A VR6 will last longer than that Passat motor.

[@Dirtymcdonalds]

I have a vr6 passat, I would totally recommend. Finding parts just suck

[@randyjones5336]

Good video

[@torquecars]

Thanks for the support and encouragement my friend.

[@AnythingVW]

Mk3 Golf VR6 converted 1989 B3 Passat 🇬🇧

[@jfnovae]

Mk4 R32 Revo tumed. So much more responsive, And top speed limiter removed And verified 156 moh on the speedo before I ran out of road. 😅. In for chains and cam gear. Always replace the latter when doing the chains!!

[@scottricci7154]

1992 corrado. 2.8L turbo. Stand alone. Cant get it to start

[@piti_rocks]

I got a MK5 R32 and did the full intake exhaust mods to it. Then I said screw it and slapped a turbo on it 😂

[@Diddy291]

I own VW passat B3 vr6 12valve 1991 stock.

[@faeez9215]

Golf 1 gt currently swapping a 3.2 vr6 from an audi

[@Bucket_Boy101]

I have a Mk5 Golf R32 (BUB engine code) that I have put a Mk6 R exhaust on. It's the same exhaust, except the mk6 exhaust has no mid resonator.

[@zahimiibrahim3602]

What's the sound like?

[@stevecuahuizo792]

I got the mk5 r32 and just ordered pulley kit and burger tuner let’s see how she dose 😅

[@matthewdesmond575]

2003 gti vr6, engine is completely stock, car is lowered

[@synthyyvid3983]

Does anyone got any recommendations for the best affordable turbo? I have a 1997 Jetta GLS VR6 and it’s a 2.8 . Or a smaller performance mod that I can do to add some power?

[@kaeji_namitsua]

Intake and exhaust mods are needed for low power EA390. I would do them and add ECU from R36 if its possible if I had automobile with EA390.

[@friscostreetstories5403]

Why a ecu from a 3.6 on a 3.2? A custom map will be better.

[@SarntRexxo]

Any idea where I could find a kit to put individual throttle bodies on a 2.8l 24v vr6?

[@torquecars]

A mate was talking about using the ones for the R32 on his 24v but I don't know if he pulled it off. The 3.0 throttle bodies will also probably fit, but for both of these you are probably looking at a manifold swap to house these. Search for the C2 SRI and Bakber adapter plates for more guidance.

[@bimmerbois121]

What's the factory bhp number for the 3.6? I want to compare with 370z and Toyota 4.0 v6 engine. And what do you think who the most reliable one?

[@Karl.Holmstrom]

Just got a golf vr6 2002 2.8 what is the first tune i should do boys?

[@soapwheelie3937]

How much power are we talking on the mods with the remap, intake and race cat?

[@39Dagreez]

Best bang for buck mods for 3.2l vr6 audi a3 8p dsg? Shoutout VR gang everywhere😁👍

[@torquecars]

Remaps/ECU tunes make a big difference to power delivery but it won't give you a high headline power figure on this NA engine. Adding a turbo will make the most power but this is extremely expensive so bang for buck wouldn't count here. Personally I'd sort the exhaust and suspension, it is amazing how much this can enhance the way the car feels, then tune the engine.

[@simonhitt8901]

Will I go into limp mode if I had hollowed cars on my mk5 r32

[@nite_trent3603]

Any suggestions for a vr6 3.6L Vw CC

[@torquecars]

Yes I did a complete article on this very engine www.torquecars.com/volkswagen/ea390-3-6-vr6-mods.php there will be a video in due course on it. I'm trying to focus on the most requested ones first, so if more people want to see this I'll push it up the development schedule which you've just bumped up by requesting this.

[@cons72712]

​@torquecars has this video ever come out🙏

[@rustonwheels3064]

when talking about the recommended camshaft durations, does the stated numbers refer to advertised duration or duration @050?

[@torquecars]

The advertised duration. Cams are pretty complex so not the easiest of drop in mods to do. Tell us about your project and plans?

[@callingyououtallday5499]

Dubai based MK5 R32 owner - no mods so far. Getting it to a reliable 350 bhp would be the goal. Any ideas on how I should plan this would be welcomed 🙏🏼

[@kinglouiesshed8995]

Small turbo or supercharger would easily see your goals

[@friscostreetstories5403]

It will only happen with forced induction.

[@BlakeBatchelder12345]

Watching this too stuff a 24v in my 09 beetle

[@devonrohaley8603]

Anything for the 3.6L vr6 ? 2013 b7 cc

[@torquecars]

Yes I did a complete article on this very engine www.torquecars.com/volkswagen/ea390-3-6-vr6-mods.php there will be a video in due course on it. I'm trying to focus on the most requested ones first, so if more people want to see this I'll push it up the development schedule.

[@ampiko68]

I have been looking to get a modest 6-7 psi gain which will be under the transmission limit as well on a B7 CC 3.6 VR6 fwd. No kits are available. TDS eng used to make S/c kits. hope to hear more from you

[@nah4got]

Me too

[@user-rl2mc6xi5i]

❤👍

[@bensnooks4830]

How many miles/km on an engine before you would consider it too old to modify? In the video there are many older vehicles so I imagine 2.8L vr6 etc are getting fairly old now. Thanks

[@torquecars]

It really depends on how well the engine has been looked after. The clutch is usually the first thing to complain, but if there is a loss of compression in the engine your money is usually best spent somewhere else. Many projects take old high mileage engine and strip them down and rebuild or recondition them to a higher spec. This can be a great way to fund a cheap upgrade project and build a car that really lasts a long time. Keep the power gains modest and you'll benefit from tuning a 100,000 mile engine.

[@ATcarchannel]

I never heard about an ea390 30 valve vr6 engine ?

[@torquecars]

The 30v 2.8L V6 is an older engine, having been an Audi A4 engine long before it was a Passat engine. I think that from reading more it doesn't belong here, it must have been pre EA390! Thanks for the heads up.

[@Scoobydcs]

What audis had the 3.6l vr6?

[@lizarddouble1092]

Audi Q7 2008. Even Porsche used this engine for their Panamera

[@YoursDadsMomDaddy]

I have a 2014 Passat 3.6L it’s FWD, best mods for power?

[@torquecars]

Mapping, Fast Road Cams (unless this has variable valve timing which I think this year may well have) and exhaust downpipe/sports cats. This is in order of return of power to the cost.

[@nite_trent3603]

Where can I get a performance cam for my 3.6L VR6?

[@torquecars]

Where are you based? I would try piper cams and kent cams but they are fairly local to me and they offer regrinds to a more sporty profile.

[@MrSparsilis]

no supercharger ?

[@torquecars]

Sorry I missed that off this video, I like to be quite sure of the facts and struggled with supercharges. I still want to feature supercharger upgrades separately, I found so much confusing information on the VR6 I need to sort through it and come up with a definitive strategy. It seems that a low boost setup works well on stock blocks and higher boost levels require a lower compression ratio and fuel upgrades. Do you have any tips or opinions on superchargers for this engine?

[@klank3760]

I love you, man, but I just wanted to add as an American start contrast between our car guys and you, you constantly are talking about being eco-friendly and follow the laws and all the benefits of that all the Americans over here just like just cut that shit off, adds like 2-3 hp, worth, it worth it 👌

[@AlbanianMidget]

08' R32 w/Shrick Cams ebay turbo stock block arp hardware 19psi

[@torquecars]

I bet that is putting down some serious power. Have you got any figures yet on that setup? Which mods do you reckon were the best for your money?

[@user-pz7qz9ll9m]

I have a mercedes benz v280 W638

[@jeremywhittler8591]

Bro , this was honestly terrible. Dont waste your time or money building the block. A simple valve grind works fine. New valve seals. Check compression, replace chain . 268 is a good cam for these engines. Change to ARP Rod bolts. All VR6 engines will need a turbo in this day and age. 366 borg is common , preferably a t4 garett. Ditch the dual mass flywheel. Haltech works well. 02M is the transmission you want. Driveshaft shop makes custom axles for this application. If your engine swapping your in luck. VW is like leggos. HAVE THE MONEY. Vw builds require brakes, coilovers,abs delete and a ton of mods but the rewards are well worth it. The killer is actually the heater core removal, and AC restoration so be prepared to spend and just the gasgets are a thousand dollars so youll have to make some . Hardest car ive ever swapped and restored.

[@bleezyturbski5096]

Hello im new to the vw world just recently purchased an import r36 passat wagon. Might be a silly question as im not clued up about vw but can u mate up a vr5 to the 6 speed dsg? Anyone ever done it or is it not possible