Golf R wagon 7.5 first post

[liam2481]

G'day everyone,

I'm new to the forum and wanted to share a car upgrade with you all. Unfortunately, my trusty VW Passat v6 wagon got rear-ended recently – written off absolutely devastating. But, on the bright side, I've found a Golf R 7.5 Grid Edition wagon down in South Australia. So I flying down tomorrow to buy it.

Also, I have a VAGCOM and was wondering what checks I should do to make sure everything's in top shape. Whats recommended..checking the radiator for CO2, a compression or leakdown test? DSG? Haldex? Any advice on these or other checks I should run?

I've been thinking about doing a few upgrades and was hoping for some recommendations. I'm considering starting with a Stage 1 tune and a rear sway bar. Any advice or other must-dos for this beast?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and getting to know the community. Cheers!
liam

[liam2481]

**Update:** I did all the checks and on the way home (2000km), the turbo seized. I got another turbo who has stock of a turbo fitment seal kit for the IS38. Also, do you have any recommendations before I install the new second-hand turbo?

[liam2481]

FYI, The charge turbine impeller nut came off, impeller shaft sheared then the exhuast bearing failed. One nut FML.

[Sharkie]

Wow, that was bad luck, mate. What milage does the R have on it?

[liam2481]

Wow, that was bad luck, mate. What milage does the R have on it?

Yeah 70k, I found the nut, I thought it would get pushed through the boost, after removing the intercooler found it in the charge pipe near the filter. weird... Now I won't worry about metal going through the engine.

[Sharkie]

Yeah 70k, I found the nut, I thought it would get pushed through the boost, after removing the intercooler found it in the charge pipe near the filter. weird... Now I won't worry about metal going through the engine.

Lucky ... well, since you have the intercooler out, might as well upgrade it. In Aus summer it is almost a must if you want to go Stg 2 and beyond.

[Lucas_R]

Wow - thats some bad luck. I hope it was nothing more than just bad luck/bad timing and the seller didn't sell you the car knowing that the turbo was on its last legs. How does the holding nut for the impeller even come off?

Some consolation to this situation.....the IS38 is somewhat prone to failure. Are you replacing it with another new or used IS38, or taking the opportunity to switch over to something like the Garret Powermaxx Stage 1 or the HPA IS38 which addresses the weaknesses of the original IS38.

[Sharkie]

the HPA IS38 which addresses the weaknesses of the original IS38.

When/if my IS38 fails this will be what I install in its place. As a daily driver (well mostly daily) I'm not chasing more power above Stg2+ so this will be perfect.

[liam2481]

The seller was fantastic and sent me a replacement IHIIS38 used for 25k, as he had a spare from a stage 3 tune. I need to transfer parts from the old turbo, tune the actuator.

Some consolation to this situation.....the IS38 is somewhat prone to failure. Are you replacing it with another new or used IS38, or taking the opportunity to switch over to something like the Garret Powermaxx Stage 1 or the HPA IS38 which addresses the weaknesses of the original IS38.

I considered getting a Garret Powermax, but that would require another tune and car transport to the tuners plus the turbo.
It's simpler (& almost free) to install the IHII IS38 since the car is already tuned for it. I really don't know... difficult descision.

The setup; Golf Wagon R MY18 Wolfsburg, APR TCU and ECU Stage 2, Wagner intercooler, Milltek exhaust, Integrated Engineering carbon cold air intake, sway bars.
A big shoutout to Phill from Andrews Auto in Adelaide who i bought the car from. What a legend!!