Tiguan S3 Intercooler Install Guide

[tigger73]

Also look at the Spulen version from USP Motorsports. They look good - ill probably get the Spulens for the GTI soon.

Thanks Lucas. I was hoping you had the low-down on these given you're looking into GTI parts at the moment.

Here's the link for the complete kit: http://www.uspmotorsports.com/SPULEN...-Pipe-Kit.html

Works out to US$350 including shipping.... and I said I thought I'd finished modding

[tigger73]

Hmmm,
The Neuspeed one is obviously better design as it removes the restriction at the end connector as well, but there is quite a big price difference. I think intercooler will be first priority then will consider this some more

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Agree here. The intercooler was a massive difference for me. Now that I've got that restriction removed, I'm left wondering how many more kW are being soaked up from restrictive pipework.

Only one way to find out I guess

[Tiggy1]

Hi Tigger,
Let me know how it goes - seems like once you start you never stop....

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[brad]

Hi Brad,
See what you mean by the restriction in the pipes (plastic ones that run beside engine) - definitely got that squished look!
Presume the S3 ones are the ones you're talking about that are "rounder"?
If so, would you know part numbers and if they'd be direct replacement (with S3 intercooler and hoses at same time)?
My only other concern is that where it runs past the "front" ( ie. RH side) of engine there could be a clearance problem with the crank pulley/dampener?!

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I bought this ebay kit for about $200
I can't find fault with it except the hose clamps may be a bit weak. Fitment is solid & precise & I don't have any concerns about pulley clearance. Machining & weld quality were fit for purpose. The only gotcha is the bolts for the sensor which is an easy fix if you are aware before you pull the engine to bits.

I think on a bang-4-buck basis it's nowhere near as good value as a $200 plastic tank S3 intercooler (they were USD190 brand new not long back) but if you are looking for somewhere to spend money on your car & like it to go under the bonnet or on the suspension the pipes are not a bad thing. I also think that the metal end S3 intercoolers have got a bit expensive now ( ~$700ish on eBay due to scarcity) & would buy an aftermarket alternative such as the Airtech if I was shopping at that price point.

Those Spulen pipes look good value (look the same as my eBay ones actually but better clamps) at the GB price & it would be worth flicking them an email asking if you can still get the GB discount.

But hey, what would I know?

Fitment post of ebay pipes here

[Tiggy1]

Hi Brad,
Thanks for that - I agree they certainly look like they'll do the job (and at the end of the day it's just a piece of pipe), so how much better could the big name brands be?! I guess I'm just s^&*t-scared of any leaks having heard about what dusting can do to a motor. Same reason why not overly keen on CAI's that used oiled filters - maybe as efficient as paper when properly maintained, but nothing beats good old barrier protection of paper IMO
First thing is the CAC so am still trying to track one down (preferably S3 plastic end tanks one) - where at are they for $200 odd? Been trawling the 'net without much sucess

[tigger73]

Hi Brad,
Thanks for that - I agree they certainly look like they'll do the job (and at the end of the day it's just a piece of pipe), so how much better could the big name brands be?! I guess I'm just s^&*t-scared of any leaks having heard about what dusting can do to a motor. Same reason why not overly keen on CAI's that used oiled filters - maybe as efficient as paper when properly maintained, but nothing beats good old barrier protection of paper IMO
First thing is the CAC so am still trying to track one down (preferably S3 plastic end tanks one) - where at are they for $200 odd? Been trawling the 'net without much sucess

I would have thought there would be some decent second hand ones kicking around from all the guys upgrading their Golf R/S3 intercoolers and having some "unwanted" parts.

[brad]

Hi Brad,
Thanks for that - I agree they certainly look like they'll do the job (and at the end of the day it's just a piece of pipe), so how much better could the big name brands be?! I guess I'm just s^&*t-scared of any leaks having heard about what dusting can do to a motor. Same reason why not overly keen on CAI's that used oiled filters - maybe as efficient as paper when properly maintained, but nothing beats good old barrier protection of paper IMO
First thing is the CAC so am still trying to track one down (preferably S3 plastic end tanks one) - where at are they for $200 odd? Been trawling the 'net without much sucess

I'm not a fan of oiled filters either.

They *were* as cheap as USD170 but I think people twigged ane put the price up. I did find one for USD195 but can't find it now. Cheapest I can see on a quick search is USD266 new +P&P.

Put a wanted in this forum, VWgolf.net, OzAudi. You should get a used one for <AUD150. Edition35 / Golf R / S3 / (any with K04 I guess) has the same unit.

Search for
1K0 145 803 BP
1K0 145 803 BE
1K0 145 803 AK

This thread might help

[Tiggy1]

Cheers for that, will continue searching once things blow-over up here (literally).....

[Tiggy1]

NEW Intercooler FOR EOS Golf GTI Rabbit Jetta Audi A3 Passat Audi TT | eBay
Price is right, depending on shipping, but wondering what the difference might be to the "BE/BP"?!
Says it suits MKV/VI GTI but dunno whether it would still have thicker core (or what other differences might be) ?!

[tigger73]

Anyone heard of a "S" suffix intercooler and what the difference might be?
NEW Intercooler FOR EOS Golf GTI Rabbit Jetta Audi A3 Passat Audi TT | eBay
Price is right, depending on shipping, but wondering what the difference might be to the "BE/BP"?!

It actually looks like it has the same connectors on the end tanks to the stock Tig one. This intercooler looks like the hose fits inside the connector and you then close the clip to lock it in place.

The intercooler I got I had to cut the aluminium (male) connector off the stock intercooler hoses and then slip the hose over the intercooler connector then put a hose clamp around it.

So the "S" may be just the difference in the connection type (if all else is the same). It may actually make the job simpler if you don't have to modify your stock hoses and just re-use them as-is.

[Tiggy1]

It's not just the core thickness that matters. There are some subtle diffrence between a 38mm GTI intercooler & an S3/TT-S IC. Personally, if you have the 38mm GTI IC the next step would be one of the aftermarket providors.

What I have LOL'd at are those folks that have gone from Golf R/S3 plastic tank to S3 all alloy and claim they can feel an improvement. By all accounts the plastic tank unit performs slightly better.



I really don't think an IC upgrade will provide any performance gains unless other mods have caused the IC to be a choke point. What it will do is reduce heatsoak & therefore give more consistent power output - esp in hot weather or traffic.

As above - suits GTI, and same connectors as Tig as you say, but is it thicker core I wonder

P.S: feel liked I've hijacked Ramee's excellent install thread - feel free to move to new thread moderators if you think would be better

[tigger73]

As above - suits GTI, and same connectors as Tig as you say, but is it thicker core I wonder

P.S: feel liked I've hijacked Ramee's excellent install thread - feel free to move to new thread moderators if you think would be better

I suspect it's only 32mm.....VOLKSWAGEN 1K0 145 803 S (1K0145803S) Intercooler, charger

[Tiggy1]

Yeah, just found similar info.
Oh well, the search goes on......

[Suffolk]

Anyone know where I can source some intercooler piping? Installed Wagner intercooler but the piping that came with it was too short and bends were in the wrong place, had to cut oem pipe and install forge ends.
Problem is, when I turn on Sprint Booster it created too much suction from the intercooler that the ends blew off. Had to limp home and attached stronger clamps.
Contacted APR but they don't sell piping separately, also rand a few places to custom make aluminum piping but when I said VW, they said bye bye. Any recommendations?

[Suffolk]

Wagner intercooler link VWVortex.com - Wagner Tuning Intercooler Kits ON SALE at eurocollective