Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

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A3-BTFSI
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Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by A3-BTFSI »

Whats up guys,

Who here has done the IS20 turbo or IS38 turbo to there A3, looking for feedback to see which one would be a better platform for me.

Im looking for more usable power in the beginning and mid range not really at top end but I know the IS20 is smaller and should give that but does the IS38 have more power there as well as better overall drivability?
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by Kavi4GP »

A3-BTFSI wrote:Whats up guys,

Who here has done the IS20 turbo or IS38 turbo to there A3, looking for feedback to see which one would be a better platform for me.

Im looking for more usable power in the beginning and mid range not really at top end but I know the IS20 is smaller and should give that but does the IS38 have more power there as well as better overall drivability?
I'm assuming 1.8 TFSi, is38 has been done and running well

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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by amstel18 »

Is your car S-tronic? If yes, you going to need upgraded clutch packs as well, as those boxes don't like too much torque...
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A3-BTFSI
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by A3-BTFSI »

Kavi4GP wrote: Mon Apr 08, 2019 8:57 pm
A3-BTFSI wrote:Whats up guys,

Who here has done the IS20 turbo or IS38 turbo to there A3, looking for feedback to see which one would be a better platform for me.

Im looking for more usable power in the beginning and mid range not really at top end but I know the IS20 is smaller and should give that but does the IS38 have more power there as well as better overall drivability?
I'm assuming 1.8 TFSi, is38 has been done and running well

Sent from my CPH1717 using Tapatalk
Correct it is a 1.8tfsi, so IS38 better for daily drivability than the IS20?
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A3-BTFSI
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by A3-BTFSI »

amstel18 wrote: Tue Apr 09, 2019 7:01 am Is your car S-tronic? If yes, you going to need upgraded clutch packs as well, as those boxes don't like too much torque...
It is a manual luckily as I know the S Tronics don’t like too much torque.
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by ICE King »

depends what you after , There's a 1.8tfsi Polo Gti doing +-12 sec 1/4 miles and +-240kw ATF. - dsg though but strong low & mid range power.

Usual mods , DP , intake ,inter cooler , WMI , Software , supporting mods is a must.

If this is not enough for you, then is38 but will be a hand full in a FWD car.
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A3-BTFSI
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by A3-BTFSI »

Great thanks for the information guys, will go with the IS20. Appreciate the help!
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by andrewvw8 »

ICE King wrote: Tue Apr 09, 2019 4:32 pm depends what you after , There's a 1.8tfsi Polo Gti doing +-12 sec 1/4 miles and +-240kw ATF. - dsg though but strong low & mid range power.

Usual mods , DP , intake ,inter cooler , WMI , Software , supporting mods is a must.

If this is not enough for you, then is38 but will be a hand full in a FWD car.

Hi Ice King do you have any information or a link to a build thread on that 1.8 Polo Gti?
current :VW Polo Aw Gti
:Stage 2 UP
Previous :VW Polo GTI 1.8 :Stage 1+(160Wkw)
: VW Polo 1.2 tsi Highline DSG (UP stage 2/ 107kw and 249nm)
:Vw polo 1.2 tsi (77wkw)
:ford fiesta st (115wkw)
: Vw polo 1.6i comfort line (stock)
: Vw golf 1 1.4 carb (65wkw)
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by Hotdubz »

I have a IS38 core for sale if you ever wanted to go IS20 hybrid.

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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by ICE King »

andrewvw8 wrote: Wed Apr 10, 2019 9:43 am
ICE King wrote: Tue Apr 09, 2019 4:32 pm depends what you after , There's a 1.8tfsi Polo Gti doing +-12 sec 1/4 miles and +-240kw ATF. - dsg though but strong low & mid range power.

Usual mods , DP , intake ,inter cooler , WMI , Software , supporting mods is a must.

If this is not enough for you, then is38 but will be a hand full in a FWD car.

Hi Ice King do you have any information or a link to a build thread on that 1.8 Polo Gti?
Have a video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtDXakDlfw , no build thread
1992 Mazda 323 B3 - Masala Mods
2008 VW POLO GTI - 76mm DP + 63mm exhaust , induction, FMIC, Thanas Tuned
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Re: Audi A3 8v turbo upgrade question?

Post by andrewvw8 »

ICE King wrote: Wed Apr 10, 2019 6:52 pm
andrewvw8 wrote: Wed Apr 10, 2019 9:43 am
ICE King wrote: Tue Apr 09, 2019 4:32 pm depends what you after , There's a 1.8tfsi Polo Gti doing +-12 sec 1/4 miles and +-240kw ATF. - dsg though but strong low & mid range power.

Usual mods , DP , intake ,inter cooler , WMI , Software , supporting mods is a must.

If this is not enough for you, then is38 but will be a hand full in a FWD car.

Hi Ice King do you have any information or a link to a build thread on that 1.8 Polo Gti?


Have a video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtDXakDlfw , no build thread


Thank you..Would love to know how the clutches hold up.... :crazy:
current :VW Polo Aw Gti
:Stage 2 UP
Previous :VW Polo GTI 1.8 :Stage 1+(160Wkw)
: VW Polo 1.2 tsi Highline DSG (UP stage 2/ 107kw and 249nm)
:Vw polo 1.2 tsi (77wkw)
:ford fiesta st (115wkw)
: Vw polo 1.6i comfort line (stock)
: Vw golf 1 1.4 carb (65wkw)
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