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ECS Tuning - ECS OEM+ IS38 Turbocharger Upgrade - ES#4811175
If your Volkswagen is equipped with an OE IS12 or IS20 turbocharger, you've likely felt the itch for something more. The IS38—the “big brother” to the IS12 and IS20—has earned legendary status among MQB 1.8T and 2.0T enthusiasts, delivering substantial gains in horsepower and torque while retaining factory-like drivability. Taken directly from the Golf R and S3 parts bin, the IS38 features larger compressor and turbine wheels but maintains a similar-sized frame. Naturally, this turbocharger became the go-to upgrade for MK7, 8V, and other IS12/IS20 owners chasing big power without sacrificing refinement.
Unfortunately, not all IS38s are created equal. Factory IS38 turbochargers are known to suffer from premature bearing failure, bushing wear, and turbine housing cracks—especially when pushed beyond their limits. In addition to these issues, many enthusiasts criticize the IS38's drivability. Due to the increase in compressor and turbine wheel sizes, the IS38 takes longer to spool when compared to an IS12 or IS20. Recognizing these issues, our team of engineers got to work improving upon the proven IS38 design. Our all-new OEM+ IS38 turbocharger upgrade keeps everything enthusiasts love—bolt-on fitment, OEM integration, and increased power output—all while decreasing lag and exceeding OE reliability.
At its core, our OEM+ IS38 features a billet aluminum compressor wheel for lighter rotational mass, faster spool times, and greater efficiency under boost. This upgrade alone translates to quicker response, increased airflow, and more headroom for tuning. Additionally, billet aluminum construction aids in reliability, as it eliminates potential porosity issues that exist with cast aluminum compressor wheels. Our CHRA is dimensionally identical to the OEM IS38 turbocharger, ensuring proper operation with any IS38-compatible software.
High-quality cast iron is used for the turbine housing, ensuring superior heat resistance in demanding applications. The aluminum compressor housing is cast with the ECS insignia, making this a performance upgrade you can both see and feel!
This turbocharger is equipped with everything needed for seamless installation. An OE-style wastegate actuator and turbo muffler come pre-installed, while the included hardware kit features high-quality stainless steel studs and nuts, along with a multi-layer steel gasket. A diverter valve is not included with this turbocharger, but is available separately (ES#3085659 [OE], ES#4839641 [ECS]).
FEATURES
KIT CONTENTS
TUNING
For factory IS12/IS20-equipped vehicles, ECU tuning is required to utilize this upgrade. DSG-equipped vehicles (DQ250 and DQ381) must also upgrade to a performance TCU file for compatibility. Our CHRA is dimensionally identical to OEM IS38 specifications, ensuring seamless compatibility with most IS38 software. In addition to software upgrades, we recommend installing colder spark plugs, specifically Denso Iridium IKH24 or equivalent. These will be gapped to 0.0024" ±0.002" (0.6mm ±0.05mm), and will require a 10,000 - 15,000 mile replacement interval to increase the longevity and safety of your engine.
INSTALLATION & SUPPORT
For detailed installation instructions, please see our Guided Installation PDF under the "INSTALLATION" tab above. Our instructions cover every essential step, including the removal of factory components, preparation and installation of your new IS38 turbocharger, and the all-important wastegate adaptation using VCDS.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Our OEM+ IS38 Turbocharger Upgrade was designed, engineered, tested, and quality inspected by our Research and Development team in our Wadsworth, Ohio, facility. We strive for the highest level of precision and quality through leading-edge product development technology, including FARO laser scanning for reverse engineering and quality inspection, SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling, rapid prototyping utilizing our in-house 3D printer, and rigorous long-term product testing.
Not for sale or use in the state of California on any pollution-controlled vehicle as per the California Air Resources Board.
Cross Reference
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In Stock This product will ship within one business day. Available for local pickup in Québec, Canada.
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Free Shipping
All orders of $499 or more being shipped within Canada qualify for free standard shipping. Additionally, orders less than $499 qualify for an exclusive low shipping rate.
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
In-Stock Products
In Stock
Items marked as "In Stock" are physically in our facility, so they're ready to ship when the order is placed. If all items in your order are "In Stock", then your order typically ships within one business day.
Other Availability Modes
We use several availability modes to most accurately identify when products will leave their home facility:
Direct Ship This product is available and will be sourced from one of our suppliers. It may take up to three business days before it ships.
Warehouse Transfer We receive the item, then we ship it to remain on time with the guaranteed delivery range chosen at checkout. It typically takes between 6 and 12 business days before it ships.
Discontinued - No longer available This product has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
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