Stage 2 - Intercooler needed?

[TIGER-UPPERCUT]

Hi guys Im running R-Tech stage 1 at the moment and looking to get 3" downpipe + decat attached onto the standard exhaust.

Can I run a stage 2 map with this upgrade or is it necessary to upgrade the intercooler ?  I would rather not have to upgrade the intercooler as I dont track the car and its fairly costly to do so.

Thanks

[Janner_Sy]

YOu could run the stage 2 map with that setup no worries at all, but map dependant, heat soak might start to become an issue.

Given the choice i would go for the intercooler before the downpipe personally

[TIGER-UPPERCUT]

YOu could run the stage 2 map with that setup no worries at all, but map dependant, heat soak might start to become an issue.

Given the choice i would go for the intercooler before the downpipe personally

In what situation will heat soak become a problem?  Most of my driving is motorway related...Im just trying to gauge will it be detrimental to the performance of the car if I went stage 2 without the intercooler.  Im running 241BHP 299 torque at the moment, was looking at getting over 250BHP with the downpipe and decat?

[E30Dom]

Stage 2 K03 you should be fine, you might want to add a CAI though ... Intercooler is only really needed stage 2+, but can always benefit at whatever stage, especially in the summer months...

[RENNTAG]

Im on stage 2 in a KO3 gti and only have standard intercooler.

I do get some heat soak if really giving it hell but does not cause a problem most of the time.

[TIGER-UPPERCUT]

Stage 2 K03 you should be fine, you might want to add a CAI though ... Intercooler is only really needed stage 2+, but can always benefit at whatever stage, especially in the summer months...

Thanks E30Dom for the reply.  I did experiment with a CAI kit but found it too noisy and the twintake which I think is quieter than the open filter ones is a bit too pricey for my budget.

Ive had a reply back from RTech saying if I didnt want to go for the intercooler then it would be a stage 1.5 map with just the downpipe & decat.

[smil3r]

I was thinking of going stage 2 next year and was wondering the same thing.

Would an S3 intercooler be sufficient enough?

[TIGER-UPPERCUT]

I was thinking of going stage 2 next year and was wondering the same thing.

Would an S3 intercooler be sufficient enough?

Yes mate but the labour involved to put one on makes it fairly costly, although you can pick the S3 intercooler at reasonable prices. Other option is the Airtec twincooler more expensive to but but less labour involved to fit it as it goes behind your bumper.

I'm still debating the idea of going for stage 2 :). Do I really need it in my life? Lol.

[smil3r]

I'd be fitting it myself so no labour costs, just plenty swearing and bloody knuckles lol. I like the look of the Airtecs behing the front bumper but then again I like keeping things looking stock. If a second hand airtec came up for sale when I get round to buying an intercooler good chance I'd go for that instead of the S3 one

I'm just going straight to stage 2, saves me having your predicament later on 

I'm sure you won't regret once you go ahead with it.

[TIGER-UPPERCUT]

I'd be fitting it myself so no labour costs, just plenty swearing and bloody knuckles lol. I like the look of the Airtecs behing the front bumper but then again I like keeping things looking stock. If a second hand airtec came up for sale when I get round to buying an intercooler good chance I'd go for that instead of the S3 one

I'm just going straight to stage 2, saves me having your predicament later on 

I'm sure you won't regret once you go ahead with it.

Yeah if you can fit yourself then saves a lot of money. I think you can get a black Airtec so not really visible.  Not in Manchester are you by any chance? Lol

[smil3r]

Nah I'm up in Aberdeen lol

Noticed there's one up for sale in the classifieds just now.

[RedRobin]

Im on stage 2 in a KO3 gti and only have standard intercooler.

I do get some heat soak if really giving it hell but does not cause a problem most of the time.

....Me too but I don't get heatsoak problems on fast road use.

[rich83]

Im on stage 2 in a KO3 gti and only have standard intercooler.

I do get some heat soak if really giving it hell but does not cause a problem most of the time.

....Me too but I don't get heatsoak problems on fast road use.

I bet you do to a certain extent... you just are not aware of it. On the dyno heatsoak is a nightmare. Run a 2.0T with OEM IC twice in quick succession and you'll see about 10bhp  reduction.

[AndyED30]

Are there any 'stand out' intercooler options for an ED30/GTI, I've read SteveP's review of the THS unit which is very informative and certainly makes the THS come across as a good option.

How does the Forge Twintercooler rate against it...............or in fact any others for a Revo stage2 car?

Cheers, Andy.

[rich83]

Personally i would either do S3.. or THS. Im intending to do neither...