HPA OEM+ IS38 Turbo - MQB 2.0T Upgrade

Fast Enough!!!!

I was torn whether I wanted to go with the OEM+ turbo or the FR450. Car people know what it's like to go from oem, to Stage 1, 2 and beyond once you get used to each stage. My car is Stage 2 but the reality that I've never been able to open the car up on the streets of NY made me realize I should stay at Stage 2 and enjoy the car as it is. My old turbo was having actuator issues so I don't know how limited it was because it always felt good. The OEM+ turbo is 100% worth the upgrade. The car spools faster and once it hits 3kRPM feels like it wants to take off to redline. It's honestly a little hairy but I'll get used to it. The benefits are way more than I expected. I'm on a Eurodyne Tune and kept it that way since it performed better than Unitroniq's Stage 2 tune( power mostly in upper revs on the latter) The turbo is paired with an HPA downpipe as well. The marriage is special. I'm glad I went this route. For what it's worth my friend that helped with the install told me the housing is smaller than the OEM IS38 and that after getting the IS38 out, puttting in the HPA turbo was a breeze! The car turns over quicker and the exhaust note has deepened a little as well. That was also unexpected. (OEM turbo muffler still in use). Love this turbo!!! I got keep my foot off the pedal a little so that I don't get any more tickets. ;-)

Blew up

Had the turbo in for a few weeks on a low boost safe tune. Was driving spirited and felt a loss of power, I thought no way could it be the turbo, it’s brand new and the best of the best for is38 reliability. It indeed was the turbo, the shaft has a crazy amount of play. Now I have to remove the turbo, pay for all new fluids, pay to ship the turbo back, and hope they warranty the part for me. I will update the review if something happens, but for the time being I am not too satisfied with what I once thought was the best of the best.

turbo replacement

haven't had much time with it but I notice the waste gate was ajusted at 3.4volt .I'm wondering if this will have what effect.