We tuned a prototype turbo kit (built by DC) in 2009 and we will support a production run with DC soon. The new turbo kit has the following goals in mind:

  • OEM EGR components will fit.
  • OEM oil feed line will fit (an aftermarket oil return line will be included in the kit).
  • OEM MK4 intercooler pipes will fit.
  • The GT18v to GT23v turbos are 100% OEM with no modifications required.
  • Includes a 2.5″ or 3.0″ downpipe for ease of install.
  • PD130, PD150, SDI, and some custom intake manifolds will clear.
  • Compact enough to fit into a 1993-1998 Golf/Jetta engine bay.

The biggest advantages the GT1852v turbo has over the popular bolt-on VNT-17 and VNT-17/22 (aka GT1752v) turbos are lower EGT and EMP. The VNT-17/22 tends to struggle with EGT and EMP at 170+ whp (on diesel fuel only) and it tends to struggle with boost creep at 180+ whp with the manufacturer’s recommended 26 PSI (1.8 BAR) boost limit. The GT1852v can handle these power figures with ease. The rotationally fired exhaust manifold design allows the GT18v and larger turbos to build boost relatively quickly.

The following boost log shows the boost response of a prototype VNT-18 kit using our very first (non-custom) tune. A mild 20 PSI. It made an impressive 19 PSI (1.3 BAR) @ 2000 RPM with a steady increase from 1500 RPM.

The boost response is almost as good as stock, yet the GT1852v flows significantly more air. During an experiment 32 PSI (2.1 BAR) @ 1800 RPM was achieved! Max. 25-26 PSI (1.7-1.8 BAR) is planned for production (although custom tuning will allow different boost levels). We will publish production boost logs for all three turbos once they become available.