Hey All,
Got the S3 Intercooler + AWE hose kit + AWE turbo outlet pipe installed today. Here's my mini-review.
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Parts
S3 Intercooler: The VW/Audi part number for the S3 intercooler is 1K0145803P Interesting point is that this is the exact same intercooler that the Audi TT-S runs. Another interesting point is that the stock MK6 GTI intercooler is the exact same intercooler that the Audi TT runs.
For our southern neighbors, apparently the best price you can get the S3 intercooler for is $256.32 at www.genuinevwaudiparts.com Just use the search by part number, enter the part number above, and make sure you select "Audi" for the make. I tried to order the intercooler from this site, but alas, they wouldn't ship it to Canada in risk of it being damaged during shipping...
So, I got mine from Open Road Audi (in Vancouver) for pretty much the wholesale price.
From a size perspective, the S3 intercooler is deeper than the stock intercooler -- I would say by approximately half-inch. Length and height are pretty much the same, but because of its greater depth it does offer more volume than the stock intercooler. Another difference is that the end tanks in the S3 Intercooler are made of aluminum just like the rest of the intercooler. Our stock version has plastic end tanks. Fin layout and design look the same to my naked eye, but I didn't meticulously compare the fins between the 2 so I could be wrong. Weight difference between the two is negligible -- they're both very light!
AWE Hose Kit: You can cut your stock hoses to install the S3 intercooler, so this part is optional. I didn't want to cut my stock hoses so I decided to order this part, but this kinda backfired on me...more on this later. Overall hose-kit quality is great and it comes with all the necessary parts to replace your stock hoses when installing the S3 intercooler.
AWE Turbo Outlet Pipe: If you're replacing your stock intercooler, then I strongly suggest you consider swapping the wrinkled-pancake stock turbo outlet pipe in the process. You'll have to remove this piece during the install so why not "kill 2 birds with 1 stone" and install a free-er flowing, larger diameter, and overall better designed turbo outlet pipe in the process? If you're getting a shop to do the install (as I did) they SHOULD NOT charge you any additional labor to do this.
I opted for the raw aluminum finish and it's definitely a very raw finish! Regardless, I can't justify the additional $30 to get the black powdercoat version for this part.
Installation Procedure
I got it professionally installed so no DIY write-up or pics. The shop took about 4-5 hours to do the install. There are DIY's posted on Vortex -- just search for S3 Intercooler and a few should pop up. For me, it was a little too much to take on, but for those who are mechanically-inclined and have the tools and equipment to install it yourself, this can prove to be one of the best bang-for-buck mods out there -- more on this later!
Again, if you're swapping your stock intercooler, then I recommend you swap out your stock turbo outlet pipe as well as you'll have to remove this piece as part of the installation process anyways.
Impressions
Pros
I immediately noticed a definite improvement in performance with the S3 intercooler and AWE turbo outlet pipe. Performance improvements I noticed include:
1. a quicker and free-er revving engine...this was very surprising to me as I did not expect this at all! But I swear the revs climb more easily and quickly across the band now! Could the turbo be spooling quicker and easier now? :iono:
2. a much smoother and more urgent pull/acceleration
3. less lag/sudden turbo surge -- the car accelerates stronger and much smoother/more linear across the entire rev band
4. definite improvement in throttle response
Even my gf noticed these improvements (especially #3 above) when I picked her up from the airport today. This was the ultimate proof to me as she's been away all week, not car savvy, and it took me 35-45 mins of rush-hour stop-n-go traffic in 20-deg Celsius weather to get to the airport. Some people have described the improvements as "it feels like you're driving in crisp cold weather all the time"...I would agree, but was also pleasantly surprised with how much smoother and stronger the acceleration/pull is with the S3 intercooler.
Cons
During install, my shop found that the AWE turbo outlet-side hose was too short and would not be useable. So we ended up having to cut the stock hose for that side anyways. Kinda frustrating since both the turbo outlet pipe and the hose kit are from AWE...so I'm surprised and disappointed that the hose was too short to use.
I've emailed AWE explaining the issue with pics that the shop took to show what I mean...hopefully we'll reach a mutually agreeable resolution to this issue.
The hose from the S3 intercooler to the throttle body fit perfectly.
Conclusion
Hands-down a great upgrade that yields immediately noticeable performance improvements! If you can DIY the install, then to me, it becomes a no-brainer, must-do mod regardless of whether or not you're chipped! Even if you can't DIY, I would still consider it especially if you do a lot of city driving.
---------------------------------------
If you're also running the S3 intercooler please feel free to add your review/experience in this thread!
Anyways, hopefully this has helped others out there. More than happy to try and answer any questions you guys might have. As always, any and all feedback appreciated! :thumbsup:
Got the S3 Intercooler + AWE hose kit + AWE turbo outlet pipe installed today. Here's my mini-review.
---------------------------------------
Parts
S3 Intercooler: The VW/Audi part number for the S3 intercooler is 1K0145803P Interesting point is that this is the exact same intercooler that the Audi TT-S runs. Another interesting point is that the stock MK6 GTI intercooler is the exact same intercooler that the Audi TT runs.
For our southern neighbors, apparently the best price you can get the S3 intercooler for is $256.32 at www.genuinevwaudiparts.com Just use the search by part number, enter the part number above, and make sure you select "Audi" for the make. I tried to order the intercooler from this site, but alas, they wouldn't ship it to Canada in risk of it being damaged during shipping...
So, I got mine from Open Road Audi (in Vancouver) for pretty much the wholesale price. From a size perspective, the S3 intercooler is deeper than the stock intercooler -- I would say by approximately half-inch. Length and height are pretty much the same, but because of its greater depth it does offer more volume than the stock intercooler. Another difference is that the end tanks in the S3 Intercooler are made of aluminum just like the rest of the intercooler. Our stock version has plastic end tanks. Fin layout and design look the same to my naked eye, but I didn't meticulously compare the fins between the 2 so I could be wrong. Weight difference between the two is negligible -- they're both very light!
AWE Hose Kit: You can cut your stock hoses to install the S3 intercooler, so this part is optional. I didn't want to cut my stock hoses so I decided to order this part, but this kinda backfired on me...more on this later.
Overall hose-kit quality is great and it comes with all the necessary parts to replace your stock hoses when installing the S3 intercooler.AWE Turbo Outlet Pipe: If you're replacing your stock intercooler, then I strongly suggest you consider swapping the wrinkled-pancake stock turbo outlet pipe in the process. You'll have to remove this piece during the install so why not "kill 2 birds with 1 stone" and install a free-er flowing, larger diameter, and overall better designed turbo outlet pipe in the process? If you're getting a shop to do the install (as I did) they SHOULD NOT charge you any additional labor to do this.
I opted for the raw aluminum finish and it's definitely a very raw finish! Regardless, I can't justify the additional $30 to get the black powdercoat version for this part.
Installation Procedure
I got it professionally installed so no DIY write-up or pics.
The shop took about 4-5 hours to do the install. There are DIY's posted on Vortex -- just search for S3 Intercooler and a few should pop up. For me, it was a little too much to take on, but for those who are mechanically-inclined and have the tools and equipment to install it yourself, this can prove to be one of the best bang-for-buck mods out there -- more on this later!Again, if you're swapping your stock intercooler, then I recommend you swap out your stock turbo outlet pipe as well as you'll have to remove this piece as part of the installation process anyways.
Impressions
Pros
I immediately noticed a definite improvement in performance with the S3 intercooler and AWE turbo outlet pipe. Performance improvements I noticed include:
1. a quicker and free-er revving engine...this was very surprising to me as I did not expect this at all! But I swear the revs climb more easily and quickly across the band now! Could the turbo be spooling quicker and easier now? :iono:
2. a much smoother and more urgent pull/acceleration
3. less lag/sudden turbo surge -- the car accelerates stronger and much smoother/more linear across the entire rev band
4. definite improvement in throttle response
Even my gf noticed these improvements (especially #3 above) when I picked her up from the airport today. This was the ultimate proof to me as she's been away all week, not car savvy, and it took me 35-45 mins of rush-hour stop-n-go traffic in 20-deg Celsius weather to get to the airport. Some people have described the improvements as "it feels like you're driving in crisp cold weather all the time"...I would agree, but was also pleasantly surprised with how much smoother and stronger the acceleration/pull is with the S3 intercooler.
Cons
During install, my shop found that the AWE turbo outlet-side hose was too short and would not be useable. So we ended up having to cut the stock hose for that side anyways. Kinda frustrating since both the turbo outlet pipe and the hose kit are from AWE...so I'm surprised and disappointed that the hose was too short to use.
I've emailed AWE explaining the issue with pics that the shop took to show what I mean...hopefully we'll reach a mutually agreeable resolution to this issue.
The hose from the S3 intercooler to the throttle body fit perfectly.
Conclusion
Hands-down a great upgrade that yields immediately noticeable performance improvements! If you can DIY the install, then to me, it becomes a no-brainer, must-do mod regardless of whether or not you're chipped! Even if you can't DIY, I would still consider it especially if you do a lot of city driving.
---------------------------------------
If you're also running the S3 intercooler please feel free to add your review/experience in this thread!
Anyways, hopefully this has helped others out there.
More than happy to try and answer any questions you guys might have. As always, any and all feedback appreciated! :thumbsup:
