Seat Leon 1.8 TSI Gen3 – Stage 3 IS38 turbo (Golf 7R turbo) 98RON

Nothing beats a 1.8TSI engine with the performance of a Golf 7R. This is why we use the turbocharger unit, IS38, from the Golf MK7 R 2.0 TSI. It is a direct bolt-on replacement to the stock unit in the Leon. This upgrade applies to manual gearbox models. The DSG7/DQ200 gearbox versions require torque limitations in order for the upgrade to work so as to avoid destroying the transmission.

Seat_Leon_18tsi_gen3_mqb_on_dyno_7Rturbo2

Upgrade specifications

  • Stage 3 ECU remap for IS38 turbo
  • 98RON fuel
  • IS38 turbo
  • Upgraded full exhaust
  • Optional: Intercooler kit

Seat_Leon_18tsi_gen3_mqb_dynoplot_7Rturbo1

Performance results

  • Maximum horsepower: 356.7 PS (stock power based on model specs is 180 hp)
  • Maximum torque: 460 Nm (stock torque based on model specs is 300 Nm)
  • 100 – 200 km/h acceleration time: 9.8 seconds

Shoutouts to Etuners Russia!

 

11 Comments

  • Adolfo Olvera Posted April 12, 2016 7:00 pm

    What else do you need to be able to put the IS20 turbo of a GTI into a Leon with IS12? Do you hace gearbox remap and ecu remap for the dq200 and the is20? do you ship to Mexico?

  • S Alex Posted April 12, 2016 7:23 pm

    Adolfo! Speak of the devil, we are working on that upgrade right now. I am not sure if you are reading our minds, but it makes total sense. 1.8 TSI gen3 receiving 2.0 TSI gen3 IS20 turbos is probably the next most popular upgrade you are going to see.
    So far the DQ200 gearbox seems to be handling it without issues. Torque needs to be under control to avoid damaging it.

  • Adolfo Olvera Posted April 18, 2016 5:06 pm

    Thank you for your answer, I´m gonna follow de new post with the IS 20 and put my questions in it.

  • Fatih Kaya Posted May 22, 2019 1:03 pm

    Do you have to change wiring to the turbo acuator?

    • Stelios Alexandrakis Posted June 16, 2019 11:07 am

      No sir, that is not necessary.

  • Allene Posted July 22, 2019 1:02 pm

    Hi, I have a Leon 1.8TSI, stage 2 running 260 bhp. Scorpion decat down pipe, res delete, and a Ramair induction kit. What else would I need to be running this sort of power. Just the turbo and a cutback system? Please let me know thanks. I’m UK based.

    • Stelios Alexandrakis Posted July 31, 2019 11:57 am

      Yes sir, that is exactly right! The turbocharger is the heart of this upgrade stage.

  • souli Posted November 18, 2020 2:16 am

    hey guys , im about to buy a leon 1.8 sc tsi , i really had 2 leon ( leon ST 1.6 tdi , 2.0 tdi 143 cr aero 5doors ) i want to know if i want to upgrade to stage 3 , should i change the gearbox ? remove DQ200 and swap right away DQ500 it will work ?

    thank you for answering .

    • Stelios Alexandrakis Posted February 7, 2021 10:03 pm

      We have had customers change over to DQ250. I cannot recall anybody going directly for a dq500. It may be possible, but then again, you need to check with whoever is going to do the install, whether they would take on a project like this or not.

  • Robert Posted August 8, 2021 1:52 am

    Hi i was going to install an is38 cts turbo into my 1.8 tsi mk7 golf , do i need an intercooler right away or i can run it with a tune ?

    • Stelios Alexandrakis Posted September 13, 2021 10:12 am

      It can run even without an upgraded intercooler, as long as you are not in a tropical country. When ambient temperature rises above 28C, stock intercoolers tend to run slightly hot even on the stock tune.

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