chris1scouser

i'm going to ask on here seeing as no one could answer this on any of the VAG forums.
could i convert my current Passat TDI 130 PD Sport from having a side mounted intercooler near the wheel arch to a front mounted intercooler configuration?
it can be done as there are companies that supply and fit the intercoolers.
however its about 600 quid for one (not fitted) i was hoping someone could tell me that maybe a 300 quid autobahn one would suffice. i'd be able to mount it first, then pipe it up before a mapping session. the reason is money.
as the mapping will cost nearly £500, then there is an uprated clutch and flywheel for nearly £700.
is the less expensive autobahn intercooler okay to run on my diesel i.e. is it of the correct type? they cool air and thats it isn't it?
sorry for sounding like a dummy but i just don't know.

brickboy

It's probably more money and hassle than its worth TBH, you can improve the efficiency of the stock side-mount intercooler by cutting some vents / louvres in the left-hand wheel arch liner, this lets the air pass through the IC properly.

I've seen pics of this done on the Briskoda and SeatCupra forums, if you have a search there you'll find it.

If you're really keen you can actually get the plastic vent from a mark 1 Audi TT (the 225bhp version) wheel arch and insert it ....

The stock IC is actually pretty big and lots of people run maps on PD130s without uprating it.