Description
Precision Turbo IS38 Factory Upgrade Turbocharger for VW/Audi MQB Platform Vehicles (MK7 Golf)
The Precision Turbo IS38 Factory Upgrade is engineered from the ground up as a complete replacement, not a modified stock turbo, built to deliver the power, response, and durability that the MQB platform is capable of.
Both stages share a common foundation: a high-flow 56mm CEA turbine wheel (65mm inducer / 56mm exducer), an investment cast HK30 stainless turbine housing rated for sustained high exhaust temperatures, and an all-new water-cooled dual ceramic ball bearing center cartridge that reduces friction and speeds spool. They install as direct drop-in replacements using the OEM IS20/IS38 housing and cover fitment with no adapters or modifications to the vehicle. A blow off valve and installation accessories (gaskets, studs, hardware, seals) are included in the kit. The wastegate actuator is not included and must be transferred from the factory turbo or sourced separately.
Where the two stages differ is on the compressor side. The Stage 1 (Part #12197) uses a Next Gen CEA 50mm compressor wheel (50mm inducer / 69mm exducer) with a stock-appearing inlet, rated to 575 HP. It delivers a massive step up from the factory turbo while maintaining fast spool and a responsive power delivery that suits daily driving and spirited street use. The Stage 2 (Part #12199) steps up to a 56mm Next Gen CEA compressor wheel (56mm inducer / 76mm exducer) with a ported shroud 3.5″ inlet / 1.8″ outlet compressor cover, rated to 700 HP. The Stage 2 requires a turbo inlet adapter, which is sold separately. It is designed for high-boost, high-power builds targeting maximum airflow and top-end output. Both turbochargers are built to order and are for off-road use only.
Application List
- VW/Audi MQB platform vehicles equipped with IS12, IS20, or IS38 turbocharger
Features & Benefits
- Two stages, one platform: 575 HP or 700 HP: Choose the stage that matches your build. The Stage 1 delivers exceptional spool and response at 575 HP with a stock-appearing inlet. The Stage 2 pushes to 700 HP with a larger compressor and ported 3.5″ inlet for maximum airflow on high-boost setups.
- Next Gen CEA compressor wheel technology: Precision Turbo’s Next Gen aerodynamic design delivers increased airflow and efficiency with faster spool and reduced lag compared to traditional and hybrid compressor designs. Stage 1 runs a 50mm inducer / 69mm exducer. Stage 2 runs a 56mm inducer / 76mm exducer.
- High-flow 56mm CEA turbine wheel: Both stages share the same 56mm CEA turbine wheel (65mm inducer / 56mm exducer), efficiently converting exhaust energy into shaft speed without choking top-end power.
- Water-cooled dual ceramic ball bearing center cartridge: Ceramic ball bearings reduce friction and resist heat better than steel, translating to faster spool, improved durability, and longer service life under sustained high-temperature operation. The water-cooled housing manages heat soak during shutdown cycles.
- Investment cast HK30 stainless turbine housing: HK30 is a high-temperature stainless alloy that resists cracking and warping under the thermal cycling turbine housings endure. Investment casting delivers tighter tolerances and smoother internal surfaces.
- Direct drop-in replacement for IS12, IS20, and IS38: Uses OEM IS20/IS38 housing and cover fitment. Installs in the factory turbo location with the factory mounting points. No adapters or modifications to the vehicle are needed. (Stage 2 requires a turbo inlet adapter for the 3.5″ inlet, sold separately.)
- BOV and installation accessories included: Both kits ship with a blow off valve, gaskets (downpipe-to-turbine housing and cylinder head-to-turbine housing), turbine housing studs, copper nuts, hardware, seals, a downpipe clamp, and an oil inlet fitting. The wastegate actuator is not included and must be sourced separately.
- 1-year no-fault, no-hassle warranty: Each Precision Turbo–branded turbocharger and boost control product is warranted to be free from manufacturer’s defects for a period of 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date of the original invoice.
Real Results
What’s Included
- Precision Turbo IS38 Factory Upgrade turbocharger
- Blow off valve with seal
- Turbine housing studs and copper nuts
- Downpipe gasket and clamp
- Cylinder head to turbine housing gasket
- Turbo oil inlet and fitting hardware
- All required oil and coolant seals
- Inlet pipe seal
- Mounting hardware
- Installation guide (downloadable PDF)
Not included: Wastegate actuator (transfer from your factory turbo or source separately). Tune (required, not included). Stage 2 also requires a turbo inlet adapter (sold separately).
Tested on our 2016 F-150 using the Formline® GEN1 Turbo Kit, MPT Performance recorded 457 WHP and 499 WTQ on 91 Octane
FAQ
What’s the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2?
Stage 1 (Part #12197) runs a 50mm Next Gen CEA compressor with a stock-appearing inlet, rated to 575 HP and dyno-proven at 513 HP / 599 TQ at 33 PSI.
Stage 2 (Part #12199) steps up to a 56mm compressor with a ported 3.5″ inlet / 1.8″ outlet cover, rated to 700 HP and dyno-proven at 643 HP / 502 TQ at 38 PSI. Stage 2 requires a turbo inlet adapter (sold separately). Stage 1 does not.
What turbocharger does this replace?
Is the wastegate actuator included?
Does the Stage 2 require any additional parts?
Is this street legal?
Do these turbos require tuning?
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
| Specifications | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Part number | 12197 | 12199 |
| HP rating | 575 HP | 700 HP |
| Compressor wheel | Next Gen CEA, 50mm / 69mm | Next Gen CEA, 56mm / 76mm |
| Compressor cover / inlet | OEM IS20/IS38 (stock-appearing) | Ported shroud, 3.5″ inlet / 1.8″ outlet |
| Turbo inlet adapter required | No | Yes (sold separately) |
| Turbine wheel | CEA, 65mm / 56mm | CEA, 65mm / 56mm |
| Turbine housing | Investment cast HK30 stainless | Investment cast HK30 stainless |
| Housing / cover fitment | OEM VW IS20/IS38 | OEM VW IS20/IS38 |
| Center cartridge | Water-cooled dual ceramic BB | Water-cooled dual ceramic BB |
| Replaces | IS12, IS20, IS38 | IS12, IS20, IS38 |
| BOV | Included | Included |
| Wastegate actuator | Not included | Not included |
| Installation accessories | Included | Included |
| Emissions / street legal | Off-road use only | Off-road use only |
| Warranty | 1-year no-fault, no-hassle* | 1-year no-fault, no-hassle* |
*Each Precision Turbo-branded turbocharger and boost control product is
warranted to be free from manufacturer’s defects for a period of 12 months or 12,000
miles, whichever occurs first, from the date of the original invoice.
UNLEASH YOUR PERFORMANCE POTENTIAL
Looking to ensure you get the perfect part for your unique application the first time? Full-Race is here to help.
Email us at gofaster@full-race.com or call us at (602) 437-2101 to find out how we can help you achieve your goals.
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