If your Volkswagen is equipped with an OE IS12 or IS20 turbocharger, you've likely felt the itch for something more. The IS38—the “big brother” to the IS12 and IS20—has earned legendary status among MQB 1.8T and 2.0T enthusiasts, delivering substantial gains in horsepower and torque while retaining factory-like drivability. Taken directly from the Golf R and S3 parts bin, the IS38 features larger compressor and turbine wheels but maintains a similar-sized frame. Naturally, this turbocharger became the go-to upgrade for MK7, 8V, and other IS12/IS20 owners chasing big power without sacrificing refinement.
Unfortunately, not all IS38s are created equal. Factory IS38 turbochargers are known to suffer from premature bearing failure, bushing wear, and turbine housing cracks—especially when pushed beyond their limits. In addition to these issues, many enthusiasts criticize the IS38's drivability. Due to the increase in compressor and turbine wheel sizes, the IS38 takes longer to spool when compared to an IS12 or IS20. Recognizing these issues, our team of engineers got to work improving upon the proven IS38 design. Our all-new OEM+ IS38 turbocharger upgrade keeps everything enthusiasts love—bolt-on fitment, OEM integration, and increased power output—all while decreasing lag and exceeding OE reliability.
At its core, our OEM+ IS38 features a billet aluminum compressor wheel for lighter rotational mass, faster spool times, and greater efficiency under boost. This upgrade alone translates to quicker response, increased airflow, and more headroom for tuning. Additionally, billet aluminum construction aids in reliability, as it eliminates potential porosity issues that exist with cast aluminum compressor wheels. Our CHRA is dimensionally identical to the OEM IS38 turbocharger, ensuring proper operation with any IS38-compatible software.
High-quality cast iron is used for the turbine housing, ensuring superior heat resistance in demanding applications. The aluminum compressor housing is cast with the ECS insignia, making this a performance upgrade you can both see and feel!
This turbocharger is equipped with everything needed for seamless installation. An OE-style wastegate actuator and turbo muffler come pre-installed, while the included hardware kit features high-quality stainless steel studs and nuts, along with a multi-layer steel gasket. A diverter valve is not included with this turbocharger, but is available separately (ES#3085659 [OE], ES#4839641 [ECS]).
For factory IS12/IS20-equipped vehicles, ECU tuning is required to utilize this upgrade. DSG-equipped vehicles (DQ250 and DQ381) must also upgrade to a performance TCU file for compatibility. Our CHRA is dimensionally identical to OEM IS38 specifications, ensuring seamless compatibility with most IS38 software. In addition to software upgrades, we recommend installing colder spark plugs, specifically Denso Iridium IKH24 or equivalent. These will be gapped to 0.0024" ±0.002" (0.6mm ±0.05mm), and will require a 10,000 - 15,000 mile replacement interval to increase the longevity and safety of your engine.
Our OEM+ IS38 Turbocharger Upgrade was designed, engineered, tested, and quality inspected by our Research and Development team in our Wadsworth, Ohio, facility. We strive for the highest level of precision and quality through leading-edge product development technology, including FARO laser scanning for reverse engineering and quality inspection, SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling, rapid prototyping utilizing our in-house 3D printer, and rigorous long-term product testing.
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Products are warrantied by their manufacturer. Eurosport Performance is an authorized reseller: every part we sell is covered by the manufacturer's own warranty, with its own terms and duration. Claims go through us, so you deal with Eurosport Performance rather than a form on the brand's site, but whether a claim is accepted is the manufacturer's decision.
Manufacturer terms apply Duration and coverage are set by the brand and differ from one to the next: some cover one year, some a lifetime, some only the original purchaser. The brand's warranty page is the reference; ask us if you cannot find it. | We file the claim for you Contact us with your order number, photos and a description of the issue. We open the claim with the manufacturer, follow it up, and arrange the repair, replacement or credit they approve. The manufacturer decides whether the claim is accepted. |
Fitment guarantee: North America only We guarantee fitment for vehicles sold in the North American market. Vehicles from other markets are out of scope; specifications differ, and it is the customer's responsibility to confirm compatibility before ordering. | No warranty on tuning files ECU and TCU tunes and other software files are sold without warranty and are not returnable once delivered or flashed. Tuning can affect your vehicle's factory warranty; please read the brand's terms before purchasing. |
Proof of purchase Your Eurosport Performance order is the proof of purchase every manufacturer asks for. Keep the order confirmation; it is also in your account on the site and in the SPECD app. | What is usually not covered Damage from improper installation, modification, abuse, racing or an incorrect application for the vehicle, and normal wear items such as pads, clutch discs and filters. Shipping and labour are covered only when the manufacturer's terms say so. |
It is the manufacturer's warranty for that product. Where the brand publishes it, we note it in the description; otherwise contact us before ordering and we will confirm the exact terms with them.
Stop using it if it is a safety-related part, then contact us with your order number, clear photos, and when and how the issue appeared. Do not return anything until we confirm the claim; manufacturers often require an inspection or an authorization number first.
The manufacturer. We prepare and submit the claim, provide the proof of purchase and push for a fair outcome, but acceptance, replacement or credit is their call under their terms. We pass their decision on to you as soon as we have it.
It depends on the manufacturer. Simple cases are approved in days; claims that need the part inspected can take a few weeks. We keep you updated at each step and push when it drags.
No. Tuning files are software; once delivered or flashed they cannot be returned, and they carry no warranty from Eurosport Performance or, in most cases, from the tuner. Support for the tune itself (revisions, flashing questions) comes from the tuning brand under its own terms.
No. Our fitment guarantee covers vehicles sold in the North American market only. European, Japanese and other market vehicles can differ in engines, electronics and dimensions, and a part listed for the North American model is not guaranteed to fit. If you order for one of these vehicles, confirming compatibility is your responsibility, and fitment issues on such vehicles are not covered by returns or warranty.
Labour is not covered unless the manufacturer's terms specifically include it. Having the part installed by a qualified shop protects your claim: improper installation is the most common reason a manufacturer declines.
No. Returns cover unused parts you no longer want, under our refund policy. Warranty covers a part that fails in use, under the manufacturer's terms. If you are unsure which applies, contact us and we will point you to the right one; please do not open a bank dispute, as it pauses both processes.
Questions about coverage before you buy? Email us with the product and your vehicle and we will confirm the manufacturer's terms.
