Description
Bring your MQB Audi A3 8V / Volkswagen MK7 1.8T–2.0T to the next level with the Precision Turbo IS38 Stage 1, a direct drop-in replacement turbocharger engineered to deliver increased airflow, faster response, and the potential to support up to 575 horsepower.
Designed for installation without modifications or adapters, this turbo combines Precision Turbo’s next-generation CEA® compressor technology, high-flow turbine wheel, and water-cooled dual ceramic ball-bearing center cartridge. The result is a compact, high-performance turbocharger designed to provide an excellent balance of spool, efficiency, and top-end power.
Key Features
- Stage 1 – Rated for Up to 575 HP – Designed to support up to approximately 575 horsepower with the appropriate supporting modifications and ECU calibration.
- Direct Drop-In Replacement – Designed for installation without modifications or adapters on compatible applications.
- Next-Gen CEA® 50mm Compressor Wheel – High-efficiency compressor wheel designed to increase airflow and horsepower while maintaining quick turbocharger response.
- 50mm / 69mm Compressor Wheel – Features a 50mm inducer and 69mm exducer for an effective combination of response and airflow capacity.
- High-Flow 56mm CEA Turbine Wheel – Features a 65mm inducer and 56mm exducer for improved exhaust flow and high-RPM performance.
- Water-Cooled Dual Ceramic Ball Bearing Center Cartridge – Designed for reduced friction, quick response, and durability under demanding operating conditions.
- Investment-Cast HK30 Stainless Turbine Housing – Designed to withstand the high exhaust temperatures associated with high-performance turbocharged applications.
- Installation Without Modifications – Designed as a direct replacement with no adapters required.
- Blow-Off Valve Included – Includes the specified blow-off valve.
- Installation Accessories Included – Includes the required installation accessories supplied with the turbocharger.
- Wastegate Actuator Not Included – Wastegate actuator must be sourced separately.
- 1-Year No-Fault Warranty – Includes a 1-year no-fault, no-hassle warranty.
Estimated Performance Gain
The Precision Turbo IS38 Stage 1 is designed to provide substantially greater airflow capacity than a factory turbocharger while maintaining a direct-drop-in configuration.
The final power output depends heavily on ECU calibration, fuel, intercooling, exhaust flow, intake configuration, and supporting modifications.
| Vehicle Setup | Estimated HP Potential | Estimated Torque Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Turbo Setup | Factory turbo output | Factory turbo output |
| Stage 1 / Conservative Turbo Tune | ~400–475 HP | ~350–425 WTQ |
| Stage 2 / Performance Setup | ~475–575 HP | ~425–525 WTQ |
Maximum rating: up to approximately 575 HP.
These figures represent estimated overall vehicle potential with the upgraded turbocharger and appropriate supporting hardware, rather than guaranteed horsepower gains from the turbocharger alone.
Reaching the upper end of the turbocharger’s capability may require additional upgrades such as fuel-system components, intercooling, intake, exhaust/downpipe, and a properly calibrated ECU tune.
Actual results will vary depending on fuel quality, boost pressure, ECU calibration, engine configuration, supporting hardware, ambient conditions, and tuning strategy.
Why Upgrade?
The factory turbocharger can become a limiting factor as power targets increase. The Precision Turbo IS38 Stage 1 provides increased airflow capacity while maintaining a direct-drop-in configuration designed for straightforward installation.
Its 50mm CEA compressor wheel is engineered to provide increased airflow while maintaining quick response, while the high-flow CEA turbine wheel helps improve exhaust flow and high-RPM efficiency.
Combined with the water-cooled dual ceramic ball-bearing center cartridge, this turbocharger is designed to deliver a strong balance of response, efficiency, reliability, and top-end power.
For enthusiasts looking for a substantial power increase without moving to a larger custom turbocharger setup, the Precision Turbo IS38 Stage 1 provides a high-performance upgrade in a compact package.
Turbocharger Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Turbocharger | Precision Turbo IS38 Stage 1 |
| Power Rating | Up to 575 HP |
| Compressor Wheel | 50mm Next-Gen CEA® |
| Compressor Inducer | 50mm |
| Compressor Exducer | 69mm |
| Turbine Wheel | High-Flow CEA |
| Turbine Inducer | 65mm |
| Turbine Exducer | 56mm |
| Bearing System | Water-Cooled Dual Ceramic Ball Bearing |
| Turbine Housing | Investment-Cast HK30 Stainless Steel |
| Installation | Direct Drop-In |
| Adapters Required | No |
| Blow-Off Valve | Included |
| Wastegate Actuator | Not Included |
| Installation Accessories | Included |
| Warranty | 1-Year No-Fault / No-Hassle |
Compatibility
- Audi A3 8V 1.8T
- Audi A3 8V 2.0T
- Volkswagen Golf MK7 1.8T
- Volkswagen Golf MK7 2.0T
- MQB 1.8T / 2.0T applications
- Compatible IS38-based MQB applications
Fitment should be verified before ordering, particularly for vehicles with existing turbocharger, engine, fueling, intake, or exhaust modifications.
Tuning & Supporting Modifications
A proper ECU calibration is required to operate the upgraded turbocharger correctly and take advantage of its increased airflow capacity.
Depending on the desired power level, supporting modifications may include:
- Upgraded intercooler
- High-flow intake
- Performance downpipe / exhaust
- Upgraded fueling components where required
- High-pressure fuel pump upgrade where required
- Low-pressure fuel system upgrades where required
- Custom ECU calibration
- Upgraded clutch or transmission calibration
- Additional supporting engine and drivetrain modifications for higher-power applications
The exact hardware requirements will depend on the desired horsepower target, fuel type, and vehicle configuration.
⚠️ Important Notice
- This turbocharger is designed for high-performance applications and is rated for up to approximately 575 HP.
- ECU tuning is required after installation.
- Designed as a direct drop-in replacement with no adapters required for compatible applications.
- The wastegate actuator is not included.
- Blow-off valve is included.
- Installation accessories are included as specified.
- Reaching the upper end of the turbocharger’s power capability requires appropriate supporting modifications and calibration.
- Horsepower and torque figures are estimated potential figures, not guaranteed results.
- Professional installation and calibration by a qualified technician are strongly recommended.
- Always verify exact vehicle and turbocharger fitment before installation.
- 1-year no-fault, no-hassle warranty included.





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