The all-aluminum radiator in solid 50-mm heavy-duty design was developed specifically for the thermally stressed VAG platforms with 1.8T (turbo) and 1.9 TDI engines. Especially with performance-enhanced 1.8T turbo conversions or optimized 1.9 TDI diesel engines featuring increased boost pressure and torque, the stock cooling system quickly reaches its thermal limits. The wear and tear of everyday use and the stock plastic radiator tanks often lead to cracks, leaks, and alarmingly high coolant temperatures during demanding daily or performance driving.
This high-performance radiator replaces the factory OEM design with a fully TIG-welded all-aluminum unit. With a substantial core depth of 50 mm, it offers greater cooling capacity, reliably prevents thermally induced power loss (power reduction), and can withstand higher system pressures over the long term.
Significant thermal relief: Whether it’s a chip-tuned 1.8T, a modified K04/Garrett conversion, or an optimized 1.9 TDI with increased fuel injection volume and boost pressure – exhaust heat in the engine compartment rises dramatically. The 50 mm-thick high-performance aluminum mesh ensures significantly faster heat dissipation.
Pressure resistance & durability: Increased boost pressures and spirited driving often cause the seals on the original plastic water tanks to burst. All-aluminum water tanks are completely pressure-resistant and resistant to aging.
Consistently stable coolant temperatures: Prevents the coolant from "boiling" during high-speed stretches on the highway, on track days, or under full load when towing a trailer (TDI).
Material & Construction (All-Aluminum vs. Plastic):
OEM: Plastic side water tanks that become brittle due to constant temperature changes (heating and cooling cycles), develop hairline cracks, and fail.
Aluminum Upgrade: Fully TIG-welded aluminum construction. Absolutely dimensionally stable, resistant to stone chips, and designed for professional motorsports and turbo applications.
Cooling Capacity & Radiator Geometry:
OEM: Thin standard radiator with limited cooling capacity – designed for everyday production use, but immediately strained thermally as soon as power output and exhaust heat increase.
Aluminum Upgrade: Extremely high-volume 50-mm radiator with optimized fin density and improved coolant flow for maximum efficiency.
Overall dimensions: Length 770 mm × Height 415 mm × Depth 50 mm
Radiator dimensions (heat sink): Length 650 mm × Height 400 mm × Depth 50 mm
Material: 100 % aluminum (high-quality construction, TIG-welded)
Connections: 32 mm
Thread: Integrated thread for temperature switch (M22 x 1,5)
Audi TT 8N – 1.8T
Audi A3 8L / S3 – 1.8T & 1.9 TDI
Seat Leon 1M – 1.8T & 1.9 TDI
VW Bora 1J – 1.8T & 1.9 TDI
VW Golf 4 (1J) – 1.8T & 1.9 TDI
To optimally reduce thermal load when idling and at low speeds, we recommend combining this with:
Motorsport fan (low-profile design for optimal installation space with intercooler piping)
Fan mounting kit (for secure, vibration-free mounting directly to the radiator grille)