Here are some things to consider when building a VR6 Turbo setup. Whether it's a 12V, 24V, 3.2, or 3.6 VR6 this covers a lot of the necessities when turboing a VR6. From headspacer, rods, pistons, valvetrain... what's needed and at what power level.
Support the channel on Patreon - / comotorsports
Support the channel with CO Merch
CO Motorsports "It's only money" T shirt - comotorsports.ca/co-it-s-only...
CO Motorsports Holographic Sticker 2 Pack - comotorsports.ca/co-motorspor...
CO Motorsports Pullover Hoodie - comotorsports.ca/co-motorspor...
CO Motorsports Zip-Up Hoodie - comotorsports.ca/co-motorspor...
CO Motorsports Shirt - comotorsports.ca/co-motorspor...
CO Motorsports Snap Back Hat - comotorsports.ca/co-motorspor...
CO Motorsports Beanie - comotorsports.ca/co-motorspor...
Finally by Loxbeats / loxbeats
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free Download: bit.ly/FinallyLoxbeats
Music promoted by Audio Library • Finally - Loxbeats (No...
Just a note on the pistons: the reason they blow ringlands like that is due to the very tight stock ring gap. Lots of guys havs really good results using stock pistons with wider ring gaps in the high .020" and low .030" ranges. With the stock gap of .015" pump gas is just too much heat for them at the 500+ mark, and they but together.
Agreed (to an extent lol), we've done it and still had issues. It really comes down to the fuel being used. The real answer is keeping the knock out.
@@COMotorsports For sure. I do see a surprising amount of people running genuinely 600whp through bone stock motors on full e85 and doing it for a long time. Whether or not they have blown ring lands and send it anyway I'm not really sure lol. But like you said, the main key is keeping heat and knock away.
Fully agree with you, running boost on std ring gap is playing with fire it WILL break the ring glands it just a matter of time even on a forged piston 🏁
Why use stock rods might Aswell throw some aftermarket since ur there
agreed, mine mad 602whp on pump e85 on a stock piston and rod setup
Can't wait to see you push the stock VR. You should call it the VRTurd.
The VR6 is one of my all time favorite engines. They just sound so good with a high flow exhaust.
Way better than any of the popular i6 engines
LOVE WHAT YOU DO !
respect from New Brunswick! Looking forward to swinging on down sometime and checking you guys out in person. Thanks so much!
Now we're in my wheelhouse 💪. My stock rods lasted until 30psi, 20* of timing, on e85, and borg s366. So approx 600-700 wtq is the limit or stock rods. Stock pistons are good to about 600whp with them being gapped to roughly 0.025". Anything more and you need aftermarket forged. When tuning, keeping it a point or two on the rich side and will save the hot cylinders. A head spacer/low conpression pistons are only necessary when using pump gas. E85 does not need lowered compression so you get to keep low-end torque when using corn juice. The mk3 12v vr6 has a FIBER head gasket and MUST be replaced if turboing. It will not hold pressure well. While the head is out, put new valve seals in and HD springs.
what about a 3.6 if you would know
@@williamhall7446 3.6 is direct injected with high compression. Not the best recepie for a reliable turbo build.
when they do get built though it makes an insane amount of power idk all that is done to the cars to make them reliable with that power but all the videos the car is a daily driver most the time even with the insane power @@patriklenck1735
We’re you referring to 12 or 24v? Besides the last comment
Thanks for this video🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Right up my alley. I'm building one now....
I appreciate this video Bullikid
Let's Gooooooooo boys!!! Hell yeah. Another super dope video. The videos are getting better and better. So much knowledge. Thank you and the team for all the hard work. I think I commented on a video or 2 back asking you guys to build vr6 and my prayers were answered 🤣 can't wait to watch all the episodes.
Appreciation from the U.K.!
Thanks guys ❤👏👏👏
Would you guys ever consider making videos recording the process of building an engine? Kind of like what humble mechanic does, I think you'd provide a lot of great info for people building their engines
If we get as many subs as Humble Ill be more than happy too. Lol
@COMotorsports Builds for a purpose like a budget build to go racing etc brings views from people who aren't as nerdy about all the internal details of engines. Go challenge the beard :D
@@sursomsatan1225 Agreed! That's the stuff humble never really talks about, could be very useful
@@COMotorsportsI would pay for a full-build course alla’ Horse Power Academy
@@COMotorsportsyou ever think about a build on patreon or members only KZhead? I'd gladly throw out a few bucks for an in depth engine build.
Turbo vr6s sound insane
I'm in the process of boosting my VR5, here in Canada. Pretty straight forward
Looking forward to the day the 3.2 I have sitting gets some lovin
Great video. Can't wait to boost my vr. Pistons aren't in the budget unfortunately but I will be running a head spacer with arp rod bolts and head studs. I got my hands on unitronic bt630 so I guess we'll see how that does for now. Thankfully I have access to petro 94
vr6 hooptie.. yeah go for it!
Hell yeah I can’t wait to see a vr pushed to the limit 🤙
We need a much longer video with some brand specifics for build parts. Really enjoy hearing your guy's opinions and what has TRULY worked for you on the dyno. Thanks Guys!!
Do some research instead of regurgitating someone else’s opinion. None of this is factual. At all. Lolol.
@@LOTEK575a lot of it is factual, i kinda get what you mean like a lot of it is just opinions and preferences but saying NONE of this is factual is really making you look silly
Really appreciate you fellas getting this out. Any notes on 2618 pistons with regard to drivability, cylinder wall wear, or piston longevity?
Good video. I am about to embark on a 550WHP (approx) 3.2 into a 2001 S4 B5 manual. Learned a lot and will do rods, pistons and a good head. Flywheel and adapter is probably the single biggest $$$. Probably go with Holset Cummins turbo at around 18-22 boost. Pick N Pull has my motor for $349CDN complete from Toureg.
Great video! Question though, have you guys actually seen any situations where the stock rod bolts were the initial breaking point in a turbo VR6 build? The reason I ask is that theoretically speaking, the instant of maximum strain on a rod bolt is at TDC on the exhaust stroke. When you add boost, the backpressure in the exhaust port in front of the turbine wheel, and the incoming boost itself depending on overlap, actually cushions the piston at TDC on the exhaust stroke, thus reducing strain on the rod bolts. Presumably you might also add to the top end of the RPM range with the help of boost, so that adds strain to the rod bolts, but I don't know at what point the strain forces actually become higher than they were with the factory N/A configuration. I suspect that rod bolts really aren't necessary at all in a turbo setup like they would be in an aggressive all-motor setup.
hell yeah I want to see the VR hoopty.....😮
Just want to add, you can use stock head bolts with a head spacer. HPA uses them even with a 5mm head spacer plus 2 full gaskets, and have had no lifted heads on their 780ftlb of tq builds. ARP head studs should be a requirement for 800+.
I’ve got a mk6 golf r and im just wondering if stage 3 is really worth the money or if stage 2 plus is good enough for a daily.
Gr8 educational video, as always guys. Planning to go with turbo setup with one 3.2 these days, so every info is useful. Tnx.
I have an R36 Passat wagon coming to Edmonton in the next couple of weeks. Would love to bring it over to you guys some day... although it sounds like boosting will be quite a bit more complicated vs. the 3.2.
Excited to watch the how far a stock VR6 Will go
These aren’t the guys to watch.
My dream show car is a Mk1 rabbit with a 12v VR6 with a turbo setup.
the pistons in this video are the 2.8 24 or 12 valve ? also, are 3.2 mk4 pistons have the same weak points. ?
Hot content 🔥
Is it possible for you guys to do a video on swapping a vr6 24v in a mk6 golf tdi ?
I’ve got an A3 8P BDB motor and from what Ive read has a forged crank 🤷♂️ “same” motor (BUB) used in R32 IV/V. Is there a way to definitively say if the crank is cast / forged? I always was under impression it was forged and not given it a full inspection 🙈. Going with 9.25 compression JE’s with MaxSpeeding H rods (with 2000 Arp’s), plus headstuds, and adding a brace plate as well. Pretty much using HPA inlet / exhaust and BW EFR92/74 turbo, cnc ported head, Newman cams, supertech valves, EcuMaster, Deka clutch… so gone the whole hog here. Looking to run 750hp … fuel will always be 99 RON … any advice for the build to make so sure I dont trash all this expense!!!?
In regards to the cast cranks, been in the facebook groups for almost a decade now and have seen them fail in cars. Usually upwards of 5-600+ to the wheels and experiencing detonation. Also seen a lot of experienced tuners use cast cranks in close to 4 digit builds perfectly fine. It seems the cast cranks just aren't able to hold detonation very well, which still isn't good but is different than "you can't use these ever."
Thanks for this insight. I wonder if a girdle would help hold it together
If you know or see of any cast crank failure stories do you mind sharing? Appreciate the info.
@@COMotorsports Yea I can. Unfortunately Facebook is not the greatest with finding old posts. I definitely remember seeing 2-3 posts in the 2 years or so about people in BUB/MK5 motors windowing their blocks at not that crazy power levels
I have a 3.6 4 motion wagon b6 passat and i really wanna boost it but im broke lol, they hold way more and make more than a 3.2
do the 12v cranks fit the 24v VR´s?
I was planning on doing this to the vr6 corrado I had but to many problems with the car to keep up with so I ended up selling it last year.. kinda disappointed that I sold it now 😅
I run 15psi on a Mk4 gasket and non-intercooled on a 66mm turbo, but I'm also on e85. Just found your channel. Now build an 8 valve if you really wanna steal my heart. 🤪
Appreciate you joining in. As for the 8v.....hmm lol
We did get VR5s in NA
Im building a boosted 12v in a mk2 golf right now. I'm getting close to being finished. I didn't do apr rod bolts or upgraded pistons, though. Hopefully, with the united motor sports tune I can get close to 400 wheel hp. Also got 2 spare engines and an extra transmission 😅
E85?
that thing should cough out 400whp easily on pump gas. mine did 400 @ 15 psi on pump gas
Interested how you deal with the timing chain for the cams... I used a 3.15mm spacer to drop CR to 8.9:1 but it was enough of a lift to mean I had to make a couple of mods to the top chain cover and chain guide to get it to fit where it had pulled the chain up enough to make the tensioner guide catch the cover... I know on the HPA kit where it drops the CR to 7.5:1 they supply a chain with an extra link... is this something you do or anything you would recommend to do to mitigate the inevitable chain fun and games?
should mention its 3.2 24v VR
We sell/use spacers that do not require any modifications to the chains.
@@COMotorsports ah OK... What thickness and CR are they?
Looking forward to watching a VR6 piston explode and a rod exit the block soon 😮
I wish you guys had a shop in Massachusetts. I wanna donate my 2017 gti
Please do a ea113 2.0 tfsi build 🙏
Never heard about the mk5 r32 crank cracking but I have heard from a German guy who has 1200hp turbo vr6 that he is using a crack from a 1st gen VR6 (AAA) corrado motor and mk3 gti VR6. The mk4r32 vr6 crank starts to crank at around 800whp
I would love to see a VR5 build! I was looking for into them but there only seems to be a video in Polish and some french forums. Im sure its quite similar to the VR6 but it would be cool to see the differences and hear them turbo'd! Also question, is the 3.2 vr6 block is the same as a 2.8 block just bored out and with a larger crank stroke?
24v have different seperation angles if that's what you mean.
You ask i deliver😁
@@TorpedoStudios I did see some of your videos while doing VR5 research lol. would love to see a build on a 20v vr5!
24v 2.8 vs 24v 3.2 I believe was the question. Same basic block?
For the vr6 you guys should just do a head spacer and run it on pump gas and see how far it can go.
A 2004 Jetta body, some kind of 4motion AWD, a 24v VR6 making 700 horsepower, and a sequential shift transmission. Wouldn't that be a sweet package.
That's currently what I'm looking to do, minus the sequential box.
@@Dexs911 Sounds like a fun project. I love a good manual, but it would be hard to deny how quick a sequential would be, without any drop in boost.
Please do boosted vr5 very interested in swapping one in my 2.slow jetta
We need to get one first. lol
You mentioned head spacers but when using forged pistons that lower compression is a head spacer still necessary? I guess a better question would be: what compression ratio is recommended for pump gas as you mentioned?
Lower comp pistons, no need for headspacer. It's just used to lower compression.
@COMotorsports The head spacer is a great option though, as it makes the VR a non interference motor. So maybe take that into account when making your purchase.
never thought about the spacer reducing the interference. That is a thought. How much of a spacer would that require? @COMotorsports @@mikel1804
Maybe you guys can give some insight. I Have a built 3.2 bottom end stock head. Did 3/8 bolts whole nine. But it does have a cast crank mk5 3.2 engine. I want to make close to 800whp. Don’t know if I should change the crank
I believe we discuss this in the video.
I bought a 2.0t BPY gti engine from canada that im going to build up for my mk6 R. Im gonna do pistons rods new valve seals.. i already have ttrs lpfp modded and the vis motorsport hpfp. I got a big turbo ready to make 500+ crank hp with meth and ill need to find a clutch to hold the power.
Looking for clutch recommendations for 450ish torque range
@@haroldbutler778 We offer what you need. You can email us.
How much can the factory Intake manifold take in regards to boost? 3.2 bhe Its plastic and long but it hides the turbo view pretty well so I'm wondering if it can be used until some limit
Haven't pushed one, I wouldn't bother the effort to build a turbo kit around something that's going to fail doesn't make sense. Cause when it fails you're redoing intake and charge piping to run a short runner.
@@COMotorsports makes sense, after seeing how the two turbos position i'll need a short runner either way, thank you for the reply!
Make sure you make them exhaust runners extra long 😏
I have a Audi A3 3.2vr6 first gen, mine have forged pistonrods and stock pistons and can run fine at 750whp. I've heard the rods blow at 500hp, but pistons can take a beating. Mk5 r32 crank crack at 500hp ive heard from my tuner and vr6 engine builder
It's reverse. Rods good pistons not so good.
@@COMotorsports weird since mine run fine with stock pistons at 750whp for 20.000miles
@@NeTRoMA3 👍
Hey guys if I turbo the r36 24v wagon and just do a head spacer and uprated head studs what sort of power could i make safely. And also does the r36 passat wagon come with forged pistons on stock block??
How do you plan on fueling it?
Errm I'm in the UK we use 95 and 99ron I'll be using 99. But fueling system, e.g injectors fuel pump etc I have no idea guys. Please could you give me some advice i am very new to this vw thing🙏🏾
Please explain... why would upgrading to ARP rod bolts change the inner dimensions and require line-boring? Thanks in advance.
Different clamping force. No different then squeezing a plastic bottle
@@COMotorsports Thank you
Better to drop in lower compression pistons than the spacer?
Depends on power. 90% of VR builds really only need a spacer.
I have a 3.6 VR6 I'm looking to boost and I can't find a headspacer anywhere. By any chance do y'all sell headspacers or know any company's selling them for the 3.6
do not sorry, the 3.6 is it's own beast to deal with in regards to turboing due to DI.
I have a MK4 R32 and I'm running a G30-770 turbo build. It's on a standalone and tuned on e85 at 500hp with stock bottom end/head was rebuilt. I'm curious if you have ever seen the clutch pressure plate dig into gearbox housing so bad that it cracks the housing? We installed a brand new single disc ACT clutch with ACT flywheel. I drove maybe 5 months and couldn't get the car into gear. Stock 02m gearbox and the pressure plate was digging so bad it left indents on the housing. I had it diagnosed and they suspected crank walk. Wear spec is .30mm and I measured .38mm. Would the crank walk cause that much damage to the gearbox or is that more a clutch fitment or install error? I pulled the pan to see if I had any thrust bearings or metal shavings and absolutely nothing.
Did you have the spacer plate in between the engine and trans, that can easily cause your issue.
@@COMotorsports I did ask them if the spacer was present and they mentioned it wasn't. Shop told me that the spacer was too thin and wouldn't assist with causing that much damage.
@@j7d7s I can tell you on our drag car if it's not there it will eat the case. This is a twin setup but my point is it can make a difference depending on the setup.
@@COMotorsports it's only a single disc clutch but it's insane that the thin metal spacer could cause the issue
@@j7d7s all comes down to the stack height of the clutch setup.
Hi, I just bought a Audi TT 3.2 VR6. what would be the most reliable and cost effective way to get it to 400bhp mark?
Turbo is really the only answer
What about the 3.6 vr6? Would you guys do a turbo 3 6 in the future? It seems like the 3.6 vr6 gets no love
We have one stashed, the reason you don't see many of them boosted is because they're a direct injected engine, unlike the 3.2's. So it adds a bunch of complexity when it comes to fueling and standalone.
@@COMotorsports I see, it would be a really cool build though, hopefully 1 day you guys can pull the trigger on that.
Can I stock vr6 24v be turbocharged without any upgrades to the internals?
Headspacer allows it to go pretty far in the power department.
A local vw enthusiast shop mentioned to me that running a double head gasket is better than a gasket/head spacer/gasket on these engines since the head spacer wouldn't "tolerate much boost". Is the two head gasket route even an option? I'm still naive and inexperienced so thank you for answering my previous question you guys are really cool
It is possible to stack gaskets but it's just more room for error. If you look at an MLS gasket you will see it's 3 layers. The middle layer gets taken out and the spacer goes in its place which replicates a stock gasket, just thicker.
@@COMotorsports Is the head spacer absolutely needed in each case or running something like JE pistons with CR 8.5 is a better option? For fueling i'm planning to get what's best at the pump + an octane booster additive most likely
@krasimirdavidov4639 if you're doing aftermarket pistons than the headspacer is not required.
I assume that was the case just want to always double confirm with experienced people. Thank you so much for replying to all my stupid questions ❤ I really appreciate the content you guys bring and time taken to reply
No love/mention for the 2.8 24v?
It's all applies. Headspacer for most average builds, upgraded pistons for guys wanting to push it a bit further is sort of the recipe. Doesn't matter which vr were talking about really.
@@COMotorsports Roger that! Thank you
Mk5 r32 when we turbo them we aim to run them at 480hp @ the crank, when there 500+ @ the crank they have a good chance the crank will let go in the long run, mk4 r32 had a forged crank and mk5 r32 had a cast crank, we have seen afew mk5 r32 cast cranks snap at 500+hp in the long run
Do you have instances of actual broken mk5 r32 cranks?
can I ask .. can you put ITBs on a vr6 ..? if so is it recommended?
Of course, get the CC ready.
yes. possible, expensive but it will sound so amazing. ITB and turbo I haven't seen anybody do that yet.. kzhead.info/sun/eKednMmwraVjjHk/bejne.html
Make sure you remember to do a compression test on the project VR like you wish you did on the 1.8T😂
Yeah I have to on this one because I haven't heard it running. The 1.8t I at least drove it.
Have you guys ever done a 3.6 VR6T on a Passat? Is it possible?
I'm tryna boost my 3.6 passat
44psi good, 45 psi engine very bad. But got my stock block 12v down to 8.35@157mph
Hey dave, im pretty sure thats my motor, ive been meaning to get in contact with you as i lost access to my other email. I hope we can have it in and pushing over 500 whp by april 😅.
🥳👏🎉
Stop putting good videos out like this you're going to make me start spending money 😢
Can't spend it when you're gone.
U should do a budget 24v turbo build with just headspacer an turbo for us guys who want to do a budget build😅
Who's budget are we using?
@@COMotorsports i meant like using cheapish parts that are readily available, exhaust manifolds, intake, turbo, head spacer, but lets say a budget of 3-4k (yes i know this maybe unrealistic 😅)
@@janepope6327 I understand, but again who's budget are we using?
We got the VR5 2.5L in Canada but you never got it in the US ??
We didn't get it in Canada to my knowledge.
We definitely did not get the vr5 in Canada
How does the 3.2 compare to the 3.6?
It's bigger in many ways, and the big difference is it's direct injected.
E85, Rod bolts, head bolts made mid 500s reliably for a while 💪🏻 until I pushed it harder (I wanted to test the limits of the VR)
Mid 5s is effin fast
MK5 R32?
On E85 there's people making nearly double that on same spec.. there's loads of people making that for years on normal pump gas no issues.
@@garyhowe88 any references? I’d love to check them out
@@jorgemendizabal6596 mkiv
Will OBD1 make a difference for the 12v?
Only in regards to tuning.
@@COMotorsports OBD1 has to run a standalone I assume?
Obd1 got a bigger oem trottle body 👍
So if you were planning on forged pistons, would it make sense to just get lower compression forged pistons and not need a head spacer?
IF you need the pistons. Otherwise stock pistons are more than adequate for most 500whp builds
it depends on on the fuel you plan to run
The VW Mk4 R32 is my dream car. But I can’t afford one that has under 200km/125mi. What’s a better investment - get an R32 with this mileage or do $10k of mods on my stock Mk4 GTI with 240km/150mi to make it pull similar horsepower, get a body kit, paint job, new rims, & coilovers? Thanks!
If the cars in good shape, what does mileage matter?
@@COMotorsports Valid point.
tbh the biggest thing is how important is AWD to you vs FWD. If its important, the R32 is the only game in town.
@@millennialmalaise9386 thanks so much
USA VR5 in my friends 2006 Rabbit
“Never boosted a 3.6 yet” looking at you Alex
Yeah yeah yeah, it's sitting here and will end up dropped off at some point haha
Whats the average cost for 500whp on a vr6 24v?
Depends on quality of parts, labor costs in your area, how you're tuning it, what skills and tools you have.
Ho guys, pls do the turbo setup video for the 1.8t 😢
No idea what you mean?
its allready been done
You can boost my 3.6 Passat lol 2015 sel premium:)
if you go forged pistons do you need the spacer?
No. Spacer is just a cheat to drop compression. Aftermarket pistons would be spec'd for the application.
600bhp mk5 r32 snap crank. 2.8 crank to make an R30 is the way to go here in europe
Can you share failures?
Get your notepad out ladies and gentlemen we're about to do some learning lmao #VRSICK 🤣
I have 07 Touareg 3.6fsi would like to put turbo and have 500- 600hp of it 😂😅....
Do it.
@@COMotorsports what's the roughly price tag for it ?
@dejanmeki well there is no kit so your making a lot of it yourself, and there will be tons of billet parts required to make the parts needed. Way more than the vehicle is worth, so if that scares you, then time for another project. Lol
I kinda disagree with what was said in the beginning. Yes knock/detonation is caused by poor tuning (this is why having a standalone is important. Failsafe would’ve saved it) but forged pistons are not gonna stop knock/detonation. I’ve seen forged blocks go just as quick. The weak link no matter what will always be rod/journal bearings. Stretched rod bolts. What I disagree with is the HP numbers. I’ve seen 800hp with just spacer and rod bolts. All on a 12v but that power is useless in a FWD car hence why most who are at that and above are usually awd. I don’t say this after building one VRT. I’ve built plenty in my 30+ yrs in the game. 23 as a shop owner. I have a VRT that’s been seeing 30 lbs of boost for 17 yrs without opening it once. Went through a few turbos and a few trans. That’s due to a good build and good tuning. My point is don’t think having forged internals with prevent these things cause they won’t. Detonation don’t give a shit what you got inside. I’ve seen a few broken ringlands on forged pistons. I’ve seen holes burned straight in the middle of the piston. It all comes down to tuning and setting the failsafes so it doesn’t get to that point. What they do is allow you to set your comp ratio better then a spacer. With the spacer you only have 9:1 & 8:1. Pistons you can do 8.5:1 and so on. It also allows for deeper valve pockets for those running big cams. (288’s and bigger). Keep up the good work guys. About time you’re touching a man’s engine. Not that crappy 4 cyl junk. 😁
We're talking to 99% of the people that are on YT so although you disagree these are good rules to follow for the average person. We've seen stock VRs make 1000whp that doesn't mean it's partial for the average person. Guys doing stuff like that are much like us with the 1.8t stock engine that we made 600whp. We have the means to get there safely. Regardless of which engine or how many cylinders yes of course knock/detonation will kill all of them without question.
A vrhooptie?!?!
VrhoopT
Ferrari have a brand but they build (like all Italians) beautiful junk. Thanks it. No engineering prowess what’s so ever. Any real car engineering company knows this.