S3 Intercooler, alloy end tanks.

[pandaman]

From what i've read on here and what R-tech Performance say on their website, a Genuine alloy end tank S3 Intercooler is plenty capable for My 05 GTI with its standard K03, a cold air intake and a downpipe.

Are they still available from a VW/Audi Dealer? or do they now only sell the newer plastic tank version?

If not, is this an actual genuine part? http://www.onlychargeddubs.co.uk/products/genuine-audi-s3-intercooler-with-alloy-end-tanks.html

Also, would it hurt to go for the Darkside Developments own intercooler? Especially if I plan to go K04 in the future.

https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/darkside-audi-s3-intercooler-with-alloy-end-tanks-for-mk5-mk6-platform.html

Being very similar in price its very tempting but I'm worried its just an eBay intercooler with a logo slapped on 

Any advice appreciated!

[Shoduchi]

If you go for the K04 you can get the DsD bigger IC, but you can find a replica on ebay for less than £150, I think.

If you keep the K03 I think VW/Audi won't have anymore the old IC, so you might as well get it from that online store or keep an eye out for one used in good condition.

[ROH ECHT]

There are some out there still; https://www.google.com/search?q=1K0145803P&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1

I plugged in the pn:1K0145803P into an Audi dealership, and they still show there being some available. But this I would confirm that they haven't got a non-alloy cap replacement or revised version for that part number.

[Shoduchi]

Yes, the 1K0145803P hasn't been replaced yet. You can always check if Audi can sell you one (don't forget to ask for the discount). I'm almost sure that ebay.de might have them cheaper than from Audi, though.

[pandaman]

Cheers guys ill give Audi a ring tomorrow and see what they can do. What's this about a discount??

If not, thanks Shoduchi, I just found this On ebay.de :https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-Audi-A3-S3-Ladeluftkuhler-Intercooler-1K0-145-803-P-Neu/182790123668#shpCntId

Seems to be a genuine part and cheaper than onlychargeddubs

Another option I've come across is OEM parts by brands such as Nissens and Van Wezel, are the any good? they seem to be a fair bit cheaper but I'm sure there's a reason for it!

[Shoduchi]

The one from your ebay link is good. Get a genuine or get the bigger IC replica of the THS. I wouldn't buy from an aftermarket company without knowing if it works well. The others I've mentioned are known to work well for a K04.

[pudding]

All alloy one is still available at £400+VAT.   The plastic one was £260+VAT when I bought mine.

Don't just blindly follow what's written on R-Tech's site.  Ask him why the ally end tank one is a must.  I bet the answer will be vague and non-factual.

The plastic one is no worse than the metal one, otherwise VAG wouldn't have fitted it to the S3/6R.  Both of these cars make well over 350hp with the plastic cooler.  There's a thread somewhere on the Vortex and some scientific measurements confirm the all ally one one is just a scene driven requirement.

[Shoduchi]

I've seen more than a couple of tuner saying that they have replaced the plastic ended IC for the alloy one with improved results on heat soak reduction. Personally I have no experience with testing both.

[pandaman]

Just got off the phone with Audi, 455.90 inc VAT. Bit steep so ill keep looking or just go with the German eBay listing.

Cheers guys! 

[pandaman]

Whilst we're on the subject, is this the best method for the pipes?
https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5158183-S3-Intercooler-Installed-and-Logged#/topics/5158183?page=1&_k=nntqrc

If so, what size clamps would I need?

[colesey]

If you buy a used intercooler, they often come with the S3/6R pipes and clamps. From memory the latter are @65-70mm.