Garrett Stage 1 Powermax™ Turbocharger for IS38 MQB EA888 Gen3 898199-5001W (upto 485 HP)

Garrett Stage 1 PowerMax Turbocharger for IS38 MQB EA888 Gen3 – 898199-5001W (up to 485 HP)

The Garrett Stage 1 PowerMax turbocharger is a genuine, direct-fit upgrade for the IS38 turbo found on a wide range of MQB platform vehicles running the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI EA888 Gen3 engines. Engineered as a true bolt-on replacement, it delivers substantially more airflow than the standard IS38 while retaining OEM fitment, so installation is straightforward and clean.

With the correct supporting modifications and a proper ECU calibration (tuning), this turbo is capable of supporting up to 485 flywheel horsepower, offering roughly 17% more airflow than the factory IS38 fitted to the Golf R. It’s not a hybrid or rebuilt unit, but a fully engineered Garrett product built from the ground up with motorsport-grade internals.

What Makes the PowerMax Different

At the heart of the turbo is Garrett’s reverse-rotating GT2260S centre section, paired with a GTX Gen II compressor wheel for modern, efficient aerodynamics. The turbine side uses a MAR-M alloy wheel housed in a stainless steel turbine housing, both rated to withstand exhaust gas temperatures up to 1050°C. This makes the unit suitable for sustained hard use without compromise.

The compressor housing is also designed to accept common tuning accessories. For example, Turbosmart electric blow-off valves bolt directly into pre-drilled mounting holes, and the inlet is sized to suit popular aftermarket intake systems.

Key Features

• Direct-fit Stage 1 upgrade for the OEM IS38 turbocharger
• Calibrated electric wastegate actuator included
• Complete assembly with all ancillary components for OE-style fitment
• Up to 485 flywheel HP capability (on-vehicle results, with correct tuning)
• +17% airflow over the stock IS38 (Golf R)
• GTX Gen II compressor wheel aerodynamics
• MAR-M alloy turbine wheel and stainless steel turbine housing rated to 1050°C
• Latest generation journal bearing rotor group with reinforced 360-degree thrust bearing
• Fully machined speed sensor port
• Maximum turbo speed: 185,000 rpm
• Reverse rotation

Keep Your Original Turbo

Because this is a complete bolt-on replacement, your original IS38 stays intact and can be refitted at any time. That gives you the option to return the car to stock for service, warranty, or resale, without the cost of sourcing another OEM unit later.

Technical Specifications

Vehicle Fitment

This turbo is designed for 2014-2018 Volkswagen and Audi 2.0L TSI MK7-era models running the 1.8 / 2.0 MQB Gen3 EA888 engine. Popular applications include the Golf 7 R and GTI, Audi S3 8V and TT, Polo GTI 6C, Skoda Octavia RS, and Seat Leon Cupra / FR.

Please use the vehicle lookup on our site, or check the Vehicle Fitment tab, to confirm compatibility with your specific model and year.

Important Warning – Turbo Overspeed Protection

The maximum allowable turbocharger speed is 185,000 rpm (Stage 1). Operating the turbo above this limit is at the owner’s risk and can cause damage and premature failure.

To help protect against overspeed, the compressor housing includes a machined port for a turbo speed sensor. Compatible parts are 781328-0003 (sensor and gauge) and 781328-0004 (sensor only). Speed sensors are sold separately and are strongly recommended when running near the upper limits of this turbo’s capability.

A proper ECU calibration from a reputable tuner is essential to safely realise the performance this turbo can offer. Quoted figures are typical results and are not guaranteed, as final power will depend on fuelling, supporting hardware, and tune.

Applications

Please note, customers are wholly responsible for checking fitment for their vehicle.