Turbosystems Stage0 / 0.5 (IS38) turbo EA888.3, Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda

Turbosystems IS38 Stage 0 & 0.5 – Reinforced Ball Bearing Upgrade Turbo

The IS38 turbo is somewhat of a weak link on otherwise very tunable EA888.3 engines. Even in stock form these turbos have been known to fail over time, and once you start increasing boost levels the margin of safety becomes fairly narrow. A proper Stage 2 setup can already push the factory unit beyond its comfort zone.

Turbosystems Stage 0 and the slightly extended Stage 0.5 version offer a straightforward upgrade path. They are designed for responsive, usable power with extremely quick spool characteristics and significantly improved durability compared to the OEM unit.

Stage 0 features a reinforced compressor wheel with a stronger structure, replaces the factory journal bearings with a dual ceramic ball bearing system, and upgrades the shaft along with a new 9-blade turbine wheel for improved exhaust flow and reliability.

Stage 0.5 is mechanically identical but fitted with a slightly larger compressor, providing approximately 10–20 hp additional capacity when required.

Available options

• Complete ready-to-install turbocharger
• Includes electronic wastegate actuator
• Delivered as standard in Turbosystems gloss black finish, also available in OEM-style natural finish without black coating (please mention your preference in the order notes)

INSTALLATION: After installation, perform standard VAG diagnostic adaptations, including wastegate basic setting and adaptation as you would with an IS38 turbo. Depending on your vehicle setup, the fast-spooling ball bearing turbo may require minor ECU calibration adjustments to achieve optimal performance.

Turbosystems IS38 Stage 0 & 0.5 Specifications

• Dual ceramic ball bearing system
• Reinforced and precision-machined compressor wheel
• New 9-blade turbine wheel
• Upgraded reinforced shaft
• VSR balanced

Compatible with the following models and other transverse IS38-based applications