modded and tuned to run safely 390 on pump gas with a vf52. 130k miles
Pros: runs safely, reliable at high power
Vehicle:
Subaru
Mileage: 130000 km
Reviews of IHI turbocharger
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The main party piece of the TCR/Clubsport/R engine is the IHI IS38 turbocharger. It is optimised to keep building power higher up in the rev range, where the regular GTI's IS20 runs out of puff.
Pros: builds power higher up
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
I got a new car a month ago that came with a IHI IS38. I got my tune from sneaky tuned and after about 2-3 pulls at 30psi the turbo popped. Spit the rear turbine out into the exhaust.
Cons: turbo popped, turbine spit out
Vehicle:
Volkswagen
My car has been pretty reliable with an IS38 if you take away the issues caused by me or shitty parts (spark plug break after running past interval / Shuenk's POS), or the HPA HPFP that shit the bed after going with ethanol.
Pros: pretty reliable with IS38
Cons: issues caused by me
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
I would suggest a ball bearing turbo like the vf52 and a protune. It makes it much more reliable and wakes the car up since it has the same engine and came as the sti, but a tiny sleeve bearing turbo that spools before the cam. I'm really happy with my vf52.
Pros: more reliable, wakes car up
Vehicle:
Subaru Legacy
Part number: VF52
it was ~40kmi, no crack, no shaft play or other problems etc.
Pros: no crack, no shaft play, no problems
Vehicle:
Subaru
Mileage: 64374 km
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What we know about IHI turbocharger
The brand is registered in Japan. Official website: https://www.ihi.co.jp.
In March 2026, PartReview does not yet have a formed opinion of IHI turbocharger. This part is not in the ranking due to insufficient reviews. You can help by adding a review for IHI turbocharger.
Currently there are 6 reviews and 18 votes. Average rating — 3.9 out of 5. Vote balance: 15 up, 3 down.
Users also evaluated the qualities of IHI turbocharger:
- Power - noticeable loss of acceleration, especially from low rpm - rated positively. 4.1 points out of 5.
- Noise - turbo whistle or whine becomes louder than usual - rated ambivalently. 2.7 points out of 5.
- Smoke - blue or black smoke appears under throttle - no rating yet
Turbocharger IHI in car-specific ratings
See which car brands and models owners choose IHI turbocharger for. Below are car-specific ratings where this part is in the Top-3:
- IHI ranked #3 for: Volkswagen Golf .