CSF is proud to announce the release of its highly anticipated MQB cooling components. Finally, an aftermarket high-performance cooling solution now available to tackle the many overheating issues that have plagued this otherwise great track-worthy platform. The Ultimate MQB cooling system, exclusively by CSF, is designed to keep engine water, as well as both transmission and engine oil temperatures in check and at optimal levels, even under the most demanding race conditions. By utilizing CSF’s new suite of coolers in either a 1,2, or 3 piece configuration, it allows drivers the ability to unleash their car’s full potential for extended periods during racing conditions.

The MQB cooling package consists of the following “drop-in fit” all-aluminum components by CSF. Both utilizing CSF’s B-tube technology.

Radiator

A high performance / race-grade, all-aluminum, triple-pass engine water radiator (CSF #7084)

Fitment

Audi 8V A3 1.8TSi, Audi 8V S3, Audi 8S TT (2.0TSi), Volkswagen MK7 Golf GTi, Volkswagen MK7 Golf R, Seat 5F Leon Cupra, Skoda 5E Octavia vRS

DSG/Heat Exchanger

A high performance / race-grade, all-aluminum, quadruple-pass DSG transmission water-to-oil heat exchanger. This new component is multi-fit that can also be installed (with no modifications) as an upgraded auxiliary radiator for maximum cooling performance. (CSF #8132)

Fitment

Audi 8X S1, Audi 8V S3, Audi 8S TT (2.0TSi), Volkswagen MK7 Golf R, 5F Leon Cupra.

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CSF’s MQB cooling package
High performance all-aluminum, triple-pass engine water radiator (CSF #7084)
High performance all-aluminum, quadruple-pass DSG transmission water-to-oil heat exchanger (CSF #8132)

CSF’s triple-pass technology allows the coolant to flow through the radiator core 3x rather than just flowing across the surface of the core once. This allows cooler ambient air to exchange heat with the coolant for a longer period of time, generating the lowest outlet temperature possible.

The VW Mk7 Golf R and GTI are two of the most widely praised and popular hot hatches globally and for good reason. Not only are they applauded for their factory performance, but respond extremely well to modifications. For instance, power can be increased by ~30% with simple bolt on upgrades such as an intake, exhaust, upgraded intercooler and off-the-shelf ECU software tuning. With the ability to increase the vehicle’s performance, it is often easy to overlook the consequence of increasing power, which equates to more heat being generated by the system. Combined with possible on-track / harsh driving conditions during race use, addressing the factory cooling system with CSF’s new line of MQB cooling products becomes increasingly necessary for optimal performance. 

CSF worked with our counterparts across the pond in the UK at CSF Europe to identify the limitations, develop and track test the CSF MQB cooling package.

CSF HQ worked with CSF Europe manager Ash Stewart, who is the owner of a highly modified Mk 7 Golf R and experienced driver, to develop the MQB cooling package. The word came across to CSF that there was a tremendous gap in the marketplace for an easy to install / economical cooling solution to control DSG transmission temperatures during heavy track use in automatic transmission vehicles. As the cooling system experts, CSF was there to meet the challenge.

Before installing the upgraded CSF DSG heat exchanger, Ash was not able to push his car after several laps on the track because of high transmission oil temperatures. The transmission in his Golf R would start to feel sluggish, and he was forced to start short shifting (well below optimal shift points) to keep his car out of transmission limp mode and out on the track longer. He was unfortunately sacrificing faster lap times, for longer track sessions and to avoid the risk of damaging his transmission. After installing the CSF upgraded DSG heat exchanger + CSF engine water radiator, Ash reported back the following after a competitive track day at Donnington race circuit in the UK.

Observations from driving:

• Oil temperature seems to be consistently much lower by around 10-15°C (50-59°F), allowing me to use all of the revs all of the time without a care for oil temp. It sits at around 125°C (257°F) max now and I’ve never seen it go above 130°C (266°F) (this used to happen after around 2-3 “fast laps” with OEM set-up).
• Oil temperature now peaks and flat lines throughout the sessions. Before it would slowly grow to around 130°C (266°F) and then rise uncontrollably, very quickly and then not be able to cool down. Every time you would jump back on the throttle to drive fast, the oil temperature would spiral out of control again (talking 14°C+ (284°F with EASE). 

Observations from logs:

• Engine coolant temperature does not go above 100.5°C (212.9°F)

What we can say for sure:

• Engine Oil Temperatures are reduced and maintained consistently during full load/rpm 
• Engine coolant temperatures are maintained in the optimum range 
• DSG oil temperatures rises and falls in line with the engine coolant temperature (well within ideal operating parameters)

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Logged data from Ash’s track day testing after installing CSF’s new Ultimate Cooling Package.

Additional Track Testing / Auxilary Radiator – Player Show 2019

After installing the right hand side aux engine radiator (CSF #8132) to complete the Ultimate Cooling Solution for the MQB MK7 Golf R, results show that the coolant temperatures were maintained in optimal range (w/ peak @ 212°F) throughout the entire day regardless of the ambient and track temperatures. With this added cooling power, Ash now has the capability to track his Golf R in extreme conditions including longer and challenging race tracks without having to worry about cooling issues so there’s definitely more room to push the car to its limits.

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The MQB platform consist of vehicles which have a unique cooling system in that all of the major engine and drivetrain fluids are water cooled (engine water, engine oil and transmission oil). For many of the higher ranging / highest performance models (Audi 8X S1, Audi 8V S3, Audi 8S TT (2.0TSi), Volkswagen MK7 Golf R, and 5F Leon Cupra) there are additional small radiators (heat exchangers) located at the corners of the front bumper underneath the headlights. Used on the left side of the vehicle as the DSG transmission heat exchanger, and on the right side as an auxiliary water radiator.

A track-spec Audi 8S TTRS ready to be unloaded and hit the race the track. Equipped with two of CSF’s heat exchangers on each side of his front bumper (behind the grill openings). The cooler on the left side of the vehicle operating as the upgraded DSG transmission heat exchanger radiator, the other on the left operating as the upgraded auxiliary radiator for maximum cooling performance to keep his engine oil, transmission oil, and water temperatures in check. 

In these vehicles with 3 upfront water radiators (Center (Main radiator) Left, Right (DSG/Aux radiators). The coolant flows from the engine into the main water radiator. The coolant then splits into a Y piece, going into two auxiliary heat exchangers (small radiators). The right side auxiliary radiator is dedicated solely as a secondary means of lowering coolant temperature to maximize efficiency. The left side auxiliary DSG heat exchanger cools the automatic transmission fluid that is contained in an oil-to-water transmission cooler. 

For best performance to both engine temperatures and transmission performance CSF recommends upgrading the main water radiator (CSF #7084), and the DSG heat exchanger (#8132). For maximum performance, and heavy track use, CSF recommends upgrading the auxiliary radiator on the right side of the vehicle with an additional CSF #8132 heat exchanger.

Ash from CSF Europe shows a comparison of the factory cooling system to CSF’s Ultimate Performance MQB Cooling System Solution.

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@almost_racing_inc outfitted CSF team driver @zac_ross_racing‘s MK7 GTI with CSF’s High Performance All-Aluminum triple-pass radiator (CSF #7084) and DSG heat exchanger (CSF #8132) on the left side of his vehicle. He’s opted to install one of CSF’s new bar/plate universal oil coolers on the right side of his VW GTI to directly tackle engine oil temperatures. (CSF #8119)

All the ducting, mounting brackets, and plumbing from a Mk7 Golf R can easily be retrofitted to an Mk7 GTI to run CSF’s upgraded corner heat exchangers. You can follow up on Zac’s Time Attach GTI here!

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Radiator Comparison

CSF VAG MQB ALL-ALUMINIUM TRIPLE PASS WATER RADIATOR

Part Number
CSF# 7084 – Polished Finish

OEM Part Number
5Q0121251GN

Pricing
MSRP / MAP – $599.00

Fitment

• Audi 8V A3 1.8TSi
• Audi 8V S3
• Audi 8S TT (2.0TSi)
• Volkswagen MK7 Golf GTi
• Volkswagen MK7 Golf R
• Seat 5F Leon Cupra
• Skoda 5E Octavia vRS

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DSG Cooler / Heat Exchanger Comparison

CSF VAG MQB ALL-ALUMINIUM QUADRUPLE PASS DSG COOLER/HEAT EXCHANGER

Part Number
CSF# 8132 – Black Finish

OEM Part Number
5Q0121253H

Pricing
MSRP / MAP – $499.00

Fitment

• Audi 8X S1
• Audi 8V S3
• Audi 8S TT (2.0TSi)
• Volkswagen MK7 Golf R
• 5F Leon Cupra.

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Check out SpeedHunter’s story on CSF’s Solution To The Golf 7R’s Cooling Problem