Background:
The Lader LM440 IS20 turbocharger represents a return to a turbo that aligns with my preferences for the FWD GTI. When I first installed the Mabotech M520 turbo in October 2023, I had concerns about the GTI’s ability to maintain traction.
During the tuning process, when a timing advance update bumped the average peak power from 410 wheel to 425 wheel, traction in third gear, my preferred for data logging, began to become an issue.
This led me to switch to fourth gear for logging so I could obtain clean data; however, doing so significantly restricted my location options for collecting data.
Having accomplished what I wanted with the M520 and, shortly thereafter, the M720, I was prepared to install a smaller turbocharger into the GTI.
LM440 Conversion:
Some other changes would accompany the return to a smaller turbo. The Audi 70 mm throttle body would be replaced with the GTI throttle body, the Mabotech intake manifold with the Euro-spec Mk7 intake manifold, the Mabotech MPI fuel rail with the Precision Raceworks MPI fuel rail, the ARM charge pipes with the aFe Power charge pipes, and the Mabotech M720 elbow with the MST V1 TIP.
The LM440 IS20 utilizes a conventional turbo muffler, which I swapped with the 034 Motorsports muffler delete, allowing me to take advantage of the NPT ports to supply the Mk8 PCV/Tiguan hose and a pressure sensor.
Being an IS20 size compressor housing the MST Performance turbo inlet elbow is a good fit and allows me to utilize a temperature sensor at the turbocharger inlet.
The LM440 is supplied with an OEM diverter valve, but I will be replacing it with the GFB T9381 DV+, which has a low profile and helps maintain clearance with the temperature probe in the TIP.
Installation underway:
Installing the turbo was routine.
Next:
Once installation is complete and the remaining component changes have been made, the tuning process will begin. Russell Road & Racing will be providing ECU tuning support for this next phase.
