Volkswagen Golf TSI/GTI/R Performance Primary Radiator, 2015+

And we're back. We couldn't just mention reality makeover shows without building the tension somehow. It's the unforgettable two-part season finale for the MK7's radiator overhaul, and since I'm sure you're already brimming with anticipation, let's dive right in.

Previously on the Mishimoto Engineering Blog, we left you with the first look at our design in its prototype form, along with some questions about the flow pattern. How many passes will the coolant make through our new design? Hang around to find out. But first, our production sample is in the house, and we're eager to show it off.

Here it is in all its shiny, all-aluminum glory. When we say all-aluminum, we mean it. This radiator was redesigned from the ground up for maximum durability. We swapped all the plastic from the stock design for aluminum from the core to the end tanks, mounting points, and the inlet and outlet. In fact, our inlet and outlet are CNC-machined for a perfect fit to the factory Volkswagen quick-disconnect

In the age of reality TV, it's almost impossible not to have watched at least one of those makeover shows. Whether it's housing, fashion, tattoos, or even cars, the formula is the same. Old and ugly comes in, and the fixers jump right into the action. Right away, there's a plan to fix it, followed by some shots of the experts looking intently at the problem, making sketches, and diving into the project before cutting to commercial. If our MK7 Volkswagen Golf TSI/GTI/R radiator project was one of those shows, this is precisely where we would be. Our star engineer has evaluated the weak points, and now there's a plan. So, before we hear from our sponsors, let's take a look at the planning phase of our MK7 radiator makeover.

One of the primary challenges with our new design is the available space. Like with any other VAG product or German vehicle for that matter, there is an efficient use of the engine bay, so nothing goes to waste. Also, the entire front cooling stack is designed to fit in

Think about the last time you bought a product that was "Universal" or "One Size Fits All." How well did it actually fit your needs, and how much adjustment was needed for it to work correctly? When it comes to the flagship of Volkswagen's MQB platform, it's a similar situation. These days it's almost impossible to go anywhere without spotting VW's hardest working hot-hatch, the GTI or Golf R. Still, given that the modular platform means shared parts between the smaller Golf TSI, MK7 Jetta, Tiguan, and a myriad of SEATs and Skodas, there can be some things left to be desired, specifically when it comes to keeping the MK7s cool. Luckily, we here at Mishimoto are already hard at work on a fresh new radiator design.

Before we get into just how we plan on improving on the MK7's cooling system, let's dive into the design that VW fitted to these vehicles. Depending on the year, and transmission in your MK7, just every system relies on the primary radiator to keep the temperatures down. By reducing