CSF VW/Audi Group MQB Water Radiator (All-Aluminium Triple Pass)
Enhancing Engine Cooling on MQB Platforms: A Critical Upgrade for Power Enthusiasts
When it comes to modifying MQB platform vehicles, it’s common to focus on boosting power – with the right mix of intakes, exhausts, intercoolers, and software, a nearly 30% increase in output is within reach. However, an often overlooked yet crucial aspect is the stock engine water cooling system.
As power output surges, so does the demand on the cooling system. This is particularly evident in the factory water radiator, which now must contend with not only engine heat but also the additional heat from the integrated engine head exhaust manifold. In demanding situations like track driving, it’s not unusual for these engines to operate at temperatures far exceeding the 90°C indicated on the coolant dial, reaching up to 130°C.
Another area of concern is engine oil temperature. Without a factory engine oil cooler, temperatures can soar to 145°C during spirited drives. The stock water radiator, already burdened, struggles to manage this additional heat.
The Stock Cooler: Limited by Design
The stock cooler’s specifications include:
- A single-row, 26mm core
- Single-pass design
- 7mm fin height
This design, while adequate for standard conditions, falls short under enhanced performance demands. Its thin core and limited pass design do not utilize the available space efficiently, leading to inadequate cooling.
CSF’s Revolutionary Triple Pass Water Radiator
After extensive development, we’ve engineered a superior solution: the CSF All-Aluminum Triple Pass Water Radiator. Key features include:
- A 2-row, 42mm B-tube core
- Triple-pass design
- 6.5mm fin height
This radiator maximizes the space between the condenser and radiator for increased core depth. The B-tube design enhances tube efficiency by 15% over O-tubes, offering greater strength and lighter, more efficient heat transfer. The triple pass design ensures the coolant effectively exchanges heat, while the fin height has been wind tunnel optimized for maximum efficiency.
Proven Performance: CSF’s Cooling Upgrade
In rigorous testing with a 500HP Track MK7R, the CSF upgrade significantly reduced temperatures. Engine water temperatures remained below 100.5°C, and oil temperatures stayed under 125°C – a substantial improvement from previous spikes of over 140°C.
Extended Testing: Adding the Quadruple Pass Auxilary Engine Water Radiator
Further testing in higher ambient temperatures and more demanding circuits (like GoodWood) confirmed the effectiveness of adding the Quadruple Pass Auxiliary Engine Water Radiator. The results? Peak engine water temperatures maintained at 100.5°C and oil temperatures well below 130°C.
Conclusion: Unmatched Cooling Efficiency
The CSF MQB Cooling Upgrade not only significantly lowers both engine water and oil temperatures but does so consistently, even under extreme conditions. This upgrade is essential for anyone looking to safely maximize the performance of their MQB platform vehicle.
Compatibility
This upgrade is compatible with a variety of models, including 8V A3 1.8TSi, 8V S3, 8S TT (2.0TSi), MK7 Golf GTi, MK7 Golf R, 5F Leon Cupra, and 5E Octavia vRS.


