New performance upgrade for VAG diesel engines: Bionic turbo inlet for the 2.0 TDI EA288

Modern VW diesel tuning , and diesel tuning in general, is no longer solely about maximizing performance. Efficient airflow, low pressure loss, and perfectly matched components play an equally important role – both in standard vehicles and in engines with increased performance.

With our new bionically developed turbo inlet for the 2.0 TDI EA288, we present a sophisticated performance component that addresses this crucial point and effectively optimizes the intake tract.

Bionics in the intake area – optimized airflow from standard production to tuning

In developing our turbo inlet, we deliberately relied on bionic flow principles . Models from nature help to guide air as evenly, stably, and with minimal loss as possible – particularly important in the sensitive area directly in front of the turbocharger.

Thanks to the bionically optimized internal geometry, we were able to achieve measurable advantages compared to the original series part:

• approximately 18% lower pressure loss
• approximately 15% more air volume

These optimizations already show positive effects in responsiveness in production vehicles , but unfold their full potential particularly in performance-enhanced EA288 engines with increased boost pressure.

Why a turbo inlet is always a good idea for the EA288

The 2.0 TDI EA288 engine is used in numerous vehicles from VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, and CUPRA . As standard, the intake system is primarily designed for noise comfort and cost optimization – not for maximum performance.

An optimized turbo inlet ensures the following:

• a more even airflow to the turbocharger
• reduced flow resistance
• faster and more stable response

While with standard engine performance, a more harmonious and direct driving feel can be particularly noticeable, the turbo inlet is a crucial component in EA288 tuning to eliminate bottlenecks in the intake system.

Flow-optimized crankcase ventilation opening: A crucial difference compared to the standard inlet

A particularly important aspect in the development of our bionic turbo inlet was the optimization of the crankcase ventilation (PCV) . This is precisely where a clear design difference between the original stock inlet and our RevDop turbo inlet becomes apparent.

Series insert: Manufacturing-related limitations due to injection molding

In the original OEM turbo inlet, the crankcase ventilation (CCV) opening is limited by the injection molding process . To even be able to manufacture the component, a comparatively large, awkwardly placed opening is necessary.

This constructive solution leads to the following:

• the airflow at the KGE connection is abruptly disrupted
• Strong turbulence is created in the sensitive area directly in front of the turbocharger.
• additional pressure loss is caused

Especially in performance-enhanced EA288 engines , but also in standard production vehicles, this flow disturbance has a negative impact on efficiency and homogeneity of the flow.

RevDop Turbo Inlet: Flow-optimized PCV connection

Thanks to modern 3D printing processes, we are no longer bound by the constraints of injection molding in the design process. The crankcase ventilation (CCV) opening of our turbo inlet has been specifically integrated with optimized airflow , so that it blends harmoniously into the air duct.

The result:

• significantly more homogeneous flow
• significantly reduced turbulence in the KGE area
• noticeably lower pressure loss

The flow simulation clearly shows that our inlet enables a more even airflow compared to the standard component – ​​a crucial advantage for VW diesel tuning , EA288 tuning and especially for the Golf 7 GTD .

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MJF 3D printing with PA12: The technically best solution for turbo inlets

For the production of our turbo inlet, we deliberately rely on the MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) 3D printing process in combination with the high-performance plastic PA12 . This process offers decisive advantages over other additive manufacturing methods.

Advantages of MJF & PA12:

• Temperature resistance up to approx. 160 °C
• very high impact strength and component strength
• Isotropic material properties (no weakening between layers)
• smooth, dense surfaces for optimal flow

These properties are essential, especially in the intake area of ​​a turbo engine, as this area is subject to constant temperature changes, negative pressure, and mechanical stresses.

Why we deliberately do not use FDM

Some manufacturers use the FDM printing process for turbo inlets. In this process, the component is built up layer by layer, meaning that each individual layer represents a potential stress concentration .

Under real-world conditions in the engine compartment, this can happen:

• leading to material fatigue
• promotes the detachment of plastic particles
• In the worst case, this can cause serious engine damage if parts break off and get into the turbocharger.

For this reason, in our view, FDM is not a suitable manufacturing method for safety-relevant components in the intake system.

With MJF and PA12, we rely on the technically best and permanently safe solution for turbo inlets in VW diesel tuning and EA288 tuning .

Perfect complement: Turbo inlet & intake system for the 2.0 TDI EA288

The turbo inlet achieves its maximum effect in combination with our intake system for the 2.0 TDI EA288 . Both components are technically coordinated and together form a continuous, flow-optimized intake – from the air filter to the turbocharger.

The advantages of the combination:

• uniform airflow across the entire intake tract
• further reduced pressure loss
• optimal air supply under increasing load
• ideal basis for software optimizations

Especially with Golf 7 TDI , Golf 7 GTD , EA288 tuning and VW diesel tuning in general, this creates a coherent overall concept that is convincing for both standard and performance-enhanced vehicles.

Ideal for series production – indispensable for performance-enhanced EA288 engines

The bionic turbo inlet was designed to:

• can also be used effectively with original engine power
• its full potential unfolds in vehicles with increased performance

Especially at higher boost pressures, the approximately 15% increase in air volume ensures that the turbocharger is supplied efficiently and consistently. The approximately 18% reduction in pressure loss supports a stable boost pressure build-up – a clear advantage for reliable diesel tuning .

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Vehicle compatibility: VAG models with EA288 engine

(VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, CUPRA – not EA288 evo )

Our turbo inlet is compatible across all brands with all VAG vehicles equipped with the 2.0 TDI EA288 (without evo) .

✅ VW

• Golf 7 2.0 TDI / GTD / Variant / Alltrack
• Passat B8 / B8 Variant / Alltrack 2.0 TDI
• Tiguan II (AD1) 2.0 TDI
• Touran 5T 2.0 TDI
• Arteon 2.0 TDI
• Sharan 7N 2.0 TDI

✅ Audi

• A3 8V 2.0 TDI
• A4 B9 / A4 Avant B9 2.0 TDI
• A5 F5 2.0 TDI
• A6 C7 / C8 2.0 TDI (EA288)
• Q2 / Q3 2.0 TDI

✅ Skoda

• Octavia 3 (5E) / Octavia RS 2.0 TDI
• Superb III 2.0 TDI
• Kodiaq / Karoq 2.0 TDI

✅ SEAT

• Leon 5F 2.0 TDI
• Leon FR / Cupra Diesel (EA288)
• Ateca / Tarraco 2.0 TDI

✅ CUPRA

• CUPRA Leon 2.0 TDI (EA288, early models)

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Important NOTE

❌ Not compatible with EA288 evo motors
👉 Please always check the engine code before purchasing.

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Conclusion: Increased efficiency for standard production models – maximum performance through tuning.

The bionic turbo inlet for the 2.0 TDI EA288 improves airflow even with standard engine output and is also a key component for performance-enhanced VW diesel tuning . Combined with our intake system for the 2.0 TDI EA288, it creates a flow-optimized intake solution that noticeably increases efficiency, responsiveness, and performance.

A worthwhile upgrade for anyone who wants to consistently implement VW tuning , Golf 7 tuning , Audi TDI tuning or professional EA288 tuning .

👉 Discover now and optimize your VAG diesel tuning in a meaningful way.