EA888 engine: specs, performance and features
An in-depth look at VW's EA888 engine
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When you’ve been in the game as long as Volkswagen has, making good engines comes as second nature. And, in the case of the EA888, they can be masterpieces, too.
This engine is known for its compact packaging, fuel efficiency, strong power output and is often named (admittedly, mostly by VW fanatics) as one of the greatest engines ever made.
Overview of the EA888 engine
VW has been making four-cylinder engines longer than many of us have been able to drive, which puts them in a strong position to make some of the best.
Its EA888 power unit is a prime example of this, delivering everything you’d ever want from a compact car engine.
It's an evolution of the earlier EA827/113 engines and is found in many popular models from Audi, VW, SEAT, CUPRA and Škoda.
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EA888 engine: key features
Turbocharging technology
One of the key elements to the EA888’s success is its turbocharging technology.
Depending on the car you have, you’ll get TSI (Turbo Stratified Injection) or TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection).
They both mean the same thing, which adds turbocharger (essentially forcing more air into the engine) to make it more efficient and more powerful. TFSI is more commonly seen with Audis, whereas TSI is synonymous with VWs and Škodas, though.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
In addition to turbocharging, the EA888 – like many engines – benefits from Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which is a process that adjusts the timing of the valve lift in the engine.
In basic terms we can understand, this means the engine can produce stronger low-end torque without compromising horsepower at higher revs. This helps you pick up speed at lower engine revs and get going more quickly.
VVT can also help increase a car’s fuel economy, performance and overall emissions production. Handy.
Direct injection
Linking with TSI/TFSI, direct injection is all to do with the turbochargers.
Essentially, what direct injection does is deliver the fuel directly into the combustion chamber, rather than mixing it with air. This aids fuel efficiency and reduces emissions even further.
On the whole, these engines are slightly more complex to maintain, but the upside potential in the way of efficiency outweighs the cons, which is why VW uses it anyway.
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EA888 engine performance capabilities
Being a base unit for many different cars, the EA888 is capable of providing different power outputs across the range.
So, some examples can be tuned to promote power increases, whereas others benefit from higher MPG numbers.
Horsepower
Horsepower varies from unit to unit, but in its most basic form, you can choose from either a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre EA888 engine.
For example, the basic 1.8-litre TSI petrol you’d find in a Passat or Golf produces around 150hp, whereas the 2.0-litre unit in a Golf R produces upwards of 300hp.
Torque
It’s the same story with torque, which varies massively. The EA888 is only available as a petrol engine – there’s no diesel, but you do still get strong levels of torque.
This can be up to 450Nm of torque in some instances, namely with performance models such as the Golf R – but is most often around the 300Nm region.
Fuel efficiency
Another main draw with this engine is its fuel efficiency, which is strong across the range, no matter the car in question.
For example, a standard Volkswagen Golf can get around 52mpg, and even a GTI or R can return up to 40mpg, proving its worth and high efficiency rating.
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Is the EA888 engine reliable?
Other than efficiency and performance, the EA888 engine also strives to be one of the most dependable motors on the market.
It’s therefore one of the smoothest and most easy-going engines money can buy. As long as it’s cared for and serviced regularly, we see no reasons why you should be concerned.
Just think about all the cars that use it... that must mean something.
Which cars have the EA888 engine?
There are countless cars fitted with VW’s EA888 engine, but some of the more notable ones are:
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How do I know if my car has an EA888 engine?
It might sound obvious, but the best place to start to find out if your car has an EA888 engine is to make sure it was made between 2008 and the present day, and check under the bonnet and look at it with your own eyes.
There are a few telltale signs that your car is powered by an EA888 engine, and they are:
Dipstick is located on the left side of the engine, next to the valve cover
Oil filter is also on the left side, next to the inlet manifold
Engines made after 2013 feature the oil filler on the left side, too
But like with all these things, it’s best to do your own research on your specific make and model of car. If it features in the list above, then it has this engine.
If not, a quick Google search should give you the answer you’re looking for.