TSI Motor Modifications

[passat08]

Hey all just want to know has anyone done any mods on their TSI apart from chipping with APR. Has anyone done cams or anything like that or does anyone know what can be done? Cheers

[Ryan_R]

From what I've seen on the Mk6 Golf forums the main mods performed are:

ECU tune and/or DSG tune
Cold Air Intake / Air filter
Audi S3 intercooler upgrade
Downpipe and/or catback exhaust
Fuel pump upgrade
Turbo upgrade
Torque mount insert

Hope this helps

[CNBLU]

TSI engine (same as MK6 GTI) has a stock fuel pump thats good for 500hp so no need to upgrade, plus APR dont have a specific map for it anyway.

[passat08]

Thanks already have the carbonio air filter, cat back exhaust which in process looking to get downpipe but finding out prices so many different places, i have tiptronic gear box not dsg. Thanks though

[glidn]

Thanks already have the carbonio air filter, cat back exhaust which in process looking to get downpipe but finding out prices so many different places, i have tiptronic gear box not dsg. Thanks though

In all honesty, the fact you have tiptronic and not DSG. I would firstly make sure a tune is available.
Secondly, from all the tunes, I would be inclined to go the APR way. Purely as everyone else keeps saying they have the lowest power increase amongst other tuners. So as a safety point perhaps lasting longer?

You would have to check with your local dealer thou.

[passat08]

I have the APR Stage 1,

[Lucas_R]

Hey all just want to know has anyone done any mods on their TSI apart from chipping with APR. Has anyone done cams or anything like that or does anyone know what can be done? Cheers

Dont bother with cams on a turbo car unless you are going for crazy levels of power. If you are looking for a bot more oomph then:

1) Get a downpipe. This will free up the horribly restrictive stock downpipe with a larger diameter pipe and a less restrictive catalic convertor. When you get this, then you can get a stage 2 tune which will turn the boost up a bit and you will notice a nice gain in power/torque.

2) Get the larger K04 turbo from Golf R / Pirelli edition GTI or even a larger Garrett GT28 or GT30 series turbo if your a bit more serious. This starts getting a bit more expensive ($5k + or so) but will give you another nice jump in power from say 30% to 60% more over your K03. Put it this way, the K03 is limited to about 170-180kw (absolute max) whereas you can get over 210kw from the K04 conversion.

[gavs]

Please refrain from starting multiple threads based on the same question.

Mods please merge this thread and the OP's other passat specific thread.

[passat08]

I did start one in passat but didnt get any replies that why put in here.

[passat08]

Lucas_R: I have to APR stage 1 already and pulling in the 190kw range. With the K04 is it straight bolt on? same go with the GT28 or the GT30 since i already have the APR flash? or what else would i need to do then? I am new to all the turbo stuff but want more power then what i have got now. Downpipe i am looking at at the moment trying to get prices. cheers for your help.

[Lucas_R]

^ sorry - i should have clarified the 170-180kw figure i mentioned was at the wheels. The 190kw number you mention is measured at the engine (this is how APR and many other tuners quote their power figures). Power at the wheels (measured using a dyno) is always less than power at the engine (power cant really be measured at the engine).

The 190kw figure you mention would be about 155-160kw at the wheels. So im saying you have approx 20kw or so before you max out your stock K03 turbo.

The K04 turbo is a slightly larger version of the turbo you already have. APR and several other companies (like AWE Tunng) sell K04 bolt on kits. As mentioned in my previous post, this starts to get a bit more expensive, as you need a dump pipe $700-$1,500 depending on brand, an upgraded intercooler $500-$1,500 depending on brand, the K04 kit and of course you need to factor in several days labour as this job is not something that you would want to attempt yourself unless you have plenty of tools, a hoist and plenty of mechanical knowledge.

If you went with the K04 kit, then APR have a "stage 3" tune which is designed for the new turbo. Best to speak to your APR dealer to get the most up to date details etc.

[passat08]

So would the tiptronic handle the k04 upgrade then?

[Lucas_R]

So would the tiptronic handle the k04 upgrade then?

Given that you have the Tiptronic automatic, i would suggest chatting to APR about whether these gearboxes are up to the task of significant increases in power and torque before you go much further.

For instance, i know with the CVT gearbox equipped Audi A4 2.0TSI, APR wont go further than a stage 1 tune because the CVT gearbox is quite fragile and are not manufactured for high powered applications.

[passat08]

Thank you for all your help. Originally when i bought the car from the chick at vw she told me it was a DSG gear box but it is not so wasnt too happy.

[Guy_H]

We have done plenty of stage 1 upgrades on the Passat with the Auto Box, but I can't think of anyone who has gone to stage 2 or K04.

My own take on the Auto is that it is inherently strong, but the gear change / power management / driveability is really bad. Personally I'm not a fan & it badly handles the engine's power curve.

I suppose that is why they went to the DSG ultimately. As long as its in perfect shape / service condition, I't shouldn't have any issues with a K04. If it has age & mileage on it, I would get it checked thoroughly to make sure it doesn't have any slipping issues or harsh changes before you modify further!