golf v 1.4tsi tuning (blg)

[piper26]

Hi all,

No doubt there is a thread similar but was having trouble finding anything through the search function.

I own a golf mk v gt sport manual. Love the car.
I want to make it a little bit more lively for daily driving. Nothing too wild. Just enough to bridge the speed gap to my golf gti.

Im a vag tech and vw master tech so I am familiar with the engine and operation.
If anyone has any recommendations for mods it would be much appreciated.
One thing I really do want to do is flash the ecu.
I have access to numerous tuning software. However to make the process much easier im looking for the file to upload (.dll).
Regards and many thanks in advance

Ben

[Ryan_R]

APR Stage 1 ECU will more than bridge the gap to your GTI
APR - High Performance Development for Audi, VW and Porsche Vehicles.

However you sound like you're wanting to acquire the files yourself (for free?) and DIY??? You'll find most stuff is encrypted and locked to a single VIN or ODB device.

Intercooler (from Audi S3 or APR) and carbonio intakes are also popular mods but make a much smaller power improvement compared to ECU remapping).

[piper26]

I have heard good things about apr and their customer support.
Was not really expecting to get the file for free, was more hoping to save $$$ and also my personal time schedule means DIY is an easier option. I do have a program I can write the map feom scratch however im not a professional tuner so im not 100% confident to write it myself with the nature of this engine.

On the topic of intercoolers. Have you seen any good product test data for apr replacement and/or possibly the twincooler setups available? ? All the writeups I have found so far are very biased as they have been written by the manufacturer. And are more advertising than true testing.

Ben.

[piper26]

If the figures stated by apr are correct of 151kw (assuming flywheel) then that is definitely a great improvement.

Does anyone know how it is to live day to day with the tune. In my years of volkswagen dealer work I have driven various 'stages' however, I have never driven a customers car spirited or for lengthy periods of times.
We all know manufacturer s say that driveability is still there. But is it?
The twincharge setup in theory allows to have good power when needed but still allow for a smooth driving style. Does apr flash still maintain this quality?

Ben

[Ryan_R]

It requires adapting your driving style in start/stop traffic. You'll find it works better in conjunction with Guy_H's DSG DQ200 tune but that's more money.

The good thing with APR is it's easy to switch on/off before you start your trip if you're expecting certain conditions.
Most dealers offer a 6 hour trial (ignition time) so you can check it out yourself. I'd say the pros outweigh the cons personally but everyone is different.

I've had my APR since Dec 2010 and the car is still good.
I've recently added the Audi S3 intercooler (metal end tanks) and the resulting feeling is best described as if the engine capacity has increased someone, as in it feels smoother and stronger at the low end. I haven't retested the 0-100 time since installing it last month but previously a few years ago I had managed a ~6.6 second run. (VW claims the Mk6 GTI is 6.9 seconds and that my 118TSI stock is 8.0 seconds, so it is indeed a big jump).

[piper26]

Lucky my cars manual then :p
Yea I figured driving style would need to adapt but that is a minor thing to live with.

Out of curiosity, been a vag tech. Have you had any clutch slip with your 7sp? I know the figures that vag give in terms of torque capabilities has a tolerance but I know that the 7sp isnt designed for as much torque as the 6sp.

Ben

[Ryan_R]

I did a few years back but that was probably partly down to a lack of mechanical sympathy. Having had parts replaced under warranty and driving smarter (dropping down a gear instead of relying on low down torque and the car is fine, DSG tune helps with being in the right gear).

[piper26]

Haha yea they tend to wear out quickly even in stock form if driven extremely hard.

Did you lose much of your fuel economy? I know that chipping cars kills economy but the 1.4 still must be more efficient than most 2l engines out there

[Ryan_R]

You gain economy slightly if you drive the same since you can keep revs lower and rely on boost (air) instead of fuel to a degree

My overall average is 6.9l/100kms, and you probably get the picture of my driving style

[piper26]

Hahaha yea 6.9 does say a bit :p

But still thats not bad economy. Before my golf I owned a xr6t ute so to me still anything under 12l/100 is still good

Ive spoken to volksmuller about apr gear and they are standing by their product 100% which is great to see.

Also saw their golf r run at sydney drags today and was impressed.

Gonna have to save up some $$ first but looks like the aftersales support is definitely worth the premium paid for their product.

[Ryan_R]

Wait til June/July when they have 15% off

[piper26]

Is that a nationwide sale on apr or just locally?

[Ryan_R]

Nation-wide, twice a year every year as long as I've been a member.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f177/apr-eofy-software-sale-86411.html

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f177/apr-summer-sale-underway-92140.html

Just don't go searching for how much American's pay for it

[piper26]

Yea ive seen there prices.

Once again us in Australia have to pay an arm and a leg for products that overseas are receiving for 1/2 the price.