Golf R Observations and Questions

[weewilly]

why wait SFX? Vader had its first service last week, told them I had the flash done, no worries...

[SilvrFoxX]

why wait SFX? Vader had its first service last week, told them I had the flash done, no worries...

Because I think the engine needs to be run in to appreciate what the factory has developed.. I believe after the first service the car comes back different again.. why rob it of its true potential as the engineers designed it

[MkVIGTI]

Sorry this isn't specifically related to the R, but you guys may have experienced this also. I find that when I go over some speed humps, I can hear some suspension squeak from the front in my GTI. Any of you guys noticed this?

[Corey_R]

Because I think the engine needs to be run in to appreciate what the factory has developed.. I believe after the first service the car comes back different again.. why rob it of its true potential as the engineers designed it

The engine will be run in, with or without tune. Likewise, any improvement you get after dumping the initial oil etc from the first service, will benefit the car, with or without tune. So I don't view it as robbing it of it's "true potential as the engineers designed it". In fact, I view it exactly the opposite - not having the tune is robbing it of its true potential....
My biggest regret about getting the tune on my K03 VW's was waiting so long... lol. Whilst the R's flash isn't as drastic difference to stock, due to the K04 characteristics, we've still had people make that same comment. But hey, we could argue that point to the cows come home. So I won't say anymore, other than, I hope you don't have the same regret!

Sorry this isn't specifically related to the R, but you guys may have experienced this also. I find that when I go over some speed humps, I can hear some suspension squeak from the front in my GTI. Any of you guys noticed this?

A few people get that, it's usually some front end componentry needing a regrease or something... get your dealer to look at it.

[SilvrFoxX]

The engine will be run in, with or without tune. Likewise, any improvement you get after dumping the initial oil etc from the first service, will benefit the car, with or without tune. So I don't view it as robbing it of it's "true potential as the engineers designed it". In fact, I view it exactly the opposite - not having the tune is robbing it of its true potential....
My biggest regret about getting the tune on my K03 VW's was waiting so long... lol. Whilst the R's flash isn't as drastic difference to stock, due to the K04 characteristics, we've still had people make that same comment. But hey, we could argue that point to the cows come home. So I won't say anymore, other than, I hope you don't have the same regret!

I don't see it as an argument but a comfort level, VW have flagged Australia as a hot destination and detuned it for longevity of the components. There is headroom in the performance no doubt and the tune exploits that but at what cost. I note on hot days the car is very doughy indeed so placing an additional burden on the engine has to be causing higher levels of wear and tear.

The R has enormous power for my level of driving skill so the question is what is an individual looking for in modifications. Like most I was looking for a more linear delivery and lower down acceleration, by all accounts the tune makes a contribution but doesnt address it.

So I will enjoy the experience of letting the engine run in at its own pace and then after that see if I still have a need

[KRA21E]

My R has just ticked over 6000 kays and the car is just so much smoother, the gearbox and engine. It is much easier to drive in traffic and you can now feather the turbo in and out much easier.

I figure it will continue to morph over the next 10,000 kays, post the 1st service i will decide if it needs a tune..

SilvrfoxX,

Let me take you for a quick run and we will see if you change your tune...Then your problem wont be should you tune it but where will you stop! lol

I actually for the first time agree with corey in that once you realise the potential, you can regret not doing it earlier.

Horses for courses but considering you are the same vintage as my father you probably, like him, think that we are all wasting our money, completely stupid and are going to lose our license!!

Cheers mate,

Enjoy this miserable afternoon!

[Ryan_R]

You could always ask for the APR 6-hour (ignition time) free trial of Stage 1 as a bit of a taster.

[Candyman]

I agree totally with SF

The R as it is has excessive power and torque for road use.

A tune is unecessary in the R unless you can achieve fuel savings by some miracle.

I heavily tuned my Subie in stages well beyond 200 kw atw. Just because I got caught up in the process. None of the power and torque was ever that useable on road and actually caused problems long term.

Each to their own.

[group 3]

Hi All

New to R ownership as of last week, already had mine tuned a couple of days after I got it, having had a few turbo cars (WRX STi S3 etc) I think tuning is a must do but each to their own I guess.

One thing I will say is I don't get people complaining about lag in the R. I had a 2007 8P S3 and although I understand that mechanically the R is very much the same deal I can't believe how different the 2 cars are for turbo lag, the S3 was very noticeable but the R is much better.

[KRA21E]

Regarding Fuel consumption, i have to say that my fuel consumption under normal driving has improved considerably since the tune and i have a heap more torque below 3000 rpm which means i can drive the car fairly lazily which again helps fuel consumption.

[Candyman]

LOL, again with the torque/power/rpm/fuel economy discussion

That one has been exhausted

[PTW]

LOL, again with the torque/power/rpm/fuel economy discussion

That one has been exhausted

Whats so funny about the fuel economy discussion on a tuned car, you don't agree? Most cars run rich from factory which is where the gains are made, especially on n/a vehicles.

[Corey_R]

LOL, again with the torque/power/rpm/fuel economy discussion

That one has been exhausted

*ahem cough*

The R as it is has excessive power and torque for road use.

A tune is unecessary in the R unless you can achieve fuel savings by some miracle.

[KRA21E]

Its funny coz there are thousands of posts regarding fuel economy...whats even funnier is when people buy performance cars and talk about fuel economy...imagine down the local pub in Monaco "Good Sir, my Rolss Royce Phantom gets good mileage on premium" "Well im disappointed with my Bugatti Veyron, darn thing only goes for 11mins flat out!"

Oh and the next person to get serious about fuel consumption will be banished to Green Peace!!!

[DDTW]

You could always ask for the APR 6-hour (ignition time) free trial of Stage 1 as a bit of a taster.

No free trial for the R cuz the ECU can only support 1 map at a time.