Tuning / performance update

[clip]

Just an update on what's been happening with my Tig - for those that are interested.

Had the Tig at Harding's Performance for the new APR tuning maps and torque arm insert.

All I can say is the APR software is bloody great. I have 4 main modes now,
(most of which I will probably not use very often, but still nice to have):
1. standard OEM map (125kW, 280Nm)
2. 98ron map (189kW, 410Nm) - now my "standard map"
3. valet mode - restricts the engine to about 4300rpm max (great for when my lead-foot sister-in-law drives it ).
4. security mode - car will start, but no accelerator/throttle control, car will only idle).

Thing that blows me away with all this is that it all works seamlessly with the car's systems and is fully integrated with existing controls. It could easily be a factory option.

As I've said before, the improved performance is just sensational - especially the torque. It's simply awesome and shows on the road in very practical day to day driving.

The torque arm insert has also made a big difference IMO - (crisper gear changes and much improved clutch take-up even on standard power setting).

I love it when things just "work".

[Tigga1]

thanks clip

thanks for your update.
As you know, I am also seriously considering the APR tune, and will be contacting Guy H on my trip down south.
I also considered the torque arm insert, as I found it great on my MKV DSG Golf, just not sure if it will make much of a difference on the auto Tig, any thoughts?
The other one that I am considering, is the Haldex gearbox upgrade, which provides a more "sporty" spread of torque front/rear...
thank you also for following up on the wheel offset for 18" & 19"s ;-]
cheers
Tigga

[bxpressiv]

Forgive me for not knowing much at all but from my limited research on APR chips I was just wondering:

For example with program 2 to get those benefits the tradeoff is fuel efficiency for example? If anyone could tell me what it's all about in laymans terms and how much it costs I would be much appreciated...

[Arctra]

Those figures are impressive gains man! I see that you have a 125kW Manual though. I have struggle seeing whether there's anything like that for the TDI's though. Do you know if there is?

I guess my main concern with getting this sort of remapping done is the extra strain it puts on the drive train. Especially with an auto box like I have. As I understand it they de-tune the TDI's somewhat for the auto box as compared with their manual bretheren. Any comments on this?

[clip]

Sorry I can't comment on the TDI's Arctra, other than I know there are remaps for them.
Best thing to do would be speak with Hardings I guess.

bxpressiv - yes there is trade off with fuel economy. If this is a concern for you, the huge benefit of this system, as I see it, is the ability to switch between modes. So in real world terms, you could switch it to mode 1 standard setting which would give you maximum potential for fuel economy when commuting sensibly around town. But then going for a run down the highway, you could set it to mode 2- which I've found actually slightly increases my economy on the open stretches, but also adds the advantage of vastly improved overtaking and hill climbing performance.

Of course if you want a spirited run up through the ranges or quick runs around town etc, leaving it in mode 2 will chew up more fuel but also leave you grinning like an idiot at the end of it!

So as I see it, you have the best of all worlds. But be warned, once you've run it on the performance map, it is very hard to change it back to standard! And, at the end of the day, I'm more than happy to live with the combined average of 9.8 that I'm getting out of the Tig now given it's performance. But this question comes up a lot, so when I get a few minutes I'll do up some comparisons, should be interesting.

As for costs, mine was negotiated in the purchase price of the car, so I can't give you an exact amount of what it cost me sorry. But I think Harding's have prices up on their web site now.

[bxpressiv]

Sounds pretty good to me. Definitely worth investigating further me thinks...

[Pullstarter]

I'm definitely going the APR route also, can't wait for that extra power, just gotta save up for it now Pretty sure its $1995 for two programs (i.e. stock and 189kw)

Arctra; there is an APR remap for your TDI, peak power is 125kw not sure on the torque increase though, should be on their website I imagine. Don't be at all worried about the auto box, pretty sure it's the same box that's in the 147 so it can take a lot more than the TDI will put out.

[Paragon]

sorry for the noobness but what exactly is a torque arm insert or even a torque arm for that matter?

[Sharkie]

APR does not do any TDI maps, however their "sister" company Oettinger does. Same company to deal with in Australia, so give APR a call and tell them you want the TDI chip ...


Actually at constant speeds and "normal" usage a chip actually improves fuel consumption by up to 10% ..... its only when you really start using all that extra power that the fuel consumption dramatically increases.

on my GTI I got std consumption of 6.2l/100km whilst cruising (@115km/h) and with APR 5.7l/100km. Seen the opposite extreme at the track of 29l/100km as well though.

I highly recommend anyone considering a chip to go and visit an APR dealer and have a trial installed to do a test to see if you like it. I have never heard of anybody who has trialled that did not eventually have it chipped ......... it really transforms the character of the car ....

[Sharkie]

sorry for the noobness but what exactly is a torque arm insert or even a torque arm for that matter?

I can't explain in exact tech detail, but here is my view of it. At the back of your gearbox there is a stubby link to the chassis intended to prevent engine movement under accelleration. It is similar to the engine mounts in some respects.

As standard it is mounted in a circular rubber mount (enclosed by a metal ring) and bolted to the gearbox. The std rubber mount is quite soft and allows a lot of movement which contributes to what is called driveline shunt..... a lot ....

The torque arm insert replaces this rubber inner mount with a plasticky silicone like material that is much stiffer. It allows for far less movement of the drivetrain under accelleration and provides a much crisper feel to gear changing. Shunt is greatly reduced .... it does however introduce a bit more vibration so is not to everyone's tastes.

I highly recommend it (had it on the GTI), but make your own decision between very slight reduced comfort and greatly improved gearshifting (auto and manual) as well as improved power down on the road.

Have a look here for more info:

http://www.goapr.com.au/products/engine_mount_insert.html

BTW, a number of companies produce these ..... also APR's Tiguan inserts are on order and should be in Aus in about 3 weeks. (Ive asked )

[Pullstarter]

APR does not do any TDI maps, however their "sister" company Oettinger does. Same company to deal with in Australia, so give APR a call and tell them you want the TDI chip ...

Sorry, brain fart I knew someone did one.

[clip]

sorry for the noobness but what exactly is a torque arm insert or even a torque arm for that matter?

sharkies spot on, only difference with the Tig is that the rubber mount itself is not solid, it has holes in it to further increase it's ability to absorb vibrations etc. what the insert does is fill up those holes, so in effect you now have a solid rubber mount. It takes 2 minutes to install, just one bolt, insert the "insert" bolt back in, away you go.

I've only noticed a slight increase in vibration at idle only (mainly felt through the steering wheel), and the improved driveability far outweighs that (and no one else notices it!).

[Sharkie]

So the prototype I saw at APR went into your Tig then clip?

[Paragon]

lol so then really a torque arm in VW speak is what everyone else refers to as a gearbox mount and the insert is just a firmer version of the rubber VW standard one.

Yes it would be easier to install but really I would imagine if you wanted the shifts to be smoother then firmer engine mounts would be the way to go as they would allow for less engine movement esp at higher revs so that your gearbox can engage more precisely. Having said that, I have an auto box so meh

[dogbowl]

These chips sound awesome. I have two questions:

1. Can the chassis handle such power?
2. What happens to your VW warranty?

Thanks for your assistance.