Jetta tdi chip/tuning box experiences

ipainton

Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2008
Location
South Alabama
TDI
01 Jetta TDI
Hey
Looking for some that has chipped or has a tuning box that cost no more then 300 and your experiences
I drive a 01 jetta tdi
Wanting to try one or the other
Please mention brand names
Thank you
 

Joe TDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2007
Location
Neversink, NY
TDI
03, 00, 04 MK4 sedans.... 02 MK4 Wagon
Welcome....

I had a VanAaken Smartbox for 6 months.... It added a noticeable bit of power.... My car in particular would throw engine codes and sometimes the power box wouldn't work at all.... there are far better tuning boxes out there.

I got Bosio Sprint 520 injector nozzles along with the power box and the power was pretty good, but very very smokey...

All a power box will add is 20hp or so.... in my opinion, you are better off with just a quality injector nozzle upgrade that will also get you 20hp and more torque than the power box... cheaper than any powerbox or chip tuning...

Sprint 520's are cheap.... $220 or so brand new.... go to www.tdiparts.com and search for Sprint 520....

If you don't know how to install the injector nozzles yourself, you can search these forums for a trusted TDI mechanic in your area.... you'll pay $50 or so to have them installed...

As far as chip tuning, there are many options out there... I personally use RocketChip tuning... www.rocketchip.com

Joe
 

bluesmoker

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2006
Location
Maple Ridge, B.C.
TDI
2004 pd 5 speed tip
I have never experienced any problems with either my van aaken box or my diesel tuning box, both are excellent

you can get a new (old stock) van aaken box for less than 200 on ebay, this is where i purchased the one fitted on my 98 tid

http://cgi.ebay.ca/6-010902-Accel-Van-Aaken-smart-box-for-00-03-VW-TDI_W0QQitemZ120399143263QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item120399143263&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

you will want to purchase the 10 pin module
 

Keebler145

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Location
Niles, Ohio
TDI
Jetta MKIV 2000, 2003, and MKV 2006 PD DSG
I too ran the van aaken box and still have it, I'd sell it to you for 75 bucks plus shipping and handling =) I never had a problem with it but I got the mod bug and needed special tuning for the hardware I had lol
 

whatnxt

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2003
Location
Lk Stevens, WA
TDI
2015 Q5 TDI Premium +
I have run the diesel tuning box and then a tune. Both work. Box is simple p-n-p. Good power. Only limp mode twice. I didn't take logs so I don't know about boost or boost creep.

The tune was smoother power. Boost creep (due to taking loggings) was an issue. Fuel economy was the same.

If you purchase new, I would go with a tune for upgradability for future mods. If you can get a used TB for $250 or less; simple good upgrade if that is as far as you want to go.
 

LNXGUY

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Location
Barrie, Ont, Canada
TDI
'05 Jetta TDI Wagon
Get a set of nozzles, best bang for your buck upgrade... And between a 'tuning box' and chip, the chip is the easy choice.
 

PeterV

TDIClub Enthusiast, HO5G Doyen & Zen Master
Joined
Aug 17, 2000
Location
So, NH.
TDI
2000 Jetta 5 sp.
Of course which transmission and miles o the car. These are important questions.

There is not one item that fills all bills. More power costs and for you if its an auto it will cost. A 5 speed perhaps a new clutch.
 

Scott_Greer

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2008
Location
Conyers
TDI
06 A5 5 Speed
Interesting topic. I had considered creating the same question as well.

What I have gotten so far is that the best bang for the buck is a set of injectors. The link above seems to be broken. Can anyone recommend some good injectors? Or post a good link?

Also, if chip>box, what chips are best for a standard chip? Nothing extreme or custom.


These questions assuming an 06 5 speed TDI Jetta.
 
Last edited:

mz1

Veteran Member
Joined
May 24, 2009
Location
San Antonio,TX
TDI
2011 GTD Stage III / 2015 Touareg TDI LUX Stage II
For anybody that wants quick inexpensive easy to intall power, get a van aken power box, I had it for 3 moths with no complaints at all, noticeable power and easy to install and desintall, if you ever get tired of it, re-sell and if you sell the car you can keep it....just my 5 cents...
 
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