Advice on RC Stage II on TDI-PD

I've been told that to run stage II on a PD engine that's otherwise stock, a boostvalve is recommended to limit the surges of overboost. Looking to see what other PDs have done to their engines to get RC2, or if anyone is just running RC2 with no other engine upgrades.

Jeff (Owner of RC) told me I could get by w/out a boost valve on my PD with RC Stage 1, but anything above that should have a BV.

--Nate

thats what i was told too...up to stage 1+ without the BV. the BV is only like $40, and seems easy enough to install. Just looking to see what other pd drivers have.

upgraded clutch

I was told by Jeff that I would need an upgraded clutch as well for anything over RC 1+.

The only major mod that is necessary for RC2 is a clutch. Beyond that there are several items that really let you experience the true capability of the tune. The first being a FMIC. A provent or other type of CCV filter should be used due to the increased mass air flow through the whole system. In trying to keep all the temps under control an upgraded oil cooler and free flow exhaust are nice. Deleting the EGR doesn't hurt either.

To answer your question, it is my belief that if you have an upgraded clutch Jeff will sell you RC2.

Now RC3 and the list above becomes mandatory along with an upgraded turbo and PD150 intake. Buying a PD150 right off the bat is looking like a cheaper solution after all the mods to get there .

I myself do not have a boost valve, probably should, but don't.

Well what if you have an tiptronic and want RC2?

When Jeff chipped me late last year, he recommended a boostvalve and gauge, and I was told the clutch may or may not be needed. (I have an '04 and installed the valve and gauge).

I'm still on the stock clutch - no slippage. The boostvalve costs maybe $40, I'd highly recommend putting one in. minimal cost in my opinion for some peace of mind.

I'm also considering what Nathan mentioned about the upgraded IC.. i've run into a couple situations where I think I put it into limp mode because the air intake charge went overtemp.. (granted that was a 20-30 second full-throttle run). Under normal driving it won't hurt you too much.. If I do the IC I'll probably do the CCV mod too.

As far as the auto transmissions or DSG, the tranny can only handle so much torque (I was hearing 250-260 ft-lb at one point).. you guys might be limited as to what you can do. if the limit is indeed 250-260 (PLEASE check on this, I'm going strictly off memory), you might be ok, as i think RC2 on a PD probably pushes 230-240. If you wait until after Saturday I can tell you exactly what mine pushes after it comes off the dyno and you can use that for reference (I have a 5-sp)

mdcclxxvi said:

I've been told that to run stage II on a PD engine that's otherwise stock, a boostvalve is recommended to limit the surges of overboost. Looking to see what other PDs have done to their engines to get RC2, or if anyone is just running RC2 with no other engine upgrades.

Click to expand...

I have boost gauge and boost valve. RC2 is next.

BlueCTTDi said:

As far as the auto transmissions or DSG, the tranny can only handle so much torque (I was hearing 250-260 ft-lb at one point).. you guys might be limited as to what you can do. if the limit is indeed 250-260 (PLEASE check on this, I'm going strictly off memory), you might be ok, as i think RC2 on a PD probably pushes 230-240. If you wait until after Saturday I can tell you exactly what mine pushes after it comes off the dyno and you can use that for reference (I have a 5-sp)

Click to expand...

So does RC1+ have the same torque as RC2?

It's probably fairly close, but I'm not sure if they're exactly equal.. our Dyno Day is this weekend, so with any luck we'll get a few PD's with different stage tunings on the rollers to get a decent comparison...

I installed a boost guage and then noticed up to 28 PSI spikes when I really got on the throttle after a shift, so I installed a Boost Valve and spikes are limited to 22 PSI.

That's with RC 1

--Nate

BlueCTTDi said:

It's probably fairly close, but I'm not sure if they're exactly equal.. our Dyno Day is this weekend, so with any luck we'll get a few PD's with different stage tunings on the rollers to get a decent comparison...

Click to expand...

I am very curious to see what kind of numbers come off of a PD with a RC1+ chip since this looks like the program I may want to go after since a clutch upgrade is something I really don't want to mess with for a while.

I have an RC1 on my '04 sedan.. Really great. Like having an afterburner on hand to use as necessary. Can't imagine the day that I would need a RC2 or 3!!

(The RC1 has caused no red flags to go up when at the dealer for recalls.)

Well, I wish I had better news - but it looks like I might be the only PD on the rollers tomorrow..

that being said though, let's hope a PD with RC2 whoops the VE's with RC3

I'm sure at some point we'll all be posting our dyno sheets.. Look for it in a few days in the Eastern forum somewhere

If I remember, I'll ask Jeff what the differences are between 1+ and 2 since a couple of you were asking.

-mike

For whatever reason, Jeff only does the RC 1+ on stock, DSG equipped cars. This tune is reported to give approximately a 15 HP increase with the torque increase of the RC2 tune.

yeah, I've heard that as well - RC2 on a PD pushes the limits of the DSG, so he's understandably hesitant to install that software.

can't say i blame him - i wouldn't want to be in any way accountable or even associated with one of those going up in smoke..

i've had RC2 in my mk4 PD manual tranny for just about 20k miles with no clutch slippage or issues. i love it. but that being said, many have had clutch slip issues even without tuning... when people have clutch slippage issues i don't know whether it's how the person has driven it, or if there really is such a wide range of clutch quality...

exactly.. i haven't had one bit of slip since i got chipped, and that was a year ago tomorrow... granted, i do take a little extra care not to abuse it especially at low rpm..

mdcclxxvi said:

Well what if you have an tiptronic and want RC2?

Click to expand...

For the last year or so I've run the RC1+ withought a problem. They say the Tip can handle at least 250ftlbs. I'll probably do the RC2+ upgrade in December.

i think it is specifically the DSG that is limited to 250 ft-lbs... not the regular auto-tip tranny... tiptronic mode is availabe in both the standard auto tranny and the dsg tranny...

1776, if I had a boost valve on my PD, I would take a picture of it.

If I had problems with or without it, I would tell you.

Maybe no one has had problems with or without the Boost valve and that's why you aren't getting the information you asked for.

Or maybe I'm just cranky since Customs won't release the repair partsfor my off road only Beetle.

unfortunately I can't give you a before and after boostvalve comparison because i got chipped and installed the valve simultaneously. that being said, the boostvalve should only be a safety mechanism anyway... at full throttle RC2 on my car pushes about 21 psi. i have the valve set at 22-23. it shouldn't have an effect on your tuning but it should help get rid of the boost spikes when you initially jump on the throttle.

other than that, not sure what info you're looking for.. feel free to pick my brain if there's something else you need to know.

BlueCTTDi said:

Well, I wish I had better news - but it looks like I might be the only PD on the rollers tomorrow..

that being said though, let's hope a PD with RC2 whoops the VE's with RC3

I'm sure at some point we'll all be posting our dyno sheets.. Look for it in a few days in the Eastern forum somewhere

If I remember, I'll ask Jeff what the differences are between 1+ and 2 since a couple of you were asking.

-mike

Click to expand...

for those interested:

well, northeast DD5 came and went - for reference, IndigoBlueWagon and myself have the two PD's that dyno'ed. IBW's is an 06 Jetta (BRM engine - newer PD) with Stage 1+, I have an 04 Golf (BEW engine - original PD) with Stage 2..

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=150942

obviously, the pertinent info and dyno runs will be on the last few pages..

eyetdiman said:

I have an RC1 on my '04 sedan.. Really great. Like having an afterburner on hand to use as necessary. Can't imagine the day that I would need a RC2 or 3!!

(The RC1 has caused no red flags to go up when at the dealer for recalls.)

Click to expand...

Its a nice upgrade. I had a in-tank fuel pump replaced under warranty and when I came to pick up my car, the service advisor said, "That's the fastest TDI we've had in here. What did you do to it?"

--Nate