Drove One and Now I want One

[mario]

I was in Germany for Business last week and Avis was nice enough to give me a Black TDI Golf. 1.9TDI 110HP, six speed.

One word describes it - WOW

Now I want one and I am willing to trade my 2000 Toyota 4 Runner for one.

I had that TDI up to 210kmh - approx 126mph - it hauled ass and the torque is amazing.

Get this - Had three adults in the car (myself included), three standard sized suitcases, filled with a weeks worth of clothes. This car motored up a steep hill on torque alone.

I want one but I like the one that I drove. Im afraid that the US spec with the 90hp will not perform as the euro 110hp and I will be disappointed.

How does chipping the car help the motor?

Any info is appreciated.

TIA

Mario

 

[GotDiesel?]

Chipping increases the US 1.9 liter TDI's HP and torque by roughly 25%. They are fine little engines stock, but a chip gives a lot of extra bang for only ~300 bucks.

You're on your own as far the 6th gear goes

You'll find many happy owners of chipped cars in these forums. Search for 'chip' or 'upsolute' using the search link at the top of the page.

 

[mario]

Wow, thanks for the great info. I was incorrect in saying that the motor in the euro golf that I drove was a 110hp model, it was actually a 115hp model. Before I left Germany I got a hold of a euro golf sales brochure, which I refered to last night.

Wish the brochures here were like that, not to mention all the cool equipment the americans typically do not get.

At any rate, I dont even have the car yet, and Im 99% sure that I will get it in the next week or two. Dealer is checking availability despite having a black/grey luxo package in stock.

No car yet and Im already planning mods, but I have to control myself and what I do as I have a heavily modified (for the track) 97 Z3 1.9. - check it out at www.altechcorp.com/Z3

At any rate, the chip and air intake are a must do. Wheels - probably will stick with stock. Suspension - shocks, struts anti-roll bars definately.

Whats the word on the VW sport/lowering springs?

TIA

Mario

 

[mickey]

The car you drove has 110hp. The torque is around 180 or something like that.

An Upsolute chip will give your U.S. spec TDI somewhere between 115 and 120 hp, and nearly 200 lb-ft of torque. Not sure about the current pricing, but it's well under $400 I believe.

It would also be wise to install a freer-breathing intake system at the same time. You'll get a couple extra HP and the turbo will be happier. That'll run you around $150 or so for a Piper Cross cone-type intake. (Highly recommended!)

At this point you'll have a more powerful car than the European 110hp. If you want MORE power, it's easily available but the price tag begins to increase:

You can install the injectors from the 110hp engine. You're looking at anywhere from $400 for used ones (IF you can find any) to nearly $700 U.S. for new ones. They need to be shipped from Germany. These monsters, in addition to the mods described above, will raise your HP to 140 or so. If you do this...

...Assume your clutch will start to slip. About $300 will buy you a reconditioned G60 flywheel and a Sachs VR6 clutch kit. You'll either need to DIY or pay for labor.

Still not satisfied? OK. $300 will pay for a larger compressor wheel for your turbo, plus the machining needed to make it fit. God only knows what this would do to your power output, but if you do this mod you must also...

...Install a bigger intercooler, or a second IC to supplement the stock one. Count on at least $600 for all the parts, plus more if you need a mechanic to install it all.

Want to keep all the power on the ground? $800 will buy you a Peloquin Planetary Torsional Differential. Installation will be VERY pricey because the transmission must be removed and dismantled. DIY is possible if you've got the time and the tools.

So now you're way up there in power. (160? 180? Who knows.) Suddenly your decent-handling suspension feels like mush under the onslaught of insanity. A Shine Racing suspension kit with Bilstein shocks is about a grand, plus installation.

And so on....

Bottom line: If you like the 110 horse engine you can do even better for under $500. That's actually a smaller premium than they charge for the 110 hp engine in Europe, compared to the base engine. No other mods required as long as you stop at this point. (But you won't. Trust me!)

-mickey

 

[DeafBug]

mickey,

You're so funny! You forgot one more thing "Kiss your warranty good-bye!"

Also you make it sound like you are doing this on Evil Beetle.

God, only if I win the Powerball...

[ May 01, 2001: Message edited by: DeafBug ]