2014 Passat SEL
Member
Guys,
First off, thanks to the mods and the many knowledgeable people on this forum for their input.
Earlier this week I purchased a new 2014 Passat SEL TDI. Many firsts here for me:
My first post on this board
My first diesel
My first nondomestic car (I'm 53 years old) even though the car is built just up the road in Chattanooga
My first car with less than 250 hp.....ever!
Love the car so far, especially the fuel mileage. I tend to tinker with my cars to squeak out a few more ponies and/or better fuel mileage and I am wondering what can be done that does not void the warranty, doesn't effect the emissions (I am required to pass), and allows me to see some gains?
1) I noticed that the factory air cleaner intake snorkel is open both to the front and the rear allowing it to ingest hot air from the engine compartment? That seems to me to be counterproductive.
2) I have seen an exhaust system that touts 9 hp/23 ft lbs of torque that eliminates the muffler. How much louder is it?
3) Tuners, what can I expect?
And finally, I was taken aback by how poorly the car handles in turns compared to some of the other cars I've owned (Lincoln MKZ w/ Sport pkg, Cadillac CTS w/ Sport Pkg, Cadillac STSV, etc.). Granted, the Passat wasn't built for handling but I was kind of expecting a little more. In fact the stability control kicked on today while exiting on a long sweeping off ramp. What is available to tighten the car up without sacrificing too much ride?
Sorry for the long post and I promise my future posts won't be as winded.
Scott
First off, thanks to the mods and the many knowledgeable people on this forum for their input.
Earlier this week I purchased a new 2014 Passat SEL TDI. Many firsts here for me:
My first post on this board
My first diesel
My first nondomestic car (I'm 53 years old) even though the car is built just up the road in Chattanooga
My first car with less than 250 hp.....ever!
Love the car so far, especially the fuel mileage. I tend to tinker with my cars to squeak out a few more ponies and/or better fuel mileage and I am wondering what can be done that does not void the warranty, doesn't effect the emissions (I am required to pass), and allows me to see some gains?
1) I noticed that the factory air cleaner intake snorkel is open both to the front and the rear allowing it to ingest hot air from the engine compartment? That seems to me to be counterproductive.
2) I have seen an exhaust system that touts 9 hp/23 ft lbs of torque that eliminates the muffler. How much louder is it?
3) Tuners, what can I expect?
And finally, I was taken aback by how poorly the car handles in turns compared to some of the other cars I've owned (Lincoln MKZ w/ Sport pkg, Cadillac CTS w/ Sport Pkg, Cadillac STSV, etc.). Granted, the Passat wasn't built for handling but I was kind of expecting a little more. In fact the stability control kicked on today while exiting on a long sweeping off ramp. What is available to tighten the car up without sacrificing too much ride?
Sorry for the long post and I promise my future posts won't be as winded.
Scott