Hello everyone. I have a 2009 Jetta TDI DSG and I really enjoy it. It has decent power but I want a bit more. Sometimes the car feels punchy (2nd gear downshifts) other times it feels sluggish (3rd and 4th gear downshifts). I was looking to get a tune for the car hoping it would make it a little quicker, hoping it feels more like a GLI in terms of response and acceleration. People who have tuned the car and maybe put some miles on it, have you found it to be worthwhile? Has the car been reliable? Maybe its an odd request but if there is anyone in the San Diego area who would let me check out their car so I can see a tuned car firsthand that would be much appreciated.
Is tuning 2.0CR TDI worthwhile?
- Thread starter sdvw
- Start date
Face76
Veteran Member
Malone Stage 2 here, there's a large difference in acceleration compared to stock, I wish I would have done it sooner.
Sweet! Thanks dude. I will give them a call.
That's all I needed to hear. Thanks. Any issues of reliability?
sootchucker
Veteran Member
had stage 2 for a long time. you will love it. fear not about reliability.
pkhoury
That guy with the goats
I put a Stage 3.5 on my CR (after changing registration from CA to TX) and no CELs or problems whatsoever. Can't speak for the Stage 2 keeping the DPF. Had a Neuspeed Stage 1 previously, and although it's equivalent to Malone's Stage 0.5, there was a VERY noticeable difference over stock, although with the DSG, I did notice some clutch slip from time to time (usually 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th).
xjay1337
Veteran Member
In short, yes.
I hope to be close to 300bhp soon!
I hope to be close to 300bhp soon!
flee
Veteran Member
sdvw, also consider Malone's DSG tune. I did this on my 2012 and it perks up the
DSG shifts and increases the torque it can handle (apparently, though my TDI's stock).
DSG shifts and increases the torque it can handle (apparently, though my TDI's stock).
You'll find a lot of people on here with Malone tunes and I doubt any of them will tell you it wasn't worthwhile. Plenty of Kerma's customers here as well with good things to say about his tunes. Both companies offer tunes that require no hardware modifications.
"Best" is going to be hard to get to (and might start a pissing match), are you referring to hp, torque, mpg, etc. Also, I don't think anyone's put the same car through both tunes under similar conditions to really compare them.
If I were in your shoes I'd go with whoever's got a dealer closer to you so you have someone local to work with, unless you plan on getting a OBD device to flash with.
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kooyajerms
grocery getter
- Joined
- May 5, 2004
- Location
- Pomona, Southern California
- TDI
- 97 B4V (mine), 11 x5 35d (hers) 04 V10 (that one you want), 2014 Q7 (mom's) 74 Shasta 1400
Support those that are part of the tdiclub community. Find any posts from APR or REVO? Nope.
gloaming
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2012
- Location
- Port Fishington, Philadelphia
- TDI
- 2010 Golf 6MT CR170 (Sold); 2004 R32 (not a TDI)
I say this as a Malone customer. If you are keeping your stock emissions equipment, Kerma may be the best tune for you. Their figures are quite impressive for having the DPF and stock turbo in place. If you weren't a cali resident I might advise otherwise.
Face76
Veteran Member
Malone is fine if you are keeping your stock emission equipment as well.
As for APR, I've been told by a respectable tuner that their TDI DSG tune isn't ready for prime time yet.
As for APR, I've been told by a respectable tuner that their TDI DSG tune isn't ready for prime time yet.
Rob_MacCara
Veteran Member
I'm not sure which prime time that tuner is referring to. I've got a Malone Stage 2 and APR DSG tune. Very happy with the setup - no complaints what so ever with either tune.
kooyajerms
grocery getter
- Joined
- May 5, 2004
- Location
- Pomona, Southern California
- TDI
- 97 B4V (mine), 11 x5 35d (hers) 04 V10 (that one you want), 2014 Q7 (mom's) 74 Shasta 1400
Considering you have the Malone tune, why did you end up with the APR DSG tune instead of Malone's ?
xjay1337
Veteran Member
Doesn't mean Revo or APR are bad.. my Dad has a Revo map on his CR170 and it's very good.
Rob_MacCara
Veteran Member
The dealer I had it done at represents several tuners. I chose APR for the DSG, and Malone for the engine. I think it's a nice combination for my driving style.
Cleenlivin
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2008
- Location
- So Cal
- TDI
- 2009 Jetta TDI Sedan (DSG) boughtback, 2004 Jetta TDI Sedan (Tiptronic), 2004 Jetta TDI Sedan (5 speed)
09' Sedan...Well Wort It.
I went with a 1.5 and DSG tune through Andrew at FixMy VW. The lag from a stop is entirely gone and the lurchy shift changes went away. If I punch the go pedal, the car will definitely get up and go. I haven't upgraded the shocks , suspension or brakes and feel that's the week point in terms of handling now. Definitely recommended.
I wish they had the Flashzilla V3 option when I did it though. So much easier to swap engine tunes yourself.
I went with a 1.5 and DSG tune through Andrew at FixMy VW. The lag from a stop is entirely gone and the lurchy shift changes went away. If I punch the go pedal, the car will definitely get up and go. I haven't upgraded the shocks , suspension or brakes and feel that's the week point in terms of handling now. Definitely recommended.
I wish they had the Flashzilla V3 option when I did it though. So much easier to swap engine tunes yourself.
mrchill
TDIClub Enthusiast, Super Secret Diesel Ninja Vend
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2003
- TDI
- 96 B4v red \ 98 Mk3 green\98 Mk3 Jetta black\ 99 Mk4 Jetta green x2\ 99 Mk4 Golf silver x2\ 99 Mk4 Jetta black\ 97 B4 sedan green\04 JSW gold\03 JSW silver
The stock cr cars are already great..but they do benefit from a tune. Mine are both tuned. Noticeable difference.....soon to be tuned.......more.
andydg
Veteran Member
Had the APR first, went for Malone stage 2
Several years ago I went for the APR tune. Ended up getting a refund on the tune when I experienced surging at low speeds. Went for the Malone stage 2 and couldn't be happier. Also have the Malone DSG tune as well, and it alone was worth the upgrade. I've put roughly 60k miles with both tunes and haven't had any issues to date. (I definitely do not baby the wagon, and occasionally smoke the tires when the mood strikes.)
Several years ago I went for the APR tune. Ended up getting a refund on the tune when I experienced surging at low speeds. Went for the Malone stage 2 and couldn't be happier. Also have the Malone DSG tune as well, and it alone was worth the upgrade. I've put roughly 60k miles with both tunes and haven't had any issues to date. (I definitely do not baby the wagon, and occasionally smoke the tires when the mood strikes.)
Cptcrnch
Veteran Member
Going stage 3.5 soon
Just my 2¢ which is mostly what you've already heard - I've been running Malone's stage 2 tune and the dsg software on my 14 and love it. Especially the dsg tune. At normal speeds the car is within normal operating limits but when I drive it more aggressively I never feel like I'm hurting the motor or trans. I like to leave it in sport mode for "spirited" driving as it feels like it shifts a tad smoother then using the paddles. Probably going to be making the jump to the CR170 turbo, dark side intercooler, and CP3 fuel pump this summer with Malone's stage 3.5 software.
Just my 2¢ which is mostly what you've already heard - I've been running Malone's stage 2 tune and the dsg software on my 14 and love it. Especially the dsg tune. At normal speeds the car is within normal operating limits but when I drive it more aggressively I never feel like I'm hurting the motor or trans. I like to leave it in sport mode for "spirited" driving as it feels like it shifts a tad smoother then using the paddles. Probably going to be making the jump to the CR170 turbo, dark side intercooler, and CP3 fuel pump this summer with Malone's stage 3.5 software.
newWorldTDI
Veteran Member
Also impatiently waiting out Dieselgate before . . .
Going to Malone from APR.
APR for my 6M '10 has been nice - a small bump, but leaving me wanting MOAR!!!
Plan A: Dieselgate resolves with us allowed to keep our cars (per state maybe, in NC current law is no diesel emissions testing). I collect whatever incentive cash they offer (or maybe it's keep car, get nothing, who knows) and then go nuts with Malone stage 3, turbo upgrade, deletes, blah.
Plan B: who knows. Only thing I would want my JSW doesn't have is AWD.
Going to Malone from APR.
APR for my 6M '10 has been nice - a small bump, but leaving me wanting MOAR!!!
Plan A: Dieselgate resolves with us allowed to keep our cars (per state maybe, in NC current law is no diesel emissions testing). I collect whatever incentive cash they offer (or maybe it's keep car, get nothing, who knows) and then go nuts with Malone stage 3, turbo upgrade, deletes, blah.
Plan B: who knows. Only thing I would want my JSW doesn't have is AWD.
dbias
Veteran Member
Is there any differences specific in tuning a 2015 ea288?