Rocketchip Stage 1 + Franko6 cam?

[Scott_Greer]

Anyone out there running this combo?

I plan to have Roger Feldt from the TDI Mechanics list replace my timing belt and water pump in the very near future. The cost to replace the cam while doing the WP/TB is negligible so I figured "why not?"
I am mostly looking for a little extra power since I use my car daily for work commute but then haul a trailer with 2 dirtbikes on the weekends. It loses a little speed on inclines. I figure with the power results people here have raved about with the Franko6 cam plus a S1 Rocketchip flash, the ole firl should get some real pep back in her step

So, can anyone speak to whether or not these 2 products "play well" together?

 

[Bob S.]

I am running the combo. The tune, weather from RC, TDT, Malone, etc. is about the best mod you can do to a MKV Don't go for a 1. Move to 1+ or even 2. You wil learn throttle control. Along with a tune, the 5th gear mod is excellent as the engine now has torque & power to work it. No noticeable difference on Frank's cam as measured by the seat of my pants & I have not had the car re-dynoed and do not plan to. But, I did not expect any and did not purchase it for such. Rather, I am hoping for improved longevity. My sense and opinion is that I will probably get improved cam life, but the cam bearings and lifters are a different matter. Enough said on that as I don't want this thread to head down that path. Too many strong opinions.

IMHO, the tune, 5th and cam are no brainers.

 

[dieselpony]

It's a great combo. You'll love it. And don't let my mpg numbers from fully sig scare you - mostly short trip, city driving.

 

[Scott_Greer]

Don't go for a 1. Move to 1+ or even 2.

Straight from the email I received from Rocketchip:

Stage 1 tuning is recommended for best power and dealer stealth. Stage 2 is very nice too but may require a
boost gage, and straight thru exhaust. RC also offers free upgrades/downgrades for firmware changes if necessary.
Jetta/Golf/NB PD TDI: oem = 100hp/177ftlbs (15.5psi max boost)a
Stage 1 (17psi) add'l 15hp/25ftlbs -
(Street Modified - no other mods needed)
Stage 2 (20psi) add'l 35hp/60ftlbs
(Hi Performance - clutch upgrade, intake exhaust, gages, boostvalve)

For the stage 2 did you have to add all of the supporting modifications? I really don't want to spend 1500$ on a cam, WP and TB replacement, then 350$ on a programmed computer only to still have another 3-500$ to spend on supporting mods just because I went with a Stage 2.

What is the 1+ ? Their email did not mention it. Are the supporting mods required for that as well?

 

[dieselpony]

I don't have any additional modifications, boost gauge or otherwise, with my 1+ tune. But I do have VCDS so I can check how much boost creep I'm getting once in a while. It definitely creeps some, but as long as you're not running it on a track, I think you'll be fine.

It definitely feels fast. I think a 1+ would be fine for you.

 

[Bob S.]

Scott; The best thing to do is:
1. Search the subject. This has been discussed many times before. Read, Read, Read.
2. Get your car in proper running order with no CELs or other engine issues.
3. Have a long talk with your self about your goals, wants/needs & what you are willing to invest.
4. Attend a GTG where RC or other good tuner is tuning so that you are able to speak with them in person and let them do their magic. Alternately, find some one near with with a tuned A% that you are able to test drive.

 

[Scott_Greer]

Scott; The best thing to do is:
1. Search the subject. This has been discussed many times before. Read, Read, Read.Sorry, I thought since you were suggesting I go a DIFFERENT route than I originally posted about you might be able to answer my questions.......instead of sending me on a search. Seems simple: "Did you have to do these additional mods? Yes or no?" Then again, I'm just simple minded.
2. Get your car in proper running order with no CELs or other engine issues.Done. Car is in excellent running order.
3. Have a long talk with your self about your goals, wants/needs & what you are willing to invest. Already posted this info. 1500$ is my max.
4. Attend a GTG where RC or other good tuner is tuning so that you are able to speak with them in person and let them do their magic. Alternately, find some one near with with a tuned A% that you are able to test drive.I believe they are in Jersey. I'm in GA. Unlikely occurance of events. Ha

In short, Franko6 and Stage 1 will likely be the route I go......as I originally posted. Rocketchip claims no additional supporting mods to go along with it. The additional 15HP/25TQ increase should be more than enough to accomplish what I am looking for.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[CARTMATT]

I ran franks and rc 1+. Make sure to get the 1+, little extra umph but not quite the rc2. Egr delete was also great 3rd add while having it tuned.

 

[bigstump56]

I'm recently running the frank cam with my stage 2 Malone and love it. I went with Malone when they had their loader on sale and its already paid for itself. I started with the 1.5 and then bumped it up to the stage 2 with egr delete and the dynamic idle to make up for the warm up time from deleting the egr. Everything works great together and so is the power. And getting the vcds to check your boost is good and well worth it as well. Good luck.

 

[bghartm]

I am also running this combo and have had no problems. The extra HP is nice. I was hoping to get slightly better mpg but it was about the same. I guess I need to switch out the 5th gear.

 

[Barnitz]

Stage 2 Frank06 Cam, Stage 2 Malone Tune here with EGR completely tuned out. Awesome Combo.

With a new cam and even a stage 1 tune you MAY want to plan for a clutch upgrade. After I bought my car I replaced the cam with stage 2. With a stock tune and a stage 2 cam I could slip the clutch if I really got on it.

FWIW, I have never slipped the clutch with the mods I have listed in my sig. Everything works great together and I am very happy.

 

[dieselpony]

I second what Barnitz said above -- my stock clutched slipped a couple times pulling in 5th with no tune and with the stage 2 cam. I replaced with a sachs smf kit before I got my tune, and it holds the tune / stage 2 cam well.

 

[MonsterTDI09]

How far can you go with a DSG and franks cam?

 

[Scott_Greer]

How far can you go with a DSG and franks cam?

Speaking with the guys at Rocketchip via email, it seems like 150ish is the limit on the stock injectors and turbo.

 

[Bob S.]

TGrust what Jeff (RC) says.

 

[Spike_africa]

Where do I find info on the Franko6 cam?

 

[Scott_Greer]

Where do I find info on the Franko6 cam?

Email Frank. Or call him. I'll warn ya, he's a talker. But he will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the TDI

 

[Green_Streak]

Speaking with the guys at Rocketchip via email, it seems like 150ish is the limit on the stock injectors and turbo.

That poster seems to have a 2009 and later car which is a whole nother ball game. On the other hand I just picked up my car this weekend from putting in franks cam and doing a stage 1 tune from Malone, put the stage 1.5 tune on but the boost was spiking to 26-28psi which is unacceptable, so put the stage 1 file in the car. Must say the car is great now, got 46 MPG on the way home from picking up the car (back country roads doing 55-65 MPH). There is no way in heck I'm going to complain about 46 MPG from a DSG.

 

[Scott_Greer]

There is no way in heck I'm going to complain about 46 MPG from a DSG.

Definietly nice numbers for a DSG. If I get 42-45 after this deal I'll be happy

 

[bl00tdi]

That poster seems to have a 2009 and later car which is a whole nother ball game. On the other hand I just picked up my car this weekend from putting in franks cam and doing a stage 1 tune from Malone, put the stage 1.5 tune on but the boost was spiking to 26-28psi which is unacceptable, so put the stage 1 file in the car. Must say the car is great now, got 46 MPG on the way home from picking up the car (back country roads doing 55-65 MPH). There is no way in heck I'm going to complain about 46 MPG from a DSG.

That spike could easily be dealt with either adjusting the full-closed VNT stop screw or using the ziptie mod to essentially limit actuator travel. If boost was creeping on the top end that would be another story. There is an excellent write-up over on myturbodiesel.com.

 

[Franko6]

Sorry for being a talker... It's not impolite to cut me off. Just give me the time of day. I can stop.

We have seen injectors for the BRM go much more than 165hp. We suggest you should try your existing injectors before deciding you need more. They will go further than you think.

 

[Franko6]

Most recently, we have had some great improvements for some of the BEW engines that come into our shop. Particularly, we have had issues with 'hard starts'... cold and hot.

Normally, the PD motors are noted for how quickly they start.. One, Two..GO! and they are running.

We had two engines that we did everything we could think of to correct the slow start. In the end, we chose Rocketchip's Stage I tune, with increased fueling at start. First install, the next morning was 13 degrees and the battery was slightly weak. It sluggishly turned over... 1, 2... GO! Amazing...

The second ECU is on it's way and we are looking for great things.

Thanks, Jeff.