Discussion
Hi all,
Was in the market for an S3 not too long ago but a change in financial circumstances meant that had to be put on the backburner. Came across a 2009 1.8t for a good price and went for it. Nowhere near the same as an S3 I know but it's nicely spec'd with the black edition trim and has xenons, sat nav etc.
We have an A3 1.4t in the family and the 1.8 is noticeably quicker. I intend on remapping as soon as possible however. Stock is 160hp/250Nm and most remappers can achieve ~210hp/330Nm (stage 1).
Does anybody have experience with these engines? Anything to upgrade prior to the map as a precaution? Heard of the usual timing chain problems but the cars been well looked after just hoping i'm not unlucky.
Was in the market for an S3 not too long ago but a change in financial circumstances meant that had to be put on the backburner. Came across a 2009 1.8t for a good price and went for it. Nowhere near the same as an S3 I know but it's nicely spec'd with the black edition trim and has xenons, sat nav etc.
We have an A3 1.4t in the family and the 1.8 is noticeably quicker. I intend on remapping as soon as possible however. Stock is 160hp/250Nm and most remappers can achieve ~210hp/330Nm (stage 1).
Does anybody have experience with these engines? Anything to upgrade prior to the map as a precaution? Heard of the usual timing chain problems but the cars been well looked after just hoping i'm not unlucky.
As was said - have the car in good fettle before you map it, and make sure the clutch is in good condition as you'll be increasing the torque by quite a lot over stock.
I have the same engine in a Leon FR and it does need a bit more kick. I went against all sense and principles and bought a DTUK tuning box for mine as I wanted a bolt-on/bolt-off mod (I have always used proper remaps before) and I can only report good things with it. Gives the car the extra it needs - just enough, although I'd always want more having had a 2014 Golf R prior. Sure, a remap may be more precise and a little better, but the tuning box was good enough for what I wanted from it. I did a detailed and honest review here
The Leon was a stop gap after the Golf went back when the lease ended and there weren't any good deals for anything I truly wanted. Now though, we have an S3 due within the next couple of weeks or so - Sportback Black Edition with Tech pack in white.
I've returned the Leon to stock, just serviced and MOT'd it and starting to ready it to sell. Not sure if to sell the DTUK or have the code for the S3 applied to it for that when it arrives as I can't really remap a leased car.
I have the same engine in a Leon FR and it does need a bit more kick. I went against all sense and principles and bought a DTUK tuning box for mine as I wanted a bolt-on/bolt-off mod (I have always used proper remaps before) and I can only report good things with it. Gives the car the extra it needs - just enough, although I'd always want more having had a 2014 Golf R prior. Sure, a remap may be more precise and a little better, but the tuning box was good enough for what I wanted from it. I did a detailed and honest review here
The Leon was a stop gap after the Golf went back when the lease ended and there weren't any good deals for anything I truly wanted. Now though, we have an S3 due within the next couple of weeks or so - Sportback Black Edition with Tech pack in white.
I've returned the Leon to stock, just serviced and MOT'd it and starting to ready it to sell. Not sure if to sell the DTUK or have the code for the S3 applied to it for that when it arrives as I can't really remap a leased car.
Had the map done and it's quite a difference. Not had it dyno'd yet but the car pulls much stronger. Large increase in torque means i'm gonna need better tyres! Performance wise I haven't got any figures but I'd say it's a touch quicker than a Mk5 GTI. If anyone's considering it I very much so recommend the remap.
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