performance questions

lhorn · #1 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 02:11 AM

New guy here with some questions. Just got a 99 passat a couple of weeks ago. 1.8t. Had a baby so I had to swap out the mustang for something more roomy. Anyway. Curious to know what this engine can do and handle. Not interested in breaking any speed barriers, just a few extra RELIABLE horses wouldn't hurt. I know that first steps are always exhaust and intake with any car and I have already looked into a few options. I have seen boost controllers but I am weary about turning up the boost after seeing how small the turbo is. So I was wondering if anyone can tell me how much boost is produced at factory settings and how much is safe to increase and still maintain reliability. Also how much hp is common for these engines to handle. I think I saw that stock is about 150. Thanks for the help guys.

TTTurbo1.8T · #2 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 10:15 AM

First and foremost before you waste 600 bucks on intake and exhaust (depending on what you buy that can easily turn into 1600 bucks) buy an ECU upgrade from APR or GIAC (APR - High Performance Development for Audi, VW and Porsche Vehicles. or GIAC - Automotive Performance Software Tuning) and buy an upgraded diverter valve. Save the money from the intake and put a K&N panel filter in your stock air box and cut apart the lower portion to let in more air. For the same 600 bucks you'll have about 30 more horsepower and about 60 ft lb. of torque more.

lhorn · #3 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 10:27 AM

thanks for the info. now as far as the air box modification goes, are you talking about cutting the entire bottom off or just a good sized opening? And also what is the weakness of the stock diverter valve? Not being argumentative, just curious as to how the engine will benefit from an upgraded valve without messing with boost levels. Thanks again.

Ninja Please · #4 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTTurbo1.8T

First and foremost before you waste 600 bucks on intake and exhaust (depending on what you buy that can easily turn into 1600 bucks) buy an ECU upgrade from APR or GIAC (APR - High Performance Development for Audi, VW and Porsche Vehicles. or GIAC - Automotive Performance Software Tuning) and buy an upgraded diverter valve. Save the money from the intake and put a K&N panel filter in your stock air box and cut apart the lower portion to let in more air. For the same 600 bucks you'll have about 30 more horsepower and about 60 ft lb. of torque more.

Thats good stuff.

TTTurbo1.8T · #5 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lhorn

thanks for the info. now as far as the air box modification goes, are you talking about cutting the entire bottom off or just a good sized opening? And also what is the weakness of the stock diverter valve? Not being argumentative, just curious as to how the engine will benefit from an upgraded valve without messing with boost levels. Thanks again.

Aftermarket DV's are all metal and use a metal diaphragm that is less susceptible at failing at high boost levels. The forge DV also allows you to adjust the piston recoil and strength by removing and changing out the springs and adding diaphragm spacers to hold more boost through shifts. The stock DV will fail sometimes when pushed in excess of about 11 PSI and can cause compressor surge, which is really bad for a turbo.

The intake, just cut the bottom half off but lead the piping that comes in from behind the headlight because that'll help pull in some colder air although it's not too important seeing as how you have an intercooler on the car. This is your cheap intake

Just remember to spray the MAF sensor down with MAF cleaner at every oil change to avoid the chance of your MAF sensor taking a shit from the oil based filter.

lhorn · #6 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 04:18 PM

awesome. thanks a ton!!!

lhorn · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 04:33 PM

one more question. Just looked at the APR site and read about the chip and they are claiming 50hp. That is great but my question is that with a used car with 127,000 miles on it, is it ok to do all of these things?

TTTurbo1.8T · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 05:51 PM

I would do all the recommended maintenance on the car first and make sure that the oil changes were all done at proper intervals with synthetic oil before you perform the chip. I've seen people with more miles chip their cars and it actually makes it run better.

lhorn · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 07:31 PM

oil changes and everything is good. 90,000 maintenance was done and the engine is quiet and tight. So I guess I'll give it a go after Christmas. Thanks for the help.