Haldexed my R36

[Lance B]

I just thought I would let you all know that I put a Haldex uprade into my R36. I also added the remote control adjustment, as without it, it sets itself to "Stock" mode which is the same as what standard Haldex is in the R36. The remote can control the Haldex to run in 3 modes, Eco, Stock and Race.

"Eco" mode was developed for fuel efficiency purposes and increased durability of driveline parts. This reduces torque to the rear wheels and would be used on expressways where 4 Wheel Drive is not a high priority. It will still engage the AWD system when slip is detected.

"Stock" mode is the same torque transfer characteristics as that of the orignal or standard R36 Haldex. It is probably like the "Sport" mode in the Haldex I had on my previous 3.2lt Passat. So, I am suggesting that the standard R36's Haldex controller is set to a more sporty mode or the actual "Sport" characteristics of my previous Haldex which I had on my previous 3.2lt V6 Passat. I would say that most day to day driving would be set to "Stock" mode as this is what the R36 uses originally.

"Race" mode will increase close to maximum torque transfer to the rear axle during accelerations and active driving. It also reacts faster to driver's intentions and locks up for more torque before actual torque is available from the engine. I assume that it knows this from the throttle position and then sets the Haldex to apply the torque to the rear as torque comes on line from the motor.

Actual driving impressions. You can certainly feel the torque coming from the rear when in Race mode. Near my home, there is a reasonably large off camber roundabout that I have to almost go all the way round in order to exit to my suburb. In Race, the R36 gets a nice drift going where I could not do this very successfully with the standard Haldex as it always felt a bit twitchy around this roundabout and I could never really get a smooth drift. Possibly my lack of expertice rather than a criticism of the standard Haldex setting/system. In "Race" mode, the feeling is a lot more secure and may be more idiot proof (me?) which is more akin to my previous Subaru 3.0lt that I had, which is also quite idiot proof, where I could 4 wheel drift it very nicely around this same roundabout. You certainly feel that the car is alot less understeery and feels less nose heavy when applying the throttle around a curve or corner.

If there was one thing the Suby probably did better in most situations than the R36, is handle when pushed. Not that I pushed it to the limit very much, but it did seem a little better balanced overall and as I said above, less idiot proof. So far, with only a few days driving, the Haldex goes a long way to addressing this slight flaw when in Race mode.

Overall, the Haldex is a costly upgrade, but it is worth it if you have the money (like anything, I guess) and want/require better handling. It is a more balanced feel when in Race mode depending on how quick you are trying to go. The fact that you can adjust it on the fly is a bonus. Feel like a lazy drive down the highway? set it to "Eco" and save some money and wear and tear. Just want to drive the R36 like normal? set it to "Stock". Feel like a spirited drive and show those Subies, and other handling wanna-be's, who's boss? set it to "Race".

For those interested, Haldex info here:

http://www.goapr.com.au/products/haldex.html

[RThirtySixer]

Sounds superb Lance.

Any chance of a photo of the controller? Did you manage to get it to look neat or at least out of the way/

out of interest was it the Generation 2 system and was it the Wireless or Non-Wireless remote?

ps. got the same car as you but just without the auto tailgate - and love it

[Swallowtail]

Noice... want one... but don't have the $... LOL.

[Lance B]

Sounds superb Lance.

Any chance of a photo of the controller? Did you manage to get it to look neat or at least out of the way/

No, I didn't install it and so I didn't get any photos. It looks exactly the same as the origianal Haldex controller where it sits on the diff, but the contoller for the remote needs a cable that runs into the cabin where the spare wheel sits and then connects to the remote control signal box. You cannot tell that it is any different to the original.

out of interest was it the Generation 2 system and was it the Wireless or Non-Wireless remote?

The R36 requires the gen 4 controller (as the gen 2 version will not fit) which can utilise the remote control. My previous 3.2lt V6 Passat required the gen 2 version and needs a cable run up to the cabin and uses a 3 position switch. I didn't have the cable installed on my previous Passat and just had it set to the "Sport" mode, which is like the R36's standard mode.

ps. got the same car as you but just without the auto tailgate - and love it

Yes, it's a gem of a car!

[vanDub]

Near my home, ....exit to my suburb. In Race, the R36 gets a nice drift going ..... may be more idiot proof (me?)

WTF!!! Drifting around a suburban roundabout Nothing in a car will prevent that sort of idiot behaviour except removing the 'nut' holding the steering wheel for a lengthy period of time.

[G-rig]

but the contoller for the remote needs a cable that runs into the cabin where the spare wheel sits and then connects to the remote control signal box. You cannot tell that it is any different to the original.

Gen4 is better anyway obviously. Not sure if it's simialr to the Gen2 controller but you can install it in the boot doesn't have to be in the cabin (although that's handy not that you should change it while you're moving?).

Nice upgrade. Does the R36 oversteer much in the stock mode? I find Sports mode great in the R32 but haven't tried race mode or the controller.

Edit: Doesn't the R36 come stock with Gen4 from the factory?

[Lance B]

WTF!!! Drifting around a suburban roundabout Nothing in a car will prevent that sort of idiot behaviour except removing the 'nut' holding the steering wheel for a lengthy period of time.

I only do it when there are plenty of other cars around and people walking nearby. Adds to the excitement. [

[Lance B]

Gen4 is better anyway obviously. Not sure if it's simialr to the Gen2 controller but you can install it in the boot doesn't have to be in the cabin (although that's handy not that you should change it while you're moving?).

Nice upgrade. Does the R36 oversteer much in the stock mode?

Stock mode is like the original mode for the R36, so in that mode it understeers a little. Put it in Race and it is a different beast.

I find Sports mode great in the R32 but haven't tried race mode or the controller.

Sport mode on the Gen 2 is like the stock mode on the R36.

Edit: Doesn't the R36 come stock with Gen4 from the factory?

It might be Gen 4, I do not know, but it is set to the equivalent of "Stock" mode in the aftermarket Haldex Gen 4.

[Cro]

Fantastic work!

I'd love to see it in action, but it can wait as it's probably something I'll do when the car is out of warranty

[ArnzR36]

Does anyone know how much power goes to the rear in sport mode? is it 50/50? Cheers