SuperChips ECU Upgrade for R36

[Timlin]

Hi all

Does anyone have any direct experience with the SuperChip Upgrade for the R36?

I have mixed reports ranging from: "their is no ECU upgrade available for the R36", to, "don't do it it'll corrupt the ECU and VW will see it at the next service and the sky will fall in...", to, "yes the upgrade exists, and it'll give about 10-15kw and VW will not be able to detect the upgrade at all..."

Hence my confusion!

Its around $600.00 and I'd like to have someone else's direct experience with the upgrade to the R36 to see if its good/bad/not worth it.

Clearly many members have had their Golf's upgraded with the SuperChip products and I've read nothing but good reviews, so I'd be keen to understand more!


Rgd's



Andrew

[booba]

don't bother, NA will hardly benefit.. turbo golf is different, much more gains on forced induction. I have golf gti with superchips and it is amazing and how the car should be delivered.

[Lucas_R]

My experience with Superchips wasn't so great, yes the car did increase in power and torque output, but the tune was running very rich (far too rich) and the car was guzzling fuel. I got in touch with them and we tried several different (revised) tune files, none of them made much of a difference. So i sold it and went with DNA Tuning - that sorted it

DNA also have a tune for the R36 - if you have a look here: DNA Tuning Introductory Special for Passat R36 and the extra cash outlay over the Superchips tune is worth it.

The R36 engine is already pretty highly strung as a standard setup, so the gains from a tune aren't going to be as great as a turbocharged car, but with the R36 and R32 engines, the benefits are more so increased throttle response (reduced lag) and a smoother powerband.

[Timlin]

Lucas

I see, well thats sure an eye-opening story! I've written to DNA to find out more about their products and if they can help me as I'm in Sydney.

The PowerChips guy certainly talks their product up quite a bit, evidently they worked very closely with VW Racing in the UK and subsequently have a vast understanding of the VW engines/ECU's. But I sure don't want my car to use more fuel, or to run too rich either. The consumption is high enough as it is!

Nothing is easy is it!

Thanks for the tip!


Rgd's



Andrew

My experience with Superchips wasn't so great, yes the car did increase in power and torque output, but the tune was running very rich (far too rich) and the car was guzzling fuel. I got in touch with them and we tried several different (revised) tune files, none of them made much of a difference. So i sold it and went with DNA Tuning - that sorted it

DNA also have a tune for the R36 - if you have a look here: DNA Tuning Introductory Special for Passat R36 and the extra cash outlay over the Superchips tune is worth it.

The R36 engine is already pretty highly strung as a standard setup, so the gains from a tune aren't going to be as great as a turbocharged car, but with the R36 and R32 engines, the benefits are more so increased throttle response (reduced lag) and a smoother powerband.

[Spaceman]

Nothing easy for NA engines such as the R36 when chasing power. Can be done but big coin required unfortunately. A tune won't do it.

[Timlin]

Spaceman

So I'm beginning to understand!

What would you recommend as a mild improvement, say 20kw or so? I have a CAI from BWA, that's made a marginal improvement, so I guess the exhaust is the next obvious move?

Does the R36 have headers/extractors as standard? Or is there some aftermarket parts for this?

Rgds


Andrew

[Greg Roles]

A proven set of 3-2-1 headers would have to be my best guess, but boy they won't come cheap. I've also no idea how good the factory ones already are either.

[Guy_H]

The headers can free up some horsepower, but unfortunately it's difficult to do equal length, true scavenging systems (and you need to do O2 sensor relocation as the ECU picks up a change in firing order).

We have seen a lot of attempts at software on these things. If you are going to do software - get a 100% money back guarantee and do before & after dyno's. That's my best advice!

[Timlin]

Guy/Greg

Thanks for the tips! What is, in your opinions, the existing R36 exhaust manifold to system setup like? I mean, it must be on the OK side surely, VW are a very clever bunch of engineers and to extract the 220kw from this size engine already must take some smarts. The exhaust system is on obvious place to look at, but if the OEM manifold system is pretty good anyways, then there's little to gain here...

Its probably a mixed perception, but since I installed the CAI, it "feels" quicker, but the sound of the CAI can be very misleading too, so whilst thats a n easy and cheap upgrade, a 6-2-1 header system sounds like an expensive exercise, and if theres little to be gained it sounds like a waste of money...

Maybe I should save up for the SuperCharger option!


AT

[WazR36]

i know supersprint makes headers but a) they're not cheap, and b) must be installed with their system (won't mate to the standard exhaust).
as i said in my PM, i opted for the throttle amplifier device (sprint booster) as it was cheaper, removable, and emulates the increased throttle response you get from a tune but has no ill effects. its also switchable in-cabin. trust me its better than you think.