Differences in VR6's

[bmarshall]

I am keen on getting a VR6 but dont know much about them. What are the differences between years? I know some are OBD1 and some are 2.
What are the ecu chip tuning differences between years?
What other mods can be done after exhaust?
Thanks.

[kai_h]

It doesn't matter if you get an OBD1 or OBD2 one (or if any Aussie ones were even OBD1? I don't know) but to chip it, you have to do it the old-school way. Desolder the chip in the ECU, solder in a socket and plug in a new physical chip (or get someone to do it for you)

Mods.
#1 - chip
#2 - exhaust
#3 - cams
#4 - Schrick variable geometry intake manifold
#5 - suspension and brakes.
#6 - Quaife or Peloquin torsen diff
#7 - bore it out to 2.9, 3.0 or beyond
#8 - get a G-Lader supercharger off an overseas G60 ^_^

Along the way of the mods, you'll possibly have to do one or more of the following:
Window regulators, coilpack, heater core, abs, thermostat and crack pipe and/or timing chains.

Don't let this put you off though, they're great cars, the engine is built to last and they're a lot of fun. Oh, and they sound fantastic.

[Shortstuff]

I learned that the cars with plastic wheel arch trims are the OBD1 cars. Up to 1995 I think? They also have textured bumper tops instead of painted.

Tuning possibilities look almost endless if you have enough cash and are prepared to wait for parts from Europe!!

[mk1turbo79]

Desolder the chip in the ECU, solder in a socket and plug in a new physical chip (or get someone to do it for you)

Mods.
#1 - chip If you can find a cheap one, most don't make a huge difference
#2 - exhaust Always a good idea, can be done cheap (remove suitcase muffler)
#3 - cams Good, but really need supporting mods (Chip ,exhaust, intake) to take full advantage
#4 - Schrick variable geometry intake manifold Damn expensive if you can find one
#5 - suspension and brakes.
#6 - Quaife or Peloquin torsen diff Absolute must if your chasing more power
#7 - bore it out to 2.9, 3.0 or beyond
#8 - get a G-Lader supercharger off an overseas G60 ^_^ Turbo is a better way to go if you have the funds

Some ECU's already have a socket in them from factory, makes it really easy.

[bmarshall]

Thanks.
Ive done the chip mod in my A4.
Im also used to waiting for orders fron US.

Im looking for something under $3000.

[kai_h]

I learned that the cars with plastic wheel arch trims are the OBD1 cars. Up to 1995 I think? They also have textured bumper tops instead of painted.
Tuning possibilities look almost endless if you have enough cash and are prepared to wait for parts from Europe!!

That makes sense. They're also the ones with the VR6 badge on the sides on the rear passenger doors. Not much difference from what I've read in power or tuning potential.

Mine's a 1996 and is definitely OBD2, so it would be 94 or 95 that they made the switch... I think it's 95 as well, but as mentioned, the best way to tell are the visual changes.

---------- Post added at 11:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ----------

Im looking for something under $3000.

You're looking to get a VR6 for $3k? Forget it. You might find one, but it's going to need a lot more than that put into it to get it in to reliable running condition. Double your budget and you'll get a good specimen.

[rayray086]

Yeah, there's a couple of cosmetic differences and very few mechanical ones. Off the top of my head (in addition to the plastic textured trims) include the side indicators (rectangle vs oval), antenna placement (front left fender vs roof, though I've seen some pre-96 VR6s with antennas on the roof), dash cluster (Mk2-esque fonts vs newer style), front brakes (280mm vs 288mm, different calipers also), lower glovebox (pencil tray vs an actual glovebox haha).

[Mk3 AAA]

where the door catch release in the interior is, the plastic panel that surround that was 2 piece and was later one piece, sums up the differences just little touch ups. The engine had a fair few changes, different oil filter, different throttle body set up, intake boot lost a sensor and more sensors were added around the engine.... I've very little idea of what they all do, just more plugs and wires in OBD 2.

Also, I don't think it's so clear cut in Aus delivered cars, there's a lot of parts bin specials and cross over between the two sub-generations.

[bmarshall]

Did we get the 12V and/or 24V head in Aus? Which years were what?

[VR28LT]

mk3 vr6s only ever came in 12v

the first of Australias 24v vr6s are found in the bora 4mo and r32