Playing with 118 TSI fire

[Mk R]

Hello all!

So after a long stint with a company car I've come into VW forced induction bliss. I came into ownership of a colleagues 6sp manual 2009 118TSI in full knowledge of the perils that lie ahead, mostly because it was dirt cheap and I've witnessed it live happily for 85,000km on its original engine. I also don't drive to work so any down time really doesn't matter too much, normally using it to drive to the gym, surf or fetch a 6 pack.

Since buying it earlier this year I've made a point of being aware of the weaknesses while also having a little fun with it:
- Stage 1 tune (with spark plugs upgraded)
- Sports Springs
- Curb chewed 17 inch VW rims with nice rubber
- New clutch and machined flywheel
- Tint, RCD510... etc

I've left the performance product names out but I am very pleased with the results so far for a car that looks pretty unassuming.

Some observations after the tune:

- First 60 seconds after startup see ~1100RPM with relatively rough idle before settling down to ~6-700
- Deeper exhaust note despite no modifications
- No error codes, rough running, pinging (touch wood) or other concerns
- 3-5000 RPM significantly more torque
- Engine running temp unchanged at 90 at all times

Some questions (having already trawled through the forums extensively):

- When getting the tune, I was advised that the upgrade to the fuel pump wasn't necessary and wouldn't add any performance value (Despite the forum info, especially from Guy H in Brisbane). Should I be considering this as a precautionary measure and will i see any performance change (good or bad) already having had the tune?

- Are there any other reasonable part upgrades I can do along with normal servicing that would improve longevity?

- Having had a 147 GTA with an LSD I'm surprised that LSD upgrades aren't talked about more in VW forums for FWD cars. Why is that?

Anyway, just wanted to say hi and to thank you all for being such an awesome source of info and entertainment

Cheers,

Mark

[Rawcpoppa]

Seeing as it's a 2009 model have you checked it out to see if it got the 24S4 TPI from VW? Read a lot on here about those from back then running too lean from the factory. That's the only thing that comes to mind with respect to longevity of the engine. No DQ200 dsg so you miss out on the fun recalls of that to replace the synthetic oil with mineral oil.

The tune seems to really up the boost of the turbo I've found so the car feels bonkers after the switchover at 3500 rpm. I love it. Especially at night!

How far are you looking to go with power?

Also what uprated spark plugs are you using?

[Mk R]

Hey!

The plugs were the latest recommended by VAG (03C905601B). As far as i know it did have the original map, no drivers side door frame recall sticker was on the car. I spoke with the tuner about the fuel mix and he confirmed it will be running comfortably wetter now. That means whatever damage has been done is done but there has been no symptoms of lean fuel mix related problems to date.

I've always loved the feeling of a clutch so there's no DSG dramas for me.

The boost after 3500 is fantastic, makes it a really fun car and very much transformed 3rd gear. I don't want to get too crazy with the power mods, if there's a real 10kw to gain here and there i'll do it. I feel as though the car is almost complete (for now) but if there was a de cat downpipe off the shelf that doesn't have heat implications i'd consider exhaust options if the bang for buck wasn't too crazy. Might also look at losing a few kg through lighter rims when these tyres are done but ultimately if i'm going to spend much more it'll go towards a GTI/R upgrade in a couple years.

For now I'm really enjoying having a fun ride that's easy on the fuel. I'm still surprised how well the car is noise insulated and how everything in the cockpit just feels refined and comfortable. Stock sound system is impressive and the RCD510 with bluetooth works great, especially with Siri commands.

[Rawcpoppa]

Ok I have the same plugs. Just installed. I also have an APR intake and an S3 intercooler so far. For me with the dsg gear 2 is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. I have also removed the supercharger insulation to get more of its sound into the cabin at full throttle.

I have an RCD 510 but Siri never responds to me. How do you have that set up??

[Mk R]

That sounds like a sweet setup. How did the intercooler upgrade affect torque?

I think the versions of the head unit and bluetooth kit might play a role. I have the iPhone 5s in a charger cradle in front of the gear stick and connected to the Bosch RCD510 through bluetooth (9W7 bluetooth kit). At first when i held the home button down to summon Siri it just brought up the Siri screen but she didn't talk or respond. You can tell it's not working properly when the wavy sound line isn't there. I re started my phone, let it connect to the car and held the home button down until she actually beeps and talks over the stereo speakers. the car stereo seems to take a moment and recognises the Siri interaction as an actual phone call to your own phone. I haven't tried it when music is already on but she'll make calls, play music, open apps like tomtom etc.

[Rawcpoppa]

Intercooler upgrade didn't really affect torque. At least not significantly. I didn't dyno before the intercooler so no figures. Figured it would be low anyway. Dynoed before the remap and plan to go back to confirm gains.

Followed your instructions with Siri and they worked for me. Thanks! She doesn't hear as well when doing this though.