Re: ECU Remaps : About Tools, Software & Tuners! After months of contemplation, finally got my Laura TSi remapped along with the requisite hardware upgrade. I had shortlisted APR and REVO for the extensive experience they have with TSi engines. Went ahead with REVO, as APR maps are typically more aggressive than REVO. Wasn't targeting anything beyond 220 wheel hp and REVO plus hardware upgrade was enough to achieve the same.
The suggestion to upgrade the hardware came from the REVO distributor - according to him the upgrades help unleash the full potential of a ECU remap. Also, the REVO stage 2 power gain isn't substantial compared to stage 1 without the hardware enhancement.
The hardware that went into car included -
AUDI red top ignition coils
REVO air intake system
An upgraded intercooler
Downpipe
Borla and Flowmaster mufflers
Sub frame bushes for tighter handling
The car was already running on KW suspension, bigger tyres and EBC pads.
TSIs are one of the most commonly remapped engines and most of the mods are tested and proven. So was expecting things to work perfectly on the very first go. However, had a few hiccups and ended up making multiple visits to the workshop.
The first issue was that the car was not required to be loud. Though Borla had a nice growl, I wanted something that would fly under the radar. The addition of FLOWMASTER and some more tweaks to the exhaust system sorted this out.
The second and the major problem was that the car was not holding the boost. Torn diverter valve is a well known issue in TSi engines and was the culprit in this case too. The old valve was replaced with a new one. But, I still wasn't happy with the performance. So we dynoed the car to realize that even with the new valve, the car was still not holding the boost. The solution was to install a performance diverter like Turbosmart/Forge.
We decided to go for the Turbosmart Kompact Dual port Diverter/Blow Off Valve as its an Electro-mechanical valve that is plug and play in TSIs and was also available with the Mumbai dealer. However, before placing the order, I did some web research on the Turbosmart BOV sound and user reviews. The woosh sound from the BOV, desired by many, was not to my taste. Most importantly, the risk of Dual port BOV causing a rich condition made me hesitant. On engines equipped with a MAF, the ECU is metering/estimating the volume of air being consumed to determine how much fuel to inject to keep the air/fuel ratio near optimum for the load. The BOV opens and lets that metered air escape into the atmosphere. The result is too much fuel and not enough air! Though Turbosmart claims the product is intelligent enough to overcome this issue (balance the amount of air vented out and retained based on way the car is driven), I wasn't keen.
Scanned the Turbosmart product portfolio and came across the PLUMB BACK version. The Plumb Back system recirculates all excess pressure back into the intake system. Seemed to be the perfect solution for enthusiasts not wanting to be noticed (no woosh as no BOV opening to let air out) but wanting the performance and reliability. The product was sourced from Australia and installed. The difference in performance was felt immediately. The car was dynoed again to reconfirm the gains and showed 215 wheel hp.
There is still some more juice to be extracted which right now is caught in the sub-optimal way the exhaust system has been fabricated. The car sounds and looks stock but is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Last edited by greenoval : 22nd October 2019 at 16:54.
Reason: added information
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