My S-cross 1.6 gets a stage 2 remap & downpipe: Initial impressions

The turbo spools in around ~1300 RPM and by 1500 RPM is strong with no lugging whatsoever compared to the earlier ~1800 RPM.

BHPian sudeepg recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I had been a bit busy at work and could not update this ownership thread with the updates and services recently done to the car.

Current ODO Reading: 81,600 Kms

Here's what's been done

• Timing Belt replaced
• Water Pump replaced
• Regular Service (Oil, Oil Filter and Air Filter Change)

all @ Engineering Exponents

Results

I switched to 77 Holland engine oil and the results are very good. The engine runs even more smoothly and is silent. I have done 2,000 Kms and the car is silent and smooth at idle or on the run even now. I am loving this new engine oil and so does my close friend who also owns an S-Cross 1.6 using this engine oil.

Jayant had sourced the timing belt kit and the water pump for me. I was not present at the worksite due to work commitments and had therefore left the car with them. So, unfortunately, no pictures of work in progress

Update 2

I had been toying with the idea of a custom downpipe and discussing it with Jayant. After several weeks of discussion, he finally asked to bring the car over for them to install a bespoke downpipe. I left the car with them for two days while they went about building the downpipe and installing it. The ECU tune has also been updated making it a stage 2.

The material used: SS304 Steel with Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

Here are my post-installation observations

1. Excellent low end. The turbo spools in around ~1300 RPM and by 1500 RPM is strong with no lugging whatsoever compared to the earlier ~1800 RPM. This helps in moving around the city in 3rd or 4th gear effortlessly.
2. The RPM climb is quicker. This means the car hits the power zone and exits its peak power band much more quicker. This required me to adapt my driving to the changes since I now need to upshift gears sooner. The power delivery is also a bit more linear. Earlier, there was a stronger pull I could experience at ~2000 RPM, which has flattened out. I have driven around 120 KMS post this change (For some ECU adaptation) and certainly love this change. Overall a faster car!
3. No smoking.
4. These three, I feel are the highlights of this modification.
5. A slight turbo whistle can be heard for a few seconds (with windows down) when the car is moving at low RPM, and it subsides.

NOTE: This change is completely reversible.

With these changes, I have concluded with the performance modifications for this car. I do not plan to install performance air intakes or any other hardware upgrades.

Credits

Engineering Exponents

I love these guys, they are great with their tools and timing. Usually, I am able to hang around the workshop and see the work being done while chatting with the mechanics. Jayant explained how they go about changing timing belts on the S-Cross, which unfortunately I have forgotten due to the time gap now. There are markers and locking points that they use when replacing the belts. They are very efficient with their tools and processes and also carry the service manual. The work was done in under a day. Also, they have done this on several S-Cross 1.6s, so they are pretty familiar with the process.

I feel the design of the downpipe is pretty good. It is simple and straightforward with minimal bends. The downpipe attachments at the turbo exit are firm fit at both ends. A casual observer cannot spot the modification.

What I also like about EE now is that I am able to provide them with feedback and they are most willing to look at any issues or concerns, address my queries and advise.

Also thank you Surya and Kiran, who usually work on my car.

Wolf Team

Without the great ECU maps to complement the upgrades, it would not be worth it. Thank you Rajiv. You guys are not only super talented but also one of the most humble & committed human beings I have interacted with.

Disclaimer

Please note, these are my personal observations as a result of servicing my car a few times now with EE and using Wolf ECU tunes. I am not in anyway associated with their business.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.