Software upgrade - Projec'A Stage 2 Map for VW Jetta 1.4 TSI

What good is a hardware if there is no software to make full use of it?

As mentioned here, the car have a hardware upgrade done to it. Now since there is a hardware upgrade done, it is imperative that the software be upgraded to make full use of it.

So I turned to my usual tuners, Project'A for the software upgrade portion.
After much discussion with them on my requirements and expectations, we got to work.

For the first step, it involved taking the existing ECU file for a base reading.
But before that, the ECU needs to be taken out from the car.

The placement of the car ECU is as below.

Once the ECU is taken out, the base reading will be done.

This is how the ECU looks like with its covers off. 

With the base readings, the team at Project'A then proceed to work on setting the parameters according to my requirement.

Lets just say they work smart and fast. Overnight, they completed the necessary parameters and the next day, it is ready to be loaded to the car.

Met up with them again and they then proceed to load the new parameters to the ECU.

Once the entire process is completed, we proceed with some adaptability test.

With my butt dyno, I can feel that the car has much more mid range to top end power now and the car accelerate much better then before. The mid range (3k-5k rpm) acceleration was superb. There is no need to go down a gear.

The next step of course is to get the car on a dyno machine to prove what I've felt with my butt.

And wait for it.....

RED is stock.

BLUE is with Project'A.

So the dyno pretty much confirm what I felt with my butt.

The new map has a peak 22HP / 34NM gain over the original map with the bulk of the gain in the mid-range section, the section that will be used most in our daily drive.

The mid-range section (3k to 5k) rpm now is very much better. Personally this is how the car is supposed to be direct from the factory. 

On the original map, I need to downshift a gear or 2 in order to gain some urgency in acceleration. With this new map, most of the time, there is no need to go down a gear to get the same urgency, even on the super long gear 7. All you need to do is to give it slightly more throttle and the car will go.

Apart from the huge improvement in the mid-range portion, the top end also felt livelier. Previously if I am to rev beyond 5.5k rpm, the car don't really pull as it is already at its limit of the power out put.

Now with extra 22HP gain in towards top end, the car is now more eager to go. The top end no longer feel like you are wasting fuel for nothing. 

And lets just say, with the extra 22HP going to the wheels at the top range, the speed that you can reach is quite fascinating. Not super-car territory but more than good enough for a 3-box family sedan.

So like a certain tagline, you gotta "Drive it to believe it".

It's time for the million dollar question, why is the HP/Torque figures "low"? 

Why is it not 195HP or 290NM of torque? Is this tuner not good in tuning?

The answers to all the question above is because this is exactly what I've specified to the tuners. I am not chasing for peak figures. I am going for drivability and they get the job done to my expectation.

If you want peak figures, they are able to get it done for you. I have no doubt about it.

Just bear in mind this, with higher output, the stress on your engine internals is higher too and don't forget about your dear friend, the DSG7 gearbox.

As for me, I am happy with what I have and yes, my 1.4 TSI engine and DSG7 gearbox is still fine, very much alive and kicking, if you all want to know.

P/S - Question about warranty will not be entertained.

PP/S - Fuel consumption question will not be entertained too as FC is in direct relation to how heavy your right foot is.

Some hardware upgrade

The modification bug bite a couple of months ago and there is a pressing need to scratch it.
So scratch it I will.

This modification involved killing the cat.
Yes. Cat.

I killed the cat here.
Of course I've pre-order my downpipe a few weeks before hand.
I highly recommend Jian Hang due to Ah Wa superb workmanship.

This is how the original factory catalytic converter looks like.

How the engine looks like with the factory catalytic converter removed.

I junked this restrictive factory catalytic converter into a custom after-market downpipe.

A comparison of the factory catalytic converter and the aftermarket downpipe.

Now what is the difference after swapping to an aftermarket less restrictive downpipe?

Frankly speaking, you won't feel any difference but this step is required if you are to enjoy the full potential of the software portion.

Hehe.

Stay tuned.

VW Jetta - CBU vs CKD specifications comparison

The VW Jetta in Malaysia has finally began its CKD operations.
The Jetta will be assembled in Pekan, Pahang and will join its Passat, Polo Sedan and Polo Hatchback brethren as one of the locally assembled VW model here in Malaysia.

The CKD operations begun from April 2014 onwards. Any Jetta delivered from May 2014 onwards will most likely be a CKD model.

The CBU (from Mexico) model will no longer be on sale.

So finally my lazy ass brought me to bring you people a more complete spec-to-spec comparison compared to what you have read out there.

Of course I am more complete laaa, I got a CBU model ma..
Ok jokes aside. Lets go through the similarity first.

On the power and transmission front, the 1.4L twincharge engine (160PS, 240NM Supercharger + Turbo Charger) and the 7-speed DSG dry-clutch gearbox is the exact same unit as found in the CBU model.

On the safety front, you still get 6 airbags (Dual Front + Side + Curtains), ABS, EBD, BA, ESP and

ISOfix anchors with top tether on the 2 outer rear seats.


On the convenience front, you still get the same
- fabric seats
- dual zone aircond
- glove compartment cooler
- rear aircond vents
- auto lights & wiper
- auto-cruise
- coming home and leaving home lights
- all round one touch power windows
- electronically foldable side mirrors with heating function
- front and rear fog lights
- auto dimming rear view mirror
- interior front and rear seat map/reading lights
- overhead sunglass storage compartment
- 3 12v power socket (front seat, rear seat, trunk)
- rear hook mounted on B-Pillars

On the chassis front, it maintains the rear multi-link suspension as before. (Thank god !!)

(Multi-link rear suspension yet able to provide 510L of boot space that somehow feels much bigger. Real world usage as below.)

On the outlook and exterior front, it is exactly the same as the CBU model. In-fact, park a CBU and CKD model side by side, you won't be able to tell the difference at all.

So far so good?
Now for the items that is omitted in the CKD models.

No Driver and Passenger vanity mirror lights for the CKD model. (CKD left, CBU right)

No Tyre Pressure Monitoring. (CKD left, CBU right)

No paddle shifters on the steering wheel. (CKD left, CBU right)

Relocation of the aux-in port to the headunit. More on this later. (CKD left, CBU right).

(Ignore the USB port and the ESP off switch on my car.)

So much NO, now time for some yes. Haha.

Fret not, with the CKD model, you do gain something.

You gain the following.

RCD320 with bluetooth support compared to the RCD310 model that comes with the CBU Jetta's.

(Sadly RCD320 do not support OPS function). Don't worry, the CKD Jetta still have 4 front and 4 rear parking sensors.

The Aux-In port is now built into the RCD320 head unit. The SD-Card slot and USB slot is also found on the head unit itself as compared to RCD310 where the USB in is located in the glove compartment.

With the CKD, you have a 6 speakers (Front Tweeters, Front & Rear Door mounted speakers) setup instead of the CBU 8 speakers (Front and Rear Tweeters, Front and Rear Door mounted speakers).

You now have a leather based adjustable arm-rest.

Well, certain CBU models has it too due to the running changes that VW constantly does to its product.

So there you have it, the different in specifications between the CBU and CKD models.

The original list price for the CBU model is RM 151888 without insurance while the CKD model list price will be RM 134888 without insurance factored in. 

All in all, the CKD is RM 17000 cheaper compared to the CBU model. 

Will this RM 17000 able to offset the missing functions/features? You have to do the math yourself.

Should you buy one? (Below is purely my personal thought)

If you are buying a car purely based on power with some decent handling thrown in, then this is the most powerful car in this price range. No car comes close, not even the Peugeot 308/408 turbo. The 1.4L twincharge engine and DSG gearbox combo will simply blow the competition away. Not to mention the hilariously cheap yearly roadtax (RM70) in relative to the performance that you get.

But if you take a moment to calm down and step back and look at a bigger picture, to be frank, apart from the engine and gearbox combo, the Jetta is actually quite plain outside and inside. Everything is just functional and business like. 

There is no sat-nav of anysort, heck there is not even a touch screen head unit. Apart from that there is no funky push start button or keyless entry or some fancy light greetings when you walk near your car. Just plain o'l remote control and insert key and twist to start way. If you are fine with this method like I do, then its good.  

Also do bear in mind this is about the only car north of RM 130k that do not sport leather seats. Not a deal breaker but still to think that even leather seats is found in cheap cars like the Myvi, at least VGM should have offered some option for this.

(Fabric seats yo..)

As for the maintenance and servicing, to be fair there is some improvement in the service centers lately but in general the experience is still some step behind what Toyota and Honda has set.

So at the end of the day, your money, your choice.

RCD510 Reverse Camera Kit for VW Jetta MK6

Roughly one year plus after I swapped out the original RCD310 to a RCD510 touch screen unit for the altis, I finally got my lazy ass to go out and get a reverse camera kit for the RCD510 head unit.

(Actually its more like I found out that my RCD510 can support reverse camera after 1 year plus lah..)

Anyway, went to my usual shopping spot and managed to get my hand on a OEM RCD510 reverse camera kit.

For those who wants to know, the part number will be for this reverse camera kit is 56D827566A.

This is how the whole kit looks like below.

A close up of the reverse camera module.

The reverse camera is connected to the rear of the RCD510 head unit as below.

This will be how it will look like once the reverse camera module is installed.

And finally this is how it will be look like once everything is in place.

Installation of this reverse camera kit is very straightforward actually.

Caveat is provided that you know what you are doing lah.

If not, it will be better to get some one experience to do it for you.

Now for the million dollar question... Will this void the car warranty?

.

.

.

.

What is the question again?

On a final note, you do need some VAG-COM coding to get the camera kit recognized.

DQ200 (DSG7) - The max torque story v3

From the previous v2 DSG DQ200 post here, the team at Project'A continue to refine the Stage 3 map on the Passat B7.

With more refining done to it, as expected, there is a bump in power output too.

The final figures are now as below.
Numbers are on wheel.

Peak power is now 297 PS, up from the previous 284 PS.

The major gain will be the torque as there is consistently at least 350NM of torque available from 3.5k rpm onwards as compared to the previous 300NM.

Overall, with this new map, apart from a gain in power, the daily drivability is much more linear too as regardless what is shown in the graph, the actual drivability is better than before.

And yes, this is the exact same Passat as before with DSG7 (DQ200) gearbox and running on stock clutch pack. 

And yes again, this car is still being happily driven around town by the owner.

For more information, contact the guys at Project'A.

Golf MK7 TSI - 2 mode ESC

To owners of Golf MK7 1.4 TSI in Malaysia or Singapore, anyone interested in this?

Hehe..

Image credit to TJ_HOOKER from VWVortex.

Jetta MK6 ESC/Traction Control Off Button

The current generation VW Jetta (A6, Typ1B)(2011 onwards), also known as the MK6 version, do not come with the option to turn off Traction Control or ESC for all markets.

Indirectly this can make the car quite dull in a sense that you can hardly do a handbrake turn, J-turn or some induced oversteer without the electronic nanny coming into play.

Thankfully for the VAG group, almost all their components are literally interchangeable across all models ranging from Audi to Skoda. With this in mind, I went out to source for an ESC off kit for the car.

Installation of the kit is very straightforward as it is literally plug and play as the ESC module in the Jetta is infact shared across all the PQ35 platforms. The only thing missing in the Jetta MK6 ESC module is the bloody "ESC Off" kit.

Grrr...

So what I did was to obtain the kit for my Malaysia Spec 1.4 TSI Twincharge Jetta and have it installed to the car. Just possibly the only Jetta MK6 in Malaysia with the option to have "ESC Off".

I've gotten the kit online here and the good folks at EA Autoworks installed it for me.
With installation fees of course.

Below is how it looks like after installing the "ESC Off" button.

Now, after the installation of this kit, it allows me a certain control over how much of fun before the ESC kicks in.

Why did I say so?

Because after installing the kit, and by pressing the "ESC Off" button, it only turn off the Traction Control (ASR). This basically means that I am allow only a certain degree of "wheel spin" and a very small degree of "oversteer" before the ESC cuts the fun.

So what I did was to do an "ESC defeat" by changing the coding of the ESP module.

With the "ESC defeat" coding done, I am able to turn off ESP completely by holding down the "ESC Off" button for 3 seconds.

With the ESC completely turned-off, yep, it is indeed fun time as you can do a complete 180 degrees handbrake turn, J-turn and more.

So at the end of the day, what is it that is being done?

Press "ESC Off" once - Disable Traction Control (ASR)

Press and Hold "ESC Off" for 3 seconds - Completely disable ESC

Note:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is there for a reason. Go figure.

DQ200 (DSG7) - The max torque story v2

Continuing from here, where it shows that the DQ200 (DSG7) potential maximum factory rated torque of 360 NM instead of the more commonly known 250NM torque limit, I am fortunate to have a friend to test out this theory.

The car involved is a Passat B7. A Passat B7 that is locally assembled in Malaysia with a 1.8L turbo-charged engine with a rated 160PS and 250NM output stock from factory. And yes, it has a DQ200 (DSG7) gearbox mated to it.

So what we have done to the car is the usual full custom exhaust system, upgraded coil packs, upgraded spark plugs, upgraded the factory turbos, upgraded the stock intercooler, junked the factory intake and replaced it with an APR intake kit and not to mentioned we have a stage 3 Project'A map done to the car.

With all the mods and fine-tuning to the engine mapping done, we finally arrived at this figures below.

We managed to push the Passat to a final figures of 284PS and 321NM on wheels.

This is done with a fuel rating of RON97.

In case anyone has been wondering of the durability, this car has been running around town since 5th of May 2014 till now without issues. Total stock gearbox with stock clutch pack.

On top of being daily driven, this car has also seen the usual mountain road runs of Ulu Yam and Genting Highlands on an almost bi-weekly basis. Not to mention too the usual high-speed runs on the highways around the country.

A closing note:
This is by no means an absolute fact about DSG7. This is purely based on the personal experience that me and my friend have playing around with the "supposedly fragile" DSG7.
Mod at your own risk.

Updated:
I've gotten the green light to reveal the tuner.
This Passat is running on a stage 3 Project'A map.

More info on the stage 3 output here.

Another Track Day

2015 started off kinda good to me. Early in the new year, I have another opportunity to have a go in the famed Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Yup, its another open track day for the track junkies. I grab this window of opportunity to test out the newly added items to the Altis right at the end of 2014.

I have the brakes uprated from the original calipers to the brake kit from a Golf R MK6 armed with Ferodo Racing brake pads.

I have also junked the original absorbers which is already at its end of service life for a pair of coilover kit from BC Racing. Its a V1 series with 8k rated spring rate for front pair and a 5k rated spring rate for the rear pair. Damping is 30 way adjustable.

On top of that, I have the previously used Kumho KU36 donuts swapped with a new fresh set of Hankook RS3 rubbers.

A perfect time indeed to get those items tested out and see if I can improve on my previous time which is just right below 3.00 mins per lap done in a completely stock car with Kumho KU36 tyres and uprated brake pads on stock calipers and disc.

Taking a break after one of the many laps.

Safety car is deployed due to some mishap.

At the end of my session, my best time as captured by the Race Chrono app is as below.

A good 6 seconds improvement even with traffic on track.

All this done without any power mods apart from an air intake kit.

This gives me a renewed confidence that I should be able to hit 2.50 per lap (without power mods) if I am to further improve on my braking, throttle time and also racing lines. Time will tell on this.

All in all, I had a good fun session learning more about the capability of the car.

A final shot of the Altis after the track session.

An Island city night drive...

Taking full opportunity of having my own here, I went out for a night cruise around this Island City to catch the sights and sound from a different perspective.

Somehow ended up at Gardens By The Bay.



A nice at night really.

P/S - 

Pic are taken by phone cameras. 

Sony Z1 Compact and Samsung Galaxy Alpha. 

No DSLR trickery here.