Quote:
Originally posted by dd74
Are your modifications recognized by Volkswagen? Is the car under warranty after chips, intakes and exhausts are installed "closing the gap" as the article says between U.S. and Euro cars?
Secondly, Euro magazines rate the 2.0 T at the same horsepower and torque for U.S. and Euro models, which doesn't make sense if one engine has higher compression than the other. Maybe I'm wrong in this regard, but if you could share some of that "unobtainable" information you obtained, it'd clear things up a bit for me.
Thanks.
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Nope, our modifications are not recognized by Volkswagen nor are they intended to be. Our prototypes are sent to VW strictly "under the radar" for evaluation and fitment on models that we can't get access to until the car's release. We're already learning some of the details on the new R32 based on the Mk5 chassis.
The parts are not sent with the intent to be fitted to production models and I'm sorry if I gave that impression, although I did speak with Len Hunt over the summer and he had some interest in pursuing some of our product line for their accessories division. Sadly, he was sacked a couple of months later.
Any car is technically not under warranty after performance modifications have been made, but the burden of proof is on the mfg. to show that a component failed due to installing an aftermarket part. You can't deny a warranty for a door handle that broke off because your car has been chipped. Some dealers are more "aftermarket" friendly than others and I've heard some real horror stories from customers over the years. We have built many cars over the years for our local dealer that they then sell with a mark-up to the consumer. The advantage to the consumer is that they can build the modifications into their financing.
What we have done though for many products is apply for, test, and receive CARB exemption. Our (with APR's programming help) chips are undergoing testing right now, ALL of our intake kits for Mk3, Mk4 & Mk5 models have been granted a CARB EO number and many of our performance camshaft grinds have passed the testing and have a EO number as well. While they may still technically void a new car warranty, they legally pass CA visual and rolling dyno emissions. Testing is very expensive, approximately $3,500 per product line which is why many companies don't bother.
You are absolutely correct on the quoted horsepower/torque numbers. They are the rated the same for US & Euro spec motors. While both motors are using Bosch ME9, the programs between the two are different and not interchangeable. You may remember the original 1.8T's were 150 horsepower when released, and than increased to 180 horsepower a few years later. The difference was in the ECU as they both used K03 turbos. When you chipped either, the end result was the same (approx. 195-205 depending on what chip mfg you believe) and not a 30 horsepower disparity as they were from the factory. The 1.8T in the Audi TT rated at 225 hp had different electronics from VW, as well as different camshafts, exhaust and turbo (it used a K04).
Like Porsche, VW's numbers are probably a little understated. Our GTI made 185 whp on the Dynojet, which if you assume the 200 crank horsepower quoted by VW as being absolute is only a 7% driveline loss.
Ralph
Ralph