1.8t GTI guy here

1.8turbonium · Post by **1.8turbonium** » September 13th, 2003, 11:37 pm

Just thought I'd introduce myself to the forum. I drive a Reflex Silver '02 GTI 1.8T, 5 speed, 17" stock wheels. I am currently stock aside form a K&N drop in panel filter which gives no significant power gains as many of you know! I am getting an APR chip upgrade this week which i mentioned in another thread. I will let you know how it goes after i get it flashed. Just thought id check out your site since ITRs are sweet cars. I am not here to flame just to share and learn about your cars and earn some respect for 1.8Ts!

Check out our site sometime ww.club18t.com

And you might find something closer to home at the parent site http://www.sportcompactracing.com

DAsix · Post by **DAsix** » September 26th, 2003, 7:09 am

Welcome,
VDub 1.8T's are cool. Specially in stock form. I know just throwing an ECU and exhaust releases like 70hp. Thats pretty good!

snookerblack7 · Post by **snookerblack7** » September 26th, 2003, 1:56 pm

Sounds good man! Join the party!

1.8turbonium · Post by **1.8turbonium** » October 1st, 2003, 9:35 pm

Glad to see some life in here finally. I actually just got it chipped 2 weeks ago by APR. There claimed gains are 215 hp (from 180) and 247 tq (from 174). It certainly feels like it! They don't even solder a new chip in anymore, they flash the software on you stock ECU and it is encrypted so the dealer can't erase. I also have the ability to switch back to stock mode for dealer visits using the cruise control buttons, very cool! Check them out sometime (http://www.goapr.com). Hopin to make my first visit to the track soon.

sscguy · Post by **sscguy** » October 2nd, 2003, 9:41 am

What do you think about the stock suspension? That's one of my problems with the new VWs, everything is too soft for me.

1.8turbonium · Post by **1.8turbonium** » October 3rd, 2003, 1:23 am

I had no complaints before I was chipped but it defintely feels a little soft since getting chipped. Suspension will prob be next and most likely final upgrade as I want to keep it looking and sounding stock. Its plenty fast now since being chipped. I am thinking a full bilstein coilover suspension or the eibach pro system which is cheaper. Have not decided. I prefer less drop. Looking for performance not looks. around and inch to 1.5 inches is what im lookin for for drop. [/i]

1.8turbonium · Post by **1.8turbonium** » October 3rd, 2003, 1:28 am

Sorry for the triple post, it said there was an error when i posted so i tried 2 mroe times. Maybe a moderator can clean this up

Post by **Dave-ROR** » October 3rd, 2003, 10:52 am

1.8turbonium wrote:Sorry for the triple post, it said there was an error when i posted so i tried 2 mroe times. Maybe a moderator can clean this up

What triple post?

Anyways, the APR chip definately does make the car more fun.. and seeing that traction control light flash in first gear acceleration is nice

voiddweller · Post by **voiddweller** » October 3rd, 2003, 8:51 pm

1.8turbonium wrote: They don't even solder a new chip in anymore, they flash the software on you stock ECU and it is encrypted so the dealer can't erase...

Thanks for the info. I checked APR site and they mention the ability to flash, but the section for ECU upgrades does seem to make any mention of it.

Here is a quote from their site, "A third option is to order a spare ECU and have us install the modified chip before sending it on to you. This will allow one to swap the stock engine computer back in when getting the car serviced. The spare ECU's that we sell are new factory units...

1.8turbonium · Post by **1.8turbonium** » October 3rd, 2003, 11:51 pm

If you want to launch well in these cars you HAVE to turn off the ASR! As for the APR website: The flashing is a new service that was released in july. Check it out here: http://www.goapr.com/VW/products/directport.html I just made my first trip to the track running nothing but the chip. Didn't get a launch I was happy with but i did pull a 14.8 (and beat a 5.0 in the process

). I was pleased and there is lots of room for improvement in my launching. I am pretty confident I could get close to 14.5 as I get better.