GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Overseer on 29 April 2004, 08:25
-
anyone got any experience/opinion on these? (esp in a valver)
sounds amazing from their site...
and is it hard to fit? (doesnt look like it..)
-
site is here >> http://www.ecotekplc.co.uk/
more info...
" works by creating turbulence in the inlet manifold thus improving the combustion process; this means that it reduces emissions, improves fuel consumption and maximises engine performance."
its 50 quid...
sounded a bit like snake oil to me until i read this >>> http://www.ecotekplc.co.uk/gti_reviews.htm#vwm :o
vw performance section on their site >> http://www.ecotekplc.co.uk/vw_gtis.htm
-
i got one.
i put it on my mk2 1.6 carb and there was a noticeable 30-40 miles per tank!! a tiny bit more responcive, nothing to get exited about tho.
i put it straight onto my 16v tho, so dont know the diference it made on it.
-
i figure if it improves fuel economy it'll pay for itself.. ;)
-
Get one and let us all know what its like! ;)
I stumbled across this a while ago and thought it was a gimmick. But it seems the site has expanded now with loads of recommendations.
-
i'm not a lab rat :P
lol...
veedubgti16v.. how easy is it to fit? and is it noisy?
-
Waste of time and money. They work *can* work on older carbed engines and thats where they get their claims from.
ive read widly on both side and came to the informed opinion that they are snake oil. But if you dont take my word for it, spend 1hr searching the internet and usenet forums for a complete picture.
Two basic points though to show them to be a sham:
- at full throttle there is no pressure difference between the inlet and he throttle body, so how can these devices increase air flow?
- In injection engines, your Lambda sensor will adjust your fuelling to compenate for the (now) leaner mixture, so making it redundant.
-
all mk3 valver things
http://www.ecotekforum.com/phpBB/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=857&forum=1
he didnt like it..
http://www.ecotekforum.com/phpBB/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=233&forum=1
then he did...
http://www.ecotekforum.com/phpBB/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=251&forum=1
seems there can be dodgy units or truoble setting them up, they seem to have good support though.
if different you can search for your own model here >> http://www.ecotekforum.com/phpBB/forum/search.php
-
I know a few people that have bought these and fitted them (all were to fuel injected cars.) Of those people I know that bought them all of them have pulled them off and slung them in the bin! One was put on a rover 216 and caused major problems to the point where the car kept cutting out and wouldn't start I believe.
Think they're a bit of a waste of money, but I'm only going on friends opinions, I've never had one, and none of my friends have put them on VW's.
-
OK, found a pretty conclusive counter to Ecotek's claims: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cains1/Fuel_saving_ecotek.htm (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cains1/Fuel_saving_ecotek.htm). He soundly argues why the valve doesnt, no CANT, do what it claims. He also points out the problems of relying on adecdotal/unscientific claims from drivers http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cains1/Fuel_saving.htm (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cains1/Fuel_saving.htm). (also check the links at the bottom of the page for the run down on other performance addons)
Ecotek site claims the improvements come from increased turbulence, yet the patent on the device describs it as an air bleed value to alter air/fuel ratio. Bit strange dont you think?
Consider this. Its established that increasing the turbulence improves the combustion due to better mixing of the air and fuel. Yet a Racer will spend ?'00 on port polishing that does exactly the opposite, smoothing the flow of the air to the cylinder. Once there, there is plenty of turbulence introduced when the mixture goes over the valves. This article http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cains1/Fuel_saving_turbulence.htm (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cains1/Fuel_saving_turbulence.htm) also points out the angle of entry is desgined to do this and shows a simulation of the airflow where bleed valves operate. ::)
Consider also that a manufacturer spends millions developing the engine for a acceptable economy/performance balance (depending on the target market and regulations). How much does a replacement ECU cost? Yet Ecotek reckon their little ?50 valve makes all that research and technology redundant. They only own a patent on the *design* of their value, not the air bleed valve idea, so why dont the manufacturers fit them?
Then, if you read their FAQ's they admit that ECU controlled engines will adjust to compensate, so the only benefit is the alledged turblence effects.
Lastly, can you remeber seeing an advert for one? No? Thats because all their claims (except being "new") where soundly arse kicked by Advertising Standards: http://www.asa.org.uk/adjudications/show_adjudication.asp?adjudication_id=37807 (http://www.asa.org.uk/adjudications/show_adjudication.asp?adjudication_id=37807). So they basically cant advertise and have to rely on a few planted editorial stories.
To be fair, it seems to me that you will see some improvements to throttle responce, but you'd get the same effect by rigging your throttle to to remain open a little more than it should be at idle. You'd also see a bit of improved fuel consumption on a carbed engine (and probably K-jet too) due to the leaner mixture.
sorry to go on, but i dont like scams. >:(
-
All their "rave" reviews were on carb Mk2 models...
-
mmm im not getting into any arguments but i have got one on my 2.0 8valve gti 1996 mk3 ..its better on fuel , i think anyway ....
but thats about it ....
but i got mine free so im not complaining !?!?
cheers
ant
-
^^ lol mine was fee too ;D
there easto fit. just cut the vacuum line from brake servo unit to inlet manifold and fit it. i think its only worth it on older cars to be honest, and better again for carbs.
-
well if I get a free one, I'll try it out... not gonna bother otherwise.
Only reason it sounded appealing is the idea about it reducing fuel consumption and emisions if you get high lift cams and you're worried about your car failling emisions tests, etc...
-
I've got one on my 16v. I bought it cos the hype sounded good, better fuel economy, better pull in low revs etc
to be honest apart from the noise it makes when you come of the gas, it hasn't made much difference..... :-\
-
Cabriolet = u get to hear the exhaust and induction a lot.... ;D
Cabriolet also means you'd get to hear the gurgle a lot >:(
hmmmm......
-
does the cabrio have all the soundproofing under the bonnet like teh valver + vr6 have? if not might be worth a shot fitting it..
-
Soundproofing.... pretty sure the underside of my bonnet is just a bumpy version of the top-side!
-
-i took mine off today to see if i can notice the difference ...and to be honest it feels faster without it on...im not sure about fuel though yet .....
;D