Can this thing go any faster?

[ch33ky_monk3y]

I've had my 8V GTI for about 2 mths now and have been trying to get it over 100mph on the motorway.  Basically the thing cruises at 80 very nicely, the pull from 80 - 90 is just about acceptable, but to go from 90 to 100 is hard. It's like it's run out of power. OK it does eventually reach 100 but it will only edge upwards but it takes a long time.

I thought top speed was supposed to be about 115 or 120??

It's not modified and I don't intend to make any mods. Can the brand of petrol make any difference? What about normal vs super unleaded

Anyone else with similar frustrations?

[golfvr6]

You should be able to get over 100 quite easily. Check static ignition marks line up, i doubt ignition timing is adjustable. What fuel are you using? shouldn't make any difference unless you have a faulty knock sensor. Any other problems you have noticed?

[ch33ky_monk3y]

I tend to fill up at Tesco or Esso, using the normal unleaded petrol.

Thought maybe a switch to super unleaded might improve things, but I wouldn't expect a drastic increase in top speed.

[golfvr6]

Have you tried putting the car on a fault reader? might show something up. Sounds to me like the timing is out or a faulty knock sensor. Does the engine pink under load?

[ch33ky_monk3y]

if the timing is out, would that mean that the car cannot be driven smoothly?

what does the knock sensor do?

I'll get the car put on diagnostics soon.

Thx

[golfvr6]

If the timing is out the car would be ok to drive, depends how much out. Acceleration and top speed could be affected. The knock sensor is a sensor screwed into the block which monitors knocking(or pre ignition) , if this occurs the sensor sends a signal to the ecu telling it to retard the ignition timing. If the sensor was faulty you could have a problem with normal unleaded, or if the sensor was loose in the block it will tell the ecu the engine is knocking when it isn't, retarding the ignition timing which would affect performance.

[ch33ky_monk3y]

OK - I'll go check it out.
Thx for the help

[Glen]

Ive had 130mph out of my 8 valve, it does a ton for fun, who says these babies are slow!  Just your standard unleaded too.  I'd be seriously worried if i could only get those sort of speeds.  Probably part x it.

[golfvr6]

130 out of an 8v? I think you got a fast speedo!  

[Glen]

Fast speedo my arse! Nope 130 it was! On the autoroute in France passing LeMan, nearly on the red line though no BS! oh and ive had 125 out of it over here. Takes its time after 115 granted but it gets there.
I reckon at a push it could do 135
How fast u had VR6? I was a passenger in a mates VR6 at 145 on the M69 but he says he had 155 and I reckon thats the limit.  Its quick to arrive there too!