Golf GT TDi 140 (GTI Wannabe)

[Mr Savage]

Hello all!

I just joined this forum and I know you guys all drive around in GTI's but I thought i'd register because i'm sure you're all knowledgeable in GT TDi's too! This is the first VW i've owned and I picked it up yesterday. It's a 58 plate.

Now I used to drive an old Corsa 1.2, so the jump from that car to this is incredible and the power is just out of this world compared to what i'm used to. This is also my first diesel and the first car i've had with a turbo so it's a lot to get used to. I've become addicted to waiting for the engine to warm up (of course) and then giving it a blast down the motorway, I don't push the pedal to the metal but just enough to give me that extra surge of power from the turbo. I was just wondering if this is a silly thing to do and if it is too straining on the car or if it will wreck anything? I have never ever had a car with a turbo so I don't know how much they (and the engine) can take. Of course I don't red line the car and I change at 3.5k revs max. I just want peace of mind that I won't be wearing something out. It's just that the 5k rev red line scares me a bit.

The other thing I was wondering is when do you guys think is the best time to shift gears in these TDi's? I seem to change out of 1st too early and can't get much power out of 1st but I guess that's just because it's low revs, when I change to second doing about 25MPH the turbo seems to kick in and I go like a rocket. Any tips or advise?

Thanks and sorry for the noob questions!

[Garza]

Welcome to the forum. I too own a GT TDi, it's a nice all rounder I reckon. I've had mine for just over a year now, certainly like the extra comfort and economy. In terms of gear shifting... I guess it depends what kind of drive you're doing... eco vs spirited, and also depends on your driving style tbh.

[Mr Savage]

Welcome to the forum. I too own a GT TDi, it's a nice all rounder I reckon. I've had mine for just over a year now, certainly like the extra comfort and economy. In terms of gear shifting... I guess it depends what kind of drive you're doing... eco vs spirited, and also depends on your driving style tbh.

Hi, thank you and thanks for the reply I guess you're right there and it certainly is a great all rounder. Ive noticed that it's not until 3k revs that you get the turbo kicking in from 1st gear, so I guess revving to hear if you want a quick start of the line is best, I usually change at 2k though when driving normally. A little annoying when you're trying to beat someone to that merging lane though!

[VW Russ]

Dude, it's a golf and if driven hard sometimes as long as at operating temp and not abused etc enjoy the power you have and the car you have. I have a gti and love it but like you, do sometimes feels guilty if I give it a bootful from time to time but hey, they are desgined well and have the power for a reason.

Enoy! 

[Mr Savage]

Dude, it's a golf and if driven hard sometimes as long as at operating temp and not abused etc enjoy the power you have and the car you have. I have a gti and love it but like you, do sometimes feels guilty if I give it a bootful from time to time but hey, they are desgined well and have the power for a reason.

Enoy! 

Haha Thanks mate! That clears the conscience! It does indeed feel almost wrong but good at the same time!

[Rhyso]

1st gear is far too short hence why you change quickly

2nd gear @ 25mph = 1800rpm ish??  That's where your MAX torque is created hence why you go like a rocket.  Peak BHP is made at round 3800rpm.

To make swift progress try changing 3Krpm as the ratio's of the box should drop you back down to around 2K rpm where your max torque is made

[Agreeable Slick]

First gear simply put is not a power gear, it's there to get a dead mass moving.

Ever moved away in second? There is a reason it takes some good clutch control.

[AlanD]

Might as well leave this here as it will probably get lost in the TDI section.

Not really into diesels and there are some very knowledgeable people on here who are so Ill leave it to the others to answer.

Welcome to the forum 

[Agreeable Slick]

How will it get lost you doughnut? There is less than a page of topics.

[AlanD]

Lost as in no one will read it

Its bad enough getting people to read this section, let alone the TDI section of this section.

Im not sure I used the word section enough in that last sentence.