EA288 2.0 TDI 184PS Development thread..

[ffrank]

Following a chat with Andrew earlier this week (cheers Andrew), I finally got round to ordering and fitting a Trevor to my GTD.

Installation was easy enough, it was spitting rain but didn't take me too long to complete the install following the install guide to the T and routing my cables as per the recommendation. Removing the common rail sensor was probably the hardest part, but only due to not fully understanding what part needed squeezing for release (checking Trevor's cable helped with this.)

I've been for a few drives now over the last few days and ... 

My initial impressions (from the night of fitting the box) were of slight disappointment, but this was mainly due to the roads being absolutely water logged but also the increased speed not giving quite the sensation I was expecting.

I had built quite a mental image of how the extra power would feel from reading everyones accounts, but the delivery is so smooth and refined it really takes you off guard.

My second day of driving (on dry roads, as opposed to water logged from my first evening!) it was clear just how fast the car is now - I was adjusting to the feel of the extra torque, but even more so just seeing how quickly a car was disappearing behind you when you gave it some beans.

I've briefly tried 1+1, 2+1 and they do seem to have more power low down, but as per MonkeyHanger's recommendations I am finding 3+1 great. It doesn't do too much to the car at low revs, but still gives you everything from 1800/2000, with what feels like a nice extra surge around 2400. I'm going to keep it on 3+1 for a week or 2 before trying 2+1. But from my understanding of the maps so far, I think 3+1 will give the best MPG overall.

1st and 2nd gear are terrific. My car will tramp in 1st (although only in the first half of the gear), but I haven't had any tramping at all in 2nd - both from standing starts and flooring it from 10/15mph - I get a few flashes of the ESC but no tramping (and the roads were slightly damp today when I was trying this). I think this really does show how tyres can contribute to this issue (as this is 240bhp-ish now!), and uh-oh, more fuel for the Bridgestone bonfire

I also haven't had any ESC lights in 3rd gear or above, so very happy with how the Vredesteins are doing so far.

The car feels properly rapid from 0-50, and I'm sure it's capable of 6.5 to 60 - I'll try and test this one day.

Higher gears are also amazing, I know I am repeating others, but the pull in 3rd - 6th is now much improved, and the power stays there to 4000 should you wish to hold a gear rather than change (and 3rd in 4000 should be about as fast as you need in most situations, and 4th in 4000, well... it's dangerously easy to get there!)

The best thing about all of this, is it is still an incredibly refined and natural progression of power. I've just done a potter-about errand in the car, using none of the extra power, and you wouldn't know it was modified (save for perhaps 1st and 2nd feeling smoother.) I know the car will still be great at sitting in cruise at 70 or 75 too (which I will aim to do to keep my MPG up with my increased commute.)

I don't intend on running the car any higher than +1 as it is plenty for me, and when you do come across someone with issues on one of the VAG forums it's normally related to +2 or +3 (and I double checked with MH his recomemndation was 3+1).

I'm actually thinking of adding the pedal box next month, as it seems the logical next step to make the power even more accessible and reduce lag (the pedal lag seems more noticeable to me now the pedal's potential is increased!)

So, yep - another resounding thumbs up!

[Andrew@DTUK]

Great feedback and glad you're happy with Trevor

[ffrank]

Cheers Andrew, I was going to send you a message at some point - great piece of kit. Pedal box next...

[Bluefloyd]

i just ordered mine 5 mins ago . Been wanting one for a while but I've had a wedding and a holiday to pay for. Can't wait for it to arrive, more excited about the box than the bloody wedding that's for sure.   

[Exonian]

I'm actually thinking of adding the pedal box next month, as it seems the logical next step to make the power even more accessible and reduce lag (the pedal lag seems more noticeable to me now the pedal's potential is increased!)

So, yep - another resounding thumbs up!

The pedal box is great.
Definitely recommended, it brings the car alive without having to be brutal with the accelerator. You can tickle the car along with barely a millimetre of movement in traffic or just give it a gentle shove to make full use of the torque when you need a bit of instant speed.

[Mohsin]

Apologies for sounding stupid, but how does the pedal box actually work? From what I have read, it increases the gas pedal response, right? How?

EDIT: forget that, I have just read up on it on the DTUK website...I should learn to read before posting 

[fredgroves]

Actually, I have a question about the pedal box... the DTUK site says:

The Pedal Box sits between the sensor and the control module, intercepting that signal and altering it in order to shorten and improve the response time. This works in the same manner as many manufacturer fitted ‘Sport’ buttons, reducing the amount of pedal travel required to achieve ‘Throttle Wide Open’, allowing you to access the engines full potential.

So, if my sport mode makes a similar adjustment (and of course it will, thats exactly what it does), is it not possible to simply reconfigure the parameters for eco/normal/sport using VCDS?

I can understand why in something without the trickery of a Mk7 would need this, but surely its a only a software parameter now?

[Rhyso]

VCDS won't be able to touch the throttle maps within the ECU. Only a remap could do that 

[KyleB]

Out of interest what would happen if you got a remap and used a DTYK box? Would it not work properly?

[Bluefloyd]

I received my box today and set aside 30 mins after work to fit it. I needn't have bothered as after about 5 mins to read the instructions and a further 5 to fit, it was job done.

Well guys, you weren't wrong. It's great. transformed good car into a great car. I tried a few settings but 3+2 is my favourite. The power delivery is as smooth as without the box but the torque is amazing. I've never had a tuning box before and usually go down the remap route But the fact this can be so easily removed sold it to me. well that and the fact so many of you on here rate them so highly.

I will definetly recommend one to anyone who asks me about it. Great work Andrew. Love it