Throttle response gti....oh my god moment

[scanesare]

Couple of questions to the pedal box users:

Don't know if the same is true for GTIs and Rs (assuming it is) but from my experience so far with the Clubsport, the main issue is the non-linearity of the throttle response, in particular:

During the initial 0-25% of the pedal travel, throttle is as good as dead. In situations where that amount of throttle would be sufficient to get you going (especially in older, more linear cars) in the MK7 feels as you are not depressing the pedal at all. Even the wife said it felt slower than our last car (rest assured that it isn't) when using little throttle.  I could definitely see the need for an improvement in that travel range but I wouldn't want a car that jumps forward with minimum input as that would be the opposite behaviour of what happens now.

Then during 25-50% I'd say it works as expected, it probably is the more linear range of the travel and you get as much acceleration as you'd expect based on the force you apply with your right foot.

50-75% becomes too aggressive. Especially past 60% (roughly) it basically feels as the throttle is already fully open at 100%. It may be fun at times but again not desired as it shortens the available throttle range.

75-100% well pretty useless, nothing happens there as it has all happened already before you reach that range. You don't get anything more than what you've already got in terms of power or acceleration.


So, apart from the first very lazy quarter of the pedal travel that needs improvement, I can't see the need for altered throttle response (which is why I haven't gone for one so far). If anything, I'd like less throttle from as early as 60-70% and I am pretty sure no box does that. Can you describe how the pedal box alters the stock throttle mapping in those different stages and whether it'd meet my need for more linearity (stronger start - cooler end) without resulting in silly full-throttle orders at all times?

[buddfridge]

Congratulations on your clubsport, it's difficult to describe exactly what the box achieves but I will give you my thoughts. The throttle response in my gti was completely dead feeling for the first 25% as you have described yourself, now my preference is to drive the car feathering the pedal rather than being heavey footed, so as a result I was far from happy with just how the gti felt when accelerating and the delay in the delivery of the power.

The pedal box has achieved everything I was hoping for, the pedal dead spot has gone and the delivery of the power is very easily manipulated with the input from your foot but you are now feathering rather than flooring the pedal. As for that delay in the response that actually makes the care feel slow, well that delay has completely gone the gti is transformed , it feels faster but is still very easy to drive and control at low speeds.

I know lots of gti owners are completely happy with the factory set up but I really was not, the feel was less than I was expecting from such and iconic sporty hatch and the pedal box was just what the doctor ordered, it really does drive better in my opinion and its now responsive enough to drive at under 3000rpm at still feel fast, it's an amazing little box and a must to have if you do not enjoy the first 25% of your throttle response.

[Booth11]

I would echo what buddfridge says above. 

It is quite hard to explain and to me the person that best explains the way the pedal box works is Exonian so maybe he will be able to help explain.

The first 25% or inch of pedal travel is where the effect of the pedal box is most noticeable, no doubt as that is the area where the standard response is so lacking and ineffectual.  Of course it affects throttle response the whole way down but as above you simply adjust foot pressure and adapt your foot input to achieve the response you desire.  So those with a heavy right foot (myself) will, probably, without really realising, find they have a lighter foot over time as a result. I haven't given it a great deal of thought but thinking about it now, I definitely use less foot pressure and feather the throttle more driving with the pedal box, but it's not felt like a sudden change at all or that I've had to learn a new style, it is simply an intuitive evolutionary adaptation to the the altered throttle response.  And don't forget you have full control over the box as it is highly customisable so at the touch of a button on the controller, the response can be subdued to suit (or increased).

I've never modified any of my cars with anything of this kind, usually happy with standard setup, but after several months of driving the R, the standard the pedal response, namely the first 25%, was properly spoiling my driving enjoyment of what is and otherwise fantastic car.  Knowing there was an easy solution and having asked the opinions of lots pedal box users via forums, I decided to go for it. All I can say is I wish I hadn't waited so long.  The car with the pedal box is now 100% enjoyable, the missing 25%, of both throttle response and enjoyment, instantly fulfilled by the installation of the pedal box.

[scanesare]

I see, you are both making a strong case here. I'd love that improvement over the initial inch of the pedal that will allow feathering instead of having to bury your foot right to 50% of the pedal whenever you want to move briskly. But my fear was that it will also "improve/amplify" the rest of the range where in my opinion no extra throttle is needed (than the one requested) resulting in me asking x % of throttle and ending up with say 1.5x% all the time. If that can be achieved then I might be looking seriously into it.

On another note, the improvement of the initial part, must certainly come with a slight drop in economy? Otherwise how it could be possible?

[buddfridge]

It might be the case of losing some mpg but that’s not my experience so far, mine has only covered 2500 miles but my best return of 36mpg came after fitting the box, as far as amplifying the throttle response yes it does but its so easy to manage you will have nothing to worry about. I would say the relationship between the pedal and throttle is enhanced rather than amplified, and I would describe the original throttle response as needing you to anticipate the kick in power and with the box you just have it there on tap.
I wouldn’t get to worked up you can drive the car exactly as you normally would other than its always ready and willing to go if asked minus that delay, or as I described your anticipation.

[Booth11]

My average mpg is always crap but no more crap with a pedal box.

[kalimon]

Birthday coming up soon so thinking of finally investing in a pedal box.
Hope I get that oh my god moment
Anyone used a discount code recently, do they still work?

[Raffe]

I went on their website and used their online chat facility, asked for best price and they offered me at £155 delivered next day , this was about 6 weeks ago

[kalimon]

I went on their website and used their online chat facility, asked for best price and they offered me at £155 delivered next day , this was about 6 weeks ago

Cheers.I'll give them a bell

[Booth11]

Birthday coming up soon so thinking of finally investing in a pedal box.
Hope I get that oh my god moment
Anyone used a discount code recently, do they still work?

Great birthday present.  One which will give you pleasure day in, day out.