New member needs help please, my 16 valve has no oomph!

[speedynz]

Try to find a decent specialist if you can as opposed to main dealer as they charge the earth and aren't usually as passionate about the older cars as we are.

I run a standard cat...free flow centre section and a Sebring back box, K&N 57i induction and a AmD chip and remap and have RR figures of 172bhp and 154ft/lbs on my 16v...so with a decat you should be up to 175-180bhp....and a bit of luck 


So are we all invited over for our holls then 

If ever you are over here Simon then you're welcome to stay.

We may have a distinct lack of specialist information on specific European models but it is countered by the extraordinary driving roads (4 million population in a country 15% bigger than the UK) and fuel at half the price of England. I also only pay a hundred of your English pounds for fully comp insurance, no alarm needed and the car parked outside.  None of those benefits will find my missing 50 horsepower though.

As an aside I drove four 16valve 5 door GTI's when looking and all of them had very similar performance to mine making me wonder if Japan (country of import for all of them) has a model specifically tuned (detuned?) for that country, any thoughts?

[V_Arse6]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Japanese Import ones where restricted to 110Bhp or something.  Buggered if I can find anything to back that up, or tell you exactly what they did... 

I could've dreamed it or something

[speedynz]

I've just read (translated) in my owners manual that Japanese market Golf GTI16valve's had 145ps (143 bhp approx) and less torque too. I've written to VW and asked to confirm the power status and how to rectify the deficit and should they reply (I think they will, being German and all) then I'll let you know.

[AudiA8Quattro]

Get the timing checked, and change the ECU relay.

[speedynz]

Get the timing checked, and change the ECU relay.

Isn't the timing adjustment automatic?

[AudiA8Quattro]

Yes.
But what i meant was get the static timing checked, as this can be out if the belt has been changed.
Ignition timing itself is adjusted by the ECU, providing everything is lined up to start with.

[Len]

So he just needs to get hold of a European ECU ?

[AudiA8Quattro]

Speedy, is your engine code ABF? if not can you post it?

[speedynz]

Speedy, is your engine code ABF? if not can you post it?

Will post engine number (dark outside so will wait for light). My local mechanical expert has suggested sourcing a UK ecu. What are your thoughts regarding the engine code?

[AudiA8Quattro]

Well if its an ABF i will know it well.
Not sure what will be in it to be honest, if i've got an engine code then i could investigate.
Did you say the car isn't fitted with a catalyser?