HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

[HPA motorsports 1]

Positioned in the “Pre launch” stage of the DSG upgrade program, it has been our goal to showcase the market how critical this modification is to the DSG Fun Factor! Once flashed, the stage 2 in particular truly offers a new sense of ownership behind the wheel.

Short Recap on DSG program

Our upgrade is applicable to any DSG equipped VW/Audi 2WD or AWD

Stage 1 – 4750RPM launch control with disabled kick down in manual mode
NOTE: ANY Car which does not have factory launch control will now have it engaged!

Putting the driver back in control, the DSG will react as a true manual gearbox allowing better control and feel in mid corner entry and exit. With the higher launch control, the reaction off the line will radically improve as the 3.2 will launch within its TQ band.

Stage 2 – Stage 1 + shortened shift response, 7150RPM redline

With all the advantages of Stage 1, the stage 2 expands the control of the driver by shortening the reaction time of each shift upwards of 60%. With the redline bumped, no longer will the gearbox shifts begin its shift at 6500RPM. Breathing into the red, the motor’s power band will be fully unleashed.

Stage 3R – Stage 2 + higher TQ limit ,clutch engagement optimization, “D” mode reprogrammed for a sportier street feel

A MUST if you have 400hp +Intended for modified FI applications, we have revamped the clutch engagement curve to allow better grip with the OEM clutches or our aftermarket upgraded versions. The TQ limits that the DSG will accept have been increased. The D mode remaps the shift point for round town driving. No longer will the DSG shift through all 6 gears under 35MPH. With heavy power modes, the resulting kick downs are very abusive on the gearbox and erode the initial impact of the power band when looking to overtake.

Overshadowed by the usual HPA Twin Turbo which we have been mating to these upgraded DSG gearbox’s since 2005, we have dreamed up the idea to send a technician on the road for a multi state/city drop in where we can offer direct port reprogramming.

The road ahead in making this a regionally accessible upgrade through a dealer network is long, and will require further investments by both HPA and our future dealers. The concept of jumping on a plane and flying into a region seems like a perfect stop gap, but is constrained by the costs associated with off location staff and travel expenditures. Unlike an engine flash, each DSG flash is unique to the car. It is a two step process, where each car’s ECU is read out, the files are sent back to our office where the file is edited and then sent back to be re-flashed onto the vehicle.

The DSG upgrades are transparent to the dealership, and are effective the moment the flash is complete. Our technicians have the ability to bring VAD/Haldex product on location saving on freight and HPA will offer an additional savings on such purchases if booked at the same time as the flash.

UPDATE18.12.08

It has been a week full of unexpected activities here at HPA. Vancouver received its first dump of snow which has prevented some of our WA state guests from making the trek to our facility for their flash’s and wreaked havoc on our push to complete various daily tasks with our general operations. Not to mention someone blew a red light and clipped my prized Dodge 3500 

Since we fist launched the idea of heading out on the road, we have strong commitment indications from the following cities

Houston TX............7
NYC.......... ...........6
Los Angles CA.......5
Chicago IL ...........4

To our surprise, Florida interest has not materialized and this location is on the verge of being removed from the schedule.

Tampa FL..........1

With all the encouraging personal IM’s I have received, I have opted to tackle this aggressive road trip personally. I see it as a real opportunity to meet the enthusiasts in their own back yards and offer a more in-depth discussion while on location.

Here is the travel schedule that is laid out.

Los Angeles, CA..........Jan 8th -9th
Houston, TX...............Jan 9th – 10th
Tampa, FL ................Jan 10th – 11th
Newark, NJ.................Jan 11th -12th
Chicago, IL ................Jan 12th – 13th

The travel plan will have me arriving in the evenings, and departing mid afternoon for the next location. This will support both am and pm flash appointments. We have done this in answer to those that could not overnight, or who could not miss a work shift. *** if Florida is lost, then my stay in Houston and/or NJ will be extended.***

PROCESS Review:

Each vehicle’s file is unique and requires the OE file to be read out, saved to our server via wireless network where it be tuned by a staff and resent for upload. This process takes approximately 30 mins on the read out, 30 mins back at HPA and 30 mins to reload. For this reason, we are limited to how many cars we can schedule for the PM and AM appointments. These will be booked at a first purchase, first choice basis.

To take part in this event, all bookings must be submitted by close of business Dec 31st..

As stated from the outset, we require a minimum of 10 bookings per selected region, If less than 10 cars per location book, we will contact all booked customers from the region in question and work with the assembled group to determine a fair travel surcharge that would make the trip possible. In the event this situation arises and a proposed travel surcharge is rejected, the flash fee will be refunded 100% on the first day of business. (Jan 5th)

We will set up special Paypal buttons so that the bookings can be submitted online through the Christmas break, or you can call our offices tomorrow, Dec 19th to book your time slot, to ensure your position.
We will update this thread with links once this is completed tomorrow.

Flashes will be prepaid (Stage 1 $699, Stage 2 $899, Stage 3 $1995)

We have sifted through all the running threads and gathered the following group of unanswered questions. We provide the following clarifications in efforts to secure a greater understanding of the benefits and results to be expected from this exciting upgrade.

I am truly excited to come on location and look forward to meeting with all of you where possible.

Sincerely Marcel

VORTEX QUESTIONS PENDING:

A3 & S3 (8P) > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

kgw: • Will the DSG behave the same as factory when it's in D?

With stage 1 and 2, the performance modifications only affect the manual mode. With Stage 3, every part and mode of the DSG is augmented and optimized.

TT (Mk1, a4 chassis) > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

MCPaudiTT: • Does stage 3 include mechanical changes as well, or is it software only? Just curious. • What peak HP and TQ figures do you "stand behind" it handling without issues?

Stage 3 is still only software, but a very in-depth upgrade. Imagine Windows 98 vs Vista.
Stage 3 will support 400-650 crank hp and the same in TQ.
NOTE: the OEM clutch pack is only stable up to 425 crank HP and will need upgrading if this limit is exceeded.

Golf V R32 > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

NickS: • will this once and for all remove the dreaded "hesitation" or the feeling like there is a stall converter when taking off from a stop? (Background to NickS’ question LAUNCH CONTROL IS OVERRATED I see zero use for it when simply mashing on the gas pedal results in a much quicker launch in every situation I have been in. ESP on or off... it doesn't matter. ESP off, in sport mode, Sitting there with the brake on, mashing the accelerator, bouncing off the revs and then release the brake *WAIT* and then the car goes in it's own sweet time. It doesn't "LAUNCH" off the line like it would if you had the ability to side step a clutch.... no, it litterally waits a second and THEN goes and even then it does it with a slip of the clutch which IMO is way too conservative. I hate the hesitation with DSG when taking off from a stop... I HATE IT! Launch control should be an abrupt launch where the car LEAPS off the line and it simply doesn't do that. I sure hope the HPA DSG software upgrade fixes this. And yes I know why VW has it set this way... I just think it's worthless to make such a half assed attempt like that.

Stage 3 without a doubt cures any hesitation experiences as we have remapped the entire pressure field which engages and disengages the clutches.
Stage 1 and 2 are focused on the manual mode, as this in itself becomes the switchable mode for the driver. The characteristics of the OEM tune remain in “D” with these two stages, but when ‘M” is selected, the driver really takes control. Stage 2 will address the stutter off the line as the response time of the ECM to the ABS/paddles is optimized, but the amount of pressure applied to the clutches is not affected, so unlike stage 3, there may still be some hint there. As I have only been driving stage 3 gearbox’s the last few years, it is difficult for me to say that stage 2 will 100% cure this concern as I know stage 3 will.

Quote »

undisclothesed: (related question to NickS) • does this upgrade improve the response time of the launch control? (ie does the car still have that moment of nothingness when letting your foot off the brake on a launch?)

As defined above, stage 2 will optimize this, but by not remapping the pressure curves for the clutches, there will be still some chance of slow drag. Stage 2 does eliminate the majority of the engagement delay, and the subsequent shift responses are unimaginably quick!

Quote »

Turn8: • With regards to the disabled kick-down feature, will the car still downshift automatically when coming to a stop? Will the car still upshift automatically when it reaches maximum RPM's or will it bounce of the rev-limiter? • How can we lose the upgrade? For example, can the dealer re-flash over the re-flash of the DSG upgrade?

In manual mode, you will bounce off your rev limiter until you shift, select S or D and you can regain the upshift.
In manual mode, the car will down shift at a stop as the factor tune does.

Our flash can only be lost through a dealer reflash. Your OE file will be archived on our servers, and we would be able to reflash you module without having to re read your ECM. Short of this, there is no other way the flash could be lost.

Quote »

texasboy: • Disabling the kickdown would be a terrific benefit when I'm at the track, but it has come in extremely handy at times on the street. I want to have my cake and eat it, too; HPA, can you make this feature switchable ?

AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NO PLANS FOR SUCH A DEVICE.

Quote »

stuttgart23: • there is one aspect of the stage 1 flash that I believe you can disable via the vagcom, which is the kick down disable. I think there is also a safety feature the dsg has built in which if it feels more than 250ft lb of torque it will dial itself back in order to protect itself. That feature is all software related and I'm curious whether or not HPA addresses that in the flash. •

Yes, we bump the TQ limits so that the DSG does not command the ECM to pull back timing etc. the power bump and performance bump is immediately noticed by the driver.

Golf V / Jetta V > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

dubsker: • are you guys going to release a little switcher tool in the future?

AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NO PLANS FOR SUCH A DEVICE.

Modified by HPA motorsports 1 at 1:24 AM 12-19-2008

Quote, originally posted by bcze1 »

In Denver...guess I'll be patiently waiting for that dealer network to be set up. Oh well I'm sure the wife won't mind be not dropping that $900.

Ok, or....you could always choose this DO-it-Yourself path

For those of you in know to be remote regions, I will share the following images captured of an enthusiast that up and jumped on the physical excerise of getting this mod applied to his DSG GTI. Our engineers were preparing a downloadable schematic to allow users to build a small wooded box, but the solution as it came in and went back out more than meets the needs for this hardware.

Note, a carton box, some packaging materials and a $13 dollar file folder box from Staples moved this ECM clear across the country with no fan fair.

Our Master tech will prepare a DO-it-Yourself guide to pulling the DSG ECM. With the radiator in the service position, you are able to pull the ECM out without discharging the A/C. it takes about 3.5 hours to pull it out and about 4 hours to reinstall. A scan tool will be required to refill the oil and this is the perfect time to perform the DSG oil service. 6.8L of DSG oil would be required to perform a full service, but if you opt to only replace what is spilled out, then less will be required.

NOTE://
Our techs have performed this re&re with two techs in 4 hours. Here they had a lift, pulled both the coolant and A/C to ensure a smooth transition.



Modified by HPA motorsports 1 at 1:28 AM 12-19-2008

[HPA motorsports 1]

UPDATE://

It was a very busy day for our team up here on the phones- sorting out email inquires. Thank you for the terrific questions and keen interest in this exciting new modification.

We are actively working towards assembling a NY/NJ flash day in addition to our original targets. As it turns out, January has surfaced by heavy majority as the month which works better for most because of heavy holiday schedule obligations over the next few weeks. As a result, we will shift efforts to firm up and finalize the January dates starting Monday.

Monday, we will start a Group Buy format roll call for the regions that have weighed in with heavy interest for the onsite flash day.

Dates: Jan 8th through 12th

Houston TX.
1.
2.
3.
4.
.
.

Los Angles, CA
1.
2.
3.
4.
.
.

Chicago, Il
1.
2.
3.
4.
.
.

New York
1.
2.
3.
4.
.
.

Tampa, FL
1.
2.
3.
4.
.
.

We will personally contact everyone who has emailed our offices as “Confirmed” in the last 24hours to review the plan of action prior to us hosting in the forum the running list of participants. If you have a region where you are convinced a group exists, we will consider it for this January tour.

It will take 10 confirmed bookings for each proposed region to be realized.

We are fortunate that we will have a handful of DSG cars in-house next week from WA state and Vancouver where we will be able to create some video footages pre and post flash. The weather looks clear and sunny from Monday-Wednesday, so the video and test rides should be worth watching

If this is an opportunity you wish to be involved in, please email in through this link DSG Upgrade available NOW using “Confirmed” in the subject line. We will ensure you receive a personal call from our team Monday-Tuesday of the upcoming week as we prepare for this travel itinerary.

We are excited at getting this technology into the hands on the enthusiast!

[Sly335i]

Hi, thats really great news! But in this day and time all the prices you have listed are in my opinion way too steep. And as it stands my 08 tt shifts at 7150-7200 right now, at every shift in sport or manual mode. So may i suggest a bit more competitive price line up. Speaking for myself, stage 2 would be the ideal target for most buyers, and a lower price would sell more, and attract more interested buyers. But all in all, you guys at HPA are true pioneers when it comes to Dsg/S-tronic love.


Modified by Sly335i at 3:42 PM 12-13-2008

[HPA motorsports 1]

UPDATE18.12.08

It has been a week full of unexpected activities here at HPA. Vancouver received its first dump of snow which has prevented some of our WA state guests from making the trek to our facility for their flash’s and wreaked havoc on our push to complete various daily tasks with our general operations. Not to mention someone blew a red light and clipped my prized Dodge 3500 

Since we fist launched the idea of heading out on the road, we have strong commitment indications from the following cities

Houston TX............7
NYC.......... ...........6
Los Angles CA.......5
Chicago IL ...........4

To our surprise, Florida interest has not materialized and this location is on the verge of being removed from the schedule.

Tampa FL..........1

With all the encouraging personal IM’s I have received, I have opted to tackle this aggressive road trip personally. I see it as a real opportunity to meet the enthusiasts in their own back yards and offer a more in-depth discussion while on location.

Here is the travel schedule that is laid out.

Los Angeles, CA..........Jan 8th -9th
Houston, TX...............Jan 9th – 10th
Tampa, FL ................Jan 10th – 11th
Newark, NJ.................Jan 11th -12th
Chicago, IL ................Jan 12th – 13th

The travel plan will have me arriving in the evenings, and departing mid afternoon for the next location. This will support both am and pm flash appointments. We have done this in answer to those that could not overnight, or who could not miss a work shift. *** if Florida is lost, then my stay in Houston and/or NJ will be extended.***

PROCESS Review:

Each vehicle’s file is unique and requires the OE file to be read out, saved to our server via wireless network where it be tuned by a staff and resent for upload. This process takes approximately 30 mins on the read out, 30 mins back at HPA and 30 mins to reload. For this reason, we are limited to how many cars we can schedule for the PM and AM appointments. These will be booked at a first purchase, first choice basis.

To take part in this event, all bookings must be submitted by close of business Dec 31st..

As stated from the outset, we require a minimum of 10 bookings per selected region, If less than 10 cars per location book, we will contact all booked customers from the region in question and work with the assembled group to determine a fair travel surcharge that would make the trip possible. In the event this situation arises and a proposed travel surcharge is rejected, the flash fee will be refunded 100% on the first day of business. (Jan 5th)

We will set up special Paypal buttons so that the bookings can be submitted online through the Christmas break, or you can call our offices tomorrow, Dec 19th to book your time slot, to ensure your position.
We will update this thread with links once this is completed tomorrow.

Flashes will be prepaid (Stage 1 $699, Stage 2 $899, Stage 3 $1995)

We have sifted through all the running threads and gathered the following group of unanswered questions. We provide the following clarifications in efforts to secure a greater understanding of the benefits and results to be expected from this exciting upgrade.

I am truly excited to come on location and look forward to meeting with all of you where possible.

Sincerely Marcel

VORTEX QUESTIONS PENDING:

A3 & S3 (8P) > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

kgw: • Will the DSG behave the same as factory when it's in D?

With stage 1 and 2, the performance modifications only affect the manual mode. With Stage 3, every part and mode of the DSG is augmented and optimized.

TT (Mk1, a4 chassis) > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

MCPaudiTT: • Does stage 3 include mechanical changes as well, or is it software only? Just curious. • What peak HP and TQ figures do you "stand behind" it handling without issues?

Stage 3 is still only software, but a very in-depth upgrade. Imagine Windows 98 vs Vista.
Stage 3 will support 400-650 crank hp and the same in TQ.
NOTE: the OEM clutch pack is only stable up to 425 crank HP and will need upgrading if this limit is exceeded.

Golf V R32 > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

NickS: • will this once and for all remove the dreaded "hesitation" or the feeling like there is a stall converter when taking off from a stop? (Background to NickS’ question LAUNCH CONTROL IS OVERRATED I see zero use for it when simply mashing on the gas pedal results in a much quicker launch in every situation I have been in. ESP on or off... it doesn't matter. ESP off, in sport mode, Sitting there with the brake on, mashing the accelerator, bouncing off the revs and then release the brake *WAIT* and then the car goes in it's own sweet time. It doesn't "LAUNCH" off the line like it would if you had the ability to side step a clutch.... no, it litterally waits a second and THEN goes and even then it does it with a slip of the clutch which IMO is way too conservative. I hate the hesitation with DSG when taking off from a stop... I HATE IT! Launch control should be an abrupt launch where the car LEAPS off the line and it simply doesn't do that. I sure hope the HPA DSG software upgrade fixes this. And yes I know why VW has it set this way... I just think it's worthless to make such a half assed attempt like that.

Stage 3 without a doubt cures any hesitation experiences as we have remapped the entire pressure field which engages and disengages the clutches.
Stage 1 and 2 are focused on the manual mode, as this in itself becomes the switchable mode for the driver. The characteristics of the OEM tune remain in “D” with these two stages, but when ‘M” is selected, the driver really takes control. Stage 2 will address the stutter off the line as the response time of the ECM to the ABS/paddles is optimized, but the amount of pressure applied to the clutches is not affected, so unlike stage 3, there may still be some hint there. As I have only been driving stage 3 gearbox’s the last few years, it is difficult for me to say that stage 2 will 100% cure this concern as I know stage 3 will.

Quote »

undisclothesed: (related question to NickS) • does this upgrade improve the response time of the launch control? (ie does the car still have that moment of nothingness when letting your foot off the brake on a launch?)

As defined above, stage 2 will optimize this, but by not remapping the pressure curves for the clutches, there will be still some chance of slow drag. Stage 2 does eliminate the majority of the engagement delay, and the subsequent shift responses are unimaginably quick!

Quote »

Turn8: • With regards to the disabled kick-down feature, will the car still downshift automatically when coming to a stop? Will the car still upshift automatically when it reaches maximum RPM's or will it bounce of the rev-limiter? • How can we lose the upgrade? For example, can the dealer re-flash over the re-flash of the DSG upgrade?

In manual mode, you will bounce off your rev limiter until you shift, select S or D and you can regain the upshift.
In manual mode, the car will down shift at a stop as the factor tune does.

Our flash can only be lost through a dealer reflash. Your OE file will be archived on our servers, and we would be able to reflash you module without having to re read your ECM. Short of this, there is no other way the flash could be lost.

Quote »

texasboy: • Disabling the kickdown would be a terrific benefit when I'm at the track, but it has come in extremely handy at times on the street. I want to have my cake and eat it, too; HPA, can you make this feature switchable ?

AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NO PLANS FOR SUCH A DEVICE.

Quote »

stuttgart23: • there is one aspect of the stage 1 flash that I believe you can disable via the vagcom, which is the kick down disable. I think there is also a safety feature the dsg has built in which if it feels more than 250ft lb of torque it will dial itself back in order to protect itself. That feature is all software related and I'm curious whether or not HPA addresses that in the flash. •

Yes, we bump the TQ limits so that the DSG does not command the ECM to pull back timing etc. the power bump and performance bump is immediately noticed by the driver.

Golf V / Jetta V > HPA DSG UPGRADE via Direct Port Option (on location)

Quote »

dubsker: • are you guys going to release a little switcher tool in the future?

AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NO PLANS FOR SUCH A DEVICE.

[Turn8]

Any TTs making it to the L.A. January prelaunch of the DSG upgrade?

Mike

[HPA motorsports 1]

Seasons Greetings All! I hope that everyone enjoyed their Christmas Holiday with their friends and family. Our offices have been closed since the 19th and re open on Jan 7th. I myself have been without internet access over the Holiday while visiting extended family over the break, so I apologize that I have not been able to jump up here and shoot short notes back to the tex as the small questions have arisen.

Quote »

I'm still seeking an answer to this question. Regarding Stage 2 DSG upgrade, will the D or S modes still have the 4750 RPM launch and the 7150 RPM redline? Mike

There are so many different OEM DSG programs in the field, we protect the factory characteristics by modifying the OEM file we have read out of your box. This will ensure that we do not lose any features you have been accustom to.

HPA will offer a personalization at the time of flashing on this initial trip. Should any customer wish to have his or her Stage 1 or 2 upgrades applied to the S and the D mode, we will make this modification to their file at no extra charge. In general, we recommend leaving D mode OEM with stages 1 and 2 as D mode is there most emissions testing is carried out, and familiar rolling dyno test habits or redlines alternations can open the door for technician confusion.

Stage 3 is the ultimate Upgrade for the power junkies that will exceed 400Crank HP. Here, the entire D mode and basic operational parameters of the ECM have been optimized to upgrade the TQ limits. The OEM limit is 350N, and in stage 3, this is bumped to 500N. Coupled with a real world D mode suited to the kick down needs of a high powered engine, the driver is really retrofitted with a piece of technology that will dominiate on and off the track!

Stage 1 Launch Control,Disabled Kick-Down in Manual Mode
Stage 2 Launch Control,Disabled Kick-Down in Manual Mode,Shortened Shift Response,7150 RPM Redline
Stage 3 Launch Control,Disabled Kick-Down in Manual Mode,Shortened Shift Response,7150 RPM Redline,Higher Torque limit (350N->500N),Optimized Clutch Engagement,Reprogrammed Sportier “D” Mode.

I am very excited to be the one who gets to meet each group in person as we launch this first ver modification into the internet. I am certain the feedback will be flooding the waves.

I will make a short trip into the office The morning of the 31st once I arrive back in town, and as indicated to a few that have struggled with paypal, I will sort this out with each individual that has emailed in to ensure that everyone’s needs and bookings are realized.
Looks like most have found the link to the paypal pages, and please drop an email in if you need to pay by CC on the 31st when I arrive as this is our cut off for this trip.

http://www.hpamotorsport.com/dsg.htm

Kind regards,

Marcel

[NeverOEM]

how much are the aftermarket clutches and how difficult are they to install?

[HPA motorsports 1]

Flight Plan is CONFIRMED!

Everyone that has booked and locked in their slot for this tour will be contacted by one of our team members Jan 5-6th to confirm the time slot and exact details of the locations.

Here is the travel schedule that is laid out.

Los Angeles, CA..........Jan 8th -9th
Houston, TX...............Jan 9th – 10th
Tampa, FL ................Jan 10th – 11th
Newark, NJ.................Jan 11th -12th
Chicago, IL ................Jan 12th – 13th

The travel plan will have me arriving in the evenings, and departing mid afternoon for the next location.

Looking forward to meeting everyone personally and I am excited that the forum jumped up to support this whirlwind tour concept.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!

[HPA motorsports 1]

Happy New Year everyone!

While our offices are still closed until the 7th, our team braved the latest hammering of snow to come into the office today to sift through all the emails and messages submitted while we were closed for the 2 week Christmas break.

It seems like the last few stragglers have been sorted out late today and the appointments will be emailed out tomorrow afternoon and followed up with a personal call from either myself our Melanie. Nik, along with a few others are down with the flu bug which has slightly hampered rate and flow today.

Just to confirm, each appointment slot will require a 1.5 hour placement. NO overnight stay is required!

Looking forward to seeing you guys and to getting out of all this snow here in Vancouver!!!!

[Turn8]

The DSG stage 2 upgrade has been installed!
It was excellent meeting Marcel, Max, and Sean (Sp) at the prelaunch. I had a great time talking to all three of you and having a chance to be one of the first to get this upgrade completed. Marcel really gets the blood circulating and the gears turning when it comes to these cars, their capabilities, and performance upgrades.....We'll be talking about more mods in the future.

At this point, I have only had the chance to drive the stage 2 around the block of the hotel twice, back home on the freeway early this morning (mostly in six gear), and to work this morning. I will need more time to give you guys a detailed evaluation.

However, I can tell you guys some of my impressions so far. I had Marcel apply the Stage 2 upgrade to both my M mode and S mode. I had him also adjust my LC to 5,200 RPM and the rev limiter set at the advertised 7,150 RPM.

I can definitely say that the DSG indeed shifts faster and engages gears when you select them with light-aggressive throttle and full-throttle. There is no longer a lag-time while using the paddle shifters (I have not used the floor shifter yet), the delay is virtually gone. The LC is much more effective and more intense with the higher RPM launch (I've only done one launch at 5,000 RPM so far). To be honest, it startled me when I shifted into second gear after using the LC, the car leaped into second gear like it has never done before, it was quite remarkable. The car will bounce off the 7,150 RPM rev limiter which is awesome, and it really puts the car in the powerband with each up-shift. In addition, the manual downshifting of the DSG while using the paddles seems to take place alot faster and more precise than before. Overall, I really like the upgrade!

Like I said previously, I'll need more time to give you guys more details. In addition, I want to get the DSG into some of the bizzare up-shifting and downshifting situations that have really lagged before and see how the upgrade has affected them. More to come....

Mike

[HPA motorsports 1]

UPDATE from the field:

I have landed in Houston, Skela and team are taking great care of me and track time is proving to be a terrific host!

What can I say about my first stop in LA. I met some terrific people, truly passionate about their cars. That had to be a first, holding up on the lower levels of a parkade and launching cars at 1:30am in West LA! The security guards sure had their eyes on us.

I left LA in a total blur. With all the images of giddy enthusiasts gripping their wheels after their flashes dashing through my head, I was totally charged up to hit big TX!
The flashed A3 Quattro got me to LAX with 20mins to spare

It is really interesting to see the raw feedback straight after the remap. With our progressive shift response pattern, once you reach 50% load, the progression in response goes vertical and the upshifts on command will happen before you have even concluded your click. This alone seems to stand out after even the shortest test run!

I will break out the HD recorder tomorrow to try to catch some of this in action, if not for the forum to share, for my dedicated team back in Vancouver that is supporting me on this Crazy tour idea.

See everyone in the morning, and thank you to the LA group for being so welcoming!

Time to squeeze some sleep in here now!~

[Skela]

Here are some videos of an R32 and an A3 from today... sorry no TT's decided to show...

http://www.vimeo.com/2784662

http://www.vimeo.com/2785002

[HPA motorsports 1]

UPDATE

I have landed in Sarasota FL...
I seem to be collecting a few frequent flyer miles this week.

Thank you Brad ( 1552) for opening up shop on a Sunday to accommodate this leg of my travels.

TX was a blast, and again, what a great group of guys! I will assemble a trip review when I get home, right now I will keep it short and sweet so I can find a few hours of sleep.

Skela Sr. has proven that the brontosaurus must still live somewhere in Houston.. I have NEVER had ribs that were that big!!

Thank you Texas, hello Florida!

PS, it is so great seeing the A3’s launching.

[Turn8]

Turn8’s HPA DSG Stage 2 upgrade review.
The focus of this review will involve the Stage 2 upgrade in M-mode.

I must say that I was very excited when I learned that HPA was releasing a DSG software modification. I read the details of the upgrade thoroughly and had no doubt that this upgrade would be added to my R32. The factory settings of the DSG are effective but, as most of us realize, after driving a DSG equipped vehicle there is room for improvements. Let us explore HPA’s version of the DSG program and how it can improve the DSG driving experience.

HPA claims that the stage 2 DSG modification puts the driver back in control and that the DSG will behave as a true manual gearbox. The functions of this upgrade include a 4,750 RPM launch control limit (even for cars that did not come with this ability from the factory / launch control can be set to any RPM the buyer desires), disabled kick down in manual mode, shortened shift response by 60% and a screaming 7,150 RPM red-line. In addition, the DSG will no longer shift at an un-inspiring 6,500 RPM. The R32’s 3.2 engine potential will be unleashed by now engaging gears in the power band for better performance.

My expectations of this modification are simple. I want the DSG to engage the next gear at the precise moment I pull the paddle, in all driving conditions, period. In my opinion, this would make the DSG a true manual gearbox without a clutch pedal. I want to be able to witness the benefits of the raised RPM limit of the launch control for a faster start from a stand still. And to be able to shift at a higher RPM which will help up-shifts, engage gears within the cars power band for faster acceleration.

But let us start with my impressions regarding the stock DSG gearbox program.

I have found the DSG in M-mode to be a pleasure to use during spirited drives. Up-shifts are quick, precise, smooth, and effortless. However, while driving at slow speeds the DSG is lazy and fails to engage gears when I pull the paddle shifter. This can be quite frustrating because when I use the manual paddle shifter, I expect to change gears at that moment and not have to wait for the computer to decide its appropriate time for an up-shift. Perhaps this is a function of design so that the DSG will not engage an uncomfortable/quick/hard up-shifts at slow speeds. But I don’t care about uncomfortable shifts, if I’m in control than I expect it to function at my command.

At speed, the down-shifts of the DSG are average, not quick and not slow. They are however, pleasurable, the R32 will emit a slight blip of the throttle while engaging the down-shift. But again, at slow speeds the down-shifts are slow and lazy. In fact, while down-shifting under power there is a huge delay which is frustrating. I’ve found that it is better to down-shift and then apply power in virtually all situations. In addition, when coming to a stop, down-shifting smoothly into first gear is difficult at best. There always seems to be a ‘clunk’ involved in the process. I have come to the conclusion that in most cases I just need to let the car perform this task automatically. But that takes me out of control and I don’t like that!

The factory launch control program is a total luxury feature for us R32 owners, car enthusiasts, and performance freaks. It provides perfect stand still launches every time it is attempted. And that is saying a lot.
For example, have you ever driven or been to a drag strip and watched fellow enthusiasts/racers launch their AWD Evo’s and STi’s? More than half of their stand still launches will result in a bog or delayed start because of the difficulty in timing properly, the clutch and throttle for a perfect launch. When you get it right, the launch is gloriously violent, the car leaps forward from the lights like a raped ape but, get it wrong, and it is embarrassing. I should know, I am a previous owner of a 2005 Subaru WRX STi.

The factory LC is simple to use, the process is advertised in the VW owners manual and unlike some other vehicles, it does not void the warranty when you use it. There are however, a couple drawbacks. It only launches the R32 from 3,200 RPM and there is a noticeable delay at the moment launch control is activated and the car is moving forward. After this delay, all is forgiven as the R32 fires through each gear with a flip of the wrist.

There is little to write regarding the factory red-line. It is 6,500 RPM and when your foot is to the floor the car shifts precisely at that RPM (with the exception of a 1st -2nd gear shift in S mode) in M mode even if you don’t pull on the paddle shifters. Someone should have told VW that the M mode means manual mode. In other words, the driver controls the gear changes. Well, at least HPA understood what M mode means. Back on topic. I think it is obvious after blasting through gears in the R32 that it could benefit from a higher shift point. I would not describe the R32 as lagging between gears with the factory setting but, you get the feeling that if, the car could engage gears at a higher RPM it would be better and perhaps have the benefit of faster acceleration.

The HPA stage 2 program uploaded into my DSG is as follows: Launch control set at 5,200 RPM, disabled kick down in manual mode, shortened shift response by 60%, and a 7,150 RPM red-line. I had HPA apply this modification to both the M and S modes of the DSG. The modification took roughly an hour and a half to complete and I was able to make a couple test runs before I departed. This provided excellent reassurance for both HPA and myself that the upgrade was functioning perfectly.

Driving with the stage 2 upgrade in M mode is a blast. I can definitely say that the DSG shift response is faster while using the paddle shifters. It indeed up shifts faster and engages gears much more positively than before when using half throttle or more. So like the factory setting, you need to be driving aggressively to get the DSG to shift fast. Again, you need to drive aggressively to recognize the improvement. The DSG shifts noticeably harder compared to the stock setting, yet, it is still smooth and is not harsh in anyway. You now need to be alert and watch the tachometer as the needle climbs past red-line because the DSG will no longer shift for you in M mode. That’s right! You will now be able to bounce off the rev-limiter in each gear as advertised.

Down-shifting the DSG with the paddle shifters seem to engage a lot faster. I want to say the down-shifts are more positive but, I think solid is a better word to describe each down shift. With the factory settings, coming to a stop in M mode, letting the computer automatically down-shift always felt bizarre to me. The DSG waits until the last possible moment to down-shift and then would develop slight surging and clunking as it came to stop struggling with 2nd and then finally 1st gear. With the upgrade, even though it was not advertised as a benefit, the DSG now down-shifts quicker and smoother automatically without the drama that I experienced with the factory setting. In addition, using the paddle shifters while coming to a stop seems smoother perhaps I’m exaggerating but, I don’t think so. Unfortunately, the HPA upgrade did not cure the delay while attempting to down-shift under power. I still felt a delay when I mashed the throttle and pulled the left paddle to down-shift. However, down-shifts still work great if you hit the paddle before you hit the gas.

The new HPA launch control settings are intense and omnipresent. As you release the ESP button and press the brake pedal with your left foot and squeeze the gas pedal with your right, you almost want to laugh as you see the tachometer cruise by 3,200 RPM to 4,750 RPM and above. Well, it definitely gets me in a good mood and ready for AWD action. Taking off at 5,200 RPM is an adrenaline rush that doesn’t stop until you hit the brakes. The R32 viscously leaps from a standstill with a squeal from all four tires pressing you to the seat like a jet plane on take off that gets your heart pounding. And it does not stop there, the shift from 1st to 2nd is incredible, it is both quick and powerful, somehow pushing you further into the seat, almost like some big monster shoving you with both hands, I can’t explain it but, it sure is fun.
There is no longer a delay when you release the brake pedal enacting the launch control. The car surges forward without any hiccups the way it should happen from the factory. HPA truly did their homework when it comes to making the launch control feature work flawlessly. I must force you to understand that this is a priceless feature. If consistency means anything to you, then you will value this option. You get a perfect launch each and every attempt at a more aggressive, more usable RPM. You don’t have to select a 5,200 RPM launch control limit but, it is a luxury to be able to launch at any RPM up to the 5,200 limit.
To be completely honest, if my DSG equipped car did not have launch control as an option from the factory, I would be forced to purchase the HPA upgrade at virtually any price.

7,150 RPM’s or 7,000 RPM’s? I can’t explain my red-line/rev-limiter observations. If the R32 is in S mode it will shift near an indicated 7,150 RPM. If the R32 is in M mode and I attempt to shift at or near 7,150 RPM it will hit the rev-limiter. Even if I try to shift at 7,000 RPM the car hits the limiter. The only way I’ve been able to get the car to shift near 7,000 RPM is to pull the paddle at an indicated 6,800 RPM or slightly before. There is a couple second delay after the limiter is hit before the DSG will up-shift to the next gear.
Perhaps my instrument cluster or tachometer is not accurate? In either case, in M mode, I cannot shift near an indicated 7,150 RPM.
However, the increased red-line really helps with up-shifts putting the car in the sweet spot of the power band for the next gear change. The car pulls through the RPM range with ease and joyously up-shifts with renewed vigor. As was mentioned earlier, the DSG will bounce off the new rev-limiter and not up-shift until the driver manually makes the gear change. Most important, engaging the up-shifts firmly into the power band is something that can be felt shifting through all the gears and I’m sure that it will have a positive effect on acceleration (sorry, no timing equipment was available for this review).

The DSG experience has definitely been enhanced and improved by HPA. However, I must object to the claim that this upgrade puts the driver completely in control and makes the DSG perform as a true manual gear box. The DSG is still lazy with both up-shifts and down-shifts at slow speeds. I was truly hoping for this delayed response experience to be eliminated. I don’t want to have to drive aggressively all the time in order to receive the benefits of lightning fast, precise, and notably firm shifts. And I don’t want to pull the paddle only to have the DSG wait five seconds before it responds to my inputs. I’m willing to understand and accept that this is by design from both HPA’s and VW’s programming. But, if this is the case, the DSG will NEVER perform as a TRUE manual gearbox.
Will HPA’s stage 3 upgrade clutch engagement optimization and better grip quicken the
shift response time and engagement of the DSG further and perhaps deliver a more true manual gearbox experience? I don’t know but, I plan on discussing the possibility with HPA.

I must be fair. HPA set out to achieve what some folks claimed could never be done and HPA did it. They modified the DSG transmission in multiple ways and there is still a pipeline of future DSG products to come. Their upgrade does perform as advertised in nearly all aspects. The Launch control works flawlessly at 4,750 RPM or at 5,200 RPM, the transmission no longer down-shifts on its own without driver input, the shift response time is shortened, the delay is virtually gone, and the red-line has been increased. Overall, I must recommend this modification. It is too much fun and far too effective to ignore.
The benefits far out weigh the cost.

Good job HPA, well done!

Mike

[HPA motorsports 1]

Hi Troop;

Sorry I have not had much time in the last 2 weeks since my return from the 5 city tour to check in with the threads. Back home here in Vancouver, my team has been all abuzz to rekindle our CVP NA for the MK5 along with other projects…

Late summer of 2008, we acknowledged that the release of the CVP level 1-2 for the Mk5 would encounter the same restrictions as all other tuners’ efforts if we could not make our DSG upgrade mobile.

We immediately set the priority on the DSG and by the end of ’08, it was ready to go!

I must throw out a HUGE thank you to all those who braved the currents and bought in on being the first to engage this new mod. I learned as much on my 5 day tour as anyone, and appreciated the chance to meet all of you. As we expected, every DSG configuration carried with it a unique set of variables, and for the most part, each flash went off without a hitch.

Skela/Tracktime, Brad/1552 Acerxz/LuisR/TyrolSport/ Al at CPT, all of you opened your doors and made my trip a true breeze; it would have been a serious struggle without your support.

I shot some video footage of the places and enthusiasts along my way and I hope to find the time to host it over the coming days.

Tour Feeler

The evening of Feb 15th, I have an engagement in Phoenix AZ and there is an opportunity for me to offer up a flash window for any centrally located vehicles the evening of the 15th/morning of the 16th.

If you wish to book a DSG flash for your car while I am in Phoenix, please email me with PHOENIX CONFIRMED in the subject line, and include your contact details in the body!

From there, I could add a leg to my return trip… At the moment, I am considering either Denver, LA, or Houston as potentials. I can’t hit all three, and would have to choose just one (or possibly could stretch the trip to accommodate a second city). If this is an opportunity you wish to be involved in, and you would be available the 16-17th of February, please drop me an email with your city in the subject line and include your contact details in the body.

We will ensure you receive a personal call from our team Monday-Tuesday of the upcoming week as we prepare for this travel itinerary.

Potential location based on 5+ commitments per city, first to reach #’s will be booked

16th pm / 17th am

Denver
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Houston TX.
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Los Angeles, CA
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Our offices will send out an advisory similar in nature to anyone that has already submitted a flash request.

[alipor]

Damn no east coast love again. Hope you will make it to the NE again soon.

[willlangford]

For anyone interested in hard gains here is my review. It's in an R32.. but you get the idea..

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4241790