Power upgrades for stock ECU's?

[nickeleye]

I've had my '12R for just over a month and I've already caught "upgrade fever". It's hard not to when digging through this forum. One thing is very apparent; upgrading to Stage 1, 2, 3 offers significant performance gains especially when coupled with the additional hardware upgrades. No brainer, right? So what about those of us who don't have the interest in going Stage 1, 2, or 3 (at least not at this point in time) for whatever reason?

My R is bone stock in terms of power-related upgrades. I was considering a Stage 1 flash, but I'm holding out on this until an undetermined date. I realize that upgrading things like the CAI, downpipe, catback exhaust, HPFP, etc would yield even more significant results with a tune, but what if you just skip the tune?

I know there are plenty here who would say to jump straight into a tune if you had to start with a single upgrade. Let's pretend that option is not available and leave out any bias towards tuning. What could realistically be expected from upgrading other hardware without the tune?

For starters, I am considering the Carbonio intake or possibly CTS intake on a STOCK tune.

What say the VW gurus?

[Dutchmastr9]

carbonio intake is just a different filter. it wont yield much power. the tune is the best bang for your buck that you can get. its downright stupid to waste your money on any other mods without a tune. it will net you about 40+ hp from stock and will allow other mods to be better utilized all for about 500-600 bucks. doesnt make sense to do anything else 1st

[Pdyno]

I agree. Intakes will make it sound different but not gain much. Get a software flash and its REALLY noticeable. I'd recommend a United Motorsport flash and 42 Draft Designs downpipe to start.

[bzflag]

If you're really committed to not getting a tune then you can do all the normal bolt ons with very minimal gains except a fuel pump. Intake, exhaust, intercooler, water/meth will all help a tiny bit, but the pump won't help without the software that requests more fuel.

[jael013]

i have a scorpion dp and evoms intake without a tune. Theres a big difference in power, but with a tune you should notice an even greater power.

[HandyBanana]

One of the reasons to get flashed to Stage 2 is for the test pipe file, which clears the CEL generated from having an aftermarket downpipe.

Go ahead, get an exhaust and intake, but enjoy the CEL.

[ThatVdub]

i have a scorpion dp and evoms intake without a tune. Theres a big difference in power, but with a tune you should notice an even greater power.

Yes, downpipe and intake would be great mods w/out a tune. I think it was said that a DP
could cause the OEM flash to bug out a lil due to unusually fast spool speed, but true?
Will it adapt? I am new to FI VAG 2L's, as far as ownership, and still learning.

You want an exhaust note? The a good downpipe.
INO, HPA makes the best Downpipe, due to using a very quality UHF cat, but you will throw a code without a tune, due to 100 cell cat.



~$500 for B&B stainless downpipe with 200 cell cat, less likely to throw a code.
Buy from redline-motorworks.com if USP Motorsports wont match their delivered price.


If you want more of an OEM quiet sounding downpipe? APR with 200 cell cat and resonator


Intakes are expensive, but some aren't, that are good to handle 350hp w/o any problems.
Evom's is <$300 (buy from USP Motorsports)



CTS Intake <$300 (Buy from CTS)


Neuspeed ~$330 (Gary Neumann is cool, and is flexible, great place to buy a switchable Haldex)
Been liking this lately, based on picture. Their one piece tube really appeals to me.