So, a little update - made a few changes, the most significant being, of course, a Stage 1 remap with STS from Shark Performance via N8. I was heading to the Lake District for the weekend, and Ben brilliantly completed my modified map and emailed it back to me at gone 1am for me to upload on the way - eventually flashing the STS box at Starbucks in Bicester Village and then uploading to the car in the car park!
The long trip up the motorway was fairly uneventful; The car felt more lively at higher speeds, but of course that's pretty much all I could assess! Perhaps I got used to the new performance whilst I was on the motorway, or I'm just not easily pleased!, but I had to admit I wasn't blown away. My fiancee said it felt quicker, but whilst I had to agree, it wasn't the huge step, "night and day" I'd been led to believe, bringing the car to life...
I spoke to N8, who was really helpful and supportive. He said I should have been really impressed by a Stage 1 map on this car, and that he'd resolve it. In the meantime, I managed to pick up a Neuspeeed P-Flo, just a couple of months old, from Adamj on here. Top bloke; He actually fitted it for me when I went to collect and one of his mates even gave the car a quick polish! Platinum level service from yet another helpful member!
So here's the kit fitted, with a manifold wrap under heat-reflective tape. I know it's not the most effective CAI out there but it was a steal, and with the heat-resistant additions and only on a Stage 1 motor, it seems to do the trick:
I've also got a modified S3 engine cover waiting to go on which I think will look great alongside the Neuspeed - that OEM-plus look.
Following this, I got in touch with Ben who very helpfully suggested I head up and see him at HQ to check all was well with the map. On top of this, naturally he could tweak anything that I wasn't happy with. So, road trip it was!
Upon arrival Ben took the car onto the rollers and had a look while my mate and I headed off for brekkie. Within 20 minutes, Ben called to say that the car was running just about spot on power for a Stage 1 car. Cue me feeling like a total Nelly for wasting everyone's time! We finished grub and headed back, Ben reporting that he'd been able to tweak things slightly due to the strong engine and the presence of the P-Flo, which he really rates as an intake on the TFSi. I was very impressed with the results...
That's a final figure of 312hp, and a whopping peak 466Nm of torque! Ben then took me out for a blast, and the difference was incredible. As I said, the figures were about right prior to the tweaks but the drive was now just so much more impressive. Nice early torque, a huge shove yet still pulling hard as you hurtle up the revs. It's still lively and eager on the motorway, but it's now a beast on the B-Roads! I know anyone out there with Stage 2+ or above will tell me it's nothing compared to that, but for me it's great and I'm happy as Larry with it! A friend also mentioned that the torque figure is close to that of a Stage 2 car, which is nice to know!
Other developments, on the 20th September I had a new pair of Michelin Pilot Sport 3s fitted on the front, for the superb price of £250 all in, from BUDGET TYRES in BATTERSEA. Good price, great service and very friendly gents, well worth a look. It was mentioned that the rubber I got was only ZR rated, however looking at SETyres and Michelin websites, it seems that Michelin's Z is equivalent to a Y rating so all is good as far as I'm concerned! They feel SO much better than the Bridgestones; Turn in is sharper, overall grip is immense and impressively they're noticably quieter! Almost silent!
Next, I have to get the car detailed ready for winter, also a couple of the rotors have picked up some rash (one my fault, one NOT!) so Diamond Styling in Sevenoaks will be doing the honours there. After that, I have designs on a set of Eibach Pro-Kit springs and that really will be my lot. Honestly. I have a wedding and house hunt to pay for!
Loving the community here; Everyone's friendly and helpful and it's great reading, and hopefully contributing to, all the articles put up. Keep it coming people!