s7wag
Ready to race!
- Location
- Bedfordshire, UK
I thought it was about time I posted a Members Car thread about my car. To start with some basic facts about my car, which has now covered approx. 1800 miles...
Car: VW Golf GTD 184 5dr 6sp manual
Colour: Pure White
Registered: 1 Sept 2014 on 64 plate
Purchased: 22 Jan 2015 as a pre-reg. with 7 miles
Factory Fit Options: Pure White, Discover Media/Navigation, Sound and Sport, Black Vienna Leather & Heated Seats, 19" Santiago Alloys, 3 years’ Service Pack FoC with VW Finance, FoC extended VW Roadside-Assistance to Aug 2016
Post-Purchase Options: Milltek Rear Exhaust, Kufatec Sound Module, Ross-Tech VCDS cable, Pedal-Box, OEM TT Short-Shift with 42 DD bushes
Mileage to date: 1800
Average MPG: 49
Firstly a bit of car ownership history…
As you can see a bit of a long list with many changes over time…
1972 VW Beetle 1302S - Yellow - First car
1983 Ford Fiesta 1.3 Ghia MK1 - Gold
1980 V Ford Capri 3.0S - Black
1981 W Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia - Red
1985 B Ford Escort 1.6 XR3i Cabriolet - Red
1982 Y Vauxhall Astra 1.8 GTE - Black
1982 Y BMW 323i - Black
1986 C Ford Fiesta 1.6 XR2 MK2 - White - First Company Car;
1989 G Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia - Black - Company Car;
1985 B BMW 525i - Red
1988 E Ford Escort 1.6 Estate - Red
1988 E Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6 - Silver
1993 Y Vauxhall Corsa 1.5TD - Blue
1990 G Audi 2.3 Coupe - Red
1996 P Saab 900 SE Turbo - Black - Company Car
...got divorced...1996...
1997 R BMW M5 - Black
1996 P Honda VFR
1998 S Mercedes C43 AMG - Silver
1998 S Yamaha R1
2000 W Honda Fireblade RRY
2002 Y Ducati 998R
2004 04 MV Augusta F4
2004 54 VW Golf MK5 2.0 TDI GT (AMD re-map) Black
2003 53 Mercedes E320 CDI - Silver
2006 56 Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Convertible - Silver
2008 08 BMW 330D M-Sport Convertible (AMD re-map) - Silver
2008 58 Audi TT 2.0 TDI Roadster (Revo re-map) - Silver - Wife's car - still have
2011 11 Range Rover Sport HSE (DMS re-map) - Black
2012 12 Mercedes SL350 - Black
2013 13 Audi A6 3.0 BiTDi SLine (MTM re-map) - White - just sold
2014 64 VW Golf MK7 GTD 184 (Carbon Chip re-map) - White - still playing with...
And the most mileage covered in one car was my MK5 TDI (with AMD) with around 130,000 from new following my C43 which I clocked up around 120,000 before I sold it for the MK5. And a series of very nice cars. The Mercedes AMG’s stand out as the ‘best’ driver cars with such awesome addictive exhaust notes. The Range Rover Sport was a lovely car before someone kindly rear-ended. I’d originally wanted the 3.6TDV8 but was persuaded to go for a new 3.0TDI but this was a mistake. Even after re-mapping it was still a 2-tonne car with less than 300bhp. Excellent all-rounder but never quite enough power. I wanted the 4.2TDV8 from the bigger Range Rover which funny enough happened with the new model!! Anyway this led me to the SL which I’d always wanted to own – got a great deal on the last of the model line…so had to have it! Played with this for a year until I got an offer to sell it that I couldn’t refuse (it was a beautiful looking car). I then had a dilemma do I get another AMG…the C63 AMG 507 Coupe was tempting me…but then saw the latest Audi SQ5 about to launch but this got delayed and I tried the A6 Bi-TDI with the Bi-Turbo 3.0 diesel with 313PS and 5.1 sec to 60. I’d seen the MTM re-map with 381PS/780NM/4.6sec to 60 and that was it really for a while – a diesel that could do 45+mpg with these power numbers and my goodness what a beast, that really questions why you’d spend £10K’s more on exotic/powerful sports cars…anyhow you’re all thinking what’s this got to do with the MK7 GTD now…well as you can see I tend to change from one type of car to another (quite frequently, which I’ve been lucky to do, and it’s cost me over the years, but I’ve enjoyed myself along the way) but changes in circumstance dictate. Fond memories of the MK5 TDI led me to the MK7 and what a car. The latest engines, platform, build specs are awesome, and if you only had to pick one car, this is the one to have. I could have gone R or GTI but knew that I could ‘play and personalise’ my GTD somewhat and make it unique whilst still being desirable when I come to part company, it was also £20 per year RFL with low insurance costs, superb economy, cheaper fuel and service costs. I could have ‘R’ type torque with diesel running costs – best of both worlds and if I had to start travelling large distances again, I knew this car could do it without fuss. So far it has not disappointed BUT I knew it wouldn’t, and my wife loves driving it too. She wouldn’t drive the other ‘auto’s I’ve owned being too big and powerful.
Next Dilemma - Manual or DSG Auto
Having owned many automatics I was really looking for a GTD DSG but I couldn’t have it all. My GTD was a pre-reg from last year but the overall spec with Sat Nav., Sound & Sport and in particular the leather heated-seats were an attraction. And it was to be Black, Grey or White…Pure White it was. Basically trying to get the best spec with nothing to be missed from moving cars. The manual quotes some crazy 67mpg and £20 per year tax which I know translates to 50mpg combined in real life. I’m not doing many miles these days and I do love driving the TT which is a manual too so that was it deal done. Good spec, good price, 3 year service plan and VW assistance thrown in.
Only thing I would have liked is 4-motion – strange the UK cars don’t have this option when it’s available in Europe.
Interesting I saw recently that VW have developed a 10 speed DSG box to go into the MK8 Golf and do wonder with all the technology if at some point soon all manufacturers will move to DSG/auto boxes for their main-stream models with only manual provision in city cars?
I hope to keep this car for a few years now and save a bit of money again but will look to move back to a DSG in the future.
22 Jan 2015 - Purchased Pure White GTD with Sport & Sound Pack
http://postimg.org/gallery/1sg0msp5w/ -some pictures
25 Jan 2015 - Purchased DT Tuning Box - CRD+ Rail and Boost
Whilst purchased in January, the tuning box wasn't fitted until late February/early March as GTD hadn't covered any miles. The Tuning box is fitted and removed in 5/10 mins. Various settings were tried and tested with P1+1, and P2+1 seeming to give best progressing power and torque. Other forums members have also used P3+2 with success. P2 is a more aggressive power application. All re-mapping is done in the box and not to the car's ECU, so for those wishing to release a bit of power you can do so and if any issues you can remove the box from the car (as I did when the 5F controller failed). Whilst the tuning boxes these days are really good with many power/torque settings, I found this box to be great in the early days but my end goal was to find a custom/bespoke mapping that was created for the GTD, NOT one that just worked on a GTD (as well as various other similar engine VAG models). I owned a previous MK5 TDI with AMD custom re-map, my A6 has an MTM re-map and my wife’s TT TDI has a Revo re-map. The DTUK tuning box served its purpose whilst I got through the initial few months to ensure any early warranty claims were mitigated. I know many users with DTUK boxes having covered many miles with no issues. The latest one uses connectors to adjust both the rail and boost sensors a huge improvement on earlier boxes. I’ve now sold the tuning-box and opted for the Carbon Chip Tuning GTD custom re-map. See entry on 22 April 2015.
10 Feb 2015 - Purchased DT Pedal Box
http://postimg.org/gallery/1ucpvtch0/
I supplemented the Tuning box with the Pedal Box, initially actually only using the Pedal box stand-alone. I've been really surprised by this little plug n play box of tricks. Again many settings to play with but generally P1 gives about 15% increase in response rate, whilst P2 is around 40%. There are + and - adjustments that can be made. I've found P1+1/+2 to be most useable with P2 being too much and in fact use the P2-2 setting with it backed off a bit to calm it down. That said it makes an incredible difference to the accelerator response with real kick-in the back difference from standard OEM set-up. If you haven't tried one and get a chance I'd recommend it...BTW the guys at DTUK are the most helpful support team with a wealth of knowledge on their products and how they work and operate and fit to your car.
26 Feb 2015 - Purchased Ross-Tech VAG COM VCDS USB Cable from Gendan
V14.10 software installed and fault logs run and tested. VCDS coding updates include:
• 09 Central Electrics: Daytime Driving Lights - activate rear DL LEDs;
• 09 Central Electrics: Daytime Driving Lights - allow DL's to be enabled/disabled from MMI;
• 09 Central Electrics - Automatic Rain Closing of windows;
• 09 Central Electrics - Fog lights operate with main beam
• 09 Central Electrics - Fog lights operate with main beam flash
• A9 Sound Actuator (internal dashboard sound speaker) - adjusted volume from 100% to 0%;
• CO Sound Actuator J943 (external exhaust sound speaker) - adjusted volume from 100% to 75%;
• 08 Auto HVAC - enable Automatic air recirculation option in MMI (later cars already available);
• 03 ABS - XDS Electronic Differential Lock updated from 'standard' to 'strong';
All options were updated with use of know security codes with no faults recorded.
I looked at the voice activation but you need the SD card software update and it cannot be done just from VCDS coding change. At some point someone will have the SD card available on e-bay of similar rather than £185 option from VW dealer…
12 Mar 2015 - AMD Essex (Ben) - Milltek Rear Exhaust fitted (no rear silencer/muffler) and Piper Cross Panel Air Filter
Firstly you need to remember that my GTD has the Sport and Sound Pack fitted. This includes the Red GTI style brake calipers together with the internal sound actuator (bulkhead speaker – the ones all the GTI and R drivers complain about and eventually turn-off via VCDS) and the external sound speaker fitted to the middle section of the exhaust. This is the OEM active exhaust that is referred to that also has no rear silencer (muffler) and just the single front silencer.
See picture link for more details. http://postimg.org/gallery/1gaxcubfo/
And here's the video clip of the exhaust sound recording in 'Normal' mode and 'Sport' mode with the artificial sound actuator (external sound speaker) activated https://youtu.be/x9ijvYLnFOo
This was one of my biggest challenges as I wanted the twin GTI rear exit and the Milltek Sport exhaust system. It’s generally well known that the DPF unit is the cause for stifling the exhaust and its free-flow on the TDI engines and therefore fitment of a new larger diameter exhaust will not provide any performance enhancements at all. Removing silencers from front or back or both will change the exhaust tone and aesthetically look better but that’s it no other performance gain whilst the DPF is there, and that has to remain if you don’t want to break current laws (in UK). This all said I opted to take a trip to AMD Essex knowing that they also fabricate their own exhausts. We agreed upon the Milltek Rear GTI system, that they would fabricate onto the OEM middle section thereby allowing me to keep the OEM Sound Actuator system (artificial exhaust sound activate by ‘Sport’ mode). Remember the standard rear exhaust outlet did not have a rear silencer as standard. I bought the OEM GTI valence and all done! I’m really pleased with the result with a slightly deeper exhaust tone from OEM by just changing to twin outlet and even nicer tone with the exhaust sound speaker turned-on. I have since fitted the Kufatec Sound booster module which allows me to select a number of exhaust tones, again a personal thing that lets me play around a bit.
20 Mar 2015 - VW Warranty Claim - Supply and Fit new 5F Controller
Funny enough, the day I picked the car up the Media system died and re-booted itself a couple of times. I thought no more of it as everything seemed fine until one day in early March I'd headed off with Sat Nav route all plugged in to have the system black-screen on me as I sat 'parked' on the M25. Speakers made a high-pitched squeal for around 10/15 seconds and then nothing, no power, no screen...nothing! So a trip to local VW Dealer after running the VCDS log myself too.
5F controller all changed under warranty at a cost of £3018. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for that one.
15 April 2015 - Richter Sport (Richard/Rik) - Kufatec Sound Booster Module fitted
One of the reasons when selecting my exhaust replacement was that I still wanted to retain the exhaust speaker (sound actuator) in the middle section that would allow me to still turn the booster artificial exhaust note on and off as well as fit the Kufatec unit a bit later. I had one on my Bi-TDI too - interesting glances when it sounded like a 'RS6'!
The sound module is located in the rear quarter panel to which the Kufatec module is plugged in. The selection cable is fed along the side of the car, behind the glove box, and then fitted inside the front centre box where the iPOD is located. Fitted courtesy of www.richtersport.co.uk in Milton Keynes
Here’s the sound track recording: https://youtu.be/_VRSQx-RQmI ...sounds a bit different....
22 April 2015 - Carbon Chip Tuning (Nick) - GTD re-map completed @ 1780 miles
As stated earlier you’ll note that I started with a tuning-box solution on my GTD. I’ve had all my previous TDI cars custom re-mapped including my earlier MK5, so it was a no brainer, upon purchase the MK7 GTD was going the same route. The tuning-box was never going to be a long-term solution but useful during early days if any potential warranty issues were going to occur. Four months on, it was time to go seek the latest ECU re-map? After considering a number of after-market ECU re-map options I settled on the one provided by Nick at Carbon Chip Tuning. It’s not the highest power output out there at 221bhp (versus others around 240/250bhp) but their torque readings are all on-par at 500NM (370lbft). That torque number beats many larger V6/V8’s out there. The power and torque band is expertly mapped to be linear against the standard OEM and all settings remain within the VW tolerances with no fault codes. Many re-maps are generic to the engine/unit so for example the 2.0 TDI 184 unit sits in many VAG cars – the Golf, Seat, and VRS Skoda. Carbon Chips re-map has been developed on their own MK7 GTD that has now covered many 000’s of miles with tests done in real life, on-the-road, with many revisions to get to the final result all within the VW engine tolerances. Hence my choice, this re-map is personal, it’s for the GTD! (EDIT. I've just added my own Power Map graph rough comparison for OEM, Carbon Chip and Tuning Box - please refer to individual web sites for their own original map graphs)
7 May 2015 - Insurance Renewal due with LV including two modification declares - exhaust and re-map (~£270)
That’s it for now…HAPPY DRIVING all you GTD owners
Car: VW Golf GTD 184 5dr 6sp manual
Colour: Pure White
Registered: 1 Sept 2014 on 64 plate
Purchased: 22 Jan 2015 as a pre-reg. with 7 miles
Factory Fit Options: Pure White, Discover Media/Navigation, Sound and Sport, Black Vienna Leather & Heated Seats, 19" Santiago Alloys, 3 years’ Service Pack FoC with VW Finance, FoC extended VW Roadside-Assistance to Aug 2016
Post-Purchase Options: Milltek Rear Exhaust, Kufatec Sound Module, Ross-Tech VCDS cable, Pedal-Box, OEM TT Short-Shift with 42 DD bushes
Mileage to date: 1800
Average MPG: 49
Firstly a bit of car ownership history…
As you can see a bit of a long list with many changes over time…
1972 VW Beetle 1302S - Yellow - First car
1983 Ford Fiesta 1.3 Ghia MK1 - Gold
1980 V Ford Capri 3.0S - Black
1981 W Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia - Red
1985 B Ford Escort 1.6 XR3i Cabriolet - Red
1982 Y Vauxhall Astra 1.8 GTE - Black
1982 Y BMW 323i - Black
1986 C Ford Fiesta 1.6 XR2 MK2 - White - First Company Car;
1989 G Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia - Black - Company Car;
1985 B BMW 525i - Red
1988 E Ford Escort 1.6 Estate - Red
1988 E Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6 - Silver
1993 Y Vauxhall Corsa 1.5TD - Blue
1990 G Audi 2.3 Coupe - Red
1996 P Saab 900 SE Turbo - Black - Company Car
...got divorced...1996...
1997 R BMW M5 - Black
1996 P Honda VFR
1998 S Mercedes C43 AMG - Silver
1998 S Yamaha R1
2000 W Honda Fireblade RRY
2002 Y Ducati 998R
2004 04 MV Augusta F4
2004 54 VW Golf MK5 2.0 TDI GT (AMD re-map) Black
2003 53 Mercedes E320 CDI - Silver
2006 56 Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Convertible - Silver
2008 08 BMW 330D M-Sport Convertible (AMD re-map) - Silver
2008 58 Audi TT 2.0 TDI Roadster (Revo re-map) - Silver - Wife's car - still have
2011 11 Range Rover Sport HSE (DMS re-map) - Black
2012 12 Mercedes SL350 - Black
2013 13 Audi A6 3.0 BiTDi SLine (MTM re-map) - White - just sold
2014 64 VW Golf MK7 GTD 184 (Carbon Chip re-map) - White - still playing with...
And the most mileage covered in one car was my MK5 TDI (with AMD) with around 130,000 from new following my C43 which I clocked up around 120,000 before I sold it for the MK5. And a series of very nice cars. The Mercedes AMG’s stand out as the ‘best’ driver cars with such awesome addictive exhaust notes. The Range Rover Sport was a lovely car before someone kindly rear-ended. I’d originally wanted the 3.6TDV8 but was persuaded to go for a new 3.0TDI but this was a mistake. Even after re-mapping it was still a 2-tonne car with less than 300bhp. Excellent all-rounder but never quite enough power. I wanted the 4.2TDV8 from the bigger Range Rover which funny enough happened with the new model!! Anyway this led me to the SL which I’d always wanted to own – got a great deal on the last of the model line…so had to have it! Played with this for a year until I got an offer to sell it that I couldn’t refuse (it was a beautiful looking car). I then had a dilemma do I get another AMG…the C63 AMG 507 Coupe was tempting me…but then saw the latest Audi SQ5 about to launch but this got delayed and I tried the A6 Bi-TDI with the Bi-Turbo 3.0 diesel with 313PS and 5.1 sec to 60. I’d seen the MTM re-map with 381PS/780NM/4.6sec to 60 and that was it really for a while – a diesel that could do 45+mpg with these power numbers and my goodness what a beast, that really questions why you’d spend £10K’s more on exotic/powerful sports cars…anyhow you’re all thinking what’s this got to do with the MK7 GTD now…well as you can see I tend to change from one type of car to another (quite frequently, which I’ve been lucky to do, and it’s cost me over the years, but I’ve enjoyed myself along the way) but changes in circumstance dictate. Fond memories of the MK5 TDI led me to the MK7 and what a car. The latest engines, platform, build specs are awesome, and if you only had to pick one car, this is the one to have. I could have gone R or GTI but knew that I could ‘play and personalise’ my GTD somewhat and make it unique whilst still being desirable when I come to part company, it was also £20 per year RFL with low insurance costs, superb economy, cheaper fuel and service costs. I could have ‘R’ type torque with diesel running costs – best of both worlds and if I had to start travelling large distances again, I knew this car could do it without fuss. So far it has not disappointed BUT I knew it wouldn’t, and my wife loves driving it too. She wouldn’t drive the other ‘auto’s I’ve owned being too big and powerful.
Next Dilemma - Manual or DSG Auto
Having owned many automatics I was really looking for a GTD DSG but I couldn’t have it all. My GTD was a pre-reg from last year but the overall spec with Sat Nav., Sound & Sport and in particular the leather heated-seats were an attraction. And it was to be Black, Grey or White…Pure White it was. Basically trying to get the best spec with nothing to be missed from moving cars. The manual quotes some crazy 67mpg and £20 per year tax which I know translates to 50mpg combined in real life. I’m not doing many miles these days and I do love driving the TT which is a manual too so that was it deal done. Good spec, good price, 3 year service plan and VW assistance thrown in.
Only thing I would have liked is 4-motion – strange the UK cars don’t have this option when it’s available in Europe.
Interesting I saw recently that VW have developed a 10 speed DSG box to go into the MK8 Golf and do wonder with all the technology if at some point soon all manufacturers will move to DSG/auto boxes for their main-stream models with only manual provision in city cars?
I hope to keep this car for a few years now and save a bit of money again but will look to move back to a DSG in the future.
22 Jan 2015 - Purchased Pure White GTD with Sport & Sound Pack
http://postimg.org/gallery/1sg0msp5w/ -some pictures
25 Jan 2015 - Purchased DT Tuning Box - CRD+ Rail and Boost
Whilst purchased in January, the tuning box wasn't fitted until late February/early March as GTD hadn't covered any miles. The Tuning box is fitted and removed in 5/10 mins. Various settings were tried and tested with P1+1, and P2+1 seeming to give best progressing power and torque. Other forums members have also used P3+2 with success. P2 is a more aggressive power application. All re-mapping is done in the box and not to the car's ECU, so for those wishing to release a bit of power you can do so and if any issues you can remove the box from the car (as I did when the 5F controller failed). Whilst the tuning boxes these days are really good with many power/torque settings, I found this box to be great in the early days but my end goal was to find a custom/bespoke mapping that was created for the GTD, NOT one that just worked on a GTD (as well as various other similar engine VAG models). I owned a previous MK5 TDI with AMD custom re-map, my A6 has an MTM re-map and my wife’s TT TDI has a Revo re-map. The DTUK tuning box served its purpose whilst I got through the initial few months to ensure any early warranty claims were mitigated. I know many users with DTUK boxes having covered many miles with no issues. The latest one uses connectors to adjust both the rail and boost sensors a huge improvement on earlier boxes. I’ve now sold the tuning-box and opted for the Carbon Chip Tuning GTD custom re-map. See entry on 22 April 2015.
10 Feb 2015 - Purchased DT Pedal Box
http://postimg.org/gallery/1ucpvtch0/
I supplemented the Tuning box with the Pedal Box, initially actually only using the Pedal box stand-alone. I've been really surprised by this little plug n play box of tricks. Again many settings to play with but generally P1 gives about 15% increase in response rate, whilst P2 is around 40%. There are + and - adjustments that can be made. I've found P1+1/+2 to be most useable with P2 being too much and in fact use the P2-2 setting with it backed off a bit to calm it down. That said it makes an incredible difference to the accelerator response with real kick-in the back difference from standard OEM set-up. If you haven't tried one and get a chance I'd recommend it...BTW the guys at DTUK are the most helpful support team with a wealth of knowledge on their products and how they work and operate and fit to your car.
26 Feb 2015 - Purchased Ross-Tech VAG COM VCDS USB Cable from Gendan
V14.10 software installed and fault logs run and tested. VCDS coding updates include:
• 09 Central Electrics: Daytime Driving Lights - activate rear DL LEDs;
• 09 Central Electrics: Daytime Driving Lights - allow DL's to be enabled/disabled from MMI;
• 09 Central Electrics - Automatic Rain Closing of windows;
• 09 Central Electrics - Fog lights operate with main beam
• 09 Central Electrics - Fog lights operate with main beam flash
• A9 Sound Actuator (internal dashboard sound speaker) - adjusted volume from 100% to 0%;
• CO Sound Actuator J943 (external exhaust sound speaker) - adjusted volume from 100% to 75%;
• 08 Auto HVAC - enable Automatic air recirculation option in MMI (later cars already available);
• 03 ABS - XDS Electronic Differential Lock updated from 'standard' to 'strong';
All options were updated with use of know security codes with no faults recorded.
I looked at the voice activation but you need the SD card software update and it cannot be done just from VCDS coding change. At some point someone will have the SD card available on e-bay of similar rather than £185 option from VW dealer…
12 Mar 2015 - AMD Essex (Ben) - Milltek Rear Exhaust fitted (no rear silencer/muffler) and Piper Cross Panel Air Filter
Firstly you need to remember that my GTD has the Sport and Sound Pack fitted. This includes the Red GTI style brake calipers together with the internal sound actuator (bulkhead speaker – the ones all the GTI and R drivers complain about and eventually turn-off via VCDS) and the external sound speaker fitted to the middle section of the exhaust. This is the OEM active exhaust that is referred to that also has no rear silencer (muffler) and just the single front silencer.
See picture link for more details. http://postimg.org/gallery/1gaxcubfo/
And here's the video clip of the exhaust sound recording in 'Normal' mode and 'Sport' mode with the artificial sound actuator (external sound speaker) activated https://youtu.be/x9ijvYLnFOo
This was one of my biggest challenges as I wanted the twin GTI rear exit and the Milltek Sport exhaust system. It’s generally well known that the DPF unit is the cause for stifling the exhaust and its free-flow on the TDI engines and therefore fitment of a new larger diameter exhaust will not provide any performance enhancements at all. Removing silencers from front or back or both will change the exhaust tone and aesthetically look better but that’s it no other performance gain whilst the DPF is there, and that has to remain if you don’t want to break current laws (in UK). This all said I opted to take a trip to AMD Essex knowing that they also fabricate their own exhausts. We agreed upon the Milltek Rear GTI system, that they would fabricate onto the OEM middle section thereby allowing me to keep the OEM Sound Actuator system (artificial exhaust sound activate by ‘Sport’ mode). Remember the standard rear exhaust outlet did not have a rear silencer as standard. I bought the OEM GTI valence and all done! I’m really pleased with the result with a slightly deeper exhaust tone from OEM by just changing to twin outlet and even nicer tone with the exhaust sound speaker turned-on. I have since fitted the Kufatec Sound booster module which allows me to select a number of exhaust tones, again a personal thing that lets me play around a bit.
20 Mar 2015 - VW Warranty Claim - Supply and Fit new 5F Controller
Funny enough, the day I picked the car up the Media system died and re-booted itself a couple of times. I thought no more of it as everything seemed fine until one day in early March I'd headed off with Sat Nav route all plugged in to have the system black-screen on me as I sat 'parked' on the M25. Speakers made a high-pitched squeal for around 10/15 seconds and then nothing, no power, no screen...nothing! So a trip to local VW Dealer after running the VCDS log myself too.
5F controller all changed under warranty at a cost of £3018. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for that one.
15 April 2015 - Richter Sport (Richard/Rik) - Kufatec Sound Booster Module fitted
One of the reasons when selecting my exhaust replacement was that I still wanted to retain the exhaust speaker (sound actuator) in the middle section that would allow me to still turn the booster artificial exhaust note on and off as well as fit the Kufatec unit a bit later. I had one on my Bi-TDI too - interesting glances when it sounded like a 'RS6'!
The sound module is located in the rear quarter panel to which the Kufatec module is plugged in. The selection cable is fed along the side of the car, behind the glove box, and then fitted inside the front centre box where the iPOD is located. Fitted courtesy of www.richtersport.co.uk in Milton Keynes
Here’s the sound track recording: https://youtu.be/_VRSQx-RQmI ...sounds a bit different....
22 April 2015 - Carbon Chip Tuning (Nick) - GTD re-map completed @ 1780 miles
As stated earlier you’ll note that I started with a tuning-box solution on my GTD. I’ve had all my previous TDI cars custom re-mapped including my earlier MK5, so it was a no brainer, upon purchase the MK7 GTD was going the same route. The tuning-box was never going to be a long-term solution but useful during early days if any potential warranty issues were going to occur. Four months on, it was time to go seek the latest ECU re-map? After considering a number of after-market ECU re-map options I settled on the one provided by Nick at Carbon Chip Tuning. It’s not the highest power output out there at 221bhp (versus others around 240/250bhp) but their torque readings are all on-par at 500NM (370lbft). That torque number beats many larger V6/V8’s out there. The power and torque band is expertly mapped to be linear against the standard OEM and all settings remain within the VW tolerances with no fault codes. Many re-maps are generic to the engine/unit so for example the 2.0 TDI 184 unit sits in many VAG cars – the Golf, Seat, and VRS Skoda. Carbon Chips re-map has been developed on their own MK7 GTD that has now covered many 000’s of miles with tests done in real life, on-the-road, with many revisions to get to the final result all within the VW engine tolerances. Hence my choice, this re-map is personal, it’s for the GTD! (EDIT. I've just added my own Power Map graph rough comparison for OEM, Carbon Chip and Tuning Box - please refer to individual web sites for their own original map graphs)
7 May 2015 - Insurance Renewal due with LV including two modification declares - exhaust and re-map (~£270)
That’s it for now…HAPPY DRIVING all you GTD owners
Attachments
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VWGolfMK7GTD PowerMapCompare.JPG
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