Golf VR6 tuning

[LachVR6]

Hi all,
just wondering if you could all tell me what is a good way of gaining performance for a 97 Golf VR6?

-I was thinking ECU tuning would be the go but wasn't sure where to go. I know that GIAC are good but for approx. the same outlay I could go with Powerchip who would give me (apparently) a boost to 140kw/256nm. I have also stumbled upon a company called 'Recode' (recode.net.au).

-I would consider supercharging but its front wheel drive and with fuel prices the way they are, I'm leaning away from that option.

-HELP!!! :rolleyes:

Note:
I have already got a (custom made) performance exhaust on it to hear that fabulous noise more clearly! >D

[VR53KS]

Okay, put simply: from an N/A VR6 the only way you're gonna get a big power increase is to do a whole bunch of N/A mods to it such as headwork, cams, custom intake, a chip or completely standalone ECU, stroking to 2.9 or 3 litres and possibly a few other things that I've forgotten at the moment. Separately and by themselves, each of these mods don't do much in the way of improvements for what they cost, but together it would form a formidable package while still retaining the N/A response if you felt so inclined.

The more normal approach is to go with forced induction. With the VR6 engines, the heads are the weakpoint as they don't flow enough. I'm pretty sure that's what it is, one of the gurus can correct me if I'm wrong though :D Best way to help that along is to add either a supercharger or turbocharger, with most people in the US going for the latter. Bear in mind that while in most corners of the world, VR6 Turbo setups have been done to death quite extensively, there's really not much in the way of 'breakthroughs' here in Australia and most bits of the puzzle will have to be sourced from overseas or made from scratch - expensive.

Whichever way you look at it, tuning a VR6 to put out some nice figures is gonna cost you an assload. It's an engine that's pretty much designed to be as good as it can be, until you throw big bucks at it which, more often than not, is unavailable. Probly cause it's all being chucked into maintenance and making sure the damn thing runs :lol: It's definitely doable, but it's not all that worth it. Unless you want to stick with the VR engine specifically for that noise (and oh god what a noise...) then I'd pretty much recommend moving onto a 4cyl turbo engine swap. Most of the groundwork is already done from factory and then all you have to really do is upgrade bits and bobs to make it go better. :)

cliffnotes; unless you want big power and are willing to spend big bucks, just don't bother!

[ml16]

LOL @ Superchip. Have you googled them?

[LachVR6]

No I haven't googled "Superchip" but i'm sure you "lol" means its crap.
Yeah, I bought a VR6 because it's shit loads better than the 4cylinder. :)
I might consider just old fashion tuning like you say, with bigger cams, etc. OR even swap to an R32 conversion (cos they're pretty much the same thing.)
Or I just leave it as it is and eventually step up to an R32 or Bora Sport VR6(?) or Passat R36.
Does anybody know whether "Powerchip" OR GIAC are the way to go??
P.S: I would like to get it to at least 200hp/147kw .. currently i'm questimating its around 130kw-ish.

Below are the powerchip sites.
- http://www.powerchipgroup.com/interact/datasheets/datasheets_two.asp?pid=Vwn0046
- http://www.powerchipgroup.com/articles/megatest/Page%206.html