Where do i start ?

[domsut]

Just purchased a MK3 NC 2.0. 
Completely new to all this (haven't modified a car since 1985 !!!) 
I love the car but would like a little more acceleration and maybe a bit more from the exhaust in terms of sound. Nothing crazy just good old fashioned noise. 
Where do i start ? I've been quoted £299 for a ECU remap + Engine Carbon clean which apparently gives a 10bhp and 12Nm increase but should I change the exhaust first ? If so what price are we looking at to supply and get somone to fit (im not brilliant mechanically). 

[wannabe]

Hello!

I'm not entirely convinced on the 'carbon clean' things, I sort of think that the additives in fuel should keep things pretty clean anyway.

Who's quoted for the remap? Is it rewriting the OEM ECU?

[domsut]

in all fairness the garage have thrown in the carbon clean for free (i assume they are after business) . They state "however there is big difference between the kind of “fully bespoke” top specification remapping that we do, and the lower end of the market there maps are written just to give power but maybe sacrificing reliability.". Re the carbon clean "injecting hydrogen into the engine’s air intake and running the engine and unit for just 30 minutes. The entire inlet system, cylinder head and exhaust manifold is cleansed without any interference or damage to the engine."

[wannabe]

It could be worth doing some research on the carbon cleaning - I think it's one of those things that some people say is snake oil and other people swear by, but I'm not sure there's empirical evidence either way!

I see they are not above denigrating other garages' work to encourage you to use them lol

[atlex]

You can do your own carbon cleaning with water. Water is the main thing that makes it work anyway. Put some water in a clean old spray bottle and you're ready to rock. I'd sooner buy some intake cleaner (aka carb cleaner) if I was spending money, use that to clean the the throttle body and any grot in the intake manifold. with the engine off and then give it some blasts with the engine running (hand on the throttle body!) ... Once you've done that then do the water in a spray bottle thing. You can use carb cleaner on a cool engine but you should only use the water/'carbon remover' process once it is warmed up.

As per the other thread, look at skuzzle or roddisons for tuning. They're both experts on these cars.

[schercheeroo]

Jun 1, 2020 10:45:06 GMT domsut said:

"....there is big difference between the kind of “fully bespoke” top specification remapping that we do, and the lower end of the market. Their maps are written just to give power but maybe sacrificing reliability."

I think you could make an argument either way. Certainly some generic maps are just written for power and can sacrifice reliability, these maps are usually supplied remotely by some chap editing the tune with a computer that'll never even see your car.
Some generic remaps are fully tested and validated in real world application, similar to the OEM maps (which are generic themselves). I know REVO do a hell of a lot of validation work (months of test and development), on road, on track and at different environmental conditions and altitudes. I would like to hope a company like ECUTek would have a similar level of development I know they employ dedicated engine calibration engineers.
For a modern engine management system with closed loop fueling feed back, fueling trim tables and active knock control a generic map can be an excellent and very safe choice (if you go with the right vendor).
I'm not too sure what a "fully bespoke" tune would involve but I imagine it would involve putting a generic tune on the ECU. Then putting the car on the rollers for a few hours to check things are okay, tweek as necessary, and then give you a power run chart.
You'll need to do some research to find what is best for you.

Jun 1, 2020 10:45:06 GMT domsut said:

Re the carbon clean "injecting hydrogen into the engine’s air intake and running the engine and unit for just 30 minutes. The entire inlet system, cylinder head and exhaust manifold is cleansed without any interference or damage to the engine."

I've never heard of using hydrogen for engine cleaning, again I think you'll need to do some research.

[domsut]

Thanks all... Just looked at Skuzzle and they are not a million miles away from me so I might start saving for their fast road package.