TDi Performance

W and Audi TDi diesel vehicles are probably the mostdrawbacks is that upgraded air intakes are not
economical cars on the road, getting about the sameavailable for all of the TDi models or year groups.
or better economy than the new hybrids. They are theThere are also performance drop-in filters for most of
best way to go when looking to save money on fuel.the TDi’s that will increase airflow slightly, and
The VW TDi’s especially are growing inadd a little power and economy.
popularity in the U.S.. There are some complaintsThe next thing that comes to peoples minds is an
though. Like not having the power needed to passupgraded exhaust system for their TDi. The only
someone on the road. This has all changed in recentproblem with that is the lack of mods for the TDi
years. There are several upgrades that can be madeexhaust. There are currently no major companies that
to the TDi’s to improve power, and to actuallymanufacture full TDi exhaust systems to my
improve fuel economy even more. I will touch on theseknowledge. A custom system can be made, but often
subjects briefly.cost in excess of $750. So most people do either 1) A
The first TDi Performance mod that comes to mind ismufflerectomy where the muffler and resonator are
an upgraded chip or tuning box. Both of these items,removed and straight pipes are put in their place to
the VW performance chip and the VW tuning boxreduce restrictions on exhaust air flow. This
change how the fuel is delivered to the engine. For adoesn’t really give a measurable power or
VW performance chip to be installed, the TDi’seconomy increase, but does give a throatier sound
computer must be removed and sent to someonethat some are looking for and the reduced back
who can solder in the new chip with the new program.pressure will add to engine longevity. Or 2) People will
A VW tuning box will simply be connected under thereplace the muffler with a new muffler that is able to
hood where it can intercept the signals going to thevacuum the exhaust out the tail pipe. These mufflers
engines ecu and alter them. Most people will say thatwill add a little performance and economy, although still
the upgraded chip will do the most for you, but thenot very noticeable, but they will greatly reduce back
tuning box is the more common upgrade just becausepressure to add to the longevity of the engine and will
it is so much easier to work with. Also the tuningalso add a deeper tone that some are looking for.
boxes are well liked because they can be removedAnother common upgrade for the VW TDi is
and have no trace of ever being there so thatupgraded injector nozzles. Upgraded injectors or
warranty work can be done.injector nozzles and an improved spray pattern than
The TDi Performance upgrade that comes to mostthe stock injectors and when required are able to flow
peoples minds first is the cold air intake. An upgradedmore fuel. They greatly add to performance and add
cold air intake in a VW TDi will add approximately anda little economy too. They are also an inexpensive
additional 5-10% increase in power and economy. It isupgrade, and high on the bang for your buck scale.
able to accomplish this by 1) Flowing more air whichThere are also other things such as propane injection
helps the fuel to combust more completely, and 2)or water methanol injection that will add power and
Cold air intakes are sealed away from the hot engineeconomy but I won’t go into detail as they are
air. Cold air takes up less space, so in turn more air isnot common mods for the TDi’s. Also with any
able to occupy the same area because it is cold andmodifications, a set of gauges should be added to
not hot. That is a pretty good jump and the cost formonitor the VW TDi’s engine parameters and
the upgraded air intake is minimal. One of theto make sure that things are functioning properly.