Finally finished Modshack Stage III (longish)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Finally finished Modshack Stage III (longish)
My jaw and cheeks hurt (no, not the ones down there) from the ****-eatin' grin I've had for a good part of the day. This morning I finished tuning Steve's BM and the results are amazing.
This all started about 6 months ago when I decided to finally buy a VTDA and replace the stock box. I also installed a 007 and the sounds emanating from the intake were interesting. I decided then and there that I was going to go to stage III eventually, and I was just a question of budgeting and finding the time to install the mods.
So about 6 weeks ago I ordered the FPR, ****, and BM, but my job had me halfway across the country by the time the parts showed up and I finally got back home a few days ago. The first thing I did was hover over the engine for a while as I was installing all the "toys." I also bought a reman'd MAF and first installed the sensor in the ****. I had to kick myself for not reading Steve's instructions on how to mount the BM (I did it bass ackwards and tried to bolt the bracket to the car without removing the valves first). I read the instructions after I had the boost machine installed. Note to self: read instructions more often before installing....
OK, so after getting some help last night from Steve about why the boost was higher even with the boost valve turned off, I ran a few VAG logs this morning and then proceeded to adjust the BM. 4.5 turns on the boost, 1.5 turns on the onset and she sings! I peak around 22-23 psi and hold about 20 psi in every gear except first! The perceived power improvement is definitely noticeable. Even with ESP on, I break traction in second gear.
Most the time I don't push it enough to feel the effects of stage III. Normal stop and go driving doesn't have me boosting much over 5 psi anyway, so I don't think I'll be stressing the drivetrain too much. Another thing I noticed was the large increase in heat from the turbo/dp area while making adjustments to the BM. After 3 or 4 runs, I noticed a new smell that I never had before - something was being baked! Eventhough I knew beforehand that increasing boost will also increase temps (a FMIC is on my wish list) I didn't expect to get such obvious signs.
This has been the most fun-for-dollar thing I've done in a long time. I thought chipping the ECU was good value, but modshack stage III is by far the more rewarding.
This all started about 6 months ago when I decided to finally buy a VTDA and replace the stock box. I also installed a 007 and the sounds emanating from the intake were interesting. I decided then and there that I was going to go to stage III eventually, and I was just a question of budgeting and finding the time to install the mods.
So about 6 weeks ago I ordered the FPR, ****, and BM, but my job had me halfway across the country by the time the parts showed up and I finally got back home a few days ago. The first thing I did was hover over the engine for a while as I was installing all the "toys." I also bought a reman'd MAF and first installed the sensor in the ****. I had to kick myself for not reading Steve's instructions on how to mount the BM (I did it bass ackwards and tried to bolt the bracket to the car without removing the valves first). I read the instructions after I had the boost machine installed. Note to self: read instructions more often before installing....
OK, so after getting some help last night from Steve about why the boost was higher even with the boost valve turned off, I ran a few VAG logs this morning and then proceeded to adjust the BM. 4.5 turns on the boost, 1.5 turns on the onset and she sings! I peak around 22-23 psi and hold about 20 psi in every gear except first! The perceived power improvement is definitely noticeable. Even with ESP on, I break traction in second gear.
Most the time I don't push it enough to feel the effects of stage III. Normal stop and go driving doesn't have me boosting much over 5 psi anyway, so I don't think I'll be stressing the drivetrain too much. Another thing I noticed was the large increase in heat from the turbo/dp area while making adjustments to the BM. After 3 or 4 runs, I noticed a new smell that I never had before - something was being baked! Eventhough I knew beforehand that increasing boost will also increase temps (a FMIC is on my wish list) I didn't expect to get such obvious signs.
This has been the most fun-for-dollar thing I've done in a long time. I thought chipping the ECU was good value, but modshack stage III is by far the more rewarding.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 3
From: Noblesville, Indiana
That's great news - congrats on getting it all set up >>
One of the great benefits I find from the boost machine is the onset of boost is much earlier and much smoother than before. Enjoy it! Good to see you have the vag and boost gauge, too.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
Great !! My BM arrived today and was installed this evening >>
Also ran the tubing for a boost gauge. Waiting for the silicone on vent ring to dry before I can install the gauge. Will finish in the morning and start tweaking!!
Trending Topics
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
10 Strangest Audi Designs That Actually Made Production
Joe Kucinski
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
