1.8T buying advice
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ok im replying to my own post here! 22 views and not a hint of help....yet...
Ok can someone explain...
1) DBW or non-DBW
2) K03 or K03S turbo
From reading the forum, I assume its better to get a DBW gti, but whats the difference between the turbo's? ie. which one is better??
thanks
Ok can someone explain...
1) DBW or non-DBW
2) K03 or K03S turbo
From reading the forum, I assume its better to get a DBW gti, but whats the difference between the turbo's? ie. which one is better??
thanks
You should really be aiming for a 2001 model onwards with the engine code AUM - this is DBW, has VVT and a K03sport turbo.
It may have the same power (150bhp) as the earlier AGU and ARZ engines but when remapped (if thats the way you go) you will get much more from the K03s turbo over the K03.
AGU - K03, Non DBW - 150bhp
ARZ - K03, DBW - 150bhp
AUM - K03s, DBW, VVT - 150bhp
AUQ - K03s, DBW, VVT - 180bhp
It may have the same power (150bhp) as the earlier AGU and ARZ engines but when remapped (if thats the way you go) you will get much more from the K03s turbo over the K03.
AGU - K03, Non DBW - 150bhp
ARZ - K03, DBW - 150bhp
AUM - K03s, DBW, VVT - 150bhp
AUQ - K03s, DBW, VVT - 180bhp
I've owned a 99 model AGU car and my current 2002(03my) AUM car. VW may claim 150bhp for both cars but the current one is noticable quicker; turbo spools quicker and car feels much more eager to accelerate. I agree with GaryM; go for an AUM car. NDBW cars have a cable throttle whereas DBW have an electronic throttle; makes throttle response sharper.
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Early 2000 and earlier had cloth Recaros as standard as opposed to VW's version of that. Much nicer. Also, the AGU engines (I think) are less prone to coil pack failure. Apparently much better for fitting a dump valve too, if thats your desire.
That said, the later ones are VVT and DBW and ultimately more tuneable.
Again, that said... Mines an AGU, its chipped and its BLOODY QUICK!
That said, the later ones are VVT and DBW and ultimately more tuneable.
Again, that said... Mines an AGU, its chipped and its BLOODY QUICK!
Hi,
Never knew the difference in engine codes till now, thanks for the advice. Just checked my engine code and its an AUM, Registered March 01'.
i know someone with a 1999 1.8t and the main difference is he has more Turbo lag, his kicks in around 3k rpm, mine kicks in at 2k rpm, quite a difference there !! So would recommend going for the AUM version definetely....
Never knew the difference in engine codes till now, thanks for the advice. Just checked my engine code and its an AUM, Registered March 01'.
i know someone with a 1999 1.8t and the main difference is he has more Turbo lag, his kicks in around 3k rpm, mine kicks in at 2k rpm, quite a difference there !! So would recommend going for the AUM version definetely....
didnt realise there would have been such a difference with turbo lag! That kinda helps me make up my mind with the other post by myself below (which one do i buy????). I have the choice of a 2000 or a 2001. The 2001 is a AUM, looks like i'll go for that one then!
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]?12.5K should be enough for even an 2003my car with money to spare. These are cars built from May 2002 onwards and had climate(and ESP) as standard. I just paid a VW dealer ?11800 for my Sept 2002 29K mile car; a 5DR black 1.8T(150) with climate/ESP/cruise/winter pack. Definitely buy a car with VVT; you'll notice the difference even without chipping the car.
Agree with Matt.... there is a definate definate difference between the earlier AGU's and the later drive-by-wire cars.... so much more eager and responsive.
If you're gonna chip i'd recommend the 150 (AUM). .if not definately go for the 180 (AUQ)... thats what i have in my Cupra and you simply wouldnt believe the difference between this and my old AGU 1.8T GTI.
If you're gonna chip i'd recommend the 150 (AUM). .if not definately go for the 180 (AUQ)... thats what i have in my Cupra and you simply wouldnt believe the difference between this and my old AGU 1.8T GTI.
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627 Posts
The VVT engines are meant to be better in general. And definately better in terms of tuning potential! Don't think any of the AGUs would take the serial port tuning and have to be physically chipped.
That saying, my AGU was an excellent engine. Someone mentioned above that the turbo didn't kick in til 3k. Nope.. it was there and solid from 2k! (I'm talking pre-chip here btw
I've driven a couple of other AGUs and neither was as strong as that one. I think I got a really really good solid one, probably built midweek, as far away from Friday and Monday as you can get!
Then the chip went in and nothing really mattered anymore!
Once thing to mention about the 2000.5k and earlier ones. They all had superb cloth Recaro seats. VW ditched them after that and fitted their own which aren't really as good.
What I'd ideally aim for though is a 2001 or above, climate, leather recaros and at least 200 quid spare to get the remap in.
That saying, my AGU was an excellent engine. Someone mentioned above that the turbo didn't kick in til 3k. Nope.. it was there and solid from 2k! (I'm talking pre-chip here btw
I've driven a couple of other AGUs and neither was as strong as that one. I think I got a really really good solid one, probably built midweek, as far away from Friday and Monday as you can get!
Then the chip went in and nothing really mattered anymore!
Once thing to mention about the 2000.5k and earlier ones. They all had superb cloth Recaro seats. VW ditched them after that and fitted their own which aren't really as good.
What I'd ideally aim for though is a 2001 or above, climate, leather recaros and at least 200 quid spare to get the remap in.
Union jack is right ref. turbo; you should feel it from 2000rpm. Cars obviously vary but my AGU model seemed quite lethargic when pulling away from stationary(very little wheelspin even in wet) whereas current AUM car much keener to go from stationary and quite difficult to stop any wheelspin(I sense new front tyres on the way soon). The Recaros were actually standard upto May 2001 when the 2002my cars were introduced.
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