I seem to have finally fixed every little niggle (sort of) so I’ve got stuck into some proper mods on the little coupe. Now any Audi S3 or TT owner will tell you the storming VAG 225-bhp 1.8T lump responds well to tuning so I thought I’d start with the most basic and that means getting it all breathing more freely.As we all know the science is sound, getting more air into the engine and exhaust gasses out more efficiently means more power and, most importantly, a good base for future tuning shenanigans. It is, and always will be, lesson one in the Fisher Price Big Book of Engine Tuning.
First up, the breathing in. Personally I like to make sure I’m on the right track and, as the tuning gods at Sanspeed have been right with me with everything from my Fiesta to my Scooby over the past decade, they were the first port of call. As it turns out they have done a lot of development on the 225-engine with this awesome Simota Racing Carbon Aero Form system and that’s more than good enough for me so I got one ordered up.
Of course, there are cheaper kits on the market but this one is of absolutely mental quality, should bump up a few bhp (even without a re-map) and the price even includes delivery! Bonza.
Fitting took all of about 20-miniutes and with it’s trick carbon airbox the kit looks top class so to celebrate this thoroughly awesome choice I turned my attention straight to the exhaust.
Now, for the moment at least, I wanted to keep the rear section as Audi intended but that doesn’t means those two cats in the middle were staying, oh no they had to go! Instead I fitted a replacement stainless-steel pipe from Euro specialists Direnza. At only 150-notes this piece of tig-welded loveliness is not only a bargain, it even comes with two resonated boxes (that look like catalysts) to keep the noise to near-standard levels. In other words at that price I just couldn’t resist!
Both mods complement each other perfectly and there’s even a subtle roar when I plant the right foot, nothing overbearing but definitely a good hint that this one’s been fettled. Anyway, although the next stage would probably be remap, I’m holding off for a while because there’s a few more tricks up my sleeve first. Stay tuned!
Spent
Simota carbon Aero Form induction system – £266
Direnza resonated de-cat pipe – £150
Total
£316
See more of Midge’s Mk1 Audi TT build