In the September 2003 issue of ec, we showed how a boost controller, provided by Split Second/ABD Racing, can provide real and significant horsepower and torque gains. Unlike a chip upgrade, which requires sending your ECU to be reprogrammed, this boost controller can be installed by a moderately skilled DIY home mechanic.
In this online web-only article, we show how the unit is installed. Installation requires a few basic hand tools, and a wire cutter/crimping tool.
The kit includes a wiring diagram for each model VW/Audi car. Readers can find out more information about the product by contacting the companies listed at the end of this article.
To access the ECU, you will...
To access the ECU, you will have to remove the plastic cowl below the windshield wipers. Begin by removing the plastic covers.
Next, using a socket wrench,...
Next, using a socket wrench, remove the nut affixing the wiper arm to the shaft.
To remove the arm, a pair...
To remove the arm, a pair of channel-lock pliers used as a fulcrum will work to lever it free.
Remove the rubber seal by...
Remove the rubber seal by carefully pulling it from its groove.
With the wiper arms and seal...
With the wiper arms and seal removed, the cowl can be pulled free.
The ECU is show in-situ.
To unfasten the wiring harness,...
To unfasten the wiring harness, you will have to cut the zip tie holding the plastic end cap.
The plugs are locked into...
The plugs are locked into the ECU by means of these slide-out levers. Simply slide away from the ECU.
The wiring harness plug is...
The wiring harness plug is disassembled using a small screwdriver.
Shown are the many colored...
Shown are the many colored wires from 1/2 of the wiring harness. You will need to use the enclosed wiring diagrams to find the ones to tap.
Most of the Split Second boost...
Most of the Split Second boost controller wires are tapped into the wiring harness. First strip the ends of the boost controller wires.
This shows the correct amount...
This shows the correct amount of insulation stripped from the wire.
The female spade connectors,...
The female spade connectors, which will be plugged into the T-Taps, are crimped on using a crimping tool. Purists may opt to solder everything together.
Locate the invidual wire into...
Locate the invidual wire into which you will be tapping.
A T-Tap is attached using...
A T-Tap is attached using a crimping tool, and allows a wire to read from another, without breaking its continuity.
There is one wire that has...
There is one wire that has to be cut, and will be spliced together via two wires from the boost controller.
The butt splice connectors...
The butt splice connectors are crimped on. The connections can be soldered.
The butt splice connectors...
The butt splice connectors included have heat shrink ends to keep moisture out. Heat with heating gun or a small flame (carefully.)
The completed installatio...
The completed installation.