In his comedic socio-satirical book, "Class, A Guide Through The American Status System," Professor Paul Fussell condemns the proletariat's penchant for adjustable things. Citing the example of the adjustable one-size-fits-all baseball cap, Fussell astutely points out that the adjustable nature makes the buyer do the work formerly thought to be the duty of the seller. Additionally, the "convenience of the seller is disguised by publicity and fraud to pass for convenience for the buyer." Insofar as baseball caps are concerned, I'll bite.
With regards to cars and tuning, adjustability is a good thing. Never was a competition won without being able to optimize the vehicle for the immediate conditions. With european car's 1.8T Challenge at hand, it's time to revisit an adjustable and popular 1.8t mod.
It's been said enough times-enough times to have been said ad nauseam-but I'll say it ad nauseam plus one. Volkswagen/Audi's 1.8t is the ultimate tuner's engine, its 150+ bhp output is easily adjusted for significant gains.
Cheesebugga Cheesebugga
Chip Chip
Having toyed with the 1.8t engine since its inception, I used to unequivocally state that the first step to 1.8t nirvana should be a chip. More so than any other modification at the time, a chip provided that extra shot akin to a Starbucks Red Eye the morning after a rough night.
This chip-as-a-first-step ethos began to unravel as a new aftermarket technology emerged which provided chip-like performance, though with a number of added benefits. This technology, in the form of Split Second's 1.8t BCS boost controller, was given an in-depth review in the May 2001 issue of european car. For those new to the magazine, here's a quick rundown.
The Split Second BCS Boost Controller, now privately labeled by Autobahn Designs, is a signal conditioner that takes inputs from the existing factory engine-management sensors, then tricks the engine into delivering more boost and, as a result, more fuel. This is in contrast to a chip, which is a new software map burned into a new chip soldered to the board, and thus requiring shipping off the car's ECU. Because the BCS does not replace or tamper with the existing engine management software, there is no danger of a dealership flashing your box with a new factory software update.
The ABD/Split Second BCS has recently been given an adjustability feature, allowing custom tailoring to an individual engine beyond the already convenient multi-detent setup. The reason for the added feature is simple: Although 1.8t engines are essentially the same, the programming, piping and intercooler configuration can allow subtle changes for increased performance between different vehicles. Additionally, regional ambient temperatures and gasoline quality can be factored in to provide the right range of adjustment for the given circumstances, not to mention track days and the introduction of race fuel.