1.8T tuning guide: Boost your performance like a pro
With our tuning guide, you can increase the power of your 1.8T like a real pro. Here you’ll find out everything you need to get your engine to 666 hp (490 kW) the safe and sure-fire way. Our aim is maximum performance for a small budget.
Installed in:
- Audi A3
- Audi TT
- VW Golf IV
- Seat Ibiza II
Year of manufacture:
2000 – 2003
Engine code:
- AUM
- ARX
- AQX
You need this extra to make it last:
You don't need any additional components here. Simply install and have fun! No Longlife oil. Better use our GTX Racing Oil 10W-60.
We recommend to fill up with 102 octane fuel. This will give your engine more power because it knocks less! The turbocharger should not be too old. Engine in good condition. The basis must be in good condition. Check the red pressure hose on the turbocharger, it's often leaky because it can't remove the heat from the manifold. To reduce coking to a minimum and keep the engine clean, we recommend installing our oil catchtank kit with TÜV.
We recommend to fill up with 102 octane fuel. This will give your engine more power because it knocks less! The turbocharger should not be too old. Engine in good condition. The basis must be in good condition. Check the red pressure hose on the turbocharger, it's often leaky because it can't remove the heat from the manifold. To reduce coking to a minimum and keep the engine clean, we recommend installing our oil catchtank kit with TÜV.
You need this extra to make it last:
To get the extra power on the road you need a sports clutch, because the original one can't transfer the power. For the conversion to K04-001 turbocharger you have to install a 3" downpipe and our upgrade air mass meter.
We recommend that you buy the Level 3 kit right away. With the stage 2 kit, without modified injectors and upgrade manifold the performance gain is not quite as high compared to the chip tuning. This is because the injection times with the original nozzles are at the limit.
We recommend that you buy the Level 3 kit right away. With the stage 2 kit, without modified injectors and upgrade manifold the performance gain is not quite as high compared to the chip tuning. This is because the injection times with the original nozzles are at the limit.
You need this extra to make it last:
For the conversion to K04-01 upgrade turbocharger you have to install a 3" downpipe and our upgrade air mass meter.
With the tuning kit stage 3 you have the extended extension stage of the kit 2. Here you have 380 ccm injectors and an upgrade manifold as well as an optimized software! If you have already installed a downpipe, intake hose and an upgrade intercooler, you can continue to use it. With an Upgrade intercooler you also have the complete performance available in summer!
With the tuning kit stage 3 you have the extended extension stage of the kit 2. Here you have 380 ccm injectors and an upgrade manifold as well as an optimized software! If you have already installed a downpipe, intake hose and an upgrade intercooler, you can continue to use it. With an Upgrade intercooler you also have the complete performance available in summer!
You need this extra to make it last:
320 hp: That's an announcement! To drive this power, you have to replace your connecting rods with our kit of connecting rods and pistons. A sports clutch kit is required to get the 320 hp on the road. For the exhaust you should use a 76 mm exhaust system. Since the oil temperature remains in the healthy range, an oil cooler kit must be installed!
A good chip tuning is required for this conversion. You can send your control unit to us or have your vehicle tuned directly in our four-wheel dyno. Another tip from us: If you have installed the small 280 mm brake system, this is no longer up to the high performance. You can convert it to a Brembo 4-piston brake or to the 320 mm brake from the Audi S3, for example.
A good chip tuning is required for this conversion. You can send your control unit to us or have your vehicle tuned directly in our four-wheel dyno. Another tip from us: If you have installed the small 280 mm brake system, this is no longer up to the high performance. You can convert it to a Brembo 4-piston brake or to the 320 mm brake from the Audi S3, for example.
You need this extra to make it last:
We'll tell you what you need for 666 hp here shortly.
This is how you improve the cooling:
If you want to get the full performance out of your engine, you must not forget the cooling. Even a little extra power puts a lot of strain on your engine! The thermal load increases and affects all areas of your vehicle, even the transmission suffers from the new power. At best, the hard-earned power is reduced again; at worst, your engine suffers major damage. So that you can tune your engine safely and reliably, we provide you with everything you need for perfect cooling. Although it is ideal to install all parts together in a cooling bundle, you don't necessarily have to order everything at once. Each product helps you to improve cooling.
The perfect turbocharger for your tuning project
The turbocharger is one of the most important tuning measures of all, as there is huge performance potential in the compression ratio. This is why you will find all the turbos from the guides and suitable alternatives in this special turbo guide, for example if you prefer a specific manufacturer. We have also compiled a lot of information for you on the subject of turbochargers, which you should take a look at. In addition to the detailed turbo tips, there is a page on running in engines correctly, turbo lag and, of course, our 14 turbo rules.
Racing engines from BAR-TEK®
If you don't feel like tuning your engine all by yourself, you can also get a ready-tuned engine from us. Our racing engines are designed for maximum performance and maximum driving pleasure and leave nothing to be desired. The components included are perfectly matched, finely balanced and suitable for the highest speeds. Because we use components from motorsport, such as forged pistons and steel connecting rods, our racing engines are extremely stable. This means you get a completely finished engine that not only delivers full power, but is also safe and has a long service life.
The performances indicated here are based on our experience and can only indicate a tendency. Every engine is different and many factors such as fuel used, software tuning or mileage play an important role in the maximum power to be achieved. Put your engine to the acid test on our 1000 hp dynamometer.
All data without guarantee. For further questions please contact us here.