honda insight

[Joe_Black]

Please test drive a Jetta (I'm not even a VW fan) before you buy anything. It won't change you, or burn its way into your heart, but it's a fine tool for the job.

Well, it is starting to grow on me. A little. Like I'm starting to think maybe suspension and a short-throw shifter from dieselgeek.com maybe...

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

Well, it is starting to grow on me. A little. Like I'm starting to think maybe suspension and a short-throw shifter from dieselgeek.com maybe...

Summit Racing catalog actually has a diesel section (mostly trucks...okay..nearly entirely for trucks) that lists a product specifically for VW TDI that claims to get more performance:

BD Diesel Volkswagen X-Power Computer Modules

More power and torque with BD Diesel's X-Power module.

Economy doesn't have to be boring. Not with BD's X-Power modules for the Volkswagen TDI. The Volkswagen TDI is known for its amazing economy, but for enthusiasts, its power output can feel somewhat lacking. Now you can add some excitement with BD's new X-Power modules. Simply plug them in to the ECM, and the X-Power modules increase the fuel injector supply pressure, resulting in an amazing gain of 20 hp and 30 ft.-lbs. of torque, along with quicker turbo response.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...25028&D=325028

[Joe_Black]

Yeah, it's kinda scary the stuff available for trucks that mostly just gouts fuel out the tail pipe as "black smoke". The unfortunate trend among those with the HD trucks isn't at all about power & economy but just show-n-go. If you're making "black smoke" you're not tuned for maximum power as that smoke is mostly unconsumed fuel. It's normal for heavy equipment and commercial trucks to do it to some degree when under heavy load as the engine is burning as much fuel as it can while getting up to speed, but not for a pickup truck trying to get a set of 26" hoops down to McDonalds.

For the VW TDI's there is quite an active tuning community and they're showing up in greater numbers at the drag strip, autocross and rally events. Diesel Geek is just one of many vendors with shiny new doo-dads to improve performance on these torquey little oil burners. I've got entirely too many projects and irons in the fire to start messing with the Jetta, but it will be SOOOO tempting when tire-time comes 'round! :bwgr:

[JHarris1385]

Since this thread I have been heavily considering buying a 300d. Would you happen to have a recommendation of what years to look at? Strictly the w123's?

[don moore]

Wholly Crap JOE BLACK..I think you need more suzoos ...lol

[etlsport]

i went and drove a jetta TDI friday... was acceptable... i just had to keep reminding myself that it gets great gas mileage so its ok that it was so painfully boring!

[Joe_Black]

Since this thread I have been heavily considering buying a 300d. Would you happen to have a recommendation of what years to look at? Strictly the w123's?

Definitely stick with the turbo models as you'll get better fuel economy than the NA engines plus they drive more like a gasser. I've got a '78 300D non-turbo and not only is it slow off the line the tranny is designed to start you off in 2nd, necessitating the use of a kick-down switch mounted under the accelerator when you really need to GO. The 126 cars have a little bit of negative reputation which is somewhat deserved simply as there's more stuff to break on the inside due to all the fiddly bits that come with the higher trim level. The earlier 116 chassis S-class cars have a much more European style to them yet aren't any more complex than the regular 300D. Two mods that make a 300D even simpler to maintain, plus more fun to drive, is to replace the automatic climate control with the manual version from a 240D and to convert from automatic to manual. Fortunately the automatics are robust and easy for the average home mechanic to service. There's a fantastic forum much like this one for Mercedes enthusiast: MercedesShop.com

i went and drove a jetta TDI friday... was acceptable... i just had to keep reminding myself that it gets great gas mileage so its ok that it was so painfully boring!

What year was it and manual or DSG? One thing that turns most gas drivers off is the different power band. Running up to 3000 RPM to shift is about ideal as the power drops off around 3300 - 3500 RPM, and the engine is really happy to cruise around 2000 RPM. It's all about torque, so once you learn where it is you'll be trying to keep the wheels from spinning!

I had little to no interest in the car until I drove a friend's Golf TDI to the airport and back a few times. I found it very responsive, comfortable for my tall frame and simply nice to drive. Next thing we know my wife and I are at the VW place test driving the Mk5 Jettas and ended up taking one home. It's a subtle, unassuming car that just slowly grows on you though. I've never been a FWD fan at all, but this car doesn't feel like one and is balance more like the RWD I'm familiar with. Time will tell if the mod-bug starts hitting the wallet though!

Wholly Crap JOE BLACK..I think you need more suzoos ...lol

I agree wholeheartedly!

[johnnyapollo]

You need a nice 2000 proton to round out that sig-line banner. Give it a bit more pizzaz!

-- John

[etlsport]

i think it was a 98.. same body style anyway, manual..

yea the vx is completely paid off, i paid cash for it.. i know what you mean about extra expense but i would also love to keep the miles down on the VX so a second car is worth it... plus being able to put the vx out of commission for a little while for bigger mods