Performance software (chip) for the engine computer. (APR, REVO, GIAC... etc)
Free flowing exhaust. Something about 2.5" in diameter.
Leave the stock airbox alone.
Audi TT 225 710N Diverter Valve (about $45).

 

There's a group buy on tuning right now. Easily the cheapest and best upgrade for a stock car

 

Precision 6262 turbo with Full Race top mount manifold and 1000cc injectors, FMIC, test pipe and exhaust.


What, he didn't say a budget..

 

Lol, true

 

Since you just got the car not too long ago, I would make sure you have a "just in case shit breaks" fund of about $500. When these things break, they can cause huge sums of money to go bye bye very quickly. I spent about $1500 on my B5.5 1.8T 4Motion (53K) in maintenance before I took the Revo plunge + other goodies. So glad I did. Chip/software is the best mod for the $$$. Good luck!

 

Here's the list of "mods" I usually recommend when somebody posts like this:

1) $500 or so for unexpected repairs. You don't want a cash shortage to cripple your ride.
2) A copy of the service manual (referred to as "The Bentley" after the name of the publisher)
3) A ECU Chip
4) Suspension upgrades

I don't think you need to upgrade your exhaust with the rest of the engine still stock; you probably wouldn't see much, if any, of a performance improvement.

 

What does the Audi TT 225 710N Diverter Valve do exactly?

 

And when you say exhaust, do you mean a down pipe? Or to get a whole new exhaust system?

 

When I say "exhaust" I mean "anything past the turbocharger"... it's just not a source of significant restriction with an otherwise stock engine.

 

The diverter valve is sort of a wear item; they get weak over time. If you chip the engine, it usually uses up whatever life is left in the original valve. A common and inexpensive replacement is the one from an Audi TT. I'll assume the writer meant an entire exhaust. Just replacing the down pipe and leaving the rest stock doesn't do anything noticeable.

 

Alright great!! Thank you!
And does anybody know of a good rim and wheel combo that wouldn't be too expensive, but still looks good on a passat?

 

No such thing on stock suspension :lol: lower your car first, you'll thank us later. Wheels and tires are reference though. It's not a choice you can let someone make for you

 

How much are lowering springs? Is it 'better' to do coilovers?

 

Here are few things to consider:

- Software
- Diverter Valve
- Drop In Filter
- Lightweight Crank Pulley



Volkswagen Passat B5 FWD 1.8T > Engine

Andy

 

Seriously ECS?

The OP has given no indication that this is a track car. Can you at least pretend to acknowledge in the post that installing the pictured product on a road car is illegal? And that he'll fail emissions testing in his home state if he installs that thing? I don't expect you to point out the minimal performance gains (of both this and the other mods you mentioned), but the drawbacks of this one go far beyond that.

 

What gains can you get with that cat delete?


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What gains can you get with that cat delete?


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Little to none. Even the stock cat is pretty free-flowing. In addition, this is illegal in all 50 states, assuming this isn't a track car. Not to mention the fact it creates all sorts of issues if you ever try to sell the car (at the least, you MUST disclose the modification to the buyer; the sale can often be voided if you fail to do so.) And the OP is in Oregon, who will certainly notice this when he goes in for emissions testing.

 

Not to mention the cat delete makes your car smell horrendous, thanks, but no thanks...

 

With the proper tuning, you can both pass emissions AND not smell horrible. It's more when the car's been neglected and is running 'passable' that the catalyst really pulls it's weight. Which is most daily-driven cars on the road today.

 

With the proper tuning, you can both pass emissions...

Except in California and the increasing number of states where they physically check for the presence of the factory emissions gear. Then you won't pass inspection, period.

 

We did the following to our 2002 Passat Wagon this summer (170k miles):

Koni Sport shocks (awesome!)
Milltec exhaust and APR exhaust manifold (this got us 1mpg better, but little to no noticeable power increase, until below).

Stage 2+ conversion with the Unitronics chip:
K04 turbo, bigger injectors, bigger air mass meter, and new diverter valve.

Goes like stink now. Guessing mpg dropped 2 mpg, the built in gas tracker no longer reports anything useful (45-60mpg).

Replaced the yellowing headlights.

 

Oh no, ECS suggested something illegal.. :nervous:

FYI: coilovers, HIDs, window tints, audio, etc, are all also illegal if not DOT approved. Please step off all the high horses to show me the DOT stamp on your DDMs or VVMEs. I think Andy had a good list, but I wouldn't really buy performance parts from ECS.

A testpipe is fine, I have a PSi testpipe. But there's no visual in MA.

 

Just thought I would jump in here and mention that I am organizing the ECU flash tuning group buy. You can get some pretty substantial gains and the discount price is $125 for you car. Oliver over at Speedtuning USA said that if the stage 2 is available for you car he can do it for no additional charge.
This is where the group buy is being organized: W8 Speedtuning Chip Group Buy ROUND 3 - The W8 forum - Page 1

 

oops, double post.

 

Get the SRS-style rear sway bar. If you have a FWD Passat, you owe it to yourself. It's probably the best bang-for-buck handling mod you can do. Quantities limited. Check the group buy forum.

 

Heres a list:

If you love driving it:

1) Apr Programming (500$)

2) new steeringwheel - GTI wheel with airbag and turn stalk (i'm selling one at the moment, how funny) - 190$

3) rims, lower, tint, etc - $4-5k Ask me how I know. :lol:

 

I would recommend chip, diverter and n75 only after maintenance such as cct gasket, pcv system clean, etc....

 

OK, on that note, since this is a first car: Don't even think about any performance or cosmetic "enhancements" until you're sure you have absolutely every bit of maintenance on the car up to date, including off-the-chart things like the PCV system and the ATF.

When you're sure that's done, and the car is working perfectly, set aside your "rainy day" fund of $500 - $1000 for the little surprises the B5 Passat likes to suddenly visit upon us.

Buy a copy of the Bentley manual, and a copy of the VCDS software. At some point, you'll need both. Then, modify away