Getting more and more annoyed at the shear lack of umph in 2nd gear upto 2000rpms... I especially come accros it when slowing down in 2nd gear, turn and try to pull away again. It just feels like it is going nowhere until it hits about 2000rpm at which point it goes like butter...

Is this the so-called turbo lag? Or should I have a word with the dealer about it? Or should I take every corner with the handbrake ?

Q.

Q,

I have on the odd occasion been accused of driving like an OAP but what the hell are you doing in 2nd at 1000-2000rpm, the RS idles at 800 defo lag m8.

Des

Yeah I've noticed this since the first time I drove the RS. Pretty annoying. You need to use 1st alot more, but hey it'll do 80 in second:drive:

Well my understanding is the turbo is not providing any boost before 2000 rpm.

So instead of taking these corners in 2nd I should be taking them in 1st? Hmm... Not really used to driving much in 1st (the previous car ran out of 1st pretty quickly), but I'll give it try tomorrow to see if that makes things better...

Does the turbo work in 1st gear too, btw? Or does it just kick in in 2nd/3rd/4th/5th at around 2000rpm? Must really go out more :(

I have noticed this on occasions too , but as Nick said the turbo doesn't kick in till 2000rpm , so I think thats the answer .

Originally posted by Neil RS in this post

but hey it'll do 80 in second

Goodness me that sounds a bit manic!

BTW doesnt the 1.8T develop peak torque from around 1750 rpm.

In standard from its a very flat torque curve isnt it?

Is it a VNT turbo and if so I would expect the turbo to be spooling up well before 2000rpm.

No it works just as well in 1st lol. Go out there now and introduce the pedal to the carpet, it'll reward you with a nice noise and stronger neck muscles:p

Originally posted by Quinten in this post

So instead of taking these corners in 2nd I should be taking them in 1st? Hmm... Not really used to driving much in 1st (the previous car ran out of 1st pretty quickly), but I'll give it try tomorrow to see if that makes things better...

Does the turbo work in 1st gear too, btw? Or does it just kick in in 2nd/3rd/4th/5th at around 2000rpm? Must really go out more :(

Flooring it in 1st. out of a corner not recommended, Keep all arms and legs in the car at all times and both hands on the wheel.

The turbo does work in 1st, comes in at about 2000rpm. That said you should be carrying enough speed in 2nd to be above 2000rpm when you press the loud pedal again, 2nd gear is the gear to be in for an RS if you want to impress.

Des

Neil , I hope your Dad doesn't read your replies , cos if he does he might have words with you

Originally posted by delcac in this post

2nd gear is the gear to be in for an RS if you want to impress.

Definately agree with that , but with a standard car it's a bit disappointing when you change into third , hoping the Jabbasport chip rectifies that .

Originally posted by delcac in this post

Flooring it in 1st. out of a corner not recommended, Keep all arms and legs in the car at all times and both hands on the wheel.

The turbo does work in 1st, comes in at about 2000rpm. That said you should be carrying enough speed in 2nd to be above 2000rpm when you press the loud pedal again, 2nd gear is the gear to be in for an RS if you want to impress.

Des

Think I really need to experiment a bit more, as I'm sure taking these corners (proper short 90 degrees ones) in 2nd with more than 2000 rpm requires a certain skill I have yet to master

I do agree on the flooring it in 1st comment, as I've had already more wheelspin than there are roundabouts in Swindon and Milton Keynes together

Q.

Try pulling away in second in a Golf PD130 turbodiesel, that really is NOTHING until you hit about 2,000 rpm ! But I have noticed it in the RS too !

What do you expect, Q.? It's a turbo!

If it's standard - nothing below 1950 (like it's a 1.8 n/a) after which it hits peak torque all the way up to 5000 revs.

Chipped it will still start to pull under 2000 but the thump comes higher up and is more violent . As the torque keeps on rising and rising, the car will be pulling all the way over 5000rpm, giving a continued feel of (and actual) acceleration upon acceleration.

I have found that you can put it in 1st when rolling - it's not as difficult as with other gearboxes.

However, much better to keep on a little throttle while hooking the 90-deg. Might even try some heel-and-toe!

Also, 3rd coming out of a motorway intersection is pretty impressive too! And as I've found again tonight, the 150-200kph acceleration in 5th is awesome as well.

heel-and-toe should work, although it could have simillar problems to left foot braking (only with fly by wire engine). When you press the brake pedal, the accell pedal is disabled, I think it was TaviaRS that tried this and no matter how much loud pedal you have on, touch the brakes and its gone. Resulting jerky kangaroo fashion progress.

Well, this morning I tried to get round the corners in 2nd... Bloody laptop got launched from its seat! It is way too fast for these short inner town corners (before you ask, it is going through an industrial estate with a nice long straight after the corner, with no traffic).

I guess it comes down to my driving style, where I like to take it easy through these corners and pull up quickly to speed limit again. Bring back the Laguna

Q.

No, I don't really mean that

Originally posted by mannyo in this post

heel-and-toe should work, although it could have simillar problems to left foot braking (only with fly by wire engine). When you press the brake pedal, the accell pedal is disabled, I think it was TaviaRS that tried this and no matter how much loud pedal you have on, touch the brakes and its gone. Resulting jerky kangaroo fashion progress.

That is really annoying - so much as touch the brake pedal and you totally kill all throttle - like you said no matter how much loud pedal you have down :p Also it takes ages after lifting off the brake for it to come back - seems to be like the equally annoying 'traction control'.

6 speed gearbox anyone??

Oh zand I've had no problem with heel and toe, just left foot braking

A solution ?

You could buy a 4x4 as its lower geared and happily pulls around in 2nd around town.

Its also about 100% better than my Impreza Turbo was at low rev driving.

Seriously though, its a combination of gearing and turbo - you 'll have to get used to it.

But then the 4x4 gearbox is shorter - so first is so angry any throttle just hurls forward, hits rev limit, nose dips, so often best to keep first for "getting it rolling" and change up before using any gas....

fab - tried the fwd trick in first? Torque steer and instant wheelspin with any throttle, feels like someone has handed you 300bhp and you are fighting to use it!

Originally posted by mellowyellow in this post

Neil , I hope your Dad doesn't read your replies , cos if he does he might have words with you

Lol. He doesn't mind. I drive it like a granny most of the time, but you have to have a bit of fun sometimes:rolleyes:

Dad often tell me stories about burning off boyracers in saxos at the lights, now I wouldn't do anything like that :1:

Originally posted by Tavia4x4 in this post

fab - tried the fwd trick in first? Torque steer and instant wheelspin with any throttle, feels like someone has handed you 300bhp and you are fighting to use it!

That's exactly like it was on wet roads before the car went in to have the Haldex oil and filter changed the other week. (dealer missed at service)

Unfortunately it hasn't rained much since but it was pretty dreadful and like yours - that's only with 220bhp !

Originally posted by Quinten in this post

I do agree on the flooring it in 1st comment, as I've had already more wheelspin than there are roundabouts in Swindon and Milton Keynes together

So you are actually beating the TC? That's an achievement in itself...

I've never seen the traction control work actually... I can get wheelspin without too much effort, but no lights or anything... Now you got me worried :eek: