Hi all,

 

It's been a while - I used to own a MK1 Fabia VRS a number of years ago, and after a number of car changes and changes in circumstances I'm looking at coming back into the fold in the new year.

 

Looking at buying a TSI VRS, but if I'm honest I'd probably want to get it remapped by a reputable tuner at some time down the line ... as long as I don't end up buying new.

 

I've always been a manual owner, but must admit I do like the idea of the DSG due to my semi stop-start commute.

 

 

So my question is; which setup is strongest?

 

Will the manual setup "take" the extra power and torque if driven with relative mechanical sympathy with a 'good' map, or will it simply wear the clutch and DMF out too quickly?

 

I've heard the 6 speed DSG is a strong unit, but when I've looked into other VAG cars previously the torque rating wasn't too high. I'm aware the Revo Stage 3 VRS is running 400+ bhp with stupid torque, so is it man enough?

Basically... yes!

 

The DSG does have a software imposed torque limit which will reduce the torque down a bit if it peaks above this.

 

But the gearbox and clutches are strong. The clutches can take a bit more punishment as they are cooled and lubricated with the gear oil.

 

It does still have a DMF but is quite kind to it as it will change down when it needs to and not put excess strain on it.

 

But it's completely down to preference. I'd say drive both and pick your favourite.

 

Obviously the DSG is a little down on the MPG front and likely in a higher tax bracket but a small price to pay for the comfort and ease of driving.

Manual is cheaper to repair if it goes wrong.

Quite a few Golf R owners have had their manuals tuned and experienced clutch slip straight away...I know it's more powerful, but that speaks volumes

Brilliant, thanks ... I'll try for a DSG then I think. I've been through replacing clutches / DMFs before, and don't really want to be doing it again.

 

Obviously it's cheaper than replacing a DSG unit, but if the chances of failure are lower, then I'll go for that option.

 

 

Bring on the new year, hoping to find a nice 230 for sale (Meteor Grey of course), but I'll see what my finances allow and whats on the market.

I saw this video a while back:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJCE-WdW4jg

 

Mk1 Golf with 750bhp and 760nm of torque with a 6 speed DQ250 DSG gearbox... says it all really.

 

Plenty of tuned Golf R, R32, Passat R36 etc and the DSG handles those just fine.

Forget some of data flying around, in the real world the DSG is just quicker

On the subject of DSG / paddles - do all DSGs on the VRS come with paddles, or did it need to be spec'd separately?

 

I'm guessing they *could* be retrofitted if someone really wanted to.

On the subject of DSG / paddles - do all DSGs on the VRS come with paddles, or did it need to be spec'd separately?

 

I'm guessing they *could* be retrofitted if someone really wanted to.

 

Pretty sure paddles are std fit when you have a DSG box.

No not standard on the SE L

 ...do all DSGs on the VRS come with paddles...

 

Yes, all the vRS's with DSG comes with the paddles.

Fantastic, thanks all, I know what to look for and aim for now.

Hopefully I'll be a 230 DSG owner in the new year or soon after.

There's about one new thread a week in this very forum with people experiencing issues with DSG.

 

It may be strong in terms of dealing with torque but the system as a whole is far from trouble free in terms of reliability.

It seems those problems are with the 7 speed gearbox though.

The clutch is the weakest part of the VRS' manual transmission. Mine went after 15K miles on a gently driven stock car. Many people who tune on the GTI forums see their manual clutches slip almost immediately. The manual gearbox itself is supposedly really strong (capable of handing 400bhp), but the clutches can only just about handle stock power.

 

My clutch pressure-plate had a clear manufacturing-defect which contributed to premature failure. If I was forced to buy another Skoda I would choose a 6-speed wet DSG variant. 

Edited 12 October, 20169 yr by Orville

Surely if your going to tune an engine to 400 bhp, a grand to have a decent uprated clutch is not going to break the bank. And thats fitted.