Racechip are, of course, closed for the weekend - just when most people have the time to fit their stuff.

 

My GTS Black came with a 3 way loom, but the instructions only mention 2 connectors - A and B. Anyone know if connector C needs to go anywhere?

 

A completely dumb oversight by Racechip - they've either sent me the wrong loom or forgot to update their instructions. Nothing in their FAQs.

 

YT videos on Golf Rs - some mention a camshaft sensor for connector C, another guy unquestioningly just leaves connector C disconnected - but there are different variations of the EA888, so I'm none the wiser yet.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ben.

No idea about Racechip's connectors, but I couldn't even find a manual or actual picture of the product. Under "Support" they have one single, generic installation manual which is of no help clearly - And is that "installation manual" supposed to be covering all brands and models? Crazy...


PS. Was that 699EUR as the website states?? 

8 minutes ago, newbie69 said:

No idea about Racechip's connectors, but I couldn't even find a manual or actual picture of the product. Under "Support" they have one single, generic installation manual which is of no help clearly - And is that "installation manual" supposed to be covering all brands and models? Crazy...


PS. Was that 699EUR as the website states?? 

I got a bundle of the XLR and GTS Black for £500

I've found a US race chip YT video that mentions, "The installation is similar on the following vehicles equipped with the 2.0T: VW Golf (MK VII) VW Golf GTI VW Golf R Audi S3"

 

That gives the camshaft sensor for connector C (at 3mins 43).

 

Is that the same engine configuration?

 

I feet a total **** asking on here, and I'm torn between trying it out vs just telling them to Foxtrot Oscar and sending it back.

 

TIA.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 25 April, 20206 yr by Bejam

Which sensors should it be connecting to? ...MAP (manifold), cam and boost sensors ???

 

MAP sensor is at the front of the engine.  Cam sensor is to the right of the rightmost coil pack and the boost pressure sensor is close to your left foot if you're stood centrally,  looking into the engine bay. 

Have you connected anything underneath the car, e.g removed the under tray?  If not then that's the one you're likely looking for, the boost sensor.  You need to remove some torx bolts to remove the under tray in order to access the boost pressure sensor. 

Edited 25 April, 20206 yr by penguin17

Thanks. I’m familiar with sensor locations - the question is “what does connector C connect to?”

 

I don’t want to risk an ECU hissy fit, when garages are all closed. 😎 

I'm guessing it;s the cam shaft sensor at the top right area of the engine bay we are talking about here, whether it;s needed for your car though i can't say, you should have got clear instructions with the chip.

My opinion about Racechip is far from the best. They are mainly a shop focusing heavily on marketing and sales rather than an actual tuner working on development and optimization. Their products are of generic design and offer sub-standard performance and reliability. I know them mostly from people who sell them due to issues or lack of performance. A few dyno and road comparisons I had seen on the 2.0 TSI were not impressive at all, especially for the price which you would not call equally sub-standard. 

If you can be fussed, return it and go for a JB4 that has been proven on hundreds of cars on this platform with great results, has better control over the ECU's operation, far greater options and adjustability, and probably the best technical support I've come across as well as continuous development.

Edited 25 April, 20206 yr by newbie69

27 minutes ago, Bejam said:

Thanks. I’m familiar with sensor locations - the question is “what does connector C connect to?”

 

I don’t want to risk an ECU hissy fit, when garages are all closed. 😎 

Where have you connected the other two and how do you know A and B have gone to the right sensors? 🤷‍♂️

If neither have gone into the Cam sensor and it connects to 3 'channels' then it would be the Cam sensor.   Two connections is usually MAP and Boost. 

 

Then you just have to decide if A and B are correct but I'd imagine the harness should be much longer at one part and that would be the boost sensor as it's the furthest point from the controller.  

 

If you lay the harness out on the floor does it correlate with the sensor positions?  Say if A is the longest run, A=boost.  Next sensor in the path would be MAP=B.  Finally Cam sensor=C.  That's the only way I'd personally take anything other than an educated guess at what fits where. 

 

 If all else fails.  Cam starts with 'C'; that'll do 😂 (or just wait for proper instructions)

 

 

 

 

Edited 25 April, 20206 yr by penguin17

1 minute ago, penguin17 said:

Where have you connected the other two and how do you know A and B have gone to the right sensors? 🤷‍♂️

If neither have gone into the Cam sensor and it connects to 3 'channels' then it would be the Cam sensor.   Two connections is usually MAP and Boost. 

 

Then you just have to decide if A and B are correct but I'd imagine the harness should be much longer at one part and that would be the boost sensor as it's the furthest point from the controller.  

 

If you lay the harness out on the floor does it correlate with the sensor positions?  Say if A is the longest run, A=boost.  Next sensor in the path would be MAP=B.  Finally Cam sensor=C.  That's the only way I'd personally take anything other than an educated guess.  

 

 If all else fails.  Cam starts with 'C'; that'll do 😂 (or just wait for proper instructions)

 

All three sensors are of a different type anyway so he can't mess the connections up. The question is whether connector C on the loom he got is meant to be used in his engine or not. Maybe they only offer a 3-connector loom for all cars but some only need to use 2 according to the instructions, who knows.

7 minutes ago, newbie69 said:

All three sensors are of a different type anyway so he can't mess the connections up. The question is whether connector C on the loom he got is meant to be used in his engine or not. Maybe they only offer a 3-connector loom for all cars but some only need to use 2 according to the instructions, who knows.

Fair point.  If C has 3 pins then it's highly likely the Cam sensor connection. 

 

If C is redundant then why include it in the harness if they clearly show a 2 connection harness in the provided instructions and images on their website.  

 

 

Edited 25 April, 20206 yr by penguin17

4 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

Fair point.  If C has 3 pins then it's highly likely the Cam sensor connection. 

 

 

Thanks both. Yep, A and B going to the correct Turbo and manifold sensors. It’s the complete omission of any mention of connector C that has thrown me. I pulled it all off last night, after spending 3 hours carefully installing. 
 

I think the JB4 might be a better steer. 
 

Cheers. 

 

 

https://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/17527-racechip-ultimate-help/

 

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to return it. The XLR box, on the other hand, is instantly a thumbs up - makes the throttle feel like it "should" feel, so that's a keeper.

 

FYI, one of the videos that gave me pause for thought was this one, in which he bundles the C connector away, disconnected, under the chip box. Skip to 6'06", to avoid being bored to death:

 

 

 

Edited 25 April, 20206 yr by Bejam

29 minutes ago, Bejam said:

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to return it. The XLR box, on the other hand, is instantly a thumbs up - makes the throttle feel like it "should" feel, so that's a keeper

 

I was intending to write "return the RaceChip but keep the pedal box if you can" as all those products are performing the same way regardless of manufacturer so no real reason to choose one against the other if the price is similar. Instant and very noticeable improvement in the throttle response even on stock cars.

55 minutes ago, Bejam said:

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to return it. The XLR box, on the other hand, is instantly a thumbs up - makes the throttle feel like it "should" feel, so that's a keeper.

 

FYI, one of the videos that gave me pause for thought was this one, in which he bundles the C connector away, disconnected, under the chip box. Skip to 6'06", to avoid being bored to death:

 

 

 

This is from the comments in the above video:-

Hi, The C harness should be connected on the Camshaft sensor , your work instruction document didn't show that but if you check RaceChip installation video you can clearly see how they connect this third C harness on the EA888 engine

 

I don't know if this is the better tuning box but if you have the option of trying it out and still being able to get a refund, then why not?

1 minute ago, john999boy said:

This is from the comments in the above video:-

 

 

 

I don't know if this is the better tuning box but if you have the option of trying it out and still being able to get a refund, then why not?

Yes, I saw that, but I’m still not sure if it’s misinformation. I have to speak with RC on Monday, either way. It’s probably the camshaft sensor connector, but it’s a mysterious omission in the instructions. Will update. 

Update - it is the camshaft sensor. But when Mr Racechip said, "we forgot to add connection C to the Skoda manual, but we think it works a bit better with the camshaft sensor attached", I decided to cut my losses and return it. I'm keeping the XLR, as that's working fine.

 

@newbie69, if I go for the JB4, would you recommend the extra cost bluetooth module and app? Or is it a set and forget system? Any recommended UK dealer?

 

Also, it looks like I have to put an OBD cable through the bulkhead. Any thoughts/recommendations, having done it already?

 

Thanks for your ongoing support,

 

Ben.

Sorry, scratch that, I found your JB4 thread, @newbie69.

 

Sounds like going with map 2 as the "off the shelf" map is the way to start.

 

Cheers,

 

Ben.

27 minutes ago, Bejam said:

Sorry, scratch that, I found your JB4 thread, @newbie69.

 

Sounds like going with map 2 as the "off the shelf" map is the way to start.

 

Cheers,

 

Ben.

I am replying there to your BT question then to keep the info in one place.

 

  

2 hours ago, Bejam said:

Update - it is the camshaft sensor. But when Mr Racechip said, "we forgot to add connection C to the Skoda manual, but we think it works a bit better with the camshaft sensor attached", I decided to cut my losses and return it. I'm keeping the XLR, as that's working fine.

Oh my... that's really what they replied to you??    It probably says everything you need to know about the "optimization" of their boxes.

Edited 27 April, 20206 yr by newbie69

I thought I should write a quick follow up, having bleated on here about connectors etc.

 

I looked into a JB4 and it was looking like weeks until one would get to the UK.

 

I decided to give the Racechip another go - and, yes, connector C goes to the camshaft sensor, just like the Golf R - I just didn't want to be the guinea pig second guessing it. And I had the H&R stiffer rear ARB fitted a couple of days ago.

 

So... I took the chipped car for a spin tonight west out of Sheffield along the A57, via Ladybower and around Stanage Edge in the Peak District. Long sweepy bit of A road with some awkward cambers (the same ones that unfortunately bit Def Leppard drummer, Rick Allen, many years back), followed by a nice bit of hill climb opposite Yorkshire Bridge up onto the moors, where the road is bumpy as hell and can tie your suspension in knots.

 

I can't remember having this much fun in a car since 1995, when I had my last proper Porsche - a 964 Carrera 4. Before that, I had a 1990 RS, 1989 3.2 Carrera, the 1973 Le Mans Group B winning RSR for a few weeks (just an investment - it was a dangerous pig to drive on the road), 1987 944 Turbo, 1983 3.0 SC and a 1966 356 B Coupe. Since 1995, I've got my kicks on various motorbikes, so the Skoda is my first (relative) "performance" car since then - it's been family wagons in the meantime.

 

The 272 (340ish?) Superb shot up the hill like a scolded cat, with a bit of skipping around a little on the uneven moor roads under throttle - but never in a way that felt it didn't have loads of grip in reserve.

 

And on the A57, fast flowing overtakes were fun and confidence-inspiring. None of that slightly vague estate car floatiness I was experiencing before.

 

I thought I might bottom out the suspension a couple of times on the B roads when I got a little heavy footed - but the Sportline springs with the new rear ARB were a really nice balance of comfort, much more predictable turn-in and not too much wallowing. I think @newbie69's advice to try the ARB first was sound.

 

The XLR throttle box makes a real difference too - it's tempting to turn it up too high at first and I ended up bunny hopping around a couple of times like I had L Plates. It's at a medium-spiced setting now and the throttle behaves in a way that I would expect it to - rather than feeling I'm wading through treacle to get there.

 

I haven't tried a DCC-shocked Superb yet - but for now, this has certainly stopped the FOMO. And it's only taken a couple of relatively cheap bolt-ons to achieve what feel like tangible improvements. Big smiles.

 

Ahem... I'll calm down now.

Edited 1 May, 20206 yr by Bejam

When the 27mm rear ARB was fitted did they use poly bushes as well which usually helps. This looks like it will be my next mod, one stage at a time as I like the ride but not the floatyness.

Just now, shyVRS245 said:

When the 27mm rear ARB was fitted did they use poly bushes as well which usually helps. This looks like it will be my next mod, one stage at a time as I like the ride but not the floatyness.

 

I'm not sure - I can see that the original bushes came off with the old bar - I can only assume they fitted the new bar with whatever bushes came included.

1 minute ago, Bejam said:

 

I'm not sure - I can see that the original bushes came off with the old bar - I can only assume they fitted the new bar with whatever bushes came included.

They are normally coloured. In the 1990's my modified E36 BMW was transformed with Koni Sport dampers, Schnitzer lowering springs, hollow tube larger Racing Dynamics front/rear anti-roll bars with poly bushes. Hardly any body roll and incredible on road or track.

On 01/05/2020 at 22:04, Bejam said:

I thought I should write a quick follow up, having bleated on here about connectors etc.

 

I looked into a JB4 and it was looking like weeks until one would get to the UK.

 

I decided to give the Racechip another go - and, yes, connector C goes to the camshaft sensor, just like the Golf R - I just didn't want to be the guinea pig second guessing it. And I had the H&R stiffer rear ARB fitted a couple of days ago.

 

So... I took the chipped car for a spin tonight west out of Sheffield along the A57, via Ladybower and around Stanage Edge in the Peak District. Long sweepy bit of A road with some awkward cambers (the same ones that unfortunately bit Def Leppard drummer, Rick Allen, many years back), followed by a nice bit of hill climb opposite Yorkshire Bridge up onto the moors, where the road is bumpy as hell and can tie your suspension in knots.

 

I can't remember having this much fun in a car since 1995, when I had my last proper Porsche - a 964 Carrera 4. Before that, I had a 1990 RS, 1989 3.2 Carrera, the 1973 Le Mans Group B winning RSR for a few weeks (just an investment - it was a dangerous pig to drive on the road), 1987 944 Turbo, 1983 3.0 SC and a 1966 356 B Coupe. Since 1995, I've got my kicks on various motorbikes, so the Skoda is my first (relative) "performance" car since then - it's been family wagons in the meantime.

 

The 272 (340ish?) Superb shot up the hill like a scolded cat, with a bit of skipping around a little on the uneven moor roads under throttle - but never in a way that felt it didn't have loads of grip in reserve.

 

And on the A57, fast flowing overtakes were fun and confidence-inspiring. None of that slightly vague estate car floatiness I was experiencing before.

 

I thought I might bottom out the suspension a couple of times on the B roads when I got a little heavy footed - but the Sportline springs with the new rear ARB were a really nice balance of comfort, much more predictable turn-in and not too much wallowing. I think @newbie69's advice to try the ARB first was sound.

 

The XLR throttle box makes a real difference too - it's tempting to turn it up too high at first and I ended up bunny hopping around a couple of times like I had L Plates. It's at a medium-spiced setting now and the throttle behaves in a way that I would expect it to - rather than feeling I'm wading through treacle to get there.

 

I haven't tried a DCC-shocked Superb yet - but for now, this has certainly stopped the FOMO. And it's only taken a couple of relatively cheap bolt-ons to achieve what feel like tangible improvements. Big smiles.

 

Ahem... I'll calm down now.

I knew you'd love the arb, it just makes the car so much more capable it's hard to get your head round how such a small upgrade is able to do that. I'll paste the review to the arb section so we have them gathered there. Very glad to hear that even on a non-DCC car it makes up for the stock wallowness 👍