I think there's enough VAG vehicles about with Gen3B engines for tuning solutions to be pretty sorted now, however I haven't seen a thread on what's available out there, and any real-world experiences with Gen3B remaps (and boxes, but to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of tuning boxes.)

 

So I thought I'd start a thread with the goal of highlighting options for Gen3B engines, and hopefully collating any experience Gen3B owners have had with tuning their Budack engine.

To kick off, here are a few companies that offer tuning products for the Geb3B. Obviously more tuners exist, but not all have products to tune the Gen3B.

(For example, Celtic tuning don't offer a Gen3B solution on their website, but it's worth noting that some of these websites are not updated as often as they should be. )

Some of the links need you to enter car info and don't give a direct link to the relevant information, blame their poor website design, not me. 😋 Where a direct link can be given, I think I've given it.

It's by no means comprehensive, but it's a start.

Feel free to add any other companies you come across with Gen3B products and please add any experience or links to experience with Gen3B tuning.
I know you can't go too mad tuning the Gen3B, but it's a decent engine and in the Skoda Octavia it creates a fairly nippy but attention-dodging Octavia.

 

https://www.onlyrevo.com/product-details/software/skoda/octavia-mk3-2013-2020/421/stage-1

https://www.racingline.com/ea888-gen3b-software

https://www.getunitronic.com/ecu-tuning/volkwagen-tiguan-20l-tsi-2019-stage1

https://sportignition.com/product/group-8-jb4-tuner-gen3b/

https://www.quantumtuning.co.uk/

https://top-tuning.co.uk

https://www.turnerperformance.co.uk/car-registration-lookup/?RegistrationNumber=lb69pdv

https://www.chiptuners.co.uk/vrm/

https://www.superchips.co.uk/ECU-Remap/Skoda/Octavia-A7-2013/Petrol/Laurin-2-0-TSI-187-bhp/lb69pdv

https://www.angeltuning.co.uk/

https://jrtuning.co.uk/remap-tuning-files/viewdetails.php?make=Skoda&model=Octavia&modelyear=2017 - 2019&engine=2.0+TSI+190hp

 

Also, please check @skodamota's thread here, which I forgot to include in my list of suppliers, as TVS didn't show up in my UK-based search when I was researching potential remap suppliers.)

 

Edited 22 July, 20223 yr by EnterName
Updated to include Angel Tuning as spoke to them today and had explanation of why Angel have been poor in responding to enquiries recently.

Here are a few of the available numbers from those websites.

Not all companies quote a power increase, preferring to tailor a map to a specific vehicle.

However some companies seem to have very similar improvement claims, which indicates to me (rightly or wrongly), an off-the-shelf map.

(I've quoted a variety of units as there's inconsistency between units quoted by sites, so I used a conversion tool so the numbers could be compared on a like-for-like basis. I've rounded up/down to limit to one decimal point. https://www.unitsconverters.com/en/Power-Conversions/Measurement-18?MeasurementId=18 )

 

	Power	Power	Torque	Torque Nm
Stock	190ps	187.4bhp	236lbft	320nm
Revo	from 242ps to 266ps	from 238.6bhp to 262.4bhp	from 291lbft to 321lbft	from 394.5nm to 435.2nm
Racingline	240ps	236.7bhp	286.9lbft	389nm
Quantum Tuning	261.6ps	258bhp	324.5lbft	440nm
Top Tuning	261.6ps	258bhp	324.5lbft	440nm
Superchips	261.6ps	258bhp	325.2lbft	441nm
Turners	248.4ps	245bhp	317.2lbft	430nm
Chip Tuners	248.4ps	245bhp	317.2lbft	430nm

Edited 6 June, 20223 yr by EnterName

@EnterName Are those figures they are giving as might be achieved with the use of E5 97 or 99 ron Super Unleaded rather than E10 95 ron Unleaded?

 

Are some still showing them with 98 Ron Super Unleaded which has not been on sale for yonks in the UK?

Edited 6 June, 20223 yr by roottoot

13 minutes ago, roottoot said:

@EnterName Are those figures they are giving as might be achieved with the use of E5 97 or 99 ron Super Unleaded rather than E10 95 ron Unleaded?

 

Are some still showing them with 98 Ron Super Unleaded which has not been on sale for yonks in the UK?

Good question! I'm afraid they are simply numbers straight off the websites. I think one or two websites do reference fuel variations, and some tuners don't comit to a figure but just say they'll tailor the remap to a specific vehicle.

So to answer the question honestly, I do not know.

 

It's actually an issue on my radar, as I've been running mine on regular unleaded for the last 2-3 tankfuls to "water-down" the Super Unleaded I was using previously prior to remapping, as I don't want the remap done on my car running Super Unleaded and then find it won't run quite right on regular unleaded.

 

It might be my imagination, but my car does seem like it's running at high altitude on regular unleaded. It seems to have lost a little of the lazy grunt it had on Super Unleaded, but the weather's changed which I suspect means the fuel additive packs have changed (or is it only diesel that has summer and winter fuel additives?), and I'll accept any apparent changes in performance may be all in my head.

Edited 6 June, 20223 yr by EnterName

JR Tuning also claim the 245 & 430 figures.

https://jrtuning.co.uk/remap-tuning-files/viewdetails.php?make=Skoda&model=Octavia&modelyear=2017 - 2019&engine=2.0+TSI+190hp

Edited 6 June, 20223 yr by EnterName
Added link to website

@EnterName  It is not only winter grade diesel you get in the UK.

UK Petrol comes in Summer & Winter Spec and it is first delivered in winter late October in Scotland and the North of England until the end March.

It is less hygroscopic. and has a different formulation.

Sometime imported winter grade petrol comes into the UK later into the year than it does on Continental Europe. 

 

Is this high altitude in other world regions as getting more than 3,000 feet above sea level in the UK is difficult.

 

Always a good idea to know what fuels are and from where.

The 95 ron E10 is a minimum 95.  & 97 or 99 is also the Minimum Number and what has been imported might be a higher octane, then there is winter spec.

You might find some Winter Spec that comes into the UK is from Continental Europe already formulated and can be 100 ron (or even plus).

 

Then the ethanol content might be as much as 5% and might not be. (Personally i want the Ethanol for a TSI.)

 

 

Edited 6 June, 20223 yr by roottoot

1 hour ago, roottoot said:

@EnterName  It is not only winter grade diesel you get in the UK.

UK Petrol comes in Summer & Winter Spec and it is first delivered in winter late October in Scotland and the North of England until the end March.

It is less hygroscopic. and has a different formulation.

Sometime imported winter grade petrol comes into the UK later into the year than it does on Continental Europe. 

 

Is this high altitude in other world regions as getting more than 3,000 feet above sea level in the UK is difficult.

 

Always a good idea to know what fuels are and from where.

The 95 ron E10 is a minimum 95.  & 97 or 99 is also the Minimum Number and what has been imported might be a higher octane, then there is winter spec.

You might find some Winter Spec that comes into the UK is from Continental Europe already formulated and be 100 ron (or even plus).

 

Then the ethanol content might be as much as 5% and might not be. (Personally i want the Ethanol for a TSI.)

 

 

That is very interesting!

I assume the Supermarket branded Super Unleaded (which to be honest is what I was using) has less fancy additives in?

(Whoops! Just notice Tesco Momentum in that list.)

Edited 6 June, 20223 yr by EnterName

Greenergy part owned by Tesco are partners with Royal Dutch Shell for importing and storing base fuels & Greenery produce and distribute Tesco Momentum 99, some of the ESSO fuel to areas of the UK, and fuel for Independents. 

 

Fuels have all the additives needed.    You are not running crappy old engines. 

Too much detergents in oil, then in fuel and then bore wash and such.

Long Life oil type crap is not needed,

use good oil, change it regularly and run the higher octane and run engines up to temp because short cold start running is the problem.

 

When you buy Motorsport fuels like Hiperflo 250 which is 102 ron then what you are buying is the fuel without the crap. 

Maybe double the price and worth every penny for fun days and high days. 

 

100+ /102 ron pump fuel on Continental Europe is a real  bargain. 

 

https://vitalequipment.co.uk/collections/carless-hiperflo

 

Edited 6 June, 20223 yr by roottoot

2 hours ago, roottoot said:

Then the ethanol content might be as much as 5% and might not be. (Personally i want the Ethanol for a TSI.)

That occurred to me too, as the Gen 3B still has port injection as well as direct injection.

So anyway, I got my car remapped at Angel Tuning in Banbury, where I'd previously had a remap. (Mondeo 2.2 TDCI)

Tom (the owner/operator) asked me what I was looking for.

I said I like the linear power delivery of the 190 engine, and basically wanted the power of a vRS 230, without compromising everyday fuel economy more than absolutely required.

I know you can get more out of the 190TSI engine, but 230ps is plenty for me, as I'll be using it with no other mods to brakes or suspension.

Tom said the changes he made were an increase of +41.3bhp (seems awfully specific, especially as no rolling road was used) and an extra 38.9ftlbs of torque, with the DSG response improved also. 

It all came to £395.

 

 

Here's the part where people usually gush about how much more lively and responsive their car is after the remap. Phwoaaar!!!! 😈

 

However, given that I drive around like a pensioner most of the time, I've only really noticed the extra power a couple of times:

Once when applying a little squirt of throttle in high gear, I felt the car push forward  a bit more powerfully than previously. (This was in Drive mode)

The other time was a quick accelerate from a set of lights down a local dual-carriageway to give the GPF a blow though. It got up to speed quite quickly, but without feeling a sudden kick of power, it was all very progressive and linear, which is what I asked for, I just noticed that I was going faster than I had expected when I checked my speed. (That was in Sport mode)

Both of those events was with the car filled with 95 RON, as I wanted the map to be done on 95 so I knew it would run without issues on 95.

I've just filled it with Sainsbury's 97 RON, so I'll see how that goes the next time I use my car. (I haven't driven it since Sunday, which is when I filled it up after a run.)

 

I'm off to Wales on holiday soon, so that will be the acid test of what sort of success the remap is.

Tom's told me if I'm not happy with it, he's willing to tweak it to suit my needs, which is fair enough.

The fuel economy seems to have taken a little hit, but it's early days yet.

I know it's easy to assume I've been razzing round enjoying the power, but I really do drive very economically most of the time. 👴

That said, the odd burst of acceleration when joining a motorway may use enough extra fuel to have a noticeable detrimental effect. Hopefully the long drive down to South Wales should give me a better idea of how economical the map is on a run, as well as finding out how the extra power I've got feels when driving around down there on the A-roads, instead of pottering round the West Midlands in busy traffic.

If I come across a rolling road session opportunity, I might give it a run on that to see how it measures up.

 

So far, I'm not unhappy with what I've got, but I'm not "Wow! Amazing!" over it either.

Which, given I wanted to keep the linear power delivery and I drive economically, is probably how it should be.

Edited 22 July, 20223 yr by EnterName
changed "and and extra" to "and an extra"

Update on the MPG.

It seems pretty good, but does require a light foot if you want decent MPG, as the remap obviously throws extra fuel in if you demand it.  (Well duh! There's news hot off the press! )

But after a near 32 mile journey back from visiting a loved one today, which was 75% motorway and 25% urban, I got 56MPG, which is better than I've previously achieved on the journey, so I'm happy with that. (Running on 97RON Sainsbury's)

Next comes the performance tests in Wales, which will hopefully allow me to discover the extra horses I've got with the remap.

But all in all, I'm pleased to see the MPG has improved slightly, and not taken a dip, as I'd feared.

 

EDIT: I think some of the improvement in MPG was down to the 97RON, which seems to suit my car very well indeed. (Last year's 51mpg run to Wales was on 97 too.)

I think the increased MPG i get from 97, combined with the improved grunt and better additives is worth the extra money for 97.

Edited 4 July, 20223 yr by EnterName

The 190 is a particularly frugal beast compared to the other 2.0 TSI's. Even so 56 is a great result. If that is indicative of the long term you have definitely got a hoot map and engine. Just remember to give it a little now and then to clear the pipes.

On 03/07/2022 at 00:46, MarkyG82 said:

The 190 is a particularly frugal beast compared to the other 2.0 TSI's. Even so 56 is a great result. If that is indicative of the long term you have definitely got a hoot map and engine. Just remember to give it a little now and then to clear the pipes.

This is good advice! The GPF needs hard acceleration to clear it out now and then.  ⬅️ EDIT: This is an opinion, contradicted by the manual.

Yes, I used Angel before with my Mondeo, and was very happy with the map I got from them and this one seems to be okay so far. (Though I can imagine quite a few will be scoffing at the +41BHP gain in power for £395.)

 

Incidentally, I was mooching about my hard drive to see what the MPG was last year, and managed to find it.

As I recall, that was quite a steady drive down, because it was wet and traffic speed was slow. 51MPG isn't bad at all for that run.

If I get something similar for the journey down, I'll be happy enough. If I do better, then that will be a definite win for me.

It's tricky to get an accurate like-for-like comparison as even on the same route, no two journeys are going to be the same, but I'll get a rough idea of what's going on.

Edited 4 July, 20223 yr by EnterName

@EnterName

 

Best you study a bit more or just read the Owners Manual on GPF's because they are not the same as a DPF.  

Just now, roottoot said:

@EnterName

 

Best you study a bit more or just read the Owners Manual on GPF's because they are not the same as a DPF.  

You know you've just reminded me about this, @roottoot. Thanks! 👍

Frankly, this is perfect for me, as I do generally potter about, but Tom clearly said that GPFs benefited from hard acceleration now and then.

I suppose that's his opinion based on his experience, but I can't argue with the manual and a slap to the back of the head for me for forgetting it.

 

Every TSI benefits from getting Spirited driving occasionally.  Actually a roasting.

Engine oil up to temp to be sure condensation is getting a clear out, all well and then the oil hot the spark plugs get a nice clean and are hot before cooling down.

Soot / Carbon burned off spark plugs that might be that way from short trips.

 

If checking spark plugs take a car as long as no mis-fires or poor running and thrash it,  (do not check out a cars mis-fires by risking giving an italian tune up without taking the plugs out first..)

 

So get the plugs hot with some spirited driving, then stop and let them cool and remove.

See if all is good with all 4.  Not too rich, not too lean. If any sooting or oiled up, &  still showing you know with what cylinder / cylinders.

 

Check the Gap as well as inspect.      Since they are out there might as well be new ones put in unless they were replaced or checked pre REmap. 

Edited 4 July, 20223 yr by roottoot

2 hours ago, roottoot said:

Every TSI benefits from getting Spirited driving occasionally.  Actually a roasting.

Engine oil up to temp to be sure condensation is getting a clear out, all well and then the oil hot the spark plugs get a nice clean and are hot before cooling down.

Soot / Carbon burned off spark plugs that might be that way from short trips.

 

If checking spark plugs take a car as long as no mis-fires or poor running and thrash it,  (do not check out a cars mis-fires by risking giving an italian tune up without taking the plugs out first..)

 

So get the plugs hot with some spirited driving, then stop and let them cool and remove.

See if all is good with all 4.  Not too rich, not too lean. If any sooting or oiled up, &  still showing you know with what cylinder / cylinders.

 

Check the Gap as well as inspect.      Since they are out there might as well be new ones put in unless they were replaced or checked pre REmap. 

It's running perfectly TBH, so I'm not planning to do anything to it before the next service, though I have had the G13 coolant replaced with G12evo, as I took the silica bag out.

At just 12K miles, changing the spark plugs seems like a bit of an extravagance to try and solve a problem I don't have.

It'll get some hot action next week in Wales, and then get its first MOT at the end of July.

That is fine then with your low mileage so far.

But this was meant as general post and not specifically about your car.   

Anyone remapping a car really should check plugs before hand. even upgrade but that is not an issue with your engine.

23 hours ago, roottoot said:

That is fine then with your low mileage so far.

But this was meant as general post and not specifically about your car.   

Anyone remapping a car really should check plugs before hand. even upgrade but that is not an issue with your engine.

That's me thinking everything's about me again. 😄

Seriously though, there's a part of me that's thinking "What are you doing remapping your nearly new car, you lunatic?!"

But I actually think I've timed it just right. Do it just as it leaves the warranty period and gives me maximum time with the remapped car.

I think that's good advice about changing the plugs, in fact a full service would be a good idea prior to a remap. 👍

It is amazing how many do not have a car serviced and running as well as they can before a remap. 

Amazing how many do a remap and do not look at the plugs or air filter but then they might not be a mechanic or even a fitter.

 

Even worse is those that know the car is not running right and take it to get a remap. 

Back from a very warm week camping in Wales.

Car performance was great. Power delivery was progressive, just dialed up a bit from the original 190, which is what I wanted.

Overtaking is now quick and drama-free, which is what I wanted. I don't think the car would be any better with more power without some new shocks and springs, which I won't be changing for some time.

I bunged the car in Economy node and set the cruise control to 70 with tweaks to accommodate traffic, as I don't have the fancy speed-adjusting cruise control, which is an option I would be specifying if buying from new.

MPG is IMO excellent on a long run if sensible speeds are sustained. (See pic with last year's for comparison. Note difference in average speed; there is a (PITA) 40MPH speed limit near Cardiff and 50MPH limit around Worcester on the M5.)

Maybe the MPG would have been better last year under identical conditions, but I can certainly say it's very acceptable as it is, especially as I forgot to re-inflate my rear tyres for motorway driving and they were at 2.5 bar all round, rather than 2.5 front and 2.8 rear as I had going down.

I don't have the numbers going to Wales as I forgot, but to be fair they wouldn't be as good as I wasn't trying to drive economically.

Fuel for return journey was 30L Gulf super unleaded with 97RON & 5% Ethanol, on top of Sainsbury's 97RON Super Unleaded. (Which I think has 5% ethanol too.)

EDIT: Looking at the pics, I really don't do many miles in a year. 😄

Edited 17 July, 20223 yr by EnterName
Annual mileage comment

I have found a slight irritation with the remap, that I think is probably just something I'll have to adapt to: Wheelspin.

When it was standard, it was rare for my car to break traction when making a rapid standing start. Post-remap, I have to be more careful, as the Turanzas start scrabbling without very much provocation until the car gets moving. It's not like I'm disappearing in a cloud of tyre smoke, it's more that it looks a bit ungainly to be scrabbling for grip when all I want to do is make a sharp departure.

Even in "Economy" mode I noticed this today. Maybe it's my tyres, maybe the roads are a bit damp, maybe it's me being a heavy-footed chimp. Tick all that apply. 😄

It's not a problem I need solving, but I thought I'd mention it.

EDIT 2: It occurred to me earlier that I have recently pumped up my tyres a bit to near "ECO" levels. (2.6 bar on my car), which for me is 2.5 bar all round.

Supposedly this improves handling and economy, reduces comfort but doesn't affect grip. I'm not so sure. I've dropped the front tyres back down to 2.3 bar and I'll see if that gives me a little more grip.

 

Edit: One welcome new addition seems to be a little more growling noise from the engine when accelerating hard. It's always had an uncharacteristic but pleasing "Grrrrrrrrr!" noise when being given some stick, but now there seems to be a bit more of it. There's obviously none of that roaring snap-pop-bang malarkey, but the "I mean business" growl does seem out of character, as the engine is so quiet most of the time when I'm pottering around. I like it.

Edited 2 August, 20223 yr by EnterName
More added, then even MORE added

On 31/07/2022 at 12:45, EnterName said:

I have found a slight irritation with the remap, that I think is probably just something I'll have to adapt to: Wheelspin.

When it was standard, it was rare for my car to break traction when making a rapid standing start. Post-remap, I have to be more careful, as the Turanzas start scrabbling without very much provocation until the car gets moving. It's not like I'm disappearing in a cloud of tyre smoke, it's more that it looks a bit ungainly to be scrabbling for grip when all I want to do is make a sharp departure.

Further to this, I think it's actually Sport mode having a much more sensitive throttle response than Drive mode, and so me hoofing it in Sport adds quite a bit of extra fuel for a given throttle position than the same position in Drive mode. I think the solution will probably to drive the car a bit more in Sport mode and get myself acquainted with exactly how much throttle is needed for a sharp exit.

On 31/07/2022 at 21:45, EnterName said:

I have found a slight irritation with the remap, that I think is probably just something I'll have to adapt to: Wheelspin.

When it was standard, it was rare for my car to break traction when making a rapid standing start. Post-remap, I have to be more careful, as the Turanzas start scrabbling without very much provocation until the car gets moving. It's not like I'm disappearing in a cloud of tyre smoke, it's more that it looks a bit ungainly to be scrabbling for grip when all I want to do is make a sharp departure.

That's easily fixed.  Get a Superb 4x4!!!

On 21/09/2022 at 08:46, Donweather said:

That's easily fixed.  Get a Superb 4x4!!!

I don't think I could live with the drop in fuel economy. 😊

It's just me getting used to the different throttle response on the sport setting.

Also the one junction I tend to perform quick getaways is slightly uphill, so it's really a few factors that all contribute.

I'll get used to it.