Tbh there's only 3 in our model - CJXA Gen3 without GPF (280), DNUA Gen 3 with GPF (272), DNFE Gen 4.

 

I see what you mean about early IS38s. Maybe in the short term, have a backup second hand one that has at least had someone look at things like condition of the vanes, and play in the turbine shafts?

7 hours ago, travs said:

Tbh there's only 3 in our model - CJXA Gen3 without GPF (280), DNUA Gen 3 with GPF (272), DNFE Gen 4.

 

I see what you mean about early IS38s. Maybe in the short term, have a backup second hand one that has at least had someone look at things like condition of the vanes, and play in the turbine shafts?

 

On the money again dude.. I bought one last night for £100. 06K 145 722A part number taken off a Golf R with 80k miles, so I'm feeling pretty confident it's the right one 🤞

 

Next research is who best to refurb it if needs be. The question is straight refurb or refurb with improvements 🤔

14 hours ago, spen686 said:

 

The question is straight refurb or refurb with improvements 🤔

 

I see no question here…🤪

Arch gap crimes definitely needs to be sorted. 

What's the proposed solution?

No parts for the time being. Need to get the DCC slider mod done first so I can use more than just Sport.

The classic is Eibach Pro Springs and Bilstein B6s or B8s for a slightly lower shock. The arch gaps definitely need closing so a lower stance will definitely happen.

 

Although the esteemed JRRS did say that the original shocks are designed to be better - something about number of valves. Either way, plenty of consensus about the B6s being decent.

 

Sachs do a CDC shock which is their version of DCC/Damptronic also

Yep, B6s have made it on to my radar too. I've still got that Golf R ARB to go onto the car next time she's in for something, and the DCC slider mod is something I definitely want to do. I'm tempted to leave things there.. I don't mind the arch gap and I really want to protect the soft limo ride.

 

Super interested to see how you go about finding someone to do the DCC mod.

 

In other news, the more I research hybrid IS38 turbos, the more I want one 😬 

23 hours ago, travs said:

 

Although the esteemed JRRS did say that the original shocks are designed to be better - something about number of valves. Either way, plenty of consensus about the B6s being decent.

 

 

According to testing done by DSC Sport, the Bilstein Damptronics can only control rebound well.  It doesn't do compression well.

The factory DCC shocks can do both, and even exceptionally well with the DCC Slider Mod as it uses a much better algorithm to handle rebounds and compression.

 

Below is the finding from DSC Sport:-

 

"We had some pretty interesting findings today when shock dynoing the Bilstein Damptronic B16's for a MK7 Golf R (part number 49-255874). We found the Bilsteins only are able to control the rebound, while the factory shocks are able to control both compression and rebound with their valving.

This means the Bilstein Damptronics are a less capable setup when looking at compression adjustment, but still happen to have slightly greater rebound range. Basically the only benefits to the Damptronics are adjustable spring perches to change ride height and stiffer springs. But are not beneficial when looking at the "active" functionalities of the shock.

This is due to the valve used in this specific shock, however in other Bilstein kits we have tested, like the Porsche Kit, the valve is different and was able to control both rebound and compression."

 

45 minutes ago, JR RS said:

 

According to testing done by DSC Sport, the Bilstein Damptronics can only control rebound well.  It doesn't do compression well.

The factory DCC shocks can do both, and even exceptionally well with the DCC Slider Mod as it uses a much better algorithm to handle rebounds and compression.

 

Below is the finding from DSC Sport:-

 

"We had some pretty interesting findings today when shock dynoing the Bilstein Damptronic B16's for a MK7 Golf R (part number 49-255874). We found the Bilsteins only are able to control the rebound, while the factory shocks are able to control both compression and rebound with their valving.

This means the Bilstein Damptronics are a less capable setup when looking at compression adjustment, but still happen to have slightly greater rebound range. Basically the only benefits to the Damptronics are adjustable spring perches to change ride height and stiffer springs. But are not beneficial when looking at the "active" functionalities of the shock.

This is due to the valve used in this specific shock, however in other Bilstein kits we have tested, like the Porsche Kit, the valve is different and was able to control both rebound and compression."

 

That’s the stuff. And that’s B16s which are meant to be higher spec than B6? Better than B14 I think. So basically the adjustable features of the B16 are the only improvement over standard…

Guessing no-one’s looked into whether it can be swapped for DCC Gen2 - or if it can it’ll be a monster job to reprogram everything to account for it. 
 

May well be a case of Eibach to sit a little lower, then standard Monroe with DCC slider mod and recalibration

@ApertureS - appreciate you’ve got a lot on your plate at the mo but are you able to do the DCC slider mod?

On 20/02/2025 at 07:56, spen686 said:

Yep, B6s have made it on to my radar too. I've still got that Golf R ARB to go onto the car next time she's in for something, and the DCC slider mod is something I definitely want to do. I'm tempted to leave things there.. I don't mind the arch gap and I really want to protect the soft limo ride.

 

Super interested to see how you go about finding someone to do the DCC mod.

 

In other news, the more I research hybrid IS38 turbos, the more I want one 😬 

MOT this morning with ‘full’ dogbone and white line 25mm ARB fitting too. As long as the former isn’t so obviius the mrs thinks there’s something wrong with the car, fingers crossed it’ll feel a bit better and tighter

15 minutes ago, travs said:

That’s the stuff. And that’s B16s which are meant to be higher spec than B6? Better than B14 I think. So basically the adjustable features of the B16 are the only improvement over standard…

Guessing no-one’s looked into whether it can be swapped for DCC Gen2 - or if it can it’ll be a monster job to reprogram everything to account for it. 
 

May well be a case of Eibach to sit a little lower, then standard Monroe with DCC slider mod and recalibration

 

It applies to all Bilstein Damptronics range, apart from the Porsche versions, which I have not seen or read about in the past.

 

As for the new Gen2 DCC - it's a completely different setup, using 2x valves, unlike just the 1 valve with the current DCC.

Gen2 will require different wiring circuits, different modules altogether, different gateway, and have flow on effects to lighting, steering and ACC.  

Not a retrofit for the mk3 Superb.

Whiteline ARB fitted. 25mm set to stiffest setting. Feels really good. Have done some fast flowing A roads punctuated by some roundabouts and feels much less dramatic if that makes sense.
 

Dogbone upper has gone in but the lower was the wrong part. AwesomeGTI are swapping the version over thankfully so will hopefully get that sorted this week with any luck.

Most recent addition to mine is the RS3 brake ducts. Developed by Audi Sport they sit on the lower arms and feed air on the back of the disc to help cooling. Whilst I don’t always do any heavy or repeated braking I do have stints braking down from dual carriageway speeds to a roundabout with the car loaded up and the aim is these will help to keep the disc from not hitting too high a temp.

Day booked to have Wagner Tuning intercooler, boost pipes/hoses and braided brake lines fitted. Then I can remap to Stage1+ 🎉

On 02/06/2025 at 08:47, travs said:

Day booked to have Wagner Tuning intercooler, boost pipes/hoses and braided brake lines fitted. Then I can remap to Stage1+ 🎉

I'm very tempted to upgrade my intercooler.. just need to get to a stable base first.. All hopes are pinned on getting the car back to Retro Resus for a DSG service to sort out the horrible gear changes.. last thing she needs right now is any more torque 😬 Proper horrible thing to drive at the moment.

I'd def agree with getting the basics sorted @spen686.

Intercooler is a nice to have but tuning definitely follows the law of diminishing returns.

A remap will do wonders for you - increase boost, advance timing, up the fuel pressure perhaps - all of those things to give you a good 60/70bhp upwards for c.£1k

Next stage for me using RL needs the R600 intake with intake hose and turbo inlet and intercooler. R600 + intake is about £600 and I can do that myself. Intercoolers seem to range from £800 and it looks like an absolute pig of a job to do. Half the front of the car has to come off, and the radiators are all together in a bunch. I wouldn't have the skill, confidence or tools to do it so that's why its booked in. So I'm looking at same again cost for labour I think. I also bought Wagner Tuning's boost hose pack because it seems like 2 steps forward, 1 step back to uprate the intercooler but all the hoses from turbo to intercooler, and intercooler to throttle body are standard. Straightforward to do with so much access to the intercooler area

The next stage needs uprated exhaust - now this either losing the gpf altogether, or a sports gpf. The latter is a captured market. The only one I can find is north of £2.5k from HJS. That's EC compliant so it meets emissions regs. Like this for example. Only one I can find for the Gen4 engine.

Otherwise its removing the GPF and, while it might still pass emissions, its technically illegal so you invalidate your insurance. At which point, I can't go any further unless a lottery win renders £3k of downpipe replacement acceptable.

Once you've got the DSG sorted, I'd focus on other aspects - handling, braking, tweaks to the inside. I'm getting HEL braided hoses put in and now replacing the discs and pads. The Mtec/ATE ones were ok but I've found a place that is doing some relatively cheap SHW Performance Clubsport replica floating discs so swapping those over too. That will make me happier. Then I've got to keep my eye on springs and shocks for the future.

I did try to get a RoadRage Performance Haldex Flash but it doesn't work on mine as my controller is a revised unit apparently. Would put it to 100% 50:50 torque split front to rear so pity they don't have one for mine yet.

Wagner Tuning intercooler and boost pipes are in.

Went to thephirm in Camberley. While I was a bit anxious about the admin as they seemed to be happy with a hell of a lot of work in a day (new discs and pads and braided brake hoses were booked in too but there was definitely no time for all that without another mechanic working on it) the work that was done was absolutely brilliant.

Arrived at the end of the day to find the front still in bits so stuck around for a couple of hours and was an extra pair of hands and just chatting to the guy working on the car about all sorts. Turns out he had previously worked at Wheelbase where the car is regularly serviced so that was a nice link.

Also had the front trim panel cut out so airflow was better into the car (although looks like I’ve taken a pic of the wrong side 🤦🏻‍♂️). But both sides are now completely open. Again, the guy wanted to do a proper job rather than drill some large holes so he got a saw out and cut it completely open. He was really finicky about doing everything absolutely right.

Now to reflash to Stage 1+

RL quoted figures are 433bhp and 550NM of torque. I don’t have a rolling road session so will have to go with theirs (with a pinch of salt). Main thing for me is the better flow through the pipework and intercooler.

Edited 11 July11 Jul by travs
correcting my bad grammar making it read as though the brakes were done

Reflash done. The car feels transformed. Much keener throttle, more induction noise from lower down. For such a small output gain, this has been as transformative as to Stage 1

Wager is good stuff - glad the guys at The Phirm looked after you.

Looking forward to seeing the 2-piece/floating discs!

Sounds like it’s time for some suspension stuff now, and maybe some special wheels 😉

On 11/07/2025 at 17:26, travs said:

Also had the front trim panel cut out so airflow was better into the car (although looks like I’ve taken a pic of the wrong side 🤦🏻‍♂️). But both sides are now completely open. Again, the guy wanted to do a proper job rather than drill some large holes so he got a saw out and cut it completely open. He was really finicky about doing everything absolutely right.

That was one of the first things I did many many years ago - opened up the blocked second air intake opening behind the grille.

Many people would think opening up blocked bit on the top of the air intake was sufficient, or getting an aftermarket air-intake with both inlets open would do the trick - but both would yield no gains on the Superb unless the blocked air intake behind the grille was opened up.