[s-cars] RS2 Impressions

[Sean Douglas]

I've installed some RS2 stuff (turbo, manifold, injectors, MAF, 370 HP
software) and had it in for about a week now. Previously, I had a MTM 1+
chipset.

The installation was straight forward, took me about 12 hours to do the
turbo and EM working at a leisurely pace. The homemade wrenches worked
well and I found a modified half-moon obstruction wrench worked wonders
on the one downpipe bolt. The infamous 3 bolts on the bottom of the EM
are a major PITA to tighten, but manageable. Had a minor problem with
the water coolant supply line to the u/s of the turbo that didn't want
to go back on. I did end up with a minor coolant leak where it connects
to the block and spent about 2 hours the next weekend putting a new
clamp on it. The injectors and MAF is very easy, about 1 hour to do. I
didn't bother depressurizing the fuel and only tiny amount dripped out
when I disconnected the supply and return lines. Opening the ECU was a
challenge, I studied it for about 10 minutes before I figured out how to
release the top board, its pretty cool how it comes apart.

Here are my impressions:

Its fast - very fast - scary fast, much more power than MTM 1+/K24,
especially at high rpm. The K24 runs out of steam at 5500 rpm, while the
RS2 pulls hard to the redline. The boost peaks at 26 psi and holds in
the 20-25 psi range right up to redline.

The power delivery is very smooth and not peaky like the MTM 1+/K24. Its
quite tractable in the low rpm and still has decent pull when running at
part throttle. The power is easier to modulate and the car almost feels
more docile (almost stock like) at part throttle. But when I mash the
throttle, and the boost hits 25 psi, it pulls hard - real hard.

I plan to take it to a 1/4 mile drag to see what it will do and I hear
that a local speed shop (Mopac for the local guys) will be installing a
4 wheel dyno this fall.

One minor annoyance - I am noticing slight pinging (detonation) when I
change up to the next gear from redline. For example on a 1-2 shift from
redline, the rpms fall to the 4,500 range and for about 2 seconds, it
will ping. Its very subtle, almost imperceptible, but its there. Similar
to what the MTM 1+ does on transient throttle application. It will also
do it, but even more pronounced, if I lift the throttle say in 2nd gear,
then quickly punch it. I'm running Chevron 94 and I'm at sea level.
Anyone with a similar setup experience this? I'm going to pull any fault
codes with a VAG 1552 to see of anything comes up and I'm working with
Bob Pastore on this, hopefully we can figure something out to alleviate
it.

Many thanks to all for the support on this, Jeff LaBombard who organized
the GP on the turbo, Dave Loff who came to give me a hand, the parts
suppliers (TJM and Barry G), Bob Pastore who supplied my chipset and
other parts and the write-ups, hints and experience of this list who
have BTDT on installation (Cody Payne, Bill Mahoney, Todd Kramer, etc.).

I urge anyone with the time and funds to do this, the installation is
not that hard and its definitely a DIY job if you have patience and the
right tools.

Sean Douglas
1997 Audi S6//RS2-spec