What to do?

[Sidspud]

I got my new Milltek exhaust fitted on Saturday. I got to talking to the guy about future mods that I am planning. He has now got me quite confused as to what to do.

I told him that I was planning to fit an RS2 intercooler and turbo and then get it chipped. His reaction was basically don't bother. He has driven an S2 with the above mods done. He told me that the car was lame until the boost hit and then it was so fierce that it was almost undrivable. In other words it was all or nothing.

So, my question is ..... is he correct? Chipping it is going to get me approximately 280bhp. Do I need any more in the real world? With an extra £1000 I might get another 50-60bhp, but will I be able to drive it in the same manner as I currently drive?

It's a lot of money for something that may spoil my enjoyment of an already fantastic car.

Your thoughts would be appreciated....

[Mark Halligan]

Who told you this?

Mark.

[Doug_RS2]

I have an S2 with the RS2 mods and it also seems I have an RS2 chip which is basically stopping the turbo spinning until 3500rpm. The properly done chips, by Mihnea and Paul, will spool up sooner.

With it kicking in at 3500rpm it is still a lot of fun and very drivable - want a shot? You will like it.

[Sidspud]

I'd rather not name names for fear of offending anyone.

The car that was being referred to as "almost undrivable" belongs to a regular poster on this site.

I'll maybe PM them regarding this.

[Martynf]

I notice the 'big guns' replied to this first I don't ever recall hearing Doug or Mark complaining about their performance?? I have a friend with an RS2 and yes, there is a little more lag than S2 with the 'real' RS2.

From what I've learnt on this forum, as long as Mihnea / Paul works their magic on the chips, then it does not appear to be an issue.

I've now had my Avant also with Milltek system chipped by Paul and it is very, very enjoyable . The RS2 intercooler can only help with reduced air temps not spoil. The turbo will surely give you 50-60 with ease and with the right maps in the chips, I have NO doubt it'll be everything you hope for and then some

I AM going down the same route and have no reservations at all about doing it.... OR why not talk with Mihnea about that hybrid turbo he was taking about making... spools up fast and hard.

'The Person' in question who ever they may be, is probably totally correct about the all or nothing, but that is without one of the special chip reworks from the guru's here that will solve the issue. I have no concerns about doing this at all.

Martyn

[S2central.net]

An RS2 is very 'laggy' from the factory - there is little or no activity on the WGFV until mid range revs before the turbo is allowed to spool up to full boost.

With proper co-ordination of the maps for an RS2 installation, and some adjustment of the WG spring, it is possible to greatly reduce the lag at low-mid revs.

But yes - when running 1.5bar or more on the RS2 at full chat the world does go past very quickly. Not everyone is comfortable with 450Nm of torque and yes you could argue that its not really *needed* on the road. I certainly find that the 430Nm in my chipped S2 is more than adequate for safely overtaking just about anything on a daily basis.

The same is true to a lesser degree with the S2. Just be careful about whose chips you are referring to. Superchips attempt to do it the wrong way, and AMD don't modify fuel and timing on their S2 chips.

The RS2 intercooler alone is a massive upgrade to the S2 as in these heat waves it will help keep intake temps under control. I'm totally dumbfounded by anyone who would suggest that is a
useless mod.

Suggest you try the S2 Central home fries (410-430Nm, 270-280bhp, better MPG and great tractability in the mid range) and see how you get on. Add an RS2 intercooler (for better heat soak insurance) to that and you'll be happy for a long time I think. That is until you want to break the 300bhp barrier and then you are into silly money with the RS2 turbo, manifold, 3bar ECU etc etc

I actually agree with you - the RS2 upgrade can be a helluva lot of money and it may not worth it unless you really NEED the extra power.

Cheers,

Paul

[Sidspud]

OK - You've convinced me (sort of). I'm going to go for the intercooler first and then I'll chip it. If its still OK and I find that I want more then I can always add a turbo at a later date.

Paul - Are your chips available? What's the procedure to getting one fitted?

[S2central.net]

That's the right approach Kenny...

You being about 500miles away makes a visit a wee bit complicated. Do you know how to remove your ECU ?

If you can post the ECU to me, then I'll be happy to upgrade it for you and return it by post the following day.

PM or Email me for more details...


Paul

[Greg_S]

Are the Chips ready to eat now?

[S2central.net]

Oh yes - where have you been


Paul

[S2 Ant]

Once i have some money i'll be investing in a CHIP

Just need to sort out other more important bits first.... like tyres Why arent there any cheap bits for it LOL

[Doug_RS2]

Originally posted by sidspud
I'd rather not name names for fear of offending anyone.

The car that was being referred to as "almost undrivable" belongs to a regular poster on this site.

I'll maybe PM them regarding this.

Since I am the regular poster and not easily offended - and offered Kenny/sidspud a shot in my "all or nothing car" we'll be able to see what he thinks as we'll meet up soon.

I don't think my car is any different in power delivery than a standard RS2.

We'll hopefully see in the next couple of weeks - Anyone else in Scotland want a wee meet to drive each others car?

[S2 Ant]

I'd love to Doug, shame i'm 615 miles away!! LOL Was a long drive home so dont think i'll repeat it back up there and then back again LOL

Shame tho, cos i know i'd be grinning the whole time and then carry on grinning all the way to the bank to get the money to convert mine!! LOL

[audiman]

That bloke who told you it would be undriveable must be mad. I have an even bigger turbo than the RS2 one (see spec below). Mr Nugent has mapped the ECU for me and it is so easy to drive. If you want mental power than you stamp on the pedal if you just want to gently do it then press with less aggression. My turbo is on full boost at about 3000 rpm. Lower than a stock RS2 with more torque and power. Do the manifold mod as it helps the end two cyls. breathe better and not get them too hot, the intercooler is also a must, dead easy to fit. Take my word for it, you want those mods. Im not sure is Paul has already said it here, but there is no need to change injectors or cams at this stage either, just do the turbo, manifold and intercooler. Then have Paul or Mihnea remap the puppy!


HAVE IT!

[audiman]

Same for me - if anyone in the Somerset area wants a quick blat up the road to see how great Mr. N's chips are then they are more than welcome. Just PM me.