Where to start...

[richslay]

Hi all,

Have just joined the club and got myself a RHD RS2, with 86k on the clock. Having now done most of the bulbs on the dash, it's now time to address the problem of performance. At the moment it just doesn't have that the kick in the back that i found in others when the turbo kicks in and I want to get the most out of the beast.

Work done so far: Cam belt changed about 6 months ago by previous owner, spark plugs and air filters changed. I had the car booked in with QST who told me that most performance problems are cause by air leaks, but couldn't make it down in the end.

I am currently in Milton keynes so if anyone knows of someone suitable nearby... Especially as i have recently read some mixed review of QST(not to mention the long drive), not sure if this would be such a complex task requiring their expertise?

Sorry for the ramble, but if anyone can suggest a course of action would be very helpfull.
Cheers
Rich

[quattronutter]

elite motor tune here in northampton are pretty good,specialise in all quattros and own an rs2 themselves,i have built a few s2 engines in my time if you get stuck im in npton too so only down the road...

[Chris M]

Hi Rich,

Best thing would be to try track down the boost leaks, if thats the problem. If there's someone who lives near you on the Forum who has a pressure tester kit that would be ideal. Alternatively you could purchase a set of SAMCO boost hoses and try eliminate the boost issue and future proof them for when you'll want more power

I know there's been a couple of RS2 owners who have had timing problems, Tom (Audiman) knows more about this. Think it was due to been setup a tooth out, This also could be part of the problem.

HTH,

Cheers,

Chris

[audiman]

It could be all manner of things. First thing to do is get the ECU read for fault codes. You can either get a good garage to do this for you. Or if you go on S2central.net, there is a guide on how to do it yourself. Do that then come back to us with the codes and we will try to help you out. It sounds like a possible air leak, but then it could also be cam timing, well infact it could be many things, so lets not speculate.

[stevieyid]

hi i just thought i would add QST has basically built my ur and i have to say they have been brilliant some if u dont find anyone up there QST are still a good option. Good luck

[richslay]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Booked in tomorrow morning to have the fault codes read and then off to elite next week(was cheaper that way). Will post the faults when i get them.

[Pete_RS2]

Have elite got a rolling road ? I've got a noise I need diagnosing.

[richslay]

Codes are in:
Driver airbag ignitor driver high signal(This came on after i replaced the instrument cluster bulbs, they tried resetting it but said it kept popping up, is there anyhting i could have knocked loose?)
Fault lamp/open short circuit to earth ( the bulb with a cross through it comes on when turned on, but i cant see any bad bulb, i encountered this on another rs2, is it a common fault?)
Fuel mixture adaption limit exceeded
Fuel mixture adaption limit not reached
Lambda control regulating limit exceeded

Any thoughts on the last three, new lambda probe?



Pete, not sure about the rolling road, thing so but not sure. I would give them a call and check for you but my phone is dead, their website is http://www.elitemotortune.co.uk

[porkkis]

Change the lambda probe, check for leaks, verify that engine timig is right as the job has been done not so long a go. There is the issue with rs2 cam wheel markings...

[audiman]

Those faults are generated from the mixture being outside of the expected range, usually due to an air leak in the intake system. I get that at the moment, due to a blowing exhaust manifold, which makes the lambda sensor think the car is running lean, so it dumps fuel in to compensate. This makes the mixture very rich and so i get the fault code. If you want i have a pressure testing kit you could borrow. Pm me and maybe i can help out.

[Rusty]

TOP choice of motor. These are old cars and sometimes require plenty of work to get them up to spec. Stick with it though as the rewards are huge.

What about getting a boost gauge to see if it is boosting correctly. They're relatively inexpensive and are very uselful when things aren't quite right, although yo do have to fit them in somewhere! When mine had major boost leaks the boost gague fluctuated wildly when you're on WOT before the overboost protection came in and I ended up hanging out the seatbelt!

I replaced the ageing turbo hoses with Samco ones from the forum and did the Mark H mod to the IC (is the RS2 the same style output?). The car has held boost very well ever since and produced a healthy 237bhp on the rollers at the last RR meet at Interpro (although that was in 5th gear... ). Only thing left to do is to replace the vacuum hoses that feed the ECU and boost gauge with silicone hose to complete the job. It's well worth putting the time and effort into sorting the high pressure inlet. This may not solve all or even any of your problems but for relatively little money it does remove any doubts when fault finding and give total peace of mind that when you need it the power will be there. AND the Samco hoses look the Mutts Nuts!

[richslay]

Thanks again for the advice all. Bit short of any spare time at the moment so am going to get Elite to do some of the diagnostics for me(many thanks for the offer though Tom). Was thinking get them to check the cam timing first, then pressure test it and then if that sheds no light i'll take it away and change the lambda probe. Does anyone know if this is the same process as the S2 and where the cheapest place to buy the part from is, the only place that i can find at the moment is audi who want £98.

Cheers, Rich

[alg]

Thanks again for the advice all. Bit short of any spare time at the moment so am going to get Elite to do some of the diagnostics for me(many thanks for the offer though Tom). Was thinking get them to check the cam timing first, then pressure test it and then if that sheds no light i'll take it away and change the lambda probe. Does anyone know if this is the same process as the S2 and where the cheapest place to buy the part from is, the only place that i can find at the moment is audi who want £98.

Cheers, Rich

Try vagparts cheaper AFAIK

[dan_b]

Welcome!

I bought a lambda from VAGParts last week - the genuine one from them is about £70. You can get a generic cheapy one from places like GSF if you want though.

You've come to the right place to get this diagnosed and for advice on how to fix it, hope you enjoy it!

[rotoryboy]

You can get the Bosch one from Andrew Page at £60 aswell