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Tonba
07-01-2014, 09:01 AM
Hi all,

Im currently looking into a Skoda Yeti, and I was wondering if there are any tuning options / modifications available for the 103TDI model?

brad
07-01-2014, 09:24 AM
Basically the same as any other VW group 103tdi.

Remap would be first thing on your shopping list. Custom Code would be my pick but there are half-a-dozen options out there.

Lucas_R
07-01-2014, 09:40 AM
Hi all,

Im currently looking into a Skoda Yeti, and I was wondering if there are any tuning options / modifications available for the 103TDI model?

My brother (not the one who works at Skoda - another one) had a 2012 Octavia 103TDI and we sent the ECU down to DNA Tuning in Melbourne to have it remapped. Was about $900 or so for the remap. Came back with approx 130kw and 420nm or so (flywheel figures). Was very fast for a diesel and had a hell of a lot of torque. He did about 70,000km in it with no issues. Still did under 5L/100km on the freeway too.

See info here: http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f149/stage-1-tune-2012-skoda-octavia-tdi-103kw-320nm-73135.html

If you can go without the car for a few days, then i would recommend the DNA tune. I also have the DNA tune on my Golf R.

Tonba
07-01-2014, 09:50 AM
Awesome. How do you find the drivability with it?

Boon
07-01-2014, 09:52 AM
Lucas, did your brother's overall fuel efficiency go up?

Tonba
07-01-2014, 09:55 AM
Nevermind. Read that full post. Sounds REALLY decent!

Lucas_R
07-01-2014, 09:57 AM
Awesome. How do you find the drivability with it?

Drove it a few times and found it to be very smooth. Big chunk of mid range torque when you want it, but very refined when pottering around. The tunes for these cars are so advanced these days - my Golf R makes 211kw at the wheels yet my grandmother could drive it down to the shops without a worry.


Lucas, did your brother's overall fuel efficiency go up?

He did 90% freeway driving (between Newcastle and Gosford). He did 70,000km or so in the car with the remap and didn't have any reliability/engine/warranty issues in that time. Still got <5L/100km on the freeway. No noticeable change to fuel consumption with everyday driving.

brad
07-01-2014, 10:19 AM
A remap is the first mod any turbo engine should have. Anything else is just faffing about on the edges IMO.

My 1.8tsi was also easier to drive after the remap.

Lucas_R
07-01-2014, 10:34 AM
A remap is the first mod any turbo engine should have. Anything else is just faffing about on the edges IMO.

My 1.8tsi was also easier to drive after the remap.

Such a good (and underrated) little engine, the 1.8L in those Octy's.

Tonba
07-01-2014, 11:00 AM
The 112TSI in the Skoda Yeti is a 1.8L turbo isn't it?

brad
07-01-2014, 11:20 AM
The 112TSI in the Skoda Yeti is a 1.8L turbo isn't it?
I had to look but it appears it is. Bonus points for the Yeti.


Such a good (and underrated) little engine, the 1.8L in those Octy's.

It's been a surprise package for me. It's like the little engine that could. Delivers more grunt than it should & better fuel economy than I'd expected.

Keeping in mind that mine is a 2007 build, a lot of the competitors now have 1.8L turbos that deliver way more power & torque (Alfa Giulietta) but they can't seem to get the economy figures.

It's no race car but as an all-rounder it delivers.

I would like to know what changes have been made to the latest 132tsi versions & if any of those changes can be relatively easily incorporated easily into my older 118tsi version

Lucas_R
07-01-2014, 11:21 AM
The 112TSI in the Skoda Yeti is a 1.8L turbo isn't it?

^ Yep. Same engine (or possibly a revised version of the same engine) as Brad has in his Octy i believe. Good little motor.

Difinity
08-01-2014, 07:07 AM
Isn't the 132tsi twin charge engine a 1.4 (as in the Fabia vRS)?


Difinity

brad
08-01-2014, 07:32 AM
Isn't the 132tsi twin charge engine a 1.4 (as in the Fabia vRS)?


Difinity
Octavias run the turbo-only 1.8tsi paralleling the entry level Audi A4. For reasons I can't fathom, they have the same designated power output as the 1.4twincharger which confuses people all the time. Even odder is that every dyno sheet on the 118kw 1.8tsi that I've seen has them puting out between 120-123kw.

Lucas_R
08-01-2014, 08:13 AM
Isn't the 132tsi twin charge engine a 1.4 (as in the Fabia vRS)?

Difinity

No it isn't (thank god). The twincharger is nothing but trouble.

Difinity
08-01-2014, 10:09 AM
Ok, thanks.
(Touch wood), no trouble with my twin charger yet (26,200 Km's). Great little engine, lotsa power/torque, not burning oil, great economy (av 5.8l/100) now.
Of course, very little actual heavy traffic or stop start driving for me (I'm in Canberra) so maybe that's why.
Just put another 2.6k Km's on it last week. Easy.



Difinity

joel0407
08-01-2014, 10:39 AM
My only issue with current tunes for most of the Skodas is they need the ECU opened up to tune. Most of the VW have hacked and can be tuned with a simple plug-in. I just don't want to void my warranty with a obviously opened ECU.

I'll be super keen if they work it out.

Happy Days

Lucas_R
08-01-2014, 11:54 AM
Ok, thanks.
(Touch wood), no trouble with my twin charger yet (26,200 Km's). Great little engine, lotsa power/torque, not burning oil, great economy (av 5.8l/100) now.
Of course, very little actual heavy traffic or stop start driving for me (I'm in Canberra) so maybe that's why.
Just put another 2.6k Km's on it last week. Easy.

Difinity

Sounds like you have a good one then (which obviously do exist - i met another forum member just before Xmas with a 118TSI Golf twincharger and 80,000km on it with no issues) which is good to hear.


My only issue with current tunes for most of the Skodas is they need the ECU opened up to tune. Most of the VW have hacked and can be tuned with a simple plug-in. I just don't want to void my warranty with a obviously opened ECU.

I'll be super keen if they work it out.

Happy Days

Skoda/VW/Audi etc are all pretty much encrypted these days and have been for a few years now. Golf R's are an exception as they use the older engine (and ECU) out of the Audi S3 which is from 2007 era. Most of the Mk6 GTI's with the newer engine are encrypted (there are some that aren't though - seems to vary).

joel0407
08-01-2014, 01:58 PM
Skoda/VW/Audi etc are all pretty much encrypted these days and have been for a few years now. Golf R's are an exception as they use the older engine (and ECU) out of the Audi S3 which is from 2007 era. Most of the Mk6 GTI's with the newer engine are encrypted (there are some that aren't though - seems to vary).

God knows why but at least with the 2013 Tiguan and 2013 Yeti both with the same 103tdi have 2 completely different ECUs. The Yeti uses the old Bosch unit but the Tiguan uses a new unit which must have been easier to decrypt. The 2013 Tiguan doesn't need the ECU removed for remapping, the Yeti does. Apparently ARP replace the tamper proof screws after reinstalling the ECU to make it appear to have not been touched but I'm still a bit worried until my warranty runs out, I'll probably wait.

Happy Days

Tonba
08-01-2014, 02:24 PM
Joel,

How do you find your Skoda Yeti? I'm looking at purchasing one for the wife.

joel0407
08-01-2014, 10:13 PM
Joel,

How do you find your Skoda Yeti? I'm looking at purchasing one for the wife.

Absolutely love it mate.

The book says it's 0.1 of a second slower than the Tiguan but it's 100kg lighter with the same motor and gearbox. I figure VW just don't want the Skoda to be faster than the equivalent VW.

Some people say it's rougher than the Tiguan which should be expected as it's 100kg lighter and carries the same suspension. Stick your head underneath and there's VW stickers everywhere. It suits me though as I came from a WRX with coil over suspension. I take handling over comfort. I'd rather feel a couple of bumps on a corner than crash in comfort.

As for quality. Well my Skoda Yeti was still made in the Czech Republic where Skodas have been made since 1905. Generations of car builders in a little Czech town. I'm not sure now as there was talk the new model would be built in China with the Tiguan. The Tiguan is built in a Chinese factory in between Cherry and Great Wall. That's my story anyway.

I have 2 kids and the rear flex seats is an awesome idea. I always have the middle seat removed which allows the 2 side seats to move toward the centre by about a quarter of a seat. It gives them more room and still allows enough room for my small waeco fridge to sit between the seats.

My young bloke is only 2 so he sleeps a lot in the car. The rear seats can also be reclined which stops his head falling forward when he is asleep.

I didn't buy it as a 4x4 but they are very capable. I have a few friends with property and when visiting we would often duck up the paddock for a BBQ or picnic. With the WRX I would have to take everything out and load up their cars. The Yeti I just follow them up. Last time I went out a mate said "Lets go for a drive up the creek". He expected I wouldn't make it so he told me to go first. It was pretty funny when he didn't think he could follow me in his 100 series Cruiser. It was a little track up a hill with a big wash out down the middle. I just straddled the wash out and drove up slowly the catch was there was a sharp turn at the bottom so no run up and then the top finished diagonal so front wheel up in the air and then rocking over and lifting the back wheel. I have the off road option which kicks in traction control much earlier. At the top I just plodded on up, front wheel lifted, brakes automatically applied to stop the wheel spinning, it rocked over and I drove on making it look simple. His 100 series doesn't have diff locks so with out momentum, once his wheel lifted it would just spin. He managed to punch it up the hill and bounce over the top. He was a bit worried that he would never live it down if he couldn't go where my little Yeti went

Happy Days.

brad
09-01-2014, 09:28 AM
As for quality. Well my Skoda Yeti was still made in the Czech Republic where Skodas have been made since 1905. Generations of car builders in a little Czech town.

Don't forget how many pieces of crap were put out of that factory during the Socialist years. The history of quality isn't all wine & roses.

It is worth a visit to Mlada Bolislav & the Skoda Museum though - they are proud of their history.

joel0407
09-01-2014, 10:57 AM
Don't forget how many pieces of crap were put out of that factory during the Socialist years. The history of quality isn't all wine & roses.

It is worth a visit to Mlada Bolislav & the Skoda Museum though - they are proud of their history.

That was practice. Now they are playing the game.

Happy Days.

Boon
09-01-2014, 11:09 AM
Having owned a MK5 Jetta 2.0T, Yeti 103TDI and A4 B8, I would definitely pick the yeti if I were to have just one car. I am thinking of tuning the yeti later this year too but pretty happy with it stock. Highway consumption around 5.2L/100km and mixed driving gets low sevens. Also like how diesel prices don't fluctuate too much

Tonba
14-01-2014, 05:45 AM
After contacting a new tuning business' DNA tuning is able to tune the yeti for a reasonable price if anyone was interested.

Transporter
14-01-2014, 06:18 AM
Don't forget how many pieces of crap were put out of that factory during the Socialist years. The history of quality isn't all wine & roses.
It is worth a visit to Mlada Bolislav & the Skoda Museum though - they are proud of their history.

Still, when comparing the reliability of the Skoda, Holden and Ford (actually many cars) from the same era, I would go with Skoda.
Believe me, I have the first hand experience with both. ;)

Skoda was/(maybe still is) quite popular in the North Europe countries like Sweden, for their excellent handling on slippery roads.
Also their corrosion resistance was very good so they lasted longer than some other brands.

The Skoda factory was held back by the USSR from producing what they really wanted and they were limited to max 1.3L engines as well.

Just when you visit that museum, you have to compare the old cars there to others from the same time and you'll realize that they were quite good and practical - at the time.

brad
14-01-2014, 07:58 AM
Still, when comparing the reliability of the Skoda, Holden and Ford (actually many cars) from the same era, I would go with Skoda.
Believe me, I have the first hand experience with both. ;)

Skoda was/(maybe still is) quite popular in the North Europe countries like Sweden, for their excellent handling on slippery roads.
Also their corrosion resistance was very good so they lasted longer than some other brands.

The Skoda factory was held back by the USSR from producing what they really wanted and they were limited to max 1.3L engines as well.

Just when you visit that museum, you have to compare the old cars there to others from the same time and you'll realize that they were quite good and practical - at the time.

Based on a survey of 1 skoda from the '70s I disagree :-) It was simply an unreliable, badly built, piece of junk. OTOH, it was also the cheapest car you could buy in AUS at the time so I guess you get what you pay for.

Northern Europe popularity due possibly to the engine in the back aiding traction?

Yes, USSR were the main problem. Did you know that the American distributor did some clever marketing & he received orders in 1 week that equalled 1 year of factory production. Skoda wanted to fulfill the order. Moscow said "Nyet".

I must get my Skoda Museum photos off my daughter & post them. They certainly had some stylish cars. I'll take a 1960s era Octavia wagon in chalk green thanks.


Tonba: DNA do a great job. Nice choice.

Transporter
14-01-2014, 08:45 AM
Well, they were quite reliable in Czech I can assure you, just as good as Renaults, Fiats and some others there. There were some Ford Cortinas there and we thought what a piece of crap that was. ;)

Also Skodas were cheaper and easier to repair.
The engine with the gearbox at the back and live axles were excellent for driving in the snow. :)

You could say similar about the reliability of VWs in Australia, their reliability suffers here somehow more because the level of the service is not the same as in Germany and probably most of Europe. :)

brad
14-01-2014, 09:43 AM
That would be because Cortinas were crap. Even worse when they fitted the "big Aussie Six" to them.

And I think we agreed a long time back that the training of many Australian mechanics is not up to a sufficient standard.

joel0407
14-01-2014, 10:17 AM
After contacting a new tuning business' DNA tuning is able to tune the yeti for a reasonable price if anyone was interested.

Can they do it without opening the ECU?

Happy Days

Tonba
14-01-2014, 10:40 AM
This is the email reply I got;


Apologies for the late response; it has been a hectic start to the new year.


With the 103TDI, we officially rate our tune at 125kW/410Nm, however our figures are quite conservative as the improvements are significant.


The only "issue" we have faced with the 103TDI is that the later models, ie. 2011 onwards have been equipped with encryption protocols to prevent tuning via the OBD port.


Skoda versions however don't tend to be protected as early on as their VW counterparts, so there is certainly a possibility that the Yeti would be OBD-port upgradeable.


Regardless, we have upgrade options available. Standard remap via OBD is priced at $680, and the benchflash upgrade method is $830 for those with the encryption, as it requires the ECU to be physically opened up for the reprogramming to take place.


All options are covered by a money back satisfaction guarantee for a full 28 days.


Whereabouts in Australia are you based?
--------
Kind Regards,
John Lu


Authorised Dealer
DNA Tuning Australia (ABN 26313532209)

Lucas_R
14-01-2014, 11:11 AM
Can they do it without opening the ECU?

Happy Days

My brothers 2012 Skoda Octavia TDI had to have the ECU opened. John at DNA Tuning did it no problems.

Refer to the 1st page in this thread for info and feedback.

Transporter
14-01-2014, 12:36 PM
That would be because Cortinas were crap. Even worse when they fitted the "big Aussie Six" to them.

And I think we agreed a long time back that the training of many Australian mechanics is not up to a sufficient standard.

Was it ever up to the standard? :)
Bad service, equals poor reliability, it's simple like that. ;)

brad
14-01-2014, 01:36 PM
Phil Irving was pretty good

Tonba
30-01-2014, 01:30 PM
Question for those with the DNA tune (as they seem a little bit slow to answer questions).. Is it detectable by the dealership?

Transporter
30-01-2014, 03:14 PM
Question for those with the DNA tune (as they seem a little bit slow to answer questions).. Is it detectable by the dealership?

Any good VW tech will be able to tell as soon as he road tests it and then just check the data using the diagnostic tool to confirm that the ECU is running different boost pressures and so on. ;)

But, you own the car, so it's none of their business what you do with it as long as it stays roadworthy.

Tonba
30-01-2014, 03:43 PM
Im more worried about warranty then anything...

As the car is a TDI will only be getting the tune. No point changing anything else.

Transporter
30-01-2014, 04:22 PM
The quality tune shouldn't cause the drivetrain failure. The warranty can't be voided for the rest of the car. You would have to be very unlucky to have any issue after the tune, many have done it and some still were able to claim the warranty. :)

bluey
06-02-2014, 08:00 PM
The quality tune shouldn't cause the drivetrain failure. The warranty can't be voided for the rest of the car. You would have to be very unlucky to have any issue after the tune, many have done it and some still were able to claim the warranty. :)

I am part tempted and part chicken.

The chicken part is about warranty and insurance. Anyone know what the car insurers do for chipped engines???

The main risk is not so much a physical risk to the vehicle, but a legal risk that someone will wash their hands of their responsibility.

From what I have read, various gearboxes are designed to cope with certain maximum torque loads. The "standard" VW 125kW TDI has about 360Nm torque. Audi Q3 130kW TDI has 380Nm. If chipping the Yeti 103kW, I wanted to check what the design spec of the gearbox is and what other cars might have the same box with gruntier standard engines.

How can one compare the various different chip tunes about??? I am inclined to trust Germans - so Oettinger?.....(as others have said about mechanics).

Oettinger does 103->125kW and 320->370Nm. Presumably, they have their reasons.

Ryeman
07-02-2014, 08:04 AM
Like bluey, I'm. also v conservative but have always felt that the 'original' engine is simply a precursor to an uprated one as a way of justifying 'new model' status.......in other word chipped/programmed.
I'm also interested in the Oettinger mod and it's price......my desire in drivability/fuel economy without reliability issues.

brad
07-02-2014, 10:31 AM
Plenty of folk have had tunes from various companies before you two. Very few have reported issues.

I think people that are doubtful should not do it as they will always be listening out for every minor noise or hiccup & blaming it on the tune.

I've done 78,000km with +32% torque & + 17% power without any issues related to the tune. Mine was a cheap mail-order tune ($666), if I was doing it again I'd probably up my budget to $1000 & get something slightly more targeted.

Ryeman
07-02-2014, 11:47 AM
Plenty of folk have had tunes from various companies before you two. Very few have reported issues.

I think people that are doubtful should not do it as they will always be listening out for every minor noise or hiccup & blaming it on the tune.

I've done 78,000km with +32% torque & + 17% power without any issues related to the tune. Mine was a cheap mail-order tune ($666), if I was doing it again I'd probably up my budget to $1000 & get something slightly more targeted.

But is our 'standard' diesel sufficient....min 51ct meeting euro v, or do we have to look for a particular city brand of fuel?.
I'm simply not gung-ho on this issue.

brad
07-02-2014, 12:01 PM
But is our 'standard' diesel sufficient....min 51ct meeting euro v, or do we have to look for a particular city brand of fuel?.
I'm simply not gung-ho on this issue.

Mate, I don't know as I don't run a diesel but there are plenty of folk in the tuning section that have run tuned diesels. Maybe have a look there for the answers to your questions?

My theory is that it will break / give problems mapped or unmapped & the tune might bring the problem forward by a small percentage.

They reckon our petrol is rubbish as well but I just run whatever is handy / cheap. Usually either Shell v-power with shopper dockets or the local independant guy who seems to have awesome fuel (maybe he has big turnover & constantly fresh fuel).