This page is about the Split Second 1.8T Boost Controller System for
1.8T VW and Audi engines. While I'm just getting started with this page,
my intention is to explain my experience with this device. My motivation
is simply that I contemplated buying this product for about 10 months, but
couldn't find much information on people's experience with it. I'd like to
have nifty photos of the installation, but I haven't done any web publishing
in about 5 years, and don't have the time to learn now. Hopefully what I
write will help others who are interested in this product. As time goes by
I will also add sections on other automotive interests that I have.
First of all, I must say that I have no affiliation with either VW
or Split Second. I simply love my 2 GTI 1.8T's--a green '01 and a
black '02.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
My wife and I leased our first new car from VW...a '97 Golf Trek. We
loved it, but I always felt it was lacking in horsepower (only 115). I
figured that when the lease was up, I'd turn it in and get the 1.8T Golf.
We actually took the option to buy the Golf, but a few months later
decided to lease another car. I got a great deal on a lease from CarSmart.com for the '01 GTI 1.8T. It
has 150hp, and for the first 10 months I was completely satisfied with the
power from the car. Then I found out that the '02 would have 180hp.
Suddenly, the '01 felt underpowered. And then I couldn't believe
I was making payments on the '97 Golf with 115hp. Of course, give
back the '97 (straight up for the balance of the payments), and get the
'02 GTI 1.8T. Done! I could only be satisfied until it was announced
that the summer '02 VR6 would have 200hp. Then I heard about the Slit
Second 1.8T BCS. My prayers were answered...
THE SAGA BEGINS
I found all the basic info on the BCS at Split Second's website. They claimed
a 30+hp increase at the wheels on the '01 turbos, but hadn't yet done the
work on the '02's. This sounded very promising, but I wanted to wait
for the official word on the '02 BCS. In Feb. '02 they sent me the
details, and they were very impressive--a 42hp gain at the wheels. I
was convinced that I wanted this thing, but it took me 7 months to order
it. Here's why: I'm a naturally skeptical person, and they were
making a big claim for $249. Although I was comfortable that there
would be no modifications to the ecu itself, the idea of tampering with the
wiring was a little worrisome to me. I was also concerned that the
extra hp would damage the engine. I looked all over the internet, but
I couldn't find any detailed stories of experiences with this device. Nor
could I find a good objective review of the product from a reputable source.
Everyone who was saying it was so great...was selling it!
BITING THE BULLET
Late in September '02 I found the BCS at a site called FastVW's.com selling for $225. The
manager of the site seemed knowlegable and was very helpful, so I took the
plunge. The BCS was shipped for a fair price, and quickly arrived.
It was well packaged with all the appropriate literature. Unfortunately,
I had to wait until the weekend to install it.
THIS THING AIN'T NO STEREO!
Somewhere on SplitSec's site they mention that someone who's capable of
installing a car stereo should be able to install the BCS. Perhaps,
but don't be fooled. It takes quite a long time(for the first-timer),
a good deal of intelligence, patience, some muscle, and a couple of Torx
wrenches to set this thing up. As soon as I can, I'll give my detailed
installation procedure. For the time being, email me with questions,
and make sure you have at least 4 hours set aside.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This thing rocks! The stock 180hp 1.8T is pretty impressive, but
with this little gadget cranked to 14.5psi of boost you'll get a little whiplash.
The colored LED is functional and stylish. The unit is small,
but solid. The best thing about it is that the car seems stock until
you nail the accelerator. Once the red lights come on though, you're
movin'. I don't know if the hp claims are legit, but the improvement
is definitely noticeable. I've only been using the BCS for a week
without a glitch. I'll be sure to post any problems I have.
Well, how's that for a start? Like I said, I'll post some install
details and some other experiences. I'd also like to share others'
stories. If you have questions or tales to tell, email me at the link
below.
