The VW and Audi TDi diesel vehicles are probably the most economical
cars on the road, getting about the same or better economy than the
new hybrids. They are the best way to go when looking to save money on
fuel. The VW TDi's especially are growing in popularity in the U.S..
There are some complaints though. Like not having the power needed to
pass someone on the road. This has all changed in recent years. There
are several upgrades that can be made to the TDi's to improve power,
and to actually improve fuel economy even more. I will touch on these
subjects briefly.
The first TDi Performance mod that comes to mind is an upgraded chip
or tuning box. Both of these items, the VW performance chip and the VW
tuning box change how the fuel is delivered to the engine. For a VW
performance chip to be installed, the TDi's computer must be removed
and sent to someone who can solder in the new chip with the new
program. A VW tuning box will simply be connected under the hood where
it can intercept the signals going to the engines ecu and alter them.
Most people will say that the upgraded chip will do the most for you,
but the tuning box is the more common upgrade just because it is so
much easier to work with. Also the tuning boxes are well liked because
they can be removed and have no trace of ever being there so that
warranty work can be done....

http://groups.google.com/group/waterforfueld

"ellis gibb" wrote in message
...

The VW and Audi TDi diesel vehicles are probably the most economical
cars on the road, getting about the same or better economy than the
new hybrids. They are the best way to go when looking to save money on
fuel. The VW TDi's especially are growing in popularity in the U.S..
There are some complaints though. Like not having the power needed to
pass someone on the road. This has all changed in recent years. There
are several upgrades that can be made to the TDi's to improve power,
and to actually improve fuel economy even more. I will touch on these
subjects briefly.
The first TDi Performance mod that comes to mind is an upgraded chip
or tuning box. Both of these items, the VW performance chip and the VW
tuning box change how the fuel is delivered to the engine. For a VW
performance chip to be installed, the TDi's computer must be removed
and sent to someone who can solder in the new chip with the new
program. A VW tuning box will simply be connected under the hood where
it can intercept the signals going to the engines ecu and alter them.
Most people will say that the upgraded chip will do the most for you,
but the tuning box is the more common upgrade just because it is so
much easier to work with. Also the tuning boxes are well liked because
they can be removed and have no trace of ever being there so that
warranty work can be done....


Just get a European model. I rented an Avis Jetta TDI in Italy about 4
years ago. Plenty of passing power. I ran at about 145 kph as the wife
would not fall asleep. But even at that speed, had no problem accelating to
165 kph. About 95-110 mph. And got very good milage. I ran from the
Cinqua Terre to Rome and did not use that much fuel.