Q: I have a '00 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. I am just looking to get more power out of it. Do you guys know any way I can make this happen?
Jonathan Brink
Via email
It's OK if you don't have...
It's OK if you don't have the new 170hp version of VW's diesel Jetta, the older versions can be upgraded to 200 hp and beyond with a little help from the aftermarket.
A: One of the most common questions we receive from readers is "How do I make more power?" The answer is fairly simple, because no matter what diesel engine you possess, there are a few simple modifications you can perform to increase horsepower and efficiency.
Your first step should be to turn up your injection pump or buy a set of bigger injectors. This will allow more fuel into your engine, giving you more power. If you own a newer diesel, there's probably a computer chip for your ride that can increase timing and injector pulsewidth, which will also give you more fuel. Whether you own an older or newer diesel, this is usually a good point to install gauges, so you can monitor boost and exhaust gas temperatures.
After the fueling is increased, an intake or exhaust should be your next step. Your engine will be making more power, and it may need more air than your stock intake and exhaust system will allow. At this point you may be producing some black smoke, which means it is time for a bigger turbocharger.
Companies like BorgWarner sell turbochargers ranging in size from tiny to humongous, so there will most likely be one that suits your engine. Do some research and find the turbo that is right for you.
If this still isn't enough horsepower, there's always injectables such as propane, water and methanol injection, or nitrous oxide, that will add horsepower to any diesel. Using this basic fuel, air, then power-adder technique, you'll be able to produce enough power that your engine or driveline components will start to fail, so here is where we'll draw the line.
As for your particular vehicle, we'd give Kerma TDI a call at (877) 537-2834, or visit www.kermatdi.com. Kerma has offered injectors, turbo kits, and tuning software for TDI-powered Volkswagens since 2002 and will be able to help you get all the power you can afford out of your '00 VW. DP