So I'm getting my Unitronic chipped ECU in about two days, but there's one thing really lurking in my mind. RODS!!! when I first got into the euro scene, I was told that the 1.8T could hold 350hp no problem...yeeeaaa, so I rebuilt my motor with brand new stock internals.... well after getting deeper into vw and talking to guys with actual experience, I now know that 300hp is pushing the rods to a very grey area. So my question is, can I change my rods without having to pull the motor out and stripping it to the bare block? and if so, is there a set of H-beams out there that do not require me to get new pistons and have a different bore size. So far everything I have found requires me to get new pistons and get my block machined to fit them. my motor was machined about 14,000 miles ago and thats the mileage the internals have on them as well. any light on this will be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance guys.

 

Integrated Engineering VW 1.8t Forged Rods For Late 1.8 Turbo Engines 20v 19mm Audi

Thats all you need, they are "drop in" rods that use your stock pistons.

To put them in while the engine is in the car you need to removed the oil pan, remove the head to access them.


You would need new headgasket, headbolts, oil pan seals, rod bearings and a few other small things.
Whats mods do you have?

the rods handle 300+ hp better if your torque spike is not crazy.

when the torque spikes really fast its more likley to bend them.

 

Thanks man. and as for mods, I have a GT2860R, 660cc injectors, Unitronics BT 630 file, ported head, ported intake manifold, ATP stage 3 exhaust manifold, fmic, and all of my charge piping, intake manifold, and intake are ceramic coated. lol I seem to have upgraded almost everything but one of the most important elements.

 

How much power does the Unitronic file you have make?

 

^ I only have a GT2860R so the flow isnt THAT much. I just dynoed 268whp today at 20psi. but the good thing is that the ECU is self regulating. If I increase the boost, the ECU will adjust itself to a base map for the amount of psi its reading. When I put in the new rods next week, I'll be in the 300+ whp range. all I need to do is adjust a couple numbers through VAGCOM because the file is for 630cc injectors and I have 660's. hpefully I can hit the mid 300's within the next two weeks. Im still shopping around for suspension and a good meth kit.