Performance Enhancements and Engine Tuning
in Crawley, East Grinstead and Surrey | From the VW and Audi Specialists

SD Autotech offers an extensive service range when it comes to engine tuning and modifying your vehicle. Below is some information on the different areas we cater for. We understand that the possibilities are endless and we are always on hand to discuss your needs and offer any advice. Fast and efficient, our engine tuning service is a favourite among vehicle owners in Crawley, East Grinstead and across Surrey and Sussex.

We hold accounts with most of the top brands and can supply their full range of parts. We will fit items supplied by the customer but please get in touch before purchasing to discuss your requirements.

The well developed software results in a smooth, progressive torque curve so drivability is of factory quality. Once you have invested in stage 1 engine tuning, the stage 2 and 3 software upgrades are free.

Stage 1

Developed to increase power and torque on standard vehicles with no other modifications required.

Stage 2

Software developed to increase power further with supporting hardware modifications. Usually a high flow exhaust system and improved induction as a minimum.

Stage 3

Software designed to work in conjunction with an uprated turbo and other supporting hardware.

Gearbox TCU Tuning

The RacingLine engineers have developed the dynamic clutch pressure strategy. This clever software development means the torque input signal from the engine ECU used to adapt the clutch clamping pressure to suit. All the way up to a mighty 19 bar of pressure. This means the dynamic TCU tune is suitable for all levels of engine power outputs up to and beyond stage 3. Shifts are faster giving harder acceleration through all gears and the launch control function is improved too. Increasing boost and RPM at launch as well less intrusive traction control means you get off the line quicker.

Engine Hardware
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We cater for all aspects of engine tuning and hardware modifications, and can alter any modern vehicle from Crawley, East Grinstead and beyond. Everything from bolt-on induction kits to fully forged engines can be catered for in house.

RacingLine has developed their hardware to work perfectly with their OEM+ software. This makes for tried and tested packages to achieve the different stages of tune on a large range of VAG vehicles.

Intake Systems

Upgrades on intake systems improve airflow into the engine. Reducing these restrictions means your engine can pull air in and produce more power. This is done by fitting better flowing, less restrictive intake pipework and by fitting a higher flow air filter.

Either a replacement panel filter to retain the OE airbox setup or fitting a larger filter in a custom cold air housing.

Intercoolers

Uprated intercoolers are essential for keeping boost temperatures down with a tuned setup. As the engine and turbo work harder to produce more power, boost temperatures rise. Cooler intake temperatures result in dense, more oxygenated air from which more power can be produced.

Engine Mounts

Uprated engine mounts help to harness an engine under extra strains of increased power. OE mounts are softer to increase driving comfort but are often not designed to take the extra stresses of increased power and more aggressive driving. If you have any questions about this, please speak with our engine tuning technicians.

Engine internals

Most internal components of an engine can be uprated. Usually uprated parts are stronger, more lightweight and machined to much greater tolerances than OE parts. Components are changed to suit the application and overcome individual weak spots within the engine that are susceptible to failure caused by increased stresses when tuning.

Modern engines tend to be robust, but all OE components have their limits. Uprating engine internals is a complex process and we are more than happy to advise on necessary upgrades to suit your end goal.

Braking

As well as engine tuning, we can upgrade any aspect of your braking system for a safer drive in Crawley, East Grinstead or the neighbouring regions. Improving your stopping power and braking efficiency is often overlooked when increasing the vehicles performance.

Uprated brake discs

Include grooves to remove glazed pad material and friction surface drillings to dissipate heat.

Uprated brake pads

Uprated pads use differing pad friction material. Be aware that pad temperature affects high-performance pads so they aren’t always suitable. This is because you cannot maintain the required temperature in the brakes for them to work correctly.

Big brake kits

Big brake kits are the ultimate brake upgrade. They consist of larger, often belled disc rotors and a larger calliper setup utilising 4 or more brake pistons. These kits allow for much improved stopping power but need to be carefully selected to ensure they are compatible with the brake master cylinder setup and wheel fitment.

Braided brake hoses

This fairly simple modification is a great step in ensuring a better brake pedal feel as the braided lines have no give under pressure unlike factory fitted brake hoses.

Exhausts

The exhaust system is an essential item to upgrade when looking to increase power beyond engine tuning. There are many options available, with looks and noise being big considerations when upgrading.

Downpipes

A must for stage 2 tunes.

For optimum power increase, the use of a decat downpipe ensures exhaust flow is at its highest. However, they are not road legal as emission limits cannot be met. The alternative is the use of a high flow downpipe with a SportsCat. SportsCats have much better flow capabilities over OEM cats. This is due to fewer cells so are less restrictive. Often listed for example as 200 cell. This means 200 cells per square inch. For reference, an OEM cat has 400 or more cells per square inch.

Exhaust Systems

There are many exhaust systems available on the market, so it’s important to consider all factors when choosing a system for your car in Crawley, East Grinstead or the nearby areas. Noise, price, and features such as changeover valves and weight are just some of the options.

Companies like Milltek make great exhaust systems that always fit perfectly, are lighter than OEM systems and have many options when it comes to tailpipe design. They also sometimes give the option of resonated or non-resonated, with resonated being the quieter version.

Manifolds

On normally aspirated cars, tubular manifolds offer great performance increases by improving the flow and balance of the headers. On turbo cars, exhaust manifolds can be better designed to increase flow, and runner length design improves turbo spool.

Chassis

A popular area when it comes to car modification. With so many options available in all aspects of the chassis, we are always on hand to help advise, so the result is the one you want. From engine tuning to chassis modifications, we’re on hand to make your drive a better experience.

Suspension

The most common parts to be uprated, often for the purpose of lowering a car.

Spring kits are the entry level modification followed by a matched spring and damper combination. For height adjustment, coil overs are used. These are commonly used to adjust the ride height. Coil overs were primarily designed for motorsport use to set the centre of gravity and corner weight the vehicle for optimum handling. Additional options are adjustable bump and rebound settings for more precise handling characteristics.

Bushings

Factory bushes are designed to be soft and give longevity. Replacing the suspension bushes with uprated items is a great way to stiffen up the suspension, improve handling response and ensure the chassis geometry stays true when driven hard.

Anti-Roll Bars

ARBs are fitted to reduce body roll in the corners. When larger, stiffer items are fitted, body roll is reduced further to ensure the chassis remains as flat as possible when pushing hard in the bends.

Wheels and Tyres

Wheels are an important piece of your chassis setup. When fitting wheels with the correct fitment, handling is improved. The weight of the wheels also plays a part in handling as when the unsprung weight is reduced handling and road holding is improved. Tyres are important as they remain in constant contact with the Crawley, East Grinstead and Surrey roads. Softer compounds dramatically improve road holding but at the cost of wear and tread patterns play a part in wet grip. All tyres have their place in the market but when modifying your car this is a key area not to scrimp on.

Geometry

A car can be transformed with the right geometry setup. When carrying out any suspension work, it is necessary to check and adjust the geometry settings to ensure it is still within tolerance. OEM recommended setups are for optimum tyre wear and feel. Fast road setups compromise some tyre wear for improved cornering and track setups are purely for cornering grip.

Custom Wiring

Wiring Looms

We design and manufacture custom wiring harnesses in-house. We produce looms for all vehicle electrical systems including ECU's, and this makes us one of the best names in engine tuning work. One off looms can be produced from different grades of wiring to suit most applications.

Instrumentation

Instrumentation is a very important part of a car as it provides the driver with essential information and prevents damage should a problem occur. We can supply and fit a huge range of instrumentation. From basic gauges to full display units.

Standalone ECUs

These are fitted when the OE ECU cannot offer the range of adjustments required when tuning an engine. They also offer data logging of engine parameter capabilities and integration to digital dash displays.

There are many things to consider when it comes to choosing a standalone ECU. Each ECU manufacturer have their own benefits and limitations. Another important factor is ensuring you have a tuner in mind who can calibrate the ECU you choose correctly. Known for engine tuning cars from Crawley, East Grinstead and the surrounding areas, we will be happy to advise and ensure you get the correct unit to suit your needs.

Fuse Boxes and PDMs

We can design and build custom fuse/relay box units to meet the customers individual specifications. Another modern solution to supplying power to the vehicles electrical systems is with the use of a PDM (Power Distribution Module). These are computer controlled solid state systems that are infinitely programmable. They are also usually designed to integrate with a digital dash display. This solution is mostly applied to race or track day cars.

Race and Track Day Prep

As well as engine tuning, one of our passions is taking part in track days and developing our own vehicles. There are many aspects to track and race car preparation, all which we can cater for. One key thing for any car used on circuit is reliability. Cars are pushed to the absolute limit and if anything is going to break it will on track. Meticulous preparation is key to making sure all aspects of the car are in the upmost condition and any weak areas of your particular vehicle are adapted to suit the arduous conditions they will face.

Safety

Roll cages when fitted correctly are one of the most important additions to any car being used on track. Fire extinguishers are also an essential item in circuit racing and a great idea to have for track days. Varying in price from a simple hand held extinguisher to a fully plumbed in and electronically operated system.

Racing seats and harnesses are another important area to consider when it comes to safety out on the track.

Chassis Setup

Chassis setup is one of the most important areas to develop. Often bigger lap time improvements can be made by adapting the chassis over more power. Road cars are very much a compromise between handling, ride comfort and component life. This compromise does not usually have the makings of a good track car.

Uprated suspension, bushings, tyres and geometry setups are the key to a better handling car in Crawley, East Grinstead or Surrey. It is important that the components you choose all work in harmony with your particular vehicle to bring those lap times down. Weight reduction is also an easy way to improve handling.

Power Increase

Usually the first thing on the list when it comes to track preparation but not necessarily the most important. Power increase certainly helps as long as the rest of the vehicle is setup to use it to its full potential. Noise is always a huge consideration as UK race tracks have strict noise limits. We have equipment to test noise level dB and can advise where needed.

Track and race cars are a culmination of all aspects of tuning and modifying. We have the experience to build your track car from scratch or help you develop it over time as your track skills improve.

Call 01342 837083 for engine tuning and performance enhancements. We tune vehicles from Crawley, East Grinstead and the neighbouring areas.

Performance Enhancements and Engine Tuning in Crawley, East Grinstead and Surrey | From the VW and Audi Specialists

Engine Tuning