my car feels a bit sluggish

[BEOWULF]

bit of a silly question here do u guys with cupras hit 60mph in 2nd gear
just that i have had mine revo'd and i don't fells the same kick as i used to or is it just me

 

[RobM]

The Cupra doesn't hit 60mph in 2nd gear. It might get close to an indicated (on the speedo) 60mph, but it doesn't actually hit it.

What's actually wrong with your car then? Have you just had it Revo'd or has it been done for a while?

 

[Number86]

I think I'm getting some sluggishness as well. Though I don't really know...Car seems as powerful as ever in 1st to 3rd, and 99% of the time I can't floor it in second unless I want to be greeted Boggy McBog the traction control.

But, it feels slower in 5/6th. I can't really feel that little push when the turbo kicks back in after putting your foot down again. Still seems to push ok.

Maybe there's something in the air?

As another idea, would someone with a remapped LCR be able to do a rough test? Like, crusing at 80 in 6th, and measuring time taken to reach 100. On their private airfield obviously.

 

[RobM]

Weather can play it's part in this. As the weather gets hotter, the car may feel less responsive.

 

[DPJ]

As another idea, would someone with a remapped LCR be able to do a rough test? Like, crusing at 80 in 6th, and measuring time taken to reach 100. On their private airfield obviously.

The key test is 60 to 100 in 4th, preferably logged by Vag-Com.

 

[LiCkWiD]

Sluggish performance from time to time can be put down to any number of external factors.. a slightly crap batch of fuel, hotter temperatures outside the engine bay, caked filters etc. These things come and go.

My Cupra hits 60mph on the speedo in 2nd, and then I hit a very visible rev limitation (as intended). The trick is to hold the revs and pop into third at around 58mph as to not hit the electronic redline.

I'd say always bring 5th to as close to redline as you can. 6th is a cruising gear. It provides you with mpg increases and low-noise motorway travelling. If you're actively competing with the Cav GSi behind you or whatever, forget 6th if you can. I've found this to be the case, anyway.

 

[Number86]

It's no hotter than it was the other week.

One thing I was just thinking. It seems to have started since my latest fill up of petrol. But it's V-power a usual. But it's the only link I can think of right now.

In regards to the learning ECU. I've been driving like a bit of a granny of late, could this have any bearing on the cars responsiveness when I choose to hoof it a bit?

 

[LiCkWiD]

Not really... avoid giving it hell under temp reads 90, for a start. Avoid raping it in every gear. Driving it properly every now and then will never have a detrimental effect on it.

If you've booted it, your turbo is hot and then you literally pull-up (at home, petrol station, car park.. whatever..) and turn the engine off.. then there's a lot of heat sitting there. Enter the pointless turbo-timer debate.

I feel guilty after giving my Cupra some hell.

 

[Number86]

I didn't mean it like that

I meant, if you drive like a granny for a few weeks, doesn't the ECU adapt to this driving style? So when you do come to want a bit of spirited driving it may not be as responsive as it's not your usual style of driving?

I religiously give the car 5 mins to warm up (regardless of whether or not the water temp needle has already reached the middle) drive slowly for the last mile or 2, and/or leave the car idling for another minute or so before turning off the engine.

 

[BCM]

NEVER! you shouldnt feel guilty! My car loves it! Sings a DynaTwist, BlueFlame and a Forge Motorsport Symphony!
GRRRAAAAAAAAAA, Psh, GGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAA, Psh!
Love it and so does the yella pearl!

 

[fahafiz]

have to tried cleaning MAF or buying a new one.... common problem

 

[LiCkWiD]

hahahaha maaaan! You've made me laugh! And the choice of the word symphony just made it all sparkle

Fantastic!!

Anyway... with regards to the adpative ECU... it sure as hell won't enter limp mode or adjust timing values and fuel mixes to suit slower driving over long-term. The power will still be there.

 

[Number86]

Hmm! it's not exactly limp. It just *seemed* to be a little less responsive in the high gears. Though I could just be me imagining things...

 

[charvel]

I get this and it's definately to do with prolonged driving at slow speeds and traffic driving. After a belt down the motorway to Cornwall, it's a totally different car.
I've noticed this on a number of occasions, and everytime a few hours on the motorway sorts it out.

 

[Number86]

Interesting. The same was apparantly true with my old car. To the point it was a common recommendation on the forum to do an ECU reset, then drive the car like you stole it for the next 20 mins.

I'll try and be a bit more fruity with the car over the next day or 2 and see what happens.

 

[RobM]

Have you checked your tyre pressures recently? That can have an affect on the way the car feels.

 

[davebnly]

I felt like i had this problem aswell with the remap. Before i had it done i got the car up to 148mph no probs, now it seems a little harder to get it up there and have only had 140mph out of it since, but power from 0-80mph is perfect.

Going to wait for the roads to be quiet one very early morning about 4am and do another top speed test when i get chance.

 

[cuprablue]

I get this and it's definately to do with prolonged driving at slow speeds and traffic driving. After a belt down the motorway to Cornwall, it's a totally different car.
I've noticed this on a number of occasions, and everytime a few hours on the motorway sorts it out.

That'll be down to the spark plugs etc coking up, (not literally of course). All engines, (even older Pre-ECU, non turbo, non injection engines), respond like that. If you drive the car around on part throttle low-mid revs all the time it's far more likely to be running rich leaving sooty deposits. Giving it a good thrashing will burn off these small deposits on the plugs etc and the engine will be more responsive.

cuprablue

 

[davebnly]

That'll be down to the spark plugs etc coking up, (not literally of course). All engines, (even older Pre-ECU, non turbo, non injection engines), respond like that. If you drive the car around on part throttle low-mid revs all the time it's far more likely to be running rich leaving sooty deposits. Giving it a good thrashing will burn off these small deposits on the plugs etc and the engine will be more responsive.

cuprablue

Or you could just change the plugs say around every 20k? for sake of about £20 that they cost and ease of the job its worth doing to keep it running well?

Think mine will be due for a change, its now on 35k with the original plugs.

 

[RobM]

I believe the plugs are changed on your 40k mile service, so there is little point in changing them now if you're already on 35k miles, unless there is a problem with them.