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A Stage 1 remap takes a Mk7 Golf R from 300PS and 380Nm to about 365PS and 500Nm; the 310PS Mk7.5 reaches the same, and the Mk8 goes from 320PS to about 420PS and 500Nm. Most Mk7 cars flash through the OBD port in around two hours; the early Simos 12.1 cars and some Simos 18.10 units need a bench read, which we do in-house in Maidstone. Every figure on this page comes from our own rolling road, and Stage 1 carries a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Measured on our Mustang AWD rolling road in Maidstone. Wheel figures, drivetrain loss added for the flywheel numbers.Golf MK7 R ECU Remap from JF Automotive providing that more fulfilling drive! As it is currently one of the best everyday road cars available in the UK, we knew it would become a very popular car for tuning and aftermarket parts. For this reason, we purchased our own Golf R Estate for research & development.
The MK7 Golf platform is fitted with the latest generation 2.0TSi engine is controlled by the Simos 12 & 18 ECU, similar to the Golf GTI.
How we got to work on the Golf R Remap
First we performed a quick health check using our diagnostic testing equipment and then put the vehicle through a set of stock dyno runs and data logging. Data logging the engine in standard form allows us to understand every aspect of the ECU. Our first data log and dyno run and revealed the engine was making 310BHP at the flywheel with 400Nm of torque, up 20Nm over manufacturer figures. After checking the existing map we could see that Volkswagen had set the torque to 400Nm.
Carefully analysing the recorded data logs we started re-calibrating the engine ECU data for a Stage 1 tune. Our aim was a safe 360bhp and 500-520Nm tune using standard engine components.
Using our specialist ECU programming equipment we wrote the newly developed software to the ECU. We then preformed a post tune data log to ensure everything is reacting well to the new map.
For this tune, we wrote between 30-40 different maps applying fine adjustments to make the perfect tune. It’s this meticulous attention to detail demonstrates the care we take when producing each one of our maps.
Golf MK7 R ECU Remap not only transforms how the vehicle performs but can also save you money with its increased fuel efficiency on motorway driving, we have seen regular 40-42MPG!
Golf R DSG Remap
We have been tuning DSG gearboxes since it’s release back in 2003, but how can we make a fast gearbox better?
Well after countless revisions to the software we managed to decrease gear shift speeds by 5-15% (depending on the software version) while also raising the torque limiters to give increased power in the lower gears. We can also disable the lockdown switch at the bottom of the accelerator pedal and prevent auto gear upshift when in manual mode. This transpires to a far more engaging drive with nothing left on the table!
Check out our other VW case studies
What each generation gains
Six generations have worn the R badge and they are not variations on a theme – the first two
are a naturally aspirated V6, the rest are a turbocharged four. Typical Stage 1 figures below; yours
is confirmed on our own dyno before and after.
| Generation | Engine | Standard | Stage 1 | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R32 Mk4 (2002-2004) | 3.2 VR6 | 242PS | 262PS | 320 → 345Nm |
| R32 Mk5 (2005-2008) | 3.2 VR6 | 250PS | 270PS | 320 → 345Nm |
| R Mk6 (2009-2013) | 2.0 TSI | 270PS | 310PS | 350 → 420Nm |
| R Mk7 (2013-2016) | 2.0 TSI | 300PS | 365PS | 380 → 500Nm |
| R Mk7.5 (2017-2019) | 2.0 TSI | 310PS | 365PS | 380 → 470Nm |
| R Mk8 (2020 on) | 2.0 TSI | 320PS | 420PS | 420 → 500Nm |
| R Mk8 Performance | 2.0 TSI | 333PS | 420PS | 420 → 500Nm |
The R32 is the odd one out
The Mk4 and Mk5 R32 use a naturally aspirated 3.2 VR6. There is no boost to
raise, so software gives around 20PS – a sharper throttle and a cleaner top
end rather than a transformation. It is a lovely engine and we are happy to map one, but you should
go in knowing the numbers. From the Mk6 onwards there is a turbo and the picture changes completely:
+40 to +70PS and up to +120Nm.
The Mk7 gives the most
The Mk7 R is the sweet spot – 300 to 365PS and 380 to 500Nm, the largest
torque increase in the range, and the most common Golf R on UK roads.
Which Mk7 R have you got?
The Mk7 R was sold at 280, 290, 301 and 310PS depending on year and market,
across three different engine ECUs:
- Continental Simos 12.1 – the early 280PS cars
- Continental Simos 18.1 – most 290 to 310PS cars
- Continental Simos 18.10 – the later 301 and 310PS cars
Two cars that look identical in the car park can run different ECU versions, and that decides
whether the file comes out through the OBD port or the unit has to come off for a bench read. There
was also a 360PS R360S in 2016 – rare, but we hold the data if you have one.
The gearbox is half the car
Plenty of what owners dislike about a DSG Golf R is gearbox behaviour, not engine behaviour:
hesitation off the line, lazy downshifts, holding a gear too long. That is a separate control unit
and can be recalibrated on its own. The Mk6 and early Mk7 use the DQ250, later
Mk7.5 and Mk8 cars the DQ381. See
DSG and S tronic
gearbox tuning. If you are raising torque significantly it is worth doing at the same time, since
the standard clutch settings were calibrated around the standard torque figure.
Related
- Golf Mk8 R and Clubsport in detail – including Stage 2
- Golf R big brake kit
- VW servicing in Maidstone
Photos from the build
12 photos of this Volkswagen Golf in our Maidstone workshop. Tap any to enlarge.
Questions we get asked
How much does a Golf R remap add?
Mk7 and Mk7.5: around 65PS and 120Nm at Stage 1, to about 365PS and 500Nm. Mk8: around 100PS, to about 420PS and 500Nm. The Mk6 goes from 270 to about 310PS. The R32 gains around 20PS because there is no turbo to work with.
Which ECU does my Mk7 Golf R have?
Three were used: Simos 12.1 on the early 280PS cars, Simos 18.1 on most 290 to 310PS cars and Simos 18.10 on the later 301 and 310PS cars. Two identical-looking cars can have different units, and that decides whether it flashes through the OBD port or needs a bench read. Send us the registration and we will tell you before you book.
Is the Golf R remap done through the OBD port?
Most Mk7, Mk7.5 and all Mk8 cars, yes. Early Simos 12.1 and some locked Simos 18.10 units need the ECU on the bench, which we do here the same day rather than sending it away.
What does Stage 2 need on a Golf R?
A downpipe with a sports cat or de-cat and ideally an intercooler and intake. Mk7 Stage 2 runs to around 400PS; on the Mk8 it is 430 to 440PS depending on the downpipe. We recommend the DSG tune at Stage 2 so the gearbox torque limiter does not clip it.
Does the DSG need tuning too?
Not for Stage 1. For Stage 2 we recommend the DQ250 or DQ381 gearbox tune: raised torque limiter, faster shifts, launch control and a manual mode that holds a gear.
How long does it take and can it be reversed?
About two hours for an OBD flash including a before-and-after dyno run. We keep the original file and the car can go back to standard at any time.
