Is 1. TDI good for tuning?
It’s very easy to get more power out of a 1. TDI engine. All that is needed is a larger turbo, intercooler, sports exhaust, nozzle tips and a chip tuning. Often the car also gets so much more torque that it needs to have a stronger clutch. The 1. TDI PD Pumpe-Düse is considered by many to be a reliable, durable, and highly tunable four-cylinder diesel engine. In stock form, we have seen these engines exceed 500,000 miles, and when pushed to the limit, some claim power outputs of over 700 bhp!With more extensive work (rods, better crank, cam, valve relieved pistons, larger injection pump), 300 hp is achievable, but for one of the most extreme examples of what a 1. L TDI can do, look no further than the 350 to 400hp version pictured above.Volkswagen 1. L ALH TDI Diesel These engines not only became known for their outstanding reliability, but also for the amazing fuel economy that they could achieve. Around 2005 the ALH engine was replaced with the Pumpe Düse engines that used camshaft-driven fuel injectors, and proved to be less reliable.Most Reliable VW Engine – 1. PD TDI If there was one engine we’d recommend seeking out for ultimate reliability, it would be the 1. PD engine.
Is a 1. TDI bad?
The 1. TDI PD Pumpe-Düse is considered by many to be a reliable, durable, and highly tunable four-cylinder diesel engine. In stock form, we have seen these engines exceed 500,000 miles, and when pushed to the limit, some claim power outputs of over 700 bhp! The 1. TDI engine has earned a reputation for long-term durability. Many T5 owners report high mileages with proper care, with some vans reaching well over 200,000 miles 5.
Why is 1. TDI legendary?
Built in an era when engines were over-engineered, under-stressed, and meant to last forever. Found in iconic Škodas and VAGs, the 1. TDI delivers brutal low-end torque, unmatched fuel efficiency, and reliability that modern engines can only dream of. But most Mk5 Golfs were diesel, fitted either with either a 1. TDI unit, or the newer and appreciably less clattery 2. TDI which had either 140hp or 170hp. A well-serviced 2. TDI is our pick of the diesels (avoid the 2. SDI as it doesn’t have a turbo and is very slow, taking nearly 17 seconds to reach 62mph…).Golf Mk5 (2004-2009) The FSI and TFSI petrol engines predominantly used timing chains, which were designed to last the lifetime of the engine.Volkswagen Golf TDI The Golf TDI has consistently been praised for its reliability. Models from 2010 to 2014, with the 2. TDI engine, are particularly noted for their durability and longevity. These models tend to have fewer issues compared to some of the other TDI options.