Tfsi rods

[Stu13R]

Yesterday I was speaking to an Audi Technician who has been over to the factory to see the engines being assembled. This included both the assembly line and hand built models.
Interesting fact he said he was told that since 2012 the Fsi engine was fitted with updated rods, which although having the same design and part number were made from a different grade of metal. To be precise the same numbered grade but from a mixture so being a steel alloy of the same grade. Nothing is simple lol.
He said all rods needing to be replaced on the pre 2012 engines would automatically get the updated ones. Apparently the upgrade was not down to failure issues but a move towards using higher quality metal.

Maybe this is why some tuners have tested 500+ HP Fsi engines without rod upgrades without failures? Personally 400/450 upwards I would change the rods and pistons anyway just to be safe.

It makes you wonder what parts have improved over the years In general because I have only ever considered changes to be design change or at least changes denoted by part numbers.

[mk1caddyroccoman]

Intresting did u kno the vw 1.8t engines amk bam and agu have forged cranks and pistons the only thing u need to change is rods for 350+hp

[Stu13R]

Intresting did u kno the vw 1.8t engines amk bam and agu have forged cranks and pistons the only thing u need to change is rods for 350+hp

The thing is vw upgrade things due to better deal with manufacturers and often don't say. I wonder if it's so its not stated its being done due to having sub standard components. It's all about build quality rep I guess. If they don't publish all changes the only thing you can do is pick the latest engines/boxes etc when required and I'd hope replacement parts for older ones would always be for the better versions.

If parts in general are anything like the constant ecu changes you can bet it's emission driven.