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Passat CKRA Tuning Guide

Passat CKRA Tuning Guide

The CKRA engine is a 140ps 2.0 TDI found in the US & Canadian VW Passats. We get a lot of enquires for modifiying these so we thought we would put together a definiative tuning guide.

The first step, as for most modern diesel is a custom remap. The CKRA will make around +30 BHP with a custom tune, retaining all of the stock hardware.

See the "Powergate Remote Tuning Section" below for more information about tuning.

Emissions Control Removal:

Before removing any of the emissions controls please first check your local laws regarding this before removing / disabling them.

We have 2 kits that we sell for the CKRA models, an EGR delete kit, and an EGR delete kit with downpipe.

The EGR is essential for active DPF regenerations, we do not recommend deleting the this without also deleting the DPF as in time it will become blocked.

You can either remove the DPF by hollowing the stock downpipe or fit our stainless downpipe as listed below:


Turbo upgrade:

After removing the emissions equipment and a custom tune, the CKRAs are then limited by the stock turbo.

The first upgrade option will work with the stock downpipe (if you want to get the vehicle emissions compliant) or our delete pipe as listed above.
This bolt on turbo upgrade will make around 200BHP with custom tuning, beyond that we recommend the GTB2260VK. This is considered one of the best street turbos for CKRA owners who want to make anything from 230-290BHP safely.

Fuel System:

The CKRA comes equipped with the CP4.1 R40 fuel pump from factory which will flow enough fuel to make around 230-240BHP. An upgraded metering valve can also be installed to help see an extra 5-10 BHP

The CP4 does have some reliability issues especially in areas with 'poor fuel', this can be upgraded to the CP3 pump for reliability or to achieve more power (who doesn't like more power!)

We have used the CP3 fuel pump conversion on builds 300BHP+

After installing the CP3 pump on your CKRA this will require additional tuning to suit.

The stock injectors should be ok for around 260 BHP but beyond this, we would recommend our Stage 1 Solenoid Injector upgrade.

Charge cooler / Intercooler

The CKRA comes with a charge air cooler so does not have a intercooler. We have found these to be sufficient at keeping charge air temperatures in check so do not require upgrading.

Transmission / Clutch:

Most of the CKRA Passats came with DSG (02E DQ250) - The transmission is very strong, and has no known reliability issues, the DQ250 DSG transmission doesn't require upgraded clutch or flywheel even with 280-300 BHP

The transmission will require some tuning though, to increase the clutch pressure to hold the extra power.

The manual transmission is also good too. The 02Q 6 speed is a very relievable gearbox with the stock dual mass flywheel and clutch kit good for around 200 BHP (if in good condition), above this we advise upgrading to the Sachs SRE kit

Some owners have claimed to have seen 220-230BHP on the stock clutch without issues.

DSG 02E DQ250:

Manual 02Q 6 Speed:

Remote tuning:

Even if you're 5000 miles away we can still tune your vehicle remotely using our Powergate system.

For a price for Powergate tuning you'll need to create an account and enter your VIN / Chassis number. The tunes we supply are not generic and are still tailored to each ECU. This does mean we will require adequate data logs from the vehicle in order to achieve the best results. You will also need a working VCDS / VAG-COM in order to send us adequate data logs.

Check out the links below for more information on Powergate system.



Please note: You do not need access to VCDS if you don't require custom tuning (If you are just using the Powergate to remove the DPF / EGR in the in the software.)
21 01 2023

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