The all new Volkswagen Amarok (T1A, T1B) is built on the new Ford Ranger platform meaning that both vehicles are identical under the body. We have recently developed bolt-on upgrades to increase power to ~350bhp / 660 FtLbs (895Nm).

Tuning:

On the new Amaroks and Rangers with the 3.0 V6 diesel engines, we can now max out the stock turbos with a custom dyno tune and some bolt-on hardware upgrades.

With all the stock hardware, we would expect to see around 280–290 BHP with a custom dyno tune.

We can also offer remote tuning with our Powergate unit for customers unable to travel to our facility. We have a video briefly describing the initial process here:

To carry out remote tuning there is a few things you will need to get setup.

Firstly the base unit to read and upload your files. The Powergate 4 Tuning Tool is a device that allows you to do both, we have been using Powergate for numerous years and have not yet found any limitations with supported vehicles.

Next you will require to purchase a tuning file for your specifican, each file is tailored to the specific vehicle and is completely custom. This means each vehicle we tune is carried out to extract the maximum performance whilst maintaining safe figures all around. As each of our tunes are completely custom we will require data logs from your vehicle to achieve the best possible results and ensure the vehicle is behaving correctly before and after the tune.

As the new Amarok's are based on Ford software you will require FORScan or a similar OBD interface for data logging.

At the moment, we are unable to tune the gearbox on these.

Intercooler:

Even at this level of tune, the performance of the stock intercooler is stretched due to it's small size, so we would recommend our Darkside upgraded intercooler. The front mount intercooler helps us make as much power as possible with the rest of the stock hardware.

This high performance intercooler is the ultimate bolt on upgrade for the new Ford Ranger / Amarok TDCI offering a 69% more volume over the stock intercooler. A larger volume will increase internal air flow and improve cooling performance overall.

Air Intake / Induction Kit:

We also offer our Darkside Induction Kit that utilises the bottom half of the factory airbox and cold air feed.

Emissions:

We can also provide options for DPF and EGR delete if these are causing issues. With the DPF removed, it does help when pushing the vehicle harder, we would expect up to +20 BHP with the DPF removed and a front mount intercooler.

We must advise that it is illegal to remove any emission control devices or increase the exhaust noise limit on vehicles permitted to drive on public roads in the UK and most other countries worldwide. (Please check the rules and laws relating to this in your country.)

Any parts supplied or work carried out by Darkside Developments would be strictly for off-road use. This means we cannot accept any responsibility for vehicles being driven on public roads where removal of emission control devices is prohibited.

If this work is carried out at our premises, we would not be able to road test the vehicle afterwards, and it would need to be trailered away.

Our 3" DPF Delete Downpipe is a direct replacement to the original factory Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and first catalytic converter (CAT). This means the downpipe can be used with the stock exhaust and turbocharger, offering perfect bolt-on fitment. When removing the DPF it is also required that the EGR is removed simultaneously, this can be achieved with our EGR Blanking Kit.

Once both devices have been removed, tuning is required immediately.

Exhaust System:

If you are looking to increase the sound further, we also offer a Cat-Back Exhaust System with the option of a side or rear exit.

Fitting the exhaust without also removing the DPF will not significantly alter the sound, as the DPF is the biggest restriction.

Watch as we install the bolt-on upgrades on our customers' VW Amarok Pan Americana, we also feature the exhaust sound with our stainless steel 3" Downpipe and Exhaust System fitted:

Turbo Upgrade:

As we mentioned previously the stock Garrett ­GTD2056V turbocharger is limited to around 290bhp. If you are looking to increase power to 350 BHP+, a turbo upgrade will be required. Luckily for us Garrett have developed an all new Powermax Turbo Upgrade which is based on the original unit with improved compressor geometry. As the turbocharger is essentially a "hybrid", this is a direct replacement to the stock unit enabling you to swap straight out without changing any other components. However to extract the most power from your vehicle, the above modifications would be highly recommended.

Garrett Powermax Turbo Specifications:

• +27% compressor flow compared to the OEM turbo
• Increased torque and horsepower , for improved towing and 4×4 performance.
• Complete assembly with calibrated electric actuator for direct fitment
• Ball bearing design for optimized boost response and durability
• DUCTILE IRON turbine housing rated for up to 830°C
• Fully machined speed sensor port

Looking for more advice on your Amarok or Ranger?

Feel free to get in touch with us here for any parts enquiries, tuning or workshop bookings and we will look to get back to you at our earliest convenience.