Blog
CJAA / CBEA Tuning Guide
The CJAA & CBEA engines are both a 140ps 2.0 TDI found in the US & Canadian market. 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 CJAA & CBEA 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 o
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23 03 2022
DQ250 - Servicing / Replacements & Upgrades
At the time of launch in 2003, the DQ250 became the world's first dual-clutch transmission in a series-production car, in the German-market Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32, and shortly afterwards worldwide, in the original Audi TT 3.2 and the 2004+ New Beetle TDI. Since then the DQ250 is fitted to most 6 speed DSG models from 2003-present. If maintained the gearboxes are very realiable and also pretty good when it comes to tuning.Most 02E Gearboxes have a set torque limit of 360nm (265ft/lbs) in th
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24 06 2021
Transport T5 / T5.1 to T6.1 Facelift Conversion
Fancy a new T6.1 but dont have the funds? Don't worry, we have you covered!Darkside Paint & Body have put together several packages to facelift your dated VW Transporter T5 / T5.1 to the latest T6.1.To keep things as simple as possible we have divided these into two main options, Startline & Highline.
StartLine
The Startline is classed as the based model of the Transporters, designed as a 'work' van without the luxurys of body coloured bumpers, aircon and alloy wheels.As the front bumper
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11 05 2021
Tuning the BMW x16d / x18d N47 / N47N 2.0 Diesel Engine
The 2.0 Diesel N47 Engine found in most of the E Series BMWs is very tuneable, but not as bullet proof as it's 3.0 cousin, as we found out a while back.
Over the last few months we have been developing our upgrades for the N47 / N47N Engines found in the x16d / x18d Models.
These have a Solenoid Type Injector that are very small, and struggles to do much over 200bhp without excessive smoke and Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs)
This Blog Post is specifically talking about the x16d / x18d N47 /
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27 04 2021
Tuning the BMW x30d N57N / N57D30A 3.0 Diesel Engine
The 3.0 Diesel N57 Engine found in most of the F Series (and some of the E Series) BMWs is highly tuneable, and pretty much bullet proof (save for the usually emissions gremlins).
We have tuned many of them over the years, and now have a good recipe for the ultimate daily driver setup whilst maintaining that reliability.
This Blog Post is specifically talking about the N57N / N57D30A engine with Solenoid Injectors, but the principles of the mods are pretty similar to the other N57 Engines.
T
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19 04 2021
DFS Upgrades
We're still not sure why VW have never produced a sporty (GTI / GTD) version of the Caddy van, but for those seeking that hot hatch feeling whilst still having the practically of a van, don't worry, we have you covered.The newer (DFS) range of 2.0 TDI Caddy's seem to be the ideal platform to start from. With the DFSF (75) DFSC (75) DFSD (102) DFSE (122) DFSB (150) all fitted with the same hardware, these can all be tuned to the same level.This blog outlines the options we can offer for thes
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29 03 2021
VW Amarok Suspension Guide
The ultimate guide to lifting or lowering your VW Amarok!Whether it's for practicality or just for looks this guide covers all our options for lifting and lowering your VW Amarok...
Lifting (Suspension)
From factory the rear of the Amarok sits higher than the front, so the first step to lifting is to raise the front to match. Some people install lift springs to the stock struts which is not ideal as this maxes the travel of the damper resulting in a crashy ride.If you have already gone down this
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30 01 2021
How will BREXIT affect my orders from Darkside?
As of 31st December 2020, the UK will be leaving the European Union, we would like to reassure all of our European customers that our ability to ship orders will not be affected.
In the simplest of terms, the only real change you will see is around taxes and duties. Instead of paying us the UK VAT @ 20%, we will sell the goods without VAT, then the taxes will be paid by yourself upon import at your local rate. If you are VAT registered in your country, you would then claim this back like any ot
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22 12 2020
2.0 BiTDi Engines. What to know!
The idea of a 2.0 BiTDI Transporter or Amarok sounds great, and with quoted figures from the factory round the 180bhp mark, it sounds like the perfect platform to start with, right...? Whether you already own a vehicle with one of these engines or thinking of buying one, this blog is well worth a read.
Factory Figures
The first thing to note when it comes to these engines are the quoted power figures from factory. Since the first one we tuned to date, we have yet to see one of these e
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23 07 2020