Automotive technology has progressed leaps and bounds in a couple of decades and the same can be said for the driver’s experience. Every component including the engine and transmission has become more powerful, efficient, and at the same time even more complex.

Long gone are the days when there were only two transmission choices available, i.e. manual and a simple torque converter automatic transmission. Nowadays, there are several kinds of automatic transmissions available, but, today we are going to talk about the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission and some of the tuning information related to it that will surely come in handy for you one day.

What is a DSG gearbox?

DSG (Direct shift gearbox) transmission is Volkswagen’s and some of its subsidiary companies’ version of a dual-clutch transmission. Basically, there are two clutches, either dry or wet involved in this transmission.

Both the clutches handle pre-assigned gears, usually, one clutch handles odd gears (1,3,5,7) and the other one manages even gears (2,4,6). This combination allows a smoother and seamless transition of gears without any rubber band effect which in turn provides a much better driving experience.

Despite the noticeable advantages of a DSG transmission, there are also some drawbacks. Many people have complained that their Direct shift gearbox selects the next gear too early or too late depending on the situation – this is usually down to the software programming of the gearbox.

Tuning houses/garages do a DSG tune (sometimes also referred to as DSG remap) to address its shortcomings.

What is a DSG gearbox tune/remap?

A typical DSG remap essentially changes the upshift or downshift pattern, meaning the car will drive on a particular gear for a longer or shorter time depending on the driving style and conditions. Moreover, a DSG tune also significantly reduces the time required to downshift and upshift, both of these mods allow you to enjoy instant throttle response the moment you press the accelerator.

The avoidance of unnecessary gear changes reduces clutch slip which in turn also enhances the life of a clutch.

Another major advantage of a DSG remap is that it allows you to enjoy the most out of your car. Automakers, in most cases, have tuned the transmission to deliver maximum fuel economy which in turn means the gear changes will occur at lower RPMs.

In some instances, the gearbox automatically shifts to the next gear even if you are driving the car in manual mode. This behaviour is extremely frustrating which is why most people decide to get their car’s DSG transmission tuned by a professional.

What are the advantages of a DSG tune?

A good DSG remap adjusts the launch control to deliver the optimum traction which provides an overall good balance. The ability to adjust the launch RPM according to your desire makes a remapped DSG transmission a very attractive option for a variety of users, especially the younger ones who don’t want their car to be a dog whenever it starts from a standstill. A good launch means that you’ll hit the 60mph mark in a significantly lesser time, and at the same time, your quarter-mile time will also be reduced.

Should you Get a DSG remap if you Tune Your Cars engine?

A DSG tune is a must if you have already tuned your car’s engine. No doubt, a souped-up engine is capable of delivering more power output, however, transmission is the final component that delivers all the power to the wheels. A DSG transmission has its inbuilt torque limiter that stays untouched even if you have remapped the ECU and tuned the engine. In order to unleash the full potential of your car, you need to remap the DSG control unit which will then be able to put all the additional torque to the wheels without straining the transmission itself.

Tuning professionals know what threshold to set for the limiter so that it is perfectly in sync with your car’s tuned engine output. Hence, it is safe to say that in order to reap the full benefits of the money you have already spent on the engine, you must also remap the DSG transmission fitted to the car’s engine.

How much does a DSG tune Cost?

After reading all the benefits of a DSG remap, you would surely be wondering about the total cost of this modification. Well, it’s hard to give a specific number but it normally depends upon the tuning stage and from where you are getting this remap done on your car. Another minor factor involved in the pricing is the regional taxes that can also add a bit of weight to the overall bill.

The most basic DSG tune can usually cost upwards of $350 (£250) and can go all the way up to nearly $1170 (£850), you can sum in the taxes according to the area you live in. It is a great deal when you consider all the benefits in comparison with the total price tag.

A DSG remap is totally safe for a transmission just in case you are thinking about whether an increased performance means a shorter lifespan of the engine & the transmission. In most cases, modifications indeed lead to a shorter lifetime, though, this is not the case for a DSG remap, in fact, it increases the lifespan of the clutch and transmission by providing a smoother gear-to-gear transition and increased clutch cooling

Longer gear ratios do not mean that the gears will be stuck beyond the redline for extended periods. Instead, what that means is the tune will instruct gear changes only when optimal power from a particular gear has already been delivered.

Is a DSG tune worth it?

The million-dollar question is whether a DSG tune is worth it or not? The answer must be obvious by now since a long list of benefits has already been mentioned above.

Though, to summarize, a properly tuned Direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission is worth it as it brings out the real character of your car especially if it already has sporty DNA. You get to enjoy the real characteristics of the car for which you had paid a sizeable amount of money all the while retaining or in many cases enhancing the lifetime of the transmission & the clutch.

Go Home