Until recent times, Diesel passenger cars were certainly not common place in Australia. Even today seeing one at the drags is quite a rare sight. Anthony’s Volkswagen Polo features the factory 1.9L TDI diesel engine which in standard form only generates around 100hp. With some well thought out modifications the Polo is now cranking out 280hp. With a race weight of only just over a tonne this equals to some impressive real world performance.
A Nissan Navara sourced GT2056 turbocharger replaces the factory unit and is presently generating 33psi. Supporting this are Firad injectors, a front mount intercooler, larger exhaust and ECU recalibration all performed in Anthony’s garage. Including the clutch the driveline still remains 100% factory stock, so with an open differential, getting the car to 60ft well on street tyres is a tough ask .
Just to prove the reliability of this combination Anthony drove the car over 400km return from the track to test, including racking up no less than 40 time slips in the space of 24 hours all within three tenths of each other. Best time for the day was 13.0 @ 115mph.
2008 Volkswagen Polo 1.9 Diesel TDI
Stock engine internals
Garrett GT2056v @ 33psi boost
Firad 120% Injector nozzles
63mm Straight Pipe Exhaust
Airtech Cupra Cup FMIC
TDI Performance Tuned
Power: 280hp / 550Nm
Stock 5-speed gearbox, clutch & diff
Weight: 1020kgs / 2255Ib
Heathcote Park Raceway, Australia
