So, you’re looking to upgrade your Volkswagen CC? You’ve come to the right place. The VW CC (Comfort Coupé), produced from 2009 to 2017, is an excellent platform for car enthusiasts wanting to inject more performance, refine handling, or simply enhance its already sleek aesthetics. As experts at keyfobprog.com in automotive enhancements, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to get you started with Volkswagen Cc Modifications.
Drivetrain Performance Modifications for Your VW CC
If you’re chasing more power and a thrilling driving experience, the drivetrain is where you should focus your initial Volkswagen CC modifications.
ECU Tuning (Chip Tuning)
ECU tuning, often called “chipping,” is a software modification that recalibrates your engine’s computer to optimize performance. Companies like APR, Unitronic, GIAC, and Revo offer various stages of tunes. A “stage 1 tune” on a stock car can boost horsepower by up to 50hp without any hardware changes! These tunes are installed by “flashing” the ECU software, typically done at a certified dealer in about an hour. As you add more modifications, you can get re-flashes to further optimize performance with your new parts.
Explore VW CC Tuners and Tunes
Turbo-Back and Cat-Back Exhaust Systems
Upgrading your exhaust system is a classic modification for both performance and sound enhancement. A performance exhaust reduces backpressure, allowing your engine to breathe more freely, resulting in a slight power increase and a more aggressive exhaust note.
A turbo-back exhaust replaces the entire exhaust system from the turbocharger back. These systems can include a high-flow catalytic converter or, for track use only, a catless setup. Turbo-back systems offer the most significant performance gains and a substantial increase in exhaust volume, often requiring an ECU tune to maximize benefits.
A cat-back system, on the other hand, replaces the exhaust from the factory catalytic converter rearward. While it provides less power gain than a turbo-back, it still delivers a noticeable sound improvement.
Browse Volkswagen CC Exhaust Systems
Motor Mount Upgrades
Worn or soft factory motor mounts can lead to engine movement, reducing power transfer and causing wheel hop. Upgrading to performance motor mounts, especially on higher mileage CCs, can significantly improve power delivery and restore a tighter, more responsive feel. The VW CC typically utilizes engine and transmission mounts.
Turbo Outlet Pipe (TOP)
The turbo outlet pipe, or discharge pipe, replaces the restrictive “pancake pipe” from the turbo to the intercooler. Upgrading this component can yield a modest 4-5 horsepower gain by improving airflow. Aftermarket turbo outlet pipes typically have a larger diameter and smoother bends compared to the stock part.
Explore VW CC Charge & Discharge Pipes
Intercooler and Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC)
The intercooler’s job is to cool the compressed air from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. A factory intercooler can become heat-soaked under increased boost or demanding driving conditions, especially after ECU tuning. Heat soak reduces air density, leading to power loss.
For stage 2 tuned and higher VW CCs, a front mount intercooler (FMIC) is a worthwhile modification. Aftermarket FMICs have larger cores and improved piping for significantly better cooling efficiency, preventing heat soak and maintaining consistent power output.
The Neuspeed Front Mount Intercooler, a popular upgrade for Volkswagen CC models seeking enhanced cooling.
Performance Intake Systems
Upgrading to a performance intake system, especially in conjunction with ECU tuning, can unlock additional horsepower. These systems increase airflow to the turbocharger through larger diameter piping and less restrictive filters. Some intakes also incorporate heat shields or enclosed boxes to minimize intake air temperature, further improving performance by drawing in cooler, denser air.
See VW CC Intakes & Air Filters
The Unitronic Cold Air Intake system, designed to maximize airflow and minimize intake temperatures for Volkswagen CC engines.
Clutch Upgrades
If your VW CC has a manual transmission and you’re increasing power through tuning or other modifications, the stock clutch may not handle the added torque. Upgrading to a performance clutch ensures reliability and extends clutch life under higher power levels.
Explore Volkswagen CC Clutches
Diverter Valve Replacement
The diverter valve (DV) protects your turbocharger from compressor surge by redirecting excess boost pressure when the throttle closes. Stock diverter valves, particularly plastic versions, can fail over time, leading to boost leaks and reduced performance. Upgrading to a robust aftermarket diverter valve, often made from metal, is a preventative maintenance and performance enhancement. These upgraded DVs can typically handle higher boost pressures, crucial for modified CCs.
View VW CC Blow Off Valves and Diverter Valves
The Go Fast Bits DV+ Diverter Valve, a popular and reliable upgrade for Volkswagen CC turbo engines.
Suspension Modifications for Improved Handling and Stance
Enhance your VW CC’s handling and achieve a more aggressive stance with these suspension modifications.
Lowering Springs
Lowering springs are a cost-effective way to reduce your car’s ride height, typically by 1 to 2 inches. They replace the factory springs while utilizing the stock struts and shocks. Lowering springs improve handling by lowering the center of gravity and enhance the CC’s appearance with a sportier look.
Coilover Suspension Systems
Coilovers are an all-in-one suspension upgrade, replacing both your car’s springs and shocks with adjustable units. Coilovers allow you to fine-tune your ride height and, in many cases, adjust damping (ride stiffness). Height-adjustable coilovers are more affordable, while height and damping adjustable coilovers offer maximum customization for performance and comfort.
Solo Werks S1 Coilovers, an entry-level coilover system suitable for Volkswagen CC, offering adjustable ride height.
Air Ride Suspension
For the ultimate in adjustability and show-stopping stance, consider an air ride suspension system. Air suspension uses airbags instead of springs, allowing you to raise or lower your car at the push of a button using air pressure. These systems include airbags, an air compressor, and an air tank, providing adjustable ride height and ride comfort.
View VW CC Air Bag Suspension Kits
Suspension Bushing Upgrades
Similar to motor mounts, factory suspension bushings are often made of soft rubber, which can deflect under load, reducing handling precision. Upgrading to stiffer rubber or polyurethane bushings minimizes unwanted suspension movement, improving handling, traction, and overall suspension responsiveness, especially during spirited driving.
See VW CC Suspension Bushings & Mounts
Sway Bar Upgrades
Upgrading your front and rear sway bars (also known as stabilizer bars) increases your car’s roll stiffness. Stiffer sway bars reduce body roll in corners, improving handling, increasing traction, and making the car feel more planted and predictable during cornering.
Explore VW CC Sway Bars and End Links
Chassis Braces
Chassis braces stiffen the vehicle’s chassis, reducing chassis flex and twist. This improves handling and traction by maintaining proper suspension geometry under load. Chassis braces contribute to a more solid and responsive feel, particularly during aggressive driving and cornering.
View VW CC Chassis Braces and Supports
Brake System Enhancements for уверенность Stopping Power
Upgrade your VW CC’s braking system for improved stopping power and pedal feel.
OEM Brake Upgrades
- Stainless Steel Brake Lines: Replace flexible rubber brake lines with stainless steel lines for a firmer pedal feel and improved braking modulation due to reduced line expansion under pressure.
- Performance Brake Pads: Upgrade to more aggressive brake pads for increased friction and stopping power with your stock rotors.
- High-Temperature Brake Fluid: Use high-temperature brake fluid with a higher boiling point to prevent brake fade during demanding driving, such as track days or spirited driving in mountainous areas.
Aftermarket Big Brake Kits
For serious braking performance gains, consider a big brake kit. These kits include larger rotors for increased leverage and heat dissipation, along with calipers with more pistons for greater clamping force. Big brake kits offer significantly enhanced stopping power, improved pedal feel, and better resistance to brake fade, ideal for performance-oriented drivers and track enthusiasts.
Modifying your Volkswagen CC opens up a world of possibilities to personalize your car’s performance and style. Whether you’re aiming for more power, sharper handling, or a more aggressive look, these modifications provide a solid starting point for transforming your VW CC into your dream car. Remember to choose modifications that align with your driving needs and performance goals for the best results.
