DSG Parts: Dual Clutch Transmissions

A dual clutch transmission, commonly referred to by the brand name DSG (direct shift gearbox) is a type of automatic transmission. With our ECOTUNE TCU software, this remaps the automatic vehicle’s transmission system to become a whole lot more responsive on the track. 

This software ensures that your gear shifts become instantaneous, your vehicle can handle extra torque in high-intensity driving and the car reacts immediately when launching. Essentially, the vehicle doesn’t have to “think” as much - the responsiveness is immediate with this upgrade. 

Manufacturers often equip their vehicles with automatic transmissions that are designed to be more fuel-efficient, making them suitable and ideal for street use - they’re often economical from day to day. When it comes to being on the track, however, it’s a different ball game - the upgraded DSG part ensures there’s no factory lag to allow for a high-adrenaline driving experience. It simply works by increasing internal clamping pressure and prevents clutch slip for swift responses, which is perfect if you feel the most alive on the track. 

Ecotune TCU Software is highly rated and track tested.

Increased Clamping Pressure 

The ECOTUNE TCU software increases clamping pressure to around 18-19 bar (the hydraulic force the transmission uses to squeeze the clutch plates together) to support stage 2 and 3 torque upgrades. 

Increased Shift Speeds

In manual and sport modes, you’ll see instant gear shifts in milliseconds with the TCU upgrade. Essential for cornering, maintaining momentum around bends and other obstacles that come with various track layouts. 

Launch Control 

Recalibrated to comply with the fast nature of aggressive starts, maintaining accuracy, safety and precision. 

To understand the benefits of the dual clutch automatic transmission, it’s good to know how it essentially works. Its main features is to remap your automatic transmission, making it “rethink” and work quicker to handle the responsiveness and torque that comes with track driving. 

The Launch: Setting Off  

When initially launching the vehicle at the beginning of a race or lap on the track, the DSG part is optimised to handle the start up with more precision, responsiveness and safety. Before starting, the vehicle is usually pre-engaged and the “odd” clutch (responsible for gears 1, 3, 5, and 7) is already set to 1. When you floor the accelerator , the TCU manages the friction point of the clutch far quicker than a human foot could. 

Upshifting At Speed 

With the TCU upgrade, while you are accelerating in one gear, the next gear is already pre-selected in the background. It’s already one step ahead when it comes to knowing which gear to choose next, making its responsiveness second to none. 

Hardware Compatibility 

To maintain the longevity and performance of these high-intensity components, efficient lubrication cannot be ignored. We recommend using 100% synthetic fluids from industry leaders Millers Oils or Motul to ensure your DSG parts operate at peak thermal stability.

Installation  

At MGM we can point you into the right direction when it comes to discussing your vehicle’s performance goals. If you’re interested in more response gains, get in touch with us to chat about the next steps.  

ECU and TCU tuning work hand in hand to get the best performance upgrades. Like two halves of a vehicle’s system, they both work together to reach the best optimisation for your vehicle. That’s not to say that you can’t have one without the other, but even more response and performance gains can be achieved for track racing enthusiasts and car modifiers alike when they’re both installed. Let’s take a look at their primary differences, while also looking at how they can achieve more performance gains when working together:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) 

The ECU system manages the engine, controlling fuel delivery, ignition timing and boosting pressure. When optimised and engineered for race driving, it will increase engine horsepower. 

TCU Tuning (Transmission Control System) 

The TCU system manages the gearbox, whether it’s a manual or automatic transmission. It primarily controls the responsiveness of gear shifting, clutch pressure and launch control. 

When Both ECU & TCU Systems Are Installed 

When both ECU and TCU systems are installed, they coordinate to achieve significant performance gains. Acceleration and horsepower feels more powerful as a result of the ECU tuning, while gear shifts feel seamless and responsive with the combined TCU systems. These together create a complete system that delivers incredible results on the track, making a true benchmark for performance driving.