How to tune your 3.0 TDI Amarok in 3 easy steps!

Over the last few months we have made a series of videos covering the tuning process of a 3.0 V6 Amarok, from stock 258bhp to over 400bhp!
You can view those videos here - • Amarok V6
All the 3.0 V6 Engines are identical, so the DDXA (120kW / 160bhp), DDXB (150kW / 201bhp), DDXC / DDXD (165kW / 201bhp) or DDXE (190kW / 258bhp) can all be tuned to the same level.
When tuning the Amarok we have 3 main options right now that we are working with in terms of power:
300 HP Custom Dyno Tune (DPF / EGR removal is optional)
350 HP GTD2263VZ Turbo upgrade (DPF / EGR removal is optional)
400 HP GTD2872VZ Turbo upgrade, Front mount intercooler etc (DPF / EGR removal is recommended)
For a full list of part in each Stage see here:
www.darksidede...
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We offer Bespoke Tuning Products, Custom ECU Mapping, Diagnostics, Servicing, Repairs as well as a wide range of New & Used Genuine and OEM quality parts.
One of our main aims is to provide products that give the best performance gains, whilst still maintaining the reliability and economy associated with a diesel engine. As we only own and work with TDIs, you can be assured that you are dealing with experts who have an in depth knowledge and understanding of all things VW and BMW Diesel.
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[@karlfranks35]

I honestly thought that would be north of 10k. Really enjoyed this series.

[@Holdeenio]

Imagine going from that lowest output configuration, up to this tune! 😅👍👍👍

[@alancobbin1310]

Bargain of the century,I expected around the £10k figure ,a great journey following this build 👍😉

[@stellasmith2405]

Makes me want an amarok now! Amazing work and a good price! Shocking that it's 0-60 is faster than my f31 335d xdrive!👍

[@cwuzii]

Until you get yours remapped or do half as much work on yours as they have on the pickup 🤣

[@edwardkarran4963]

Bunch of legends, I'm a petrol head but having owned a Fabia VRS in the past and I'm slowly and slowly being tempted by a TDI with your videos😁😁

[@DarksideDevelopments]

DO IT!

[@edwardkarran4963]

@@DarksideDevelopments time for the E36 to step aside!!!

[@brianmcmillan2272]

Enjoyed following the progress and the honest information provided throughout. Excellent; thanks.

[@AlphaSierra101]

1. Buy a vehicle 2. Take it to dark side. 3. Empty wallet on counter

[@DarksideDevelopments]

4. Smile constantly when planting your right foot 5. Think of a logical explanation for the wife/HMRC/police/insurance company

[@Jammysandwedge88]

Andrew you can’t fault the work these put in, they are up and beyond anyone else in the uk diesel scene!! That’s my opinion of course to which I’m entitled to. If you don’t want to spend then buy cheap of eBay and see how long your car lasts for, I’d say for top quality parts, labour and knowledge these guys are very fair and I can’t wait to go all out regardless of the price

[@danielmarshall4587]

I'm sure they'll take "majic-plastic".

[@laidbackLUKEY]

Darkside Developments 😂

[@AlphaSierra101]

@@Jammysandwedge88 I never have faulted their work, I think what they do is amazing. Their knowledge trumps other companies. If I was to have my diesel car tuned, it would be there.

[@jonscoupe]

I thinks that's great value. Well done guys.

[@thefamilyrobbo]

Great series. I'll miss the Amarok now it's done

[@josephtdi8764]

Fantastic work, really are leaders in the field!!

[@edwarddaniels1553]

Enjoyed following this build. Keep up the good work 💪🏼💪🏼

[@dylanmorgan9573]

Love this amarok series

[@Mistabushi]

Nice vid. Cheers for the info. Will be on the lookout for this truck 👍😀

[@darditodht]

Hello from Argentina! Nice jobs! Abrazo

[@ew10j4turbo]

Waiting next month to buy the kit!

[@88rsr]

Can vouch for being a guinea pig (my car not me, doubt I could produce 0.01bhp ), very fair price wise, still a business at the end of the day. Looking forward to being able to go for the bigger turbo and the better metering valve for mine. Can only imagine how it will go being probably 1200kg-ish lighter than the Amarok. Enjoyed the videos though!

[@piratejimmeh]

Appreciate your honest videos mate! I have a v6 amarok would be interested in the 350hp kit with the oil cooler but live in Western Australia!

[@DarksideDevelopments]

We can post out all the bits and a powergate tuning box! Email us!

[@piratejimmeh]

Darkside Developments will do mate I’ll email today!

[@peterbalac1915]

Six and a half K ain't bad for all that work and bits, there's a lot of development gone into tuning the v6 I've been following your progress. In life you pay for knowledge we all have at some point, grande job big up for Darkside 🤙

[@ReubenHorner]

Pretty good value tbh.

[@hermdeer]

Great project and a very professional job, didn't think it was too expensive for all the time and effort that was put in. Would love to bring you my 2l amarok but I think at 115,000 miles it's better not having too much stress and I'm a fuel conscious person, probably should have bought a polo. Great channel keep up the good work.

[@DarksideDevelopments]

any 4x4 is not for the fuel savers of the world! 115,000 is not a lot if its looked after!

[@chrisharding5783]

Very enjoyable. 👍

[@otacon4065]

Ryan if you'd of only worn your lab coat - you'd avoid any haters doubting in the comments section! Jokes aside that is very reasonable considering how german cars love options list parts that escalate the price very quickly. so someone could avoid certain things and spend the money with you instead and probably end up with near enough the same price as with tarty oem bolt ons lol - I know I'd rather my money went on a tuner vs interior etc

[@DarksideDevelopments]

We need to catch the trucks before they spec silly wheels and options that we could stick on top of a bit of tuning!

[@otacon4065]

@@DarksideDevelopments yeah mate that's exactly my mate, tuning over tarty bits all day haha then just add wheels etc later yourself :)

[@matiasbosshardt8888]

Nice truck! I love it

[@danielmarshall4587]

"probably three or four hours of watching"... YES PLEASE.

[@danielmarshall4587]

.....SO as "n" when I come into money. For £20K I could get myself an A6 used, with an engine of your recommendation, have you good folk "spank-it-up" then I'd be laughing.

[@DarksideDevelopments]

this engine in an A6 with ZF8 Gearbox, done!!!

[@GeorgeAusters]

Epic

[@charleshutchinson9480]

Ok I’m in for 350 out my RLine. 🤣🤣 I was looking to get a A6 Avant bi turbo but just would miss getting up into TegR

[@aurumgold9145]

excellent

[@barnsl3ylad]

Hi there. Random but can you tell me if the auto boxes are wet clutches in the 67 plate?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Yes

[@barnsl3ylad]

@@DarksideDevelopments brill thanks

[@timmyfarmerboy]

Great job there guys! Only question I have is what happens when it comes to mot with no dpf and AB? Cheers 👍🏻

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Good question! Dont take a car for an MOT that looks like it wont pass!

[@powerskonstructions1743]

Gtd 2872 come on baby and the water methanol, straight to Coolum motors to get them fitted. Did you have to go to bigger injectors and pump?

[@powerskonstructions1743]

And can I get the swirl flap delete kit from you guys?

[@Townsy101]

Yes mate get Stevo to fit it! Would be awesome to see a 400hp Rok in Oz.. I'm in Rocky.. So I'll just do everything bar the Meth injection.. 👍

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Its coming out shortly with the Meth kit!

[@powerskonstructions1743]

Darkside Developments I have the stage three meth kit. And like the way you guys installed it onto this amarok. Ok I will keep a eye out on your website and will get it

[@Sandwurz]

Nice Engine Hood Lifter. Where I can get them?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Got a link for them here - www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/volkswagen-amarok-bonnet-gas-strut-conversion-kit.html

[@keithryan9314]

Top Lads at darkside love the channel l keep watching all the track stuff with the A5 Hopefully next year l get to empty my wallet with Ryan and the team with an A5 fast road/Track car :)))

[@user-qr3om8nt2u]

I have the engine with 204ps. Is it the same as the 225ps or 258 or have smaller injectors or turbo? What are the differents?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Exactly the same!

[@nathynlarsen9358]

Wow that’s an amazing price for all the work, any ideas on the 4cyl version as I own one of those

[@DarksideDevelopments]

We have a lot of things we could do, please email!

[@jensfos]

What is the best diesel car (not to expensive) to buy for tuning? Want a fun fast and economical diesel :)

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Depends on budget!

[@jensfos]

​@@DarksideDevelopmentsbought a 2013 golf 7 tdi 4motion, but the question still stands. Budget is kinda hard, as prices here in Norway are drastically different. Something around the price of a, let's say, used golf r in the UK?

[@frankb4241]

Great vid. Would love to bring my stock 3.0 V6 over to you to get turned. Being in the ROI that's a problem with current situation. What would be the current cost to bring my bus up to 400bhp without the oil cooler?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Email the VIN and we can send you a full quote!

[@action76news]

What tuning software for mkiv jettas lets you actually tune ltft and wot, spark advance etc???

[@jorgemarques8708]

In the family we have DDXD, so manual with 221BHP...what do you think we can get with just an ecu tune? How much can the gearbox handle? cheers

[@DarksideDevelopments]

300hp the same really. Gearbox is meant to be strong!

[@jorgemarques8708]

@@DarksideDevelopments Thanks for the answer but are you including the clutch?

[@BigGroupHug]

Did you map in an engine brake feature where it spools boost when you lift off the throttle while still going 50mph and it raises the trans pressure to keep the converter from slipping?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Not on this.

[@brendangalway680]

Hi Darkside, thanks for the info. Any tips on tuning the X350d?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Please email and we have options.

[@toussaintburke1434]

Why dont they do them with an automatic SUNROOF and reverse Camera as standard ? I have a Ford f150 and am going to get me an Amarok in jamaica but thesr dosnt come with a reverse Cam and sunroof

[@DarksideDevelopments]

AC is better than a sunroof!

[@Sm00th-0perator]

I already have a tuned ecu (240Hp / 500Nm --> 300Hp / 650Nm) so i probably can have 10 - 20 more hp somehow? I don't want to remove DPF. What about new upgraded cold air intake system (APR one is way too expensive)?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Air filter is fine on these. I would fir WMI and Intercooler listed on our spec sheet

[@MrJDuzz]

God that does the same 1/4 as my 335d loved watching all the videos on the amarok. Ex gutless 2.0 owner. 😂😂

[@jgvbadv]

Hi! I have 2020 BMW 320D XDRIVE 8speed auto. Do you have a rough idea how much could i get out of it (safetune)? Stock is 190HP. Thanks!

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Last one we did was 230hp, 220 is safer!

[@jgvbadv]

@@DarksideDevelopments Thanks for reply/advice ^^

[@Daniel-qt1br]

@darkside developments - hey team. I’m using my rok for a lot of steep off road climbing. You mentioned a solenoid for the torque converter to assist with slow climbing, do you have some info on that? Really interested. Thanks heaps

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Do you use the creep setting? I'm sure it could be manipulated further in the tuning

[@Daniel-qt1br]

Darkside Developments there’s a creep setting? How do you activate that? Cheers legends 👍🏼

[@sallyparker6263]

How come the plate is no longer covered up?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Its registered now

[@westcountrydivers3787]

Will it still pass an MOT emissions test after this?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

If you leave the emissions in place yes. If you remove the DPF it will pass the emissions but fail on visual inspection.

[@olivergunn2796]

Could you put the bi-turbo setup on this, get over 450 on diesel only?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Nope, sorry! ECU is totally different on Bi-Turbo's

[@olivergunn2796]

@@DarksideDevelopments aww that's a shame

[@somervillearron]

@Darkside Developments hi guys i am wondering if you can do anything with a 1996 audi 80 1.9 tdi? its 90hp stock but i dont know if you can flash it or if it requires a old school chip?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

The older 1z ECU's are painful to tune, swap to an AHU ECU and we can chip it and custom tune for you.!

[@somervillearron]

@Adi does cars i put a potentiometer on the fuel pump works pretty well

[@somervillearron]

@@DarksideDevelopments so is that a straight forward swap? what can you get out of the 1z with just a bigger intercooler?

[@Jammysandwedge88]

You guys done anything with a f30 320d atall ? Would like some info on a few things to get it fully stage 2

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Please email, many options!

[@Jammysandwedge88]

Darkside Developments I’ll get on it now :) thanks for the speedy reply

[@Jammysandwedge88]

Darkside Developments should I use sales, products or technical option when sending

[@lewisconnell1234]

Can u do much with the 335d xdrive

[@DarksideDevelopments]

We have tuned a lot of them!

[@kovacspis]

Bye Felicia!

[@davidzeegers6583]

Brakes?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

We have a 6 pot upgrade coming soon.

[@Walms83]

What's your opinion on the longetivity/reliability of these engine/gearbox combination in the Amarok? I've a MY18 V6 with 75k kms. Been flawless. Tossing up either upgrading the latest 580 (mainly for warranty) or continuing with the current one and maybe getting it tuned etc.

[@DarksideDevelopments]

We have only seen small issues related to the emissions equipment, no major problems up to now

[@Walms83]

Long shot but curious if you have any associations or affiliation with tuning providers in Australia. Looking for reputable options..

[@DarksideDevelopments]

@@Walms83 Yes drop us an email with your location and we'll send over the details - [e-mail]

[@Walms83]

Done, thanks again

[@90albert0]

I'm really confused about the MOT regulations for modern diesels. Isn't removing the DPF and egr and instant MOT fail?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Basically tuning a car is a moral emissions fail. removing the DPF is an instant fail, as long as its removed when you take it there but no-one would be that silly...

[@bllxy8226]

2020 defender 110 ?

[@DarksideDevelopments]

Sorry BMW and VAG only!

[@200degrees.]

Used to be old shit cars you tuned up .. now it’s brand spanking new ones,incase they blow up after 5 miles 😂

[@ryanp6138]

Was yours one of the old bag of scrap?

[@seadoomania]

How long till it blows up ? 😂

[@ryanp6138]

It's not yet

[@ianwalker4803]

Just wonder if your customers are aware that Amarok's along with Ford Rangers have a unladen weight greater than 2040kg which means they are restricted to lower speed limits on main roads (50mph instead of 60mph) and dual carriageways (60mph instead of 70mph) ironic that the fastest pick ups on the market are restricted by the law to lower speed limits ! Yes I know we all go faster (sorry officer I was hypothetically speaking, … honest !) but if you run in to a certain type of traffic cop , well he'll just love to ruin your day rather than go and catch a criminal.

[@DarksideDevelopments]

I doubt most people know this but with 400hp its unlikely to be respected! haha

[@ianwalker4803]

@@DarksideDevelopments worth knowing tho' incase Plod is following you and you think your not speeding when you are.

[@Rroff2]

Same for my Navara V6 Outlaw :(