Kerma 150+ HP Kit for Early ALH TDI (1998-1999.5)

What It Is
A complete hardware and tuning package built for the early ALH TDI engine found in 1998-1999.5 Golf, Jetta, and New Beetle models. These early ECUs predate OBD-based flash tuning, so this kit uses Kerma's custom chip tuning instead, individually calibrated for your specific combination of parts rather than a generic staged tune.

What You're Getting

• Over 150 whp, roughly 67% more than stock, with the torque gain that actually delivers that power on the road
• Tighter boost control than a generic tune, aimed at protecting turbo life and long-term reliability
• Individually calibrated tuning for your exact parts combination, with free updates if you add equipment later
• A proven, turn-key combination of components rather than a pieced-together build

What's Included

• Garrett VNT-17 turbo standard, with an upgrade option to the Borg Warner S7 v2 for even quicker spool and response
• Kerma's plug-and-play turbo adapter for ALH, a Kerma-exclusive part
• Complete turbo gasket and hardware install kit
• Kerma's braided stainless steel turbo oil supply line, far easier to route than the stock hard line
• Fratelli Bosio DLC 1019 injector nozzles, with an optional upgrade to DLC 764 nozzles for more power at a small MPG cost
• Injector calibration service, with a hotswap option so you're not without a car during the service
• South Bend Stage 2 Daily clutch kit with a 20 lb single mass flywheel, transmission stretch bolts, and new clutch lever, clip, and pin, engineered specifically to run quietly rather than rattle under the kit's added torque
• Gator Juice diesel additive
• 3 Bar MAP sensor with billet adapter
• Kerma's custom chip tuning, calibrated individually for your car

Before You Order
If you're replacing the stock turbo, you'll also need the ALH Turbo Retrofit Kit, available as an add-on option at checkout. You'll also choose your ECU option (hotswap deposit or sending in your own ECU), turbo, injectors, clutch, and turbo adapter size when customizing the kit.

Fitment
1998-1999.5 Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, and New Beetle with the early ALH TDI engine. Have a 1996-1998 AHU/1Z engine instead? Contact KermaTDI directly for a comparable package.

FAQ

Why doesn't this use the Q-PRO like KermaTDI's other tunes?
These early ALH ECUs predate OBD-based flash tuning, so they can't use the Q-PRO device. This kit uses Kerma's custom chip tuning instead, which is calibrated specifically for your car.

Do I need the turbo retrofit kit too?
Yes, if you're replacing your stock turbo as part of this package. It's sold separately and added at checkout alongside the rest of your options.

Will the upgraded clutch be noisy?
No. The included South Bend Stage 2 clutch and single mass flywheel were specifically redesigned to eliminate the rattling that older performance clutch setups were known for, while still holding the kit's added torque.

Should I choose the VNT-17 or the S7 v2 turbo?
The VNT-17 is the proven standard included with the kit. The S7 v2 is a small upcharge and tends to be the better pick for most daily drivers, with quicker spool and less lag.

Can I add more parts later and get the tune adjusted?
Yes. Kerma calibrates the tune individually for your car, and updates are included if you add equipment down the road.