There is a way to make the VDI work without the air pump, it's just a PITA. Guys who do the S5 intake swap on to an S4 motor on street cars found a way with an RPM switch. Same thing with the 5th/6th actuators. They needed these to work for low RPM torque. Just hope the final ruling doesn't come back that you have to have the air pump on as well!

Here is a question, feel free to PM me if you'd rather not post and I will keep the source 100% confidential.

Has anyone done dyno testing to confirm if the 5th/6th sleeve and rod removal produces any gains? There is a small amout of material that is removed from the ports, is that enough to increase air flow to actually get a measurable increase? 1-2 rwhp, I can't imagine any more if even that.

Without a doubt, we can say wiring the VDI open provides ZERO gain as it is open at 5500 RPM already. Removing the 5th/6th actuators also does ZERO.