V-Tune (Software by APR)

[noone]

So... In my never ending quest to make my Polo quicker, I've come across the V-Tune software by APR: link here.

So, I connected it to my Polo (connected fine) using my Vag-com ebay cable.

One of the options is to increase the boost. So I increased the boost. When I tried to enable this new setting, it did nothing. Tried it with the car running, off, ignition only, etc.

Anyone had any experience with this? Had a search, but pretty much nothing came up. There is no supporting documentation on the website or in the application. Weird...

For a forum of APR supporters, no one has looked into this?

[h100vw]

http://www.unitronic.ca/UNISetting.php

Try this, probably the same as V-tune though. I don't think you can turn up the boost with any of these software tools, can you imagine the disclaimers!!!

Custom-Code have one but it's just the same as the unitronics one. I'll email it you if you like?

We use it for the Phase 2 once the boost and fuelling are correct, the timing is set with it.

You read the ECU first with the ignition on, then make your changes on screen and write to the ECU. Then cycle the ignition off and back on. Job done.

Don't want to be seeing more than 4-6 degrees of timing being pulled.

Gavin

[noone]

Looks interesting, guess they are all designed for some simple (yet potentially dangerous) alterations...

I don't think this is the answer for me, I'm doing some VAG-COM logging and wondering how easily I can get more power from my current hardware.

[h100vw]

Advancing the timing is a method of gaining power, you add a few degrees with whichever software tool you have. Then data log it to make sure that it isn't being pulled out by the ECU.

If there's no pull, you can advance the timing further and then log it again.

Going a couple of degrees at a time ensures that you don't do any damage.

Gavin

[Guy_H]

V Tune is not enabled in the Polo code. If it's required we have to get a code with it activated built!

You can do it, but unless you have the car attached to a dyno with the appropriate logging gear, we would strongly advise against using it. It's too easy to overcrank parameters & lose an engine!

[noone]

Thanks Guy,

Hopefully can catch you while you are on here:

Given my mods (in footer) Is there anything that APR can do code-wise to get more out of my car above the APR Stage 1 v2 tune?

[Guy_H]

Not really, If you mess with boost (about the only thing you could do), all you are going to do is shift the boost curve around. We have already done that for you with V 2.0.

Always look at your torque curve, thats the most important thing with the Polo IMHO. Next step is a bigger turbo to be honest!

[noone]

Thanks mate, sad but true...

That APR logging info is great, Have to have a good look at the details so I can make sure I'm not restricting myself somewhere.

APR VAG-COM Logging info

[Guy_H]

A lot of those fields will be the same in the Polo, some of them are FSI related (won't exist in the 1.8T), but that will give you a good lot to look at!

[noone]

FYI, I've been using CustomSettings (Custom Code Program) to make some changes to my ignition timing with good results. Program works for me

I'm continuing this conversation in the Polo thread.

To say that changing the timing has made changes to the feel of the car is an understatement, if you are interested in tuning your 1.8T, its worth a look around to see whats out there. Quality info can be very hard to come by...

[adzy]

Unless you have the car attached to a dyno with the appropriate logging gear, we would strongly advise against using it. It's too easy to overcrank parameters & lose an engine!

Just imagine the destruction if this wasn't the case!!! Advancing timing by 2 degree incraments..Jesus! LOL Look out Anthony Rodrigues

[noone]

Having played with the timing, I'm not sure I see what the fuss is about. Advancing the timing yields more power (especially off boost), likely better fuel economy but also higher heat created and greater chance of detonation.

On saying that, I don't see why working with the vag-com logging isnt going to be safe. I have not yet had detonation on my car and the engine has knock detectors built in which is why its so easy to make changes and test without getting ANY detonation.

I will be going for another chip down the line, but for the mean time, a few extra deg of timing is only a good thing.

BTW, I think this is only really safe on the Polo with the upgraded FMIC.

[Guy_H]

There are dangers, you may not take them "seriously" but we certainly do. Dead turbo's & blown motors. If you have "advanced timing" beyond what a calibrator with a couple of thousand hours of 1.8T calibration under his belt would do - surely you must ask yourself why? Some of our customers from 1998 have in excess of 300,000k's on their original turbochargers & engines with our tuning!

Hi load, hot day, bad batch of fuel, excessive EGT's - will you have VCDS connected to your car 24/7 to monitor this?

The tuning is a balance of power, economy, longevity, reliability. you increase one, you decrease the others, pretty simple fact.

Just spent some time with some race car / engine builders who specialise in tarmac rally specials. The top EVO 9 fellows get 1000km's out of a turbo charger. They go like hell, but at a cost, and its not done with boost (as they are boost restricted).

[noone]

Right.

So the question is why am I tweaking over and above what APR as a reputable company offer? I am looking to yield more power from my current setup as APR is not able to provide me with any further tuning potential beyond the Stage 1 V2 tune on the stock turbo. I have looked at data others have collected and with my added timing, I still have less than some other tunes.

So why am I fiddling with the hand grenade? I am adding timing that i believe is safe. Having looked around and read what I can, I believe that with the upgraded intake, exhaust (well, dump) and intercooler, the intake temps are MUCH more stable than with the stock cooler.

I take it seriously, thats why I log before I make a change and make changes slowly then drive it for a few days and log again before chucking in any more. I understand that giving someone the ability to change a parrameter into a dangerous area is reason for warning, but I don't see why what I'm doing is overly different to what a tuner may do - as a part of the map.

Whilst I'm no expert on tuning, I am starting to understand what a tune involves and although I do not have the current knowledge to make my own maps, it certainly does intrigue me. I am a little suprised that people fool around with MBC's and other toys, but adding 3% of timing (what I'm running now) is seen as bad.

Guy, if you can get me V-Tune compatable code for my Polo, I'll be your best friend forever... Otherwise I'll be looking elsewhere to see what the other tuners can do for me.

[Guy_H]

Give me a call in the office on Monday, and I'll tell you why it's currently not on offer. Once you hear why, you might change your opinion.

It's your car at the end of the day - I can only advise on what I see & have seen over the past 12 years involved in the tuning of the 1.8T's - tel 1300 730 949.