GOLF R DSG - Which ECU tune should I pursue???

[cihan_d]

Hi All,

New to the forums, I pick up my new R in approx 3-4 weeks and confused with which ECU tune and cold air intake to pursue. I've read many forums but still can not decide. Really looking for help here.

Which ECU Tune?
Which cold air intake?
Is a DSG tune needed?

[DNA Tuning]

You can try them out and decide for yourself. I would suggest trying APR first, which is the priciest option, and then trying a cheaper alternative to see if you get the same, similar, or better results. Just make sure they return your ECU to its original software before trying another tuner because it makes life easier for us to deal with an ECU in its original state (ie. self-cancelling 6 hour trial leaves APR code behind in the ECU).

We are doing our $880 SRS-II Bundle still (SRS-II Handheld Flashloader + 2 x Tunes) which comes with a 14 day evaluation/money-back period so I think that's a pretty good deal but I'm biased. Feel free to shoot me an email and I can provide more details.

As for CAI, it won't make dramatic differences to the performance, so I would be wary of spending >$500 on one - of course they do sound nice though, and really it just comes down to personal preference. My advice would be to save up for a high flow cat/downpipe combo instead.

As for the DSG, I personally think it's pretty well sorted in the R, and you'll find most don't bother with a DSG remap. I'll let others chime in on this one though.

[PTW]

[QUOTE=DNA Tuning;728307] My advice would be to save up for a high flow cat/downpipe combo instead.
QUOTE]

Seen this come up quite a bit, interesting. The rest of the exhaust is that good then? Interested to see if anyone has some comparison data of tune & dump v's tune & TBE.

[isaw]

You need to look at the most restrictive parts of the whole system, and where you can get the most power vs money gain.

A tune is by far the best, followed by a dumppipe/cat.

The Cat-back will provide minimal change and it flows very well stock, you will just get a different noise/note. Personally the sound of the dump screaming while on boost, and the stock quietness when cursing along is perfect for me.

As said, there are alot of tune options.
Customcode
APR
GIAC
REVO
Bluefin
DNA
etc.

Find someone local, talk to them and see if you like their followup.
Guy from Apr is extremely helpful! but the product packs a premium price. As said, try it first.
APR make an excellent dump for the R as well.

[cihan_d]

I'm not a fan of loud exhaust notes, will the dumppipe/cat increase the standard note? What would one set me back?

[h100vw]

APR - High Performance Development for Audi, VW and Porsche Vehicles.

A downpipe wouldn't make a massive difference to the exhaust noise.

Gavin

[GoLfMan]

I'd personally go with GIAC or Custom Code.

GIAC has the Extreme tune which has some great dyno and strip proven results (fastest R in Australia I think!)

Check them both out. Great value for money

[Bug_racer]

I'll just add that the best tune is the one that will suit all the mods that you have planned for the car . I dont see a point getting X tune for a car with Y mods which is untested and can lead to losing power or poor running . Custom tuning to suit individual cars is becoming the better way , albeit a bit more expensive . As for the fastest R , give it a bit more time as some tuners are only just getting these cars due to the long wait .

[DkN]

Since you're in NSW, Mark @ Recode would be a good option for a real custom tune. Personally I don't think custom tunes are really necessary unless you have significant mods, but I'm pretty sure Recode pricing is cheaper than APR so there's not much to lose. Otherwise, cheaper stage 1 tunes are available from Custom Code, GIAC, DNA etc. If you're not a fan of noise, don't bother with a CAI until you're well into stage 2 territory.

[KRA21E]

Since you're in NSW, Mark @ Recode would be a good option for a real custom tune.

I second this as his service and attention to detail is second to none! He can do a basic 'stage 1' tune with before and after dyno runs for a very competitve price...

Also, you might want to speak to him regarding trial tunes (APR, REVO offer them) and how they lock your ecu making it extremely difficult to have a tune from another supplier installed without having the trial completely removed.

For the record, Mark from Recode did my car and i laugh at the sheer power everytime i drive the thing!!!

[cihan_d]

Who in NSW performs the GIAC tune?

[cihan_d]

I second this as his service and attention to detail is second to none! He can do a basic 'stage 1' tune with before and after dyno runs for a very competitve price...

Also, you might want to speak to him regarding trial tunes (APR, REVO offer them) and how they lock your ecu making it extremely difficult to have a tune from another supplier installed without having the trial completely removed.

For the record, Mark from Recode did my car and i laugh at the sheer power everytime i drive the thing!!!

Do you have any other mods other than the Recode tune?
How many KW did you achieve before and after the tune?
Did the tune improve the low end lag?
Can they easily revert back to factory ECU setting in the event of a warranty claim?

[Corey_R]

Who in NSW performs the GIAC tune?

Exoticars are the NSW GIAC reps.

[PTW]

Without a vested interest in any custom tuner, given a similar price, a custum tune with before and after info on afr's, boost, etc, is a faaaarrrr better proposition than a generic one. It's also easy to say how many kw's did you achieve. What you wanting to be looking at is where it is made - the area under the curve.......

[KRA21E]

Do you have any other mods other than the Recode tune?

I have a THS Intercooler, BSH CAIntake, HPFP, TXS DP.

How many KW did you achieve before and after the tune?

Before: 163kw atw, After initial Tune: 202kw atw.

Did the tune improve the low end lag?

It definately improved it as now the boost comes on earlier and Mark was able to fiddle with the timing to make it more responsive.

Can they easily revert back to factory ECU setting in the event of a warranty claim?

It's as easy as plugging it in and uploading the stock file.

Keep in mind what PTW said, the most important part of tuning is not the outright power figure but how it is delivered, ie area under the curve as mentioned by PTW. Also, with custom tuning, Mark can actually tune how you want the car to perform to an extent ie more torque than power, gradual build up of boost etc...