Superchips Bluefin

[Reedy]

Finally got the Bluefin from Superchips NZ. First impressions very good. The only issue I had was the cdrom software that came with it wouldn’t load onto my computer so I just downloaded it from the mybluefin website, turned out to be very easy. Taking my ecu data from my car with the device took less than 5 minutes and putting the new remap on the same. Very easy to do and clear instructions, you can’t get in wrong.

Now for the driving. Not been for a long drive or even seen what it can do, just a steady drive to work this morning but can straight away tell there is something special waiting to happen. You don’t have to push the accelerator as far down to make it go, which may help use less fuel?

Two things that do concern me a little is the flat spot has now moved from 1800 rpm to 3500, it is like having 2 boosts, plenty of power from stand still to 3500 rpm a little pause and then away you go again. I emailed superchips straight away and they replied straight away saying give it the weekend to learn the new values and if it does not improve let them know.

The second which is a little worrying maybe is the water temperature reaches 90 very quickly, Any body else noticed this? It doesn’t get any hotter it just gets there quicker. Any thoughts.

Forgot to mention the new remap arrived back within 10 minutes last night.

[noone]

Less fuel, not likely. If you are accelerating faster, you're not going to be doing it with less fuel (even if well calibrated). IMO fuel savings offered by tuners are minor and relate to cruzing efficiency rather than fuel used when accelerating. Adding engine timing makes the most of each combustion, but fuel use goes up with the enjoyment of faster acceleration.

The ECU needs to calibrate to your particular vehicle, adjust fuel trims, etc. Should not take particularly long and depends on your driving style. Needs some WOT to learn properly (tuner may disagree with this)

Engine temp displays are electronically controlled, not really accurate IMO, they don't seem to show going above 90 even if they do. I read something about this relating to not scaring people when the engine is operating normally. Personally I don't know. If you're making more power and using it, you will heat the engine quicker, If the inter-cooler is not pulling all the heat from the charged air, you will be adding more heat to the engine. tunes work in 2 main ways, adding boost (which creates more heat) and adding timing (again, creating more heat). Makes sense the gauge reading climbs quicker.

Sorry, rambling a bit.

[Reedy]

No thanks for that information, I am an extreme amateur when it come to this. All I go on is what I heard or read, mostly on this forum, which I have found very useful. Regarding the fuel I agree and could only see fuel savings when cruising as less throttle is needed but yes it accelerates harder therefore must need more fuel. Thanks again. New tyres are now needed….

[Krusty900]

Have bluefin in my 07 gti. Love it. I find that it really needs to be above 3500rpm to notice any difference over stock, but when its in that sweet spot, the extra power is great. Means thats its very easy to drive sedately, which is nice - not sure if other stage 1 tunes differ here...i.e kick in earlier in the rev range.

[Reedy]

Gave it more of a work out on the way home tonight and even more impressed. You are definitely right about needing to be over 3500 rpm to feel the benefit but very good below this. The flat spot seems to have fixed itself but the power is not as smooth throughout the rev range as I thought it would be. Maybe it may take me time to get used to it. It feels as though you are getting different levels of power at different times. I'll give until next week and see if superchips have any ideas. It might just be me getting used to it.

[zei20t]

get a down pipe on and move to the stage II. you wont regret it.

flat spot? email superchips, tell them as much as possible, they can fix it. they have fixed an issue with my car before.

it will take a tank of fuel before the tune 'settles in' and yes the fuel savings are mostly for highway driving. and I can confirm its real.

[Reedy]

Thank you mate, just filled up tonight so will give it the full tank. Any suggestions on the down pipe, it is a maybe for now. Will let superchips know about the inconsistent power to get the ball rolling. Quick question, what do i need for stage 2?

[zei20t]

for a golf gti, don't quote me, but I THINK all you need is air intake, and down pipe.

ideas? I got one from ebay from Germany. Just make sure its for a TSI engine, the TFSI ones don't fit and require some modifications. sometimes they can fit both. IMO don't pay $900+ for one, sus out some overseas suppliers.

[zei20t]

this should help you out for stage 2 upgrade! turns out I was right, its the same mods for my engine (also a 147TSI). when they say 'hi flow cat', they also support no cat at all. which is good for track days etc. I would not advise doing that on the road, but its completely your decision.

http://www.superchips.co.uk/search?make=38&fueltype=3&model=465&variant=2178

EDIT: ok they need a cat-back exhaust too. full system is just easier IMO!

[Flying Ace]

Hi everyone, sorry for the thread hijack but how much are the bluefin units? I'm a bit confused because a few weeks ago I bought an RCD-510 off a guy who said he had a bluefin on his Mk5 and it was only about $200 - but everywhere I look they are quotes upwards of around $700. Was he just saying things or are the bluefin units about $200?

Thanks for any help!

[Reedy]

Hi everyone, sorry for the thread hijack but how much are the bluefin units? I'm a bit confused because a few weeks ago I bought an RCD-510 off a guy who said he had a bluefin on his Mk5 and it was only about $200 - but everywhere I look they are quotes upwards of around $700. Was he just saying things or are the bluefin units about $200?

Thanks for any help!

Hi, I just payed $645 delivered from NZ to Brisbane. There are some cheaper ones on eBay but presume at some risk. They are usually $700+ but there is a sale on at the minute.

[Dutch77]

Thank you mate, just filled up tonight so will give it the full tank. Any suggestions on the down pipe, it is a maybe for now. Will let superchips know about the inconsistent power to get the ball rolling. Quick question, what do i need for stage 2?

Stage 2 usually means the dump pipe and a CAI.

The real gains are from the dump pipe (after the initial tune which is, comparatively, where the massive gains are to be had).

I can recommend 42dd via forum sponsor Carformance.. brilliant quality, get it ceramic coated to finish it off. The dumps from SPM and Eurojet via Dub Addiction are also meant to be good units.

You can go catback on these systems as well, just depends on how much more noise you want, but there won't be any real performance gains from it. A good dump pipe will mate up to your stock catback and is a common choice on here.

[Reedy]

Ok update, big drive today and gave it some stick as well. Definatley has the flat spot and also feels very flat upto 3000rpm where the big flat spot is (but not all the time). It also feels like it has power surges upto 3000rpm like lots of little flat spots, but again not all the time. Tink I will be onto them Monday, just a little nervous that it can't be fixed like anyone would be, so want this tune to go well.

[zei20t]

i wouldn't worry too much, let them know, they will get into it quick smart.

[Reedy]

i wouldn't worry too much, let them know, they will get into it quick smart.

Thanks for the reassurance. Just been reading about other people's problems and it may be not the tune but sounds like it could be a boost leak, or am I being paranoid??? I've got latest diverted valve. One thing I did notice before the tune is that when driving cold it's a little spluttery while in low rpms until it warms up, but when I gave it some stick in stock there was no issues with any flat spots or surges. Is there any quick way to check for boost leaks?