APR tune price hike

[Primordial]

The ECU can adjust to certain levels, that is why tuning boxes can survive sometimes.

But when they do blow a hole through a piston, generally the remedy is to remove the box and take it in for warranty.

Either way, we can not mask the technical downsides of using one on a modern car.

It's like trying to make your bi xenon headlights perform better by strapping two candles to your front bumper. Technically you have have made it brighter using a pretty old flawed technology coupled with risks - Don't see this happening, yet people install tuning boxes without understanding how they work.

Ok so it's not all doom and gloom then - the ECU will adapt to a point.

You've got me intrigued though. I'm fitting some go fast bits in a couple of weeks, so I think I'll add a some dyno runs to that, and get some logs of the AFR. Happy to post up some graphs here once it's done.

Glad you clarified that - if it's as bad as you suggest, the box will be gone quick-smart!

[Yagadan]

The ECU can adjust to certain levels, that is why tuning boxes can survive sometimes.

But when they do blow a hole through a piston, generally the remedy is to remove the box and take it in for warranty.

Either way, we can not mask the technical downsides of using one on a modern car.

It's like trying to make your bi xenon headlights perform better by strapping two candles to your front bumper. Technically you have have made it brighter using a pretty old flawed technology coupled with risks - Don't see this happening, yet people install tuning boxes without understanding how they work.

I spose the very small chance a tuning box did do that (used one on a 335i for 140000km with not a single problem) then yes remove and warranty is what people will do.

On the other hand if you are tuned and are unlucky to blow something up then you may be denied for warranty and have a massive repair bill.

[jrathgen]

I have just installed a power module to my GTi and am happy to provide my car for some dyno runs to prove or disprove what the box can do - or does not. Is anyone in Melbourne able to offer their dyno free of charge in order to publish the charts for scrutiny?
Cheers, John

[mp2811]

I think the APR tune is still great value for money overall, considering the gains you get. It's easily got the most R&D for Australian conditions, it's so good that at this point of time stage 2 no real gains at all.

Almost all the APR dealers running the software and hardware themselves with proven results. 11 sec 1/4 mile times, plenty of Dyno charts both here and in UK showing 370-385hp stage 1 with intake and 540nm. Graphs showing good AFR's which are richer/better than stock.

I'm yet to see another tuning company showing any real dyno graphs to compare, AFR's or 1/4 mile times. When prob 95% of people will stop at just stage 1 and possibly intake due to fantastic results then price seems more reasonable.

[cbwolf]

The ECU can adjust to certain levels, that is why tuning boxes can survive sometimes.

But when they do blow a hole through a piston, generally the remedy is to remove the box and take it in for warranty.

Either way, we can not mask the technical downsides of using one on a modern car.

It's like trying to make your bi xenon headlights perform better by strapping two candles to your front bumper. Technically you have have made it brighter using a pretty old flawed technology coupled with risks - Don't see this happening, yet people install tuning boxes without understanding how they work.

What about the ABT piggyback? It taps into the CANBUS and adjusts fueling, while still being removable and not triggering TD1. Unless i've missed something?

Granted, you pay like a $1k premium over a full tune for the ABT piggyback, but at least they also give you a 2 year powertrain warranty.

[nat225]

What about the ABT piggyback? It taps into the CANBUS and adjusts fueling, while still being removable and not triggering TD1. Unless i've missed something?

Granted, you pay like a $1k premium over a full tune for the ABT piggyback, but at least they also give you a 2 year powertrain warranty.

this thread is about people not so happy paying $2k and yet you are suggesting something that costs higher?? [emoji57]

it is like, a typical falcodore owner being reluctant when offered to buy $50k for a golf R hatchback, then you say why not go for audi rs3?

[cbwolf]

this thread is about people not so happy paying $2k and yet you are suggesting something that costs higher?? [emoji57]

it is like, a typical falcodore owner being reluctant when offered to buy $50k for a golf R hatchback, then you say why not go for audi rs3?

Maybe you didn't notice the last 3 pages of this thread turned into a discussion about the pros/cons of tuning boxes and nothing to do with pricing. Have a read - it's interesting.

[Umai Naa!!]

The ABT one appears to be a good bit of kit for what it does, but the key here is how well-suited the local climate is it, and what's their aftersales support like?

[brad]

I think the APR tune is still great value for money overall, considering the gains you get. It's easily got the most R&D for Australian conditions, it's so good that at this point of time stage 2 no real gains at all.

OTOH, maybe the stage 2 is really crap if there are "no real gains at all"?

Almost all the APR dealers running the software and hardware themselves with proven results.

Why wouldn't you if you can get it at cost price or cheaper? I've worked at a lot of companies where they have subsidised me to use their product. It's good business sense to have a personal knowledge / experience of the product.

11 sec 1/4 mile times, plenty of Dyno charts both here and in UK showing 370-385hp stage 1 with intake and 540nm.

Graphs showing good AFR's which are richer/better than stock.

how do you know that the tuner's (any tuner) choice of AFRs is better than factory?

[mp2811]

Brad, I'm not going to disagree with your comments. In regards to AFR's I'm no expert but APR is clearly running richer than stock which is by all accounts fairly lean, probably to help with fuel efficiency numbers. Obviously this is safer for the turbo and added cooling affects.

I was just highlighting some positives. For me the biggest one was dealer network, I was new to VAG scene when I got my MK7R and cross shopped/researched number of tunes etc. I couldn't even get in contact with Revo dealers in Melb or they wouldn't call back. I was lucky and got APR tune on intital release at $1400 so only couple hundred more than Revo.

I spoke to both Guy harding and Dean Coutts from fast stuff numerous times before getting the tune and both always very knowledgable and helpful. That was more important to me than saving couple hundred.

With ROW cars having slightly different fuelling set up best to have tune that's designed for that, like EURO brands or ones designed in Australia.