Contemplating ECU Upgrade (MkV GTI MY09)

[docjames]

Hi all,

I'm contemplating an ECU (ie. basic) upgrade. Many tuners seem to offer this so am seeking feedback from those who've done basic upgrades.

I dont want this to be a flame war about which is better, please just post the pros and cons of the specific tune.

FWIW I've been mostly looking at the APR Stage 1 and a similar tune from evolve-technik, and have looked at Vieuzu as well (i know they're a forum sponsor.)

Price is obviously a factor, but i'd rather pay a little more for something that gives a better result - I'm not necesarily chasing the highest power output, but reliability and drivability mostly as this is my daily driver - I dont want to blow up my DSG/motor. I do a lot of freeway running so dont want something super drone-ing.

Cheers

[brimway]

I went with APR for my MK V Golf GTI DSG. I did around 30k before I sold it and I didn't have any issues. I'm not saying APR is better or worse than any other tune because I'm not an expert, but I was certainly happy with the gain.

APR also offer a free time restricted trial which I took. As soon as I got home, I rang them back and booked it in for the tune.

Another handy feature with APR is the option to return to stock and anti theft passcode protected via the cruise control switch.

[thezoneR32]

I had APR on my R32, paid top dollar, no diagnostics afterwards, you just get the same tune off the shelf as everyone else, the dealer couldnt even tell me what tunes I was running (eg in what order). With the Gti I went with Gavin of Optimum Code/Custom Code (also a sponsor here). Waaaaay cheaper, full diagnostics, tune is tailored to your car, on top of that Gav's a top bloke to deal with always willing to help out with stuff. Extra torque and power are huge! Couldnt be happier!

[NabzGTI]

I've got REVO. Absolutely love it and its tunability is a massive bonus. Great customer support and reasonable price too.

[T Go]

Both myself and my old man got our cars bluefinned at the same time. He has a MkV and I've got a Mk6.
They both have a noticeable power hike and apart from that, drive like normal.
I'm sure most/all tunes would be the case.
We went for Bluefin purely based on the pricing, but I think most of the other tunes might offer more power.

Whichever way you go, I doubt you will be disappointed....

[team_v]

I have APR on mine and would go with them again or Viezu as they are really gaining popularity and seem to answer everyones questions as best they can.

[Lucas_R]

All stage 1 tunes are very similar mate - they are still very smooth but boost power significantly by altering ignition timing, fuel mapping, and boost (amongst several other things).

In the <$1,000 sector

- I have had both Bluefin and DNA Tuning on my Golf R. No problems with either tune, but the DNA Tune is more powerfull. I know quite a few people on here have both the Bluefin and DNA Tune on their MK5 GTI.
- My friend has the Viezu tune on his Mk5 GTI and his car goes really well too - so Viezu is another option.
- Custom Code also have good feedback on the Mk5 GTI.

In the >$1,000 sector

- Revo
- GIAC
- APR
- Custom Tunes (Recode, BWA Auto, Evolve etc)

[Tim]

All stage 1 tunes are very similar mate - they are still very smooth but boost power significantly by altering ignition timing, fuel mapping, and boost (amongst several other things).

In the <$1,000 sector

- I have had both Bluefin and DNA Tuning on my Golf R. No problems with either tune, but the DNA Tune is more powerfull. I know quite a few people on here have both the Bluefin and DNA Tune on their MK5 GTI.
- My friend has the Viezu tune on his Mk5 GTI and his car goes really well too - so Viezu is another option.
- Custom Code also have good feedback on the Mk5 GTI.

In the >$1,000 sector

- Revo
- GIAC
- APR
- Custom Tunes (Recode, BWA Auto, Evolve etc)

GIAC on a mk5 GTI is $995

[TomC]

I've got a DNA tune on mine. Cost $830 (almost a year ago now) at the time and came with a switchable handheld controller and two tunes. Can't fault it at all for that price

[MACCAA]

For Heaven's sake,can we stop these boring as Chip forums?
There's enough info available in the Search section to satisfy the most anal of requirements.
A week doesn't seem to go by without a new "what tune should I get" post-with the ensuing s#*t fight resulting.
Please please please......

[h100vw]

Before you go anywhere, make sure the car has no underlying issues. The standard DVs have a bad reputation. Not sure if the latest revision ever made it onto MK5s from the factory.

Gavin

[docjames]

Before you go anywhere, make sure the car has no underlying issues. The standard DVs have a bad reputation. Not sure if the latest revision ever made it onto MK5s from the factory.

Gavin

Car has just had 3yr service at VW and just out of warranty. No issues (only done 25000km). Famous last words!

For Heaven's sake,can we stop these boring as Chip forums?
There's enough info available in the Search section to satisfy the most anal of requirements.
A week doesn't seem to go by without a new "what tune should I get" post-with the ensuing s#*t fight resulting.
Please please please......

I have searched and all the other threads are flame wars. Also they span a wide range of tunes and my question is specific to a "stage 1" or equivalent. I have very specifically asked for feedback on EACH INDIVIDUALS TUNE and not a "compare this one and that one". I was unaware I wasnt allowed to ask questions that are relevant to me. Thanks.

[h100vw]

Car has just had 3yr service at VW and just out of warranty. No issues (only done 25000km). Famous last words!

Doesn't mean the DV hasn't gone. You'd not know without taking it off or logging the boost.

They don't throw up any codes most of the time.

Gavin

[Paul_OH]

Well done all, this is probably the most mature tune thread I've read - EVER!!!

[Buller_Scott]

Hi all,
I'm contemplating an ECU (ie. basic) upgrade.
Cheers

two factors came to my mind, when i read your post:

1. drivability - if you're not after an off-the-shelf tune, but would rather have the ability to request tweaks to your tune based on your preferences, there is the ability to do so, provided your tuner has good customer service, post $$$cha-ching$$$.
2. you're in melbourne.

for this reason, in your shoes, i'd be looking at (in alphabetical order) DNA Tuning, GIAC, or Viezu.

these three have their loyal customers, and an increasing customer base, for very good reasons, and are very accessible in melbourne.