Revo Technik Software

[logger]

Well might you

I don't see how a tune can be more reliable. Its a piece of software.

Well Philtpy that statement is nye on garbage too. Hardware does not have a monopoly when it comes to reliability issues. Software can be notoriously unreliable.

[Corey_R]

@philthy - I took waterboy's comment to mean pretty much what he has mentioned in his follow up, combined with what G-rig has stated.

To me, the fact that APR information is clearly available, and that representatives like Guy_H are always ready and willing to assist with information and clarifications is a huge selling point. It gives the impression of a more complete package - not only product, but support etc.

[philthy]

Well might you

Well Philtpy that statement is nye on garbage too. Hardware does not have a monopoly when it comes to reliability issues. Software can be notoriously unreliable.

So what exactly is in this software? I was under the impression the tuners loaded up a set of reference tables for the ecu to refer to given inputs from the throttle and various other engine sensors, which the ecu then translates into boost request and fuelling etc.. surely a spreadsheet table can't be that unreliable?

And back to my earlier point, what evidence is there that Revo is unreliable?

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with APR software at all. I'm just seeing unsubstantiated guff about Revo. (nope, don't have either installed on my car)

[Corey_R]

So what exactly is in this software? I was under the impression the tuners loaded up a set of reference tables for the ecu to refer to given inputs from the throttle and various other engine sensors, which the ecu then translates into boost request and fuelling etc.. surely a spreadsheet table can't be that unreliable?

Of course a spreadsheet can be unreliable! A spreadsheet is only reliable as the information you enter into it. Each of the tuners have different outcomes, so obviously they have varying ideas as to what is best, and thus their spreadsheets will be different. (I have no idea how this is done, I'm just running with your spreadsheet idea).

And back to my earlier point, what evidence is there that Revo is unreliable?

I'm not sure anyone has said that Revo is unreliable. If anyone has said that, I don't think their statement is correct unless they have some proof to back this up. Waterboy simply stated, as others have, that the Revo software is the most agressively tuned option out there at this point. Waterboy has decided he'll probably go with APR as their ECU update isn't pushing the power and torque as far as the Revo ECU update does, and therefore he wouldn't expect it to be as hard on the car. You could stretch this to conclude that cars with the APR ECU may be more reliable over a given period of time than the Revo ECU tunes because of this - but we both know that's an overly simplistic way to view the situation and there probably isn't data to support either situation.

But as I said, I haven't seen anyone say Revo is unreliable in this thread - just that their tune is more aggressive than the APR, which it is, so I don't think it's right for you to get upset at people for stating facts unless you have something to show otherwise

[philthy]

But as I said, I haven't seen anyone say Revo is unreliable in this thread - just that their tune is more aggressive than the APR, which it is, so I don't think it's right for you to get upset at people for stating facts unless you have something to show otherwise

Well I posted the thread about Revo because that was the only chipping company I had heard of down here in Sydney, but thanks to many people posting replys and some added research I found that the APR tuning is more reliable and not as aggressive to the engine management system.

Revo is good but I do believe that APR is better.

Don't worry, I'm not upset, it's only the internets. Nobody has bopped me on the nose

[Corey_R]

No problems philthy

[Timbo]

Before this degenerates (any further) into a chip war, I think there are a couple of points that can be made, which may help the OP:

1. There is quite a range of different flash tunes available for VAG cars generally (I can't comment on the 118 TSI, specifically)
2. As far as I have seen, all of these emanate from the UK/Europe, or the US. Hence, it's always worth having a look at their home websites for information as well as some of the overseas forums for user experiences
3. In my opinion, APR is the best supported in Australia. Guy & his team have spent a lot of time and money doing local R&D and testing, as well as marketing. This is a good thing.
4. However, I would observe that one outcome of this is that APR flash tunes tend to be much more expensive. Stands to reason, I guess
5. To me, it is important to have choice as a consumer. I am prepared to weigh up the price and support issues and make a decision based on this. For this reason, I have personally not purchased an APR flash tune, having had Revo previously, and GIAC currently. I've not had any problems
6. The home markets for these flash tunes are much, much larger than ours, so I am pretty keen to learn about user reviews in those markets before purchasing here. Again, in the case of the major 'brands', user feedback is generally very positive.

My own personal conclusion is that in terms of the flash tune itself, you will have no problem with any of the major 'brands' but if you want peace of mind with the best local support you should buy APR -- with the knowledge that you will be paying for that.

Oh, and a flash tune is about the simplest, best and cheapest performance modification you can make to a FI car. AFAIK, none of the 'stage 1' tunes are 'aggressive' to the extent they will, of themselves, damage the car. That's usually a function of the software behind the wheel

[Corey_R]

Great post Timbo

[noone]

There is a lot to be said for ECU reprogramming and how good it is. The idea of software just sitting there is strange, if the software tells the A/F ratio to go nuts, then expect issues.

Who's software is doing this, likely no-ones (not mine).

The power delivery of a tune when using a turbo can deliver power in a number of different ways. For example on the Polo GTI, APR made a stage one tune, then later a second version of stage 1 (i.e. both for stock components, but with different power delivery). The 2 softwares work in different ways, the original gave better peak power and power delivery at high revs, whilst the second version provides more power and more turbo interaction at lower revs creating a more diesel style torque curve (kicks in at lower RPM).

So which of these is better? Different people prefer different tunes. I like the V2 as I don't need to floor it to get a strong torque pull, others don't like that it seems to die off at higher revs.

Some companies offer a trial tune (few hours), why not have a go (its free).

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If you are worried about reliability, wait a few months. There will be people in the UK with it already, why not see what they think or if they have had issues (many forums to choose from).

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Don't listen too much about the numbers (peak KW/HP and Nm), these are the peak output of the engine, and may only be achieved for a split second at Max revs. A nice looking dyno curve (not waiting too late to have good torque kick in) is more relevant than no power until the last second (don't hate me for mentioning V-Tec or Supra Dyno's).

[anthony_VWJET]

Just to put this out there...

A mate of mine whos a machanic for VW has informed me that alot of tuned MKVI TSIs have blown turbos and trannys from aftermarket tunes, simply because they cant handle them.

IMO any tune company that offers a tune for new technology as soon as it comes up is bound to have issues with $$$$ consequences in the first few years of its life.

[Timbo]

A mate of mine whos a machanic for VW has informed me that alot of tuned MKVI TSIs have blown turbos and trannys from aftermarket tunes, simply because they cant handle them.

It's odd that the aggrieved owners aren't posting on here and warning people then

[team_v]

It's odd that the aggrieved owners aren't posting on here and warning people then

If if is true, it would most likely be the stupid owners pushing their cars past redline all the time with the new tune rather than the actual tune breaking parts on the vehicle.

Having said that, i haven't heard of any issues with a mk6 that has been tuned so far.

[noone]

A mate of mine whos a machanic for VW has informed me that alot of tuned MKVI TSIs have blown turbos and trannys from aftermarket tunes, simply because they cant handle them.

It would be great to get some more info on this if you could:
- Which country
- Which tune if its specific
- How many is a lot (5 or 500)

[gldgti]

not that i know anything about chip tuning - however i wanted to mention that we are all mistaken if we think the forum users make up a large percentage of the vw enthusiasts in Australia. I know plenty of dubbers that dont use online forums. We are a small community, and we dont hear all the whispers

[Corey_R]

@anthony_VWJET - I must say, I too haven't seen anything on any VW forums here or overseas in relation to blown turbo and trannys on MK6 TSIs - but I'd sure be interested in some information being provided, as I fully intend to chip my future cars as I have my past and current.