Which ECU flash?

[Timbo]

I'm going to ask a contentious question , but I mean no harm to any supplier by it (so please don't go all tribal on me n: ), but what are the pros and cons (if any) of the various ECU flashes (APR, GIAC, Oettinger)? For example, I have heard that Oettinger is, or may be, sanctioned and warranty accepted by VW. This would be one advantage to me for that particular flash...but it could just be pub talk.

[brackie]

Can of worms

Mate...You're opeing a can of worms. Chip wars have resulted in much bad feeling on other forums and I wouldn't like to see that happening here.

I have no problem with the publishing of factual information from chip manufacturers as long as the playing field is level. In other words the cars in which chips/flashes are installed must be stock standard in all respects so that no other variables are introduced. This could even be extended to using the same dyno (because the do vary, you know ).

"My Dad's Bigger than you Dad..." arguments have no place here. I'd suggest that you go to the manufacturers' web sites and research there.

[Bug_racer]

Im happy to hold drag days and dyno days . I invite all my competition and they are free to enter . Most choose not to . Possibly something to hide ? I dont know .

I dont do track days to measure power of a car cause a good driver in a slow car is usually quicker than a bad driver in a quick car .

I'll leave it at that

[pologti_oldfart]

The reason I chose APR was convenience as there is a dealer local. I think no matter who you used you would be happy with the result.

(My ten cents well 18cents after inflation!)

[Timbo]

Mate...You're opeing a can of worms.

Fair enough, but I specifically did not ask the "My Dad's bigger than your Dad" question; as a veteran of RX-8 forums, I am well aware of the arguments around power specs and I can read the spec sheets and dyno charts of the suppliers and know how much weight to give to this material.

My question was about the pros and cons . Things such as local development for fuels sold here now and in the future, support network, warranty (as I mentioned in my original post) and so-on...not relative power claims.

These other factors are important to intending purchasers, and these forums ought to be a source of information (and rational discussion) covering this sort of stuff to assist people make choices. Where else can you engage a group apart from the OEM or supplier that collectively has experience and knowledge across the range of products available, to allow a considered choice to be made?

However, if this is too contentious, and it's not possible to have a mature discussion, I will concede and request the moderators delete the thread.

[Timbo]

The reason I chose APR was convenience as there is a dealer local. I think no matter who you used you would be happy with the result.

Thanks...that's helpful and exactly the sort of information I'm seeking. So, I guess that narrows my choice to APR if I'm seeking something supported in Canberra?

[pologti_oldfart]

I got mine done at Canberra VW Centre in Belconnen. I had heard good things about them so that is why I went there and they just happened to be an APR dealer. If they were a dealer for a different company I would happily have used them! (I think they may also be an Oettinger dealer but I am not sure.)

[h100vw]

Rumour control says that APR bought Oettinger, Qettinger now has the same features as APR. Coincidence???

Gavin

[Timbo]

Best way of managing competition is to buy 'em out! But isn't Oettinger a pretty large company -- bigger than APR?

[h100vw]

Best way of managing competition is to buy 'em out! But isn't Oettinger a pretty large company -- bigger than APR?

Not at all, less than 30 people is what I have heard in the past.

They have been around for eons though. They started on Beetles I believe.

Gavin

[gtimk5]

Oettinger was originally Okrasa and they did great things with the old aircoolers. They developed a twin cam head for the 1.6 Golf motors. Yes, APR did buy them out last year. The difference between APR and Oettinger is Oettinger give you a warrantee on the drivetrain, costs a bit more. I am being very careful with what I say here!!!!
GIAC, Oettinger or APR ect. ect all offer huge performance increases and for that, I say do it! You won't be dissapointed!!!
I have done my GTI plus fitted the full exhaust and Carbonio intake and the difference is amazing. Driveability is as per normal until you come onto it, the traction control kicks in constantly.
See the archives for pics of the exhaust ect.
Cheers, Andrew

[gpk_gti]

Rumour control says that APR bought Oettinger, Qettinger now has the same features as APR. Coincidence???

Gavin

I also heard that they were bought out.cant remember where?
Bravo TIMBO im with you! I had the same problem and thanks to some of the more understanding people on the forum I finally made my decision.