APR for polo gti

[gti_freak]

Just want to know why do they charge for this service/modification so expensive ? as they just install the software in the chips.

[DaveMack]

Just want to know why do they charge for this service/modification so expensive ? as they just install the software in the chips.

Do you get free software anywhere? I'd be interested. Believe me ... there's no cheaper bang for your buck.

Dave

[Timbo]

Hey, for $50, I'll plug my laptop into your car, fiddle with boost and timing, and I'm sure I'll get it howling! I've never done it before and I won't offer any guarantee or warranty, but I reckon I can do it

[thepowercosmic]

Do you get free software anywhere? I'd be interested. Believe me ... there's no cheaper bang for your buck.

Dave

Quite possibly a good bang for your buck mod - dependent on how much you actually pay for it.

From the prices that I've been advised of, I don't think that the APR solution would be that much bang for your buck in comparison to the other players in the market.

Which was one of deciding factors for someone I know with a Polo GTI to choose a different player.

Doesn't hurt to shop around I say.

But back on topic - I wouldn't have the faintest clue as to why they charge what they do. If some are happy to pay what they are charging, all the more power to you...

Good luck

[99gti]

Whats your location. If your in Melbourne I'll take you for a spin and then you'll understand my. And you can even suck more power out of the polo because it has the K03S (mk4 is K03).

Mapping an engine code from scratch requires 100's of hours to get it spot on so your power curve remains linear and you get optimal response from the motor right across its range. I'm not going to try and sell it to you, but i'll let you have a try and then decide for yourself.

Someone on here might be able to pipe up and tell you what a difference there is. I had a run against a standard polo that belonged to a member here. If they want to, they'll tell you what a difference it made from their perspective.

[SoVeReIgN]

Just want to know why do they charge for this service/modification so expensive ? as they just install the software in the chips.

The thousands of hours of engineers time to put the tune together and then test it so its reliable in all conditions.

But there are slightly cheaper alternatives.

[Tim]

A couple grand is cheap for software. Some of the companies i deal with have software packages in the 10s of thousands .

Having said that. Perhaps compare apples with apples. How much do other tunes cost? How much is a GIAC or a Revo or whatever other brands there are out there. If youre happier with their pricing then let your dollars do the talking

[99gti]

Ok - we are not about to wager a chip war. Lets focus back to what a chip (all brands) actually do. My sugestion is to enquire and try a few or the trials. The pogo is an easy one to do. Mine being an older style had to be sent away to be fitted. What is your location and we can then point you in the right direction.

[Sharkie]

Most of the ECU mods deliver the same or very similar power figures at the end. I have found that APR is the only 1 that allows you to very quickly switch between programs and offers the ability to lock it.

It is supposed to be undetectable to VW as well. As a precaution I switch back to standard before going anywhere near a VW service centre and then lock it so that they cannot tamper or detect it.

VW knows very well that most of the GTis are chipped and also know the procedure of switching. They will void your drivetrain warranty if they pick it up and you do a drivetrain warranty claim. I have a very clear statement of that fact from a VW service manager.

Others may be cheaper but in the end for me it was the easy additional functionality and integration to other APR products that made the difference. None of the other tuning shops offer such a wide range of (integratable) products.

[DubSteve]

Ok - we are not about to wager a chip war. Lets focus back to what a chip (all brands) actually do.

No one was about to wage a chip war

However due to financial market in recent times on the up alot of these companies are actually degreasing the price of there chips!

You will most likely find that they all do they same thing roughly, its pretty much where you are located and whats convenient for you! Also unlike the older cars where they had to be soldered in with a chip, the mk5s and 9ns are straight through software uploads. There are software programs that even offer for you the user to do the install yourself which is Bluefin, ask around but in the end of the day its probably best if you can get a ride in a car that is already been flashed so you can get a first hand experience of what you will be forking your hard earned money for

[gtimk5]

But you can pay a little extra for a security code to get into the switching which makes it as good as impossible for any dealer to access the switching capabilities of APR. They have to know your pin code, which you decide what 4 numbers you might want.
Andrew

[shami]

I've used two different brands in my mk4 GTI and i can certainly tell the different between chips. Having said that you may be minded to do research on it, there this forum and vortexx

However, im sure most will agree here, that chips give you such a difference to you car, its definetly bang for ure buck

[Tim]

Others may be cheaper but in the end for me it was the easy additional functionality and integration to other APR products that made the difference. None of the other tuning shops offer such a wide range of (integratable) products.

This is good feedback. Im in the process of deciding on a reflash for my golf GTI and am not taking the decision lightly. Its hard to sift thru all the crap and get decent facts.

[insanekiwi]

How about REVO?

I had a real awesome deal on it, (and APR is not available in NZ anyway... has Superchip with lower output, and when I spoke to the dealer they were putting down on APR, Giac, and REVO).

So Superchip was out, as I didn't like their attitude and claim on power output.

REVO dealer was only 10 minutes away from me, so I spoke to the guy who was very nice to deal with. Gave me an awesome price $1300NZ installed. I almost bought the switch but due to lack of funds, I will get it later. With switch I can change the settings (like boost and timing) and also turn it off / on, and security lock. Without switch they can't detect it either.

He vagcomed the car after 1 week of use, which had no faults at all. He is going to fine tune it even further later on.

I've been very happy with my tune. Currently I think 6, 6, 5 setting. I can push the timing further to 6 I think. (9 is max) Will tune it on hotter day to be on safe side.

So I got REVO because:
1) Close from home
2) Excellent price
3) Nice dealer
4) Good poweroutput shown from Timbo's dyno chart.
5) And the switch.

The dealer is nice enough to turn the tune off prior to service, and turn it back on after service for me.

[Timbo]

First, the chip warz -- all the data I've seen put the four major suppliers in about the same ballpark in terms of output -- and let's face it, that output number is higher than you have traction for

Secondly, APR and REVO are switchable -- not sure about GIAC -- REVO requires an additional 'dongle' which costs more, but is very easy to use. Oettinger is not switchable.

Thirdly, depending on where you are, choice of dealer may be a deciding factor. APR appears generally stronger and Guy does a lot of development work, which is a great thing. Equally, there's no question Seb (in Sydney) and Lucas (in Melb) are great on GIAC. REVO is the weakest.

Finally, pricing does vary considerably and all dealers should be free to set their own pricing. Also, IMHO if you are considering a chip for the Pog, you should also factor in at least some improvements to the car's brakes -- harder pads and better fluid is a good start....and you might want to tweak the handling also ....a RSB is a good start.