Remaps

[Foggy]

Hi guys

First post on here, ( unless you include my 'I can't logon' one ) but I'm guessing a few of you will know me from elsewhere.
Being out of the loop for a while I was wondering what the current opinions were on remap vendors. I have gone back through the archives of this forum and read the posts in there, but I was just wondering if other people bringing out serial port programmed versions of their code had changed anyone's view. I've still not done it [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] but I am seriously looking into now so I'd appreciate anything you have to offer

Cheers [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

Hello there Foggy. [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]
Firstly welcome to RS246.com.
There have been many discussions about chipping and tuning on many forums..... one of the main problems is that the information can be biased, obviously if someone owns a brand A chip they will champion this brand usually.

I would say that the basic options for re-programming of the ECU are REVO and APR, AMD are working on their re-programming for Audi`s.

REVO do a free trial so maybe that could be your first option. APR may also offer this option but be carful when using multiple trials from different chip makers.... i think this wont work and may damage your ECU.

Visit the tuners website and gather information about what they offer, obviously check pricing if this is a key requirement.

Most offer the same power outputs but the way the power is reached varies. some may have high bhp but less torque and vise-versa.

The main worry with all tuning methods is what is a safe level of tuning without causing majour reliability problems..... dont just buy the tuning application that offers the most bhp etc.

In my personal opinion 255-265bhp is about the right level for the Audi S3 without causing too many problems.

Do plenty of reasearch before making your purchase.

Any more questions please feel free to ask.

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Bushy]

Hi Foggy

I reckon after I ride in my car you decided you wanted more speed/power, well just buy an RS4 then [img]images/graemlins/jump.gif[/img]

I think the key to tuning is to use a reputable tuner who has a track record really

MTM, AmD are the longest standing

Serial port tuning is a relatively new concept been seems to have been accepted openly.

I guess the more outstanding tuners who have been around have had no real failure issues or we would have heard about them. I guess obviously the newer kids on the block have had no initial problems but lets see after 40k miles

My car was chipped by AmD at 12k, I have now doe 57k with no problems apart form gearbox failure and a split hose

Go and speak to the tuners themselves and make your own mind up I think is the safest bet

[Foggy]

Cheers for the replies.
Don't get me wrong, I'm aware of the people out there doing the work, I purposely left the question that open ended to get as much feedback as possible on what peoples feelings were on the newer remaps now that they had lived with them for a while. For example IIRC Simon and Dunc between them have tried AmD, APR and Revo so are well placed to comment on how they feel these perform. I have read their older ( very informative ) reviews on this and the upshot appeared to indicate that there was little to choose from between APR and Revo.
This is where my question comes from really. If there really isn't that much to seperate the two offerings, given that I already have cruise fitted from the factory would I be better of going with APR now that they no longer need to crack open the ECU. Not wanting to sound cheap but I think it would cost less with them.
Am I correct in my interpretation of the Revo site that it costs £499 + (£149 OR £199 OR £249) + VAT ?
therefore coming in at £760 / £820 / £880

I guess APR can really only go as far as offering what comes with SPS2 but TBH I'm not sure I want to be playing with functionality of SPS3 anyway [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
I haven't been able to get a firm figure yet but based on what the guys on the TT forum were talking about it seems that a SPS2 type setup (stock + 2 programmes + anti theft ) would cost me ( cos, as above, I have cruise ) ~£500+VAT = £587.

Like I said, I'm not trying to be cheap, especially when it involves over 20k's worth of car but if there really is nothing between them, I'm thinking the £250 is better in my pocket than some elses [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[sitas3]

Foggy, long time no see - where have you been???

My advice for what it is worth - you really need to try out as many remaps as you can - they all have their own strengths and weaknesses - For me, the Revo is currently OK but fiddly and needs looking at to ensure it is running well with your car. I also rated the AMD but I just wish the pull would last longer...

maybe meet up with us as we all live near each other and you can have a 'Trial'???

cya..

[img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[bjacks]

Personally I'd wait a little while for the rest of the party to catch up with the serial port tuning (or whatever they want to call it).
The reason I was amongst the first to try Revo was because they were offering adjustable, switchable, non-ecu opening software - also costing less than a conventional AmD remap.
I had an AmD tuned car previously and was very pleased with it but this technology was clearly the way forward and Revo were the only people to offer it at the time.
I have been very pleased with the car since Revo and know that it certainly performs as well as AmD's offering by Hopsta and I beating it out on the track [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
It will not be long until AmD, MTM, ABT, Oettinger are offering this service so if serial port tuning is what floats yer boat then wait a while. As this kind of tuning is so much quicker and convenient (and hence accesible) than conventional ECU out/fiddle/in etc, I'd expect the prices to come down also.
Don't forget Jabbasport too as they are getting rave reports on the tuning of 1.8T applications, as well as being well priced.

Good luck,

Ben

[Foggy]

Foggy, long time no see - where have you been???

I've been around [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] Just not on the forums, it's been difficult to do this at work recently [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

For me, the Revo is currently OK but fiddly and needs looking at to ensure it is running well with your car.

See, this is what would worry me. I just want it to be installed and that's the end of it. Thing is also, I remember when APR were the 'darlings' and everybody raved about them giving them nothing but the best reviews, particularly with the higher boost programs, that has kind of stuck with me a bit.

maybe meet up with us as we all live near each other and you can have a 'Trial'???

Now that sounds like a plan [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I need to see Dunc anyway. Will either of you be at Windsor this month ?

[DuncS3]

Foggy! Welcome back!

My two penneths worth - I would only go with a switchable serial port solution nowadays, which rules out MTM imo.

I would also wait (if you can) until AMD release their serial port solution later this year (supposedly) and see how that shapes up. The only problem with APR at the moment IMO is that they are only being sold by two dealers, one in Warrington and the other in Scotland.

Dunc

[Foggy]

So I guess I'll do the wait thing then.
Problem is I've had the car 18 months now so I've probably waited too long really to get the most benefit from a chip because I'm guessing I'll want a new car when this one is 2/3 years old. I only did this because I was concerned about invalidating the warranty, but now I'm thinking I don't know how long I'll keep it after the warranty has expired. Don't get me wrong I still LOVE the car and I'm sure a chip will do as everyone says and make it feel like I had a new one anyway, so perhaps it's a cheap way of getting a new car.

One thing that is swaying me away from the Revo at the moment is some of the opinions and things I have seen on here. Like I said above, everyone had nothing but good stuff to say about the APR code and would actively encourge people to go and get it but I've seen PaulS3 go from a Revo chipped S3 to AmD, Simon say it's a bit fussy, Dunc and Ben say hang fire and see what everyone else has in the pipeline.

Is this a fair comment or have I misinterpreted what people actually mean ?

[Mo_S3]

Hi Foggy, I think its a slight misinterperatation, Paul changed from Revo to AMD when he sold the car to see what the AMD was like as he already done the Revo thing and wanted a change. But IIRC he never said that he was unhappy with it in anyway.
Dunc and Ben are not trying to steer u away from Revo either just trying to let u know that others are available and maybe worth ur while if u were to see what everyone can offer before u decide.
Ive got the Revo map on my S3 and im very happy with it and havent had any problems with it.
Every tuner has had problems with a car at one time or another and if they deny then i think they will be lying. A recent turbo failure on an S3 was possibly down to the tuner and who it was i cant say but at the end of the day its how they deal with u and are willing to go that extra inch for ur custom.
You will find some people will swear by a certain tuner as if it was their own company and slag everyone else off at the same time, and at the end of the day its up to u if u can believe all the hype or read between the lines.

You also need to decide on the power delivery u want from a chip? Constant and smooth or a good wallop in the back with it tailing off quite quickly.

Cheers

[sitas3]

PaulS3 go from a Revo chipped S3 to AmD

really? is this correct? Is this the case Paul?

Again Foggy, you really need to try and drive cars that have the various remaps as they do all differ.

[Foggy]

PaulS3 go from a Revo chipped S3 to AmD

really? is this correct? Is this the case Paul?

Spent a while on here last night going through stuff before posting because I know this can be an emotive subject and I didn't want to start my first thread by p*ssing people off, I read the above
here

Again Foggy, you really need to try and drive cars that have the various remaps as they do all differ.

I think your right I do need to try the different maps, I just liked the sound of the progressive, 'power til the end of the rev range' you described with the APR and Revo remaps rather than the punch in the back and then die off

[Foggy]

You will find some people will swear by a certain tuner as if it was their own company and slag everyone else off at the same time, and at the end of the day its up to u if u can believe all the hype or read between the lines.

Yeah this can be a problem. As I said above I know this can be and emotive subject, people defend their remap decision as if they were defending their child [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
This is why I was after some real world experience from people who are able to make a comparison. I'm not carrying a torch for any particular vendor, I just want to make sure that I make the right choice when I'm spending my own hard earned.
As for the hype, I'm trying to be objective but at the end of the day unless you put upon the good nature of other people and say 'let me have a go in your car mate' or are in the business you can really only ask for peoples opinions and trust they are not feeding you sh*t but thanks so far guys, it's been really useful

[DuncS3]

Foggy I dont think PaulS3 has had his AMD remap yet (well he didnt have it 2 weeks ago), he is going to try the serial stuff when that is available.

Dont worry mate you will not upset people on here, we TRY to keep it civil on this board!

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Foggy]

That's as I hoped [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Think what I'll do is have a chat with you if you are at Windsor this month