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. :D

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 ;) j:

[thepowercosmic]

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

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 :P.

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 :confused:

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 :D

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.

[Tim]

Are the guys with switchable tune actually switching it? Im not 100% certain that id use that. But then im a lazy bugger :D

[DaveMack]

I'm not going to pick one software over the other here. All I'll say is that there is a player in the market (not one of the major 4 - APR, Revo, Oettinger or Giac - who's product is rubbish - I initially had it on my Polo) PM me and I'll tell you which one to avoid at all costs.

Dave

[mitch_gti]

APR flash here :)

Guy was very helpfull and gave me lots of advice and also let me know who the closest person was who could do the APR flash.'

Since i got the flash i have had a permanent smile on my face and to be honest i am yet to turn the software off.

:DPower setting 24/7:D

[Timbo]

Are the guys with switchable tune actually switching it?

I do -- ocassionally ;) -- don't like to scare the strife when she has it for the day -- and I certainly don't want pimply-faced valet parkers or dealer apprentices feeling the powa :D

[DaveMack]

APR flash here :)

Guy was very helpfull and gave me lots of advice and also let me know who the closest person was who could do the APR flash.'

Since i got the flash i have had a permanent smile on my face and to be honest i am yet to turn the software off.

:DPower setting 24/7:D

I'm with you on this one, Mitch. Never turn mine off unless it's going in for service or the wife dings it and needs panelbeating. (:mad:)

Dave

[gtimk5]

I dont bother switching mine at all.
I couldnt stand going back to standard!!! :D
For those who have to return the vehicle for warrantee work, it is a good thing to have.
Andrew :)

[Funkdancer]

Kay, please get back on topic here - no better way to close a thread than getting personal.
Edit: Said subthread has been cleaned up. Bofh.

[dodgeGTI]

back to the point of the thread guys.... the kid was asking why a piece of software is so expensive?

Answer: The R&D that goes into it, and the performance that is gained with its application.

</thread>

[Tim]

ok
lets compare APR with GIAC

Do both companies do lots of research and development with local ECUs?

YES

Are both tunes switchable?

YES

Do both have similar power outputs?

YES

Do both have good product support?

YES



They both look like apples to me.

APR does spend a lot more on marketing in australia though.

Again I havent decided which way im going to go. Clearly both have very satisfied customers in australia. I just dont think the decision should be that simple.

[Funkdancer]

no probs Tim, the aim was to provoke you into a response and you delivered, all good :rolleyes: Now we know what you really think about this stuff.

..and I just got deleted left right and centre by admin lol [...]

The "GT3 vs Tim subthread" is what got deleted as it wasn't adding much to the topic. ;) Nothing wrong with some passion, it's good for the forums and makes things interesting - just watch it a bit when getting personal. :)

My own take is that it seems a bit like choosing between a Honda, VW and Mazda car in a certain price segment; quality is great on either, so it comes down to personal preference and other factors such as closeness to dealer/support.

I am very happy with my APR mod; had some issues with the switching between programs not occurring properly so now just mainly leave it in performance mode. No questions were asked when getting my aircon fixed under warranty.

If I were to mess up the drive train due to my own hard driving [provided it really was this] and it wouldn't have happened in stock then I think I'd cop it myself; it'd not be fair to claim it - just the same as I wouldn't try to claim my Q6600 quad core Intel CPU which I've clocked to 3.8ghz on water from 2.4 stock.

[FL00DY]

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).Since when does the polo GTI have a KO3 Sport? Or did I miss that memo?


Do both allocate significant resources to Polo GTI R&D?

NO

..and I just got deleted left right and centre by admin lol ..maybe we should post a poll "should GT3 be booted off the forum for being a smart ar*e". I'm sure admin wouldn't object :DAre you the accountant for any of the Chip guys? Do you know how much money the chip guys pour into R&D in the US or UK? You sound like maybe you do so I'd love to see the figures to the cent, it sounds like you have them. Please don't delete, I feel the above point needs to be made.

I'm sure the OP has an idea now as to why the chip guys charge what they charge. As has already been said, we choose to drive Volkswagens so clearly price wont always be a deciding factor, $30K for a car the same size as a Getz :confused: we all used our hearts to make this buying decision ;) j:

The two deciding factors for me (If I could ever be bothered chipping my car), is location to where I work/live and how easy to get along with the dealer. So for me, APR in Sydney is located in Mona Vale and I live in Narellan, South west Sydney. GIAC is located in Girraween I work at Parramatta, 10 minutes away. Decision made. Had I lived or worked 10 or so minutes from Derek you bet your I'd be buying APR. To me that's as simple as the decision needs to be.

[mitch_gti]

Floody,

I can understand and appreciate the point you are making.
You do have to consider customer service though....

European Autotech have their own customer greeting specialist !!!!!


It's about 25cm tall, has four legs, two ears and is very hairy.
Cant remember its name though :) But he/she almost fell over because it was wagging its tail soo hard it lost its balance !

Surely this would tip the scales when deciding which re-flash to get.:confused:

[dodgeGTI]

Since when does the polo GTI have a KO3 Sport? Or did I miss that memo?

Are you the accountant for any of the Chip guys? Do you know how much money the chip guys pour into R&D in the US or UK? You sound like maybe you do so I'd love to see the figures to the cent, it sounds like you have them. Please don't delete, I feel the above point needs to be made.



Pull up Fl00dy, this is the friendly forum remember. n:

[gtimk5]

And this thread needs to be locked now if you guys cant settle down and get back on the subject!

[SoVeReIgN]

Since when does the polo GTI have a KO3 Sport? Or did I miss that memo?

You missed the memo - It does have a Ko3sport.



Pull up Fl00dy, this is the friendly forum remember. n:

I think he's making a very fair point.

[DubSteve]

It's about 25cm tall, has four legs, two ears and is very hairy.
Cant remember its name though :) But he/she almost fell over because it was wagging its tail soo hard it lost its balance !

Surely this would tip the scales when deciding which re-flash to get.:confused:

LOL your kidding right:?

[mitch_gti]

Im deadly serious.

Derek has a super friendly little dog which runs out of the workshop and acts as a meet and greeter. :D Very cute

[gpk_gti]

PLEASE GUYS!


if you adults cant talk nicely,ill just start infracting and sending warnings to anyone that doesnt act in a MATURE and RESPECTABLE fashion.


If you feel you cannot behave,then there are many other forums that will accommodate your needs.


LAST WARNING GUYS!!!!!!n:

[gtimk5]

I thought the original question had been answered long ago??? :?
All settled??
Enjoy the weekend people, Andrew :)