Contemplating ECU Upgrade (MkV GTI MY09)

[docjames]

Hi all,

I'm contemplating an ECU (ie. basic) upgrade. Many tuners seem to offer this so am seeking feedback from those who've done basic upgrades.

I dont want this to be a flame war about which is better, please just post the pros and cons of the specific tune.

FWIW I've been mostly looking at the APR Stage 1 and a similar tune from evolve-technik, and have looked at Vieuzu as well (i know they're a forum sponsor.)

Price is obviously a factor, but i'd rather pay a little more for something that gives a better result - I'm not necesarily chasing the highest power output, but reliability and drivability mostly as this is my daily driver - I dont want to blow up my DSG/motor. I do a lot of freeway running so dont want something super drone-ing.

Cheers

[brimway]

I went with APR for my MK V Golf GTI DSG. I did around 30k before I sold it and I didn't have any issues. I'm not saying APR is better or worse than any other tune because I'm not an expert, but I was certainly happy with the gain.

APR also offer a free time restricted trial which I took. As soon as I got home, I rang them back and booked it in for the tune.

Another handy feature with APR is the option to return to stock and anti theft passcode protected via the cruise control switch.

[thezoneR32]

I had APR on my R32, paid top dollar, no diagnostics afterwards, you just get the same tune off the shelf as everyone else, the dealer couldnt even tell me what tunes I was running (eg in what order). With the Gti I went with Gavin of Optimum Code/Custom Code (also a sponsor here). Waaaaay cheaper, full diagnostics, tune is tailored to your car, on top of that Gav's a top bloke to deal with always willing to help out with stuff. Extra torque and power are huge! Couldnt be happier!

[NabzGTI]

I've got REVO. Absolutely love it and its tunability is a massive bonus. Great customer support and reasonable price too.

[T Go]

Both myself and my old man got our cars bluefinned at the same time. He has a MkV and I've got a Mk6.
They both have a noticeable power hike and apart from that, drive like normal.
I'm sure most/all tunes would be the case.
We went for Bluefin purely based on the pricing, but I think most of the other tunes might offer more power.

Whichever way you go, I doubt you will be disappointed....

[team_v]

I have APR on mine and would go with them again or Viezu as they are really gaining popularity and seem to answer everyones questions as best they can.

[Lucas_R]

All stage 1 tunes are very similar mate - they are still very smooth but boost power significantly by altering ignition timing, fuel mapping, and boost (amongst several other things).

In the <$1,000 sector

- I have had both Bluefin and DNA Tuning on my Golf R. No problems with either tune, but the DNA Tune is more powerfull. I know quite a few people on here have both the Bluefin and DNA Tune on their MK5 GTI.
- My friend has the Viezu tune on his Mk5 GTI and his car goes really well too - so Viezu is another option.
- Custom Code also have good feedback on the Mk5 GTI.

In the >$1,000 sector

- Revo
- GIAC
- APR
- Custom Tunes (Recode, BWA Auto, Evolve etc)

[Tim]

All stage 1 tunes are very similar mate - they are still very smooth but boost power significantly by altering ignition timing, fuel mapping, and boost (amongst several other things).

In the <$1,000 sector

- I have had both Bluefin and DNA Tuning on my Golf R. No problems with either tune, but the DNA Tune is more powerfull. I know quite a few people on here have both the Bluefin and DNA Tune on their MK5 GTI.
- My friend has the Viezu tune on his Mk5 GTI and his car goes really well too - so Viezu is another option.
- Custom Code also have good feedback on the Mk5 GTI.

In the >$1,000 sector

- Revo
- GIAC
- APR
- Custom Tunes (Recode, BWA Auto, Evolve etc)

GIAC on a mk5 GTI is $995 :P

[TomC]

I've got a DNA tune on mine. Cost $830 (almost a year ago now) at the time and came with a switchable handheld controller and two tunes. Can't fault it at all for that price :)

[MACCAA]

For Heaven's sake,can we stop these boring as Chip forums?
There's enough info available in the Search section to satisfy the most anal of requirements.
A week doesn't seem to go by without a new "what tune should I get" post-with the ensuing s#*t fight resulting.
Please please please......

[h100vw]

Before you go anywhere, make sure the car has no underlying issues. The standard DVs have a bad reputation. Not sure if the latest revision ever made it onto MK5s from the factory.

Gavin

[docjames]

Before you go anywhere, make sure the car has no underlying issues. The standard DVs have a bad reputation. Not sure if the latest revision ever made it onto MK5s from the factory.

Gavin

Car has just had 3yr service at VW and just out of warranty. No issues (only done 25000km). Famous last words!


For Heaven's sake,can we stop these boring as Chip forums?
There's enough info available in the Search section to satisfy the most anal of requirements.
A week doesn't seem to go by without a new "what tune should I get" post-with the ensuing s#*t fight resulting.
Please please please......

I have searched and all the other threads are flame wars. Also they span a wide range of tunes and my question is specific to a "stage 1" or equivalent. I have very specifically asked for feedback on EACH INDIVIDUALS TUNE and not a "compare this one and that one". I was unaware I wasnt allowed to ask questions that are relevant to me. Thanks.

[h100vw]

Car has just had 3yr service at VW and just out of warranty. No issues (only done 25000km). Famous last words!

Doesn't mean the DV hasn't gone. You'd not know without taking it off or logging the boost.

They don't throw up any codes most of the time.

Gavin

[Paul_OH]

Well done all, this is probably the most mature tune thread I've read - EVER!!!

[Buller_Scott]

Hi all,
I'm contemplating an ECU (ie. basic) upgrade.
Cheers

two factors came to my mind, when i read your post:

1. drivability - if you're not after an off-the-shelf tune, but would rather have the ability to request tweaks to your tune based on your preferences, there is the ability to do so, provided your tuner has good customer service, post $$$cha-ching$$$.
2. you're in melbourne.

for this reason, in your shoes, i'd be looking at (in alphabetical order) DNA Tuning, GIAC, or Viezu.

these three have their loyal customers, and an increasing customer base, for very good reasons, and are very accessible in melbourne.

[bwen]

Hi all,

I'm contemplating an ECU (ie. basic) upgrade. Many tuners seem to offer this so am seeking feedback from those who've done basic upgrades.

I dont want this to be a flame war about which is better, please just post the pros and cons of the specific tune.

FWIW I've been mostly looking at the APR Stage 1 and a similar tune from evolve-technik, and have looked at Vieuzu as well (i know they're a forum sponsor.)

Price is obviously a factor, but i'd rather pay a little more for something that gives a better result - I'm not necesarily chasing the highest power output, but reliability and drivability mostly as this is my daily driver - I dont want to blow up my DSG/motor. I do a lot of freeway running so dont want something super drone-ing.

Cheers

Get which ever tune suits you. This means which ever tuner/tuning company that gives you good feedback, support and is easily accessable for you. As a flash (off the shelf) tune they are all relatively the same. If you think about getting further hardware components and upgrades do some research first to see which ones give you better gains with the gear you are looking at and if tunes work with future hardware you're thinking of buying.

[Jmac]

Doesn't mean the DV hasn't gone. You'd not know without taking it off or logging the boost.

They don't throw up any codes most of the time.

Gavin

Given that these are electronically operated as opposed to the older vac type, they do tend to throw a code even if its a minor glitch in its early stage of failure, im picking them up during service even when there hasnt been any complaints, and i can then tell the customer failure is in the post, r and r with a superseded version
Cheers
Jmac

[h100vw]

Given that these are electronically operated as opposed to the older vac type, they do tend to throw a code even if its a minor glitch in its early stage of failure, im picking them up during service even when there hasnt been any complaints, and i can then tell the customer failure is in the post, r and r with a superseded version
Cheers
Jmac

The one I was thinking of was working electrically I guess but the diaphragm had split big time. No code in the ECU.

Either way, they are a failure that needs looking for.

Gavin

[docjames]

Get which ever tune suits you. This means which ever tuner/tuning company that gives you good feedback, support and is easily accessable for you. As a flash (off the shelf) tune they are all relatively the same. If you think about getting further hardware components and upgrades do some research first to see which ones give you better gains with the gear you are looking at and if tunes work with future hardware you're thinking of buying.

Not really contemplating beyond stage 1 (never say never of course....). I guess was looking at feedback as you describe - who's been good with post-sale support etc in the event of issues. Some have answered this already.


two factors came to my mind, when i read your post:

1. drivability - if you're not after an off-the-shelf tune, but would rather have the ability to request tweaks to your tune based on your preferences, there is the ability to do so, provided your tuner has good customer service, post $$$cha-ching$$$.
2. you're in melbourne.

for this reason, in your shoes, i'd be looking at (in alphabetical order) DNA Tuning, GIAC, or Viezu.

these three have their loyal customers, and an increasing customer base, for very good reasons, and are very accessible in melbourne.

Thanks for the advice.


The one I was thinking of was working electrically I guess but the diaphragm had split big time. No code in the ECU.

Either way, they are a failure that needs looking for.

Gavin

How would this be diagnosed if the dealer doesnt see it at service (ie. no log)?


edit: THanks for everyone's input so far, and for keeping it on topic. It really is the support of the individual tuners/workshops I guess (as well as the "problem rate") as the gains between Stage 1 tunes is fairly equal.

[h100vw]

Not really contemplating beyond stage 1 (never say never of course....). I guess was looking at feedback as you describe - who's been good with post-sale support etc in the event of issues. Some have answered this already.



Thanks for the advice.



How would this be diagnosed if the dealer doesnt see it at service (ie. no log)?


edit: THanks for everyone's input so far, and for keeping it on topic. It really is the support of the individual tuners/workshops I guess (as well as the "problem rate") as the gains between Stage 1 tunes is fairly equal.

You would need to complain about a lack of power, before the dealer would look further than an ECU scan. A vigilant specialist would maybe check the DV part number during a service and say something if it was the early valve.

The car I am referring to belongs to TheZoneR32, It seemed to drive pretty well and he was happy after the Phase 2 was flashed into it. During the logging runs afterwards it was clear that the requested boost and actual boost had a big split between them, especially at higher revs.

This indicates a boost leak most of the time. In this case the likely culprit being the DV, also noteworthy, the car was a 2005 model and the previous owner not a petrol head who would maybe have noticed the drop in performance. Of course running more boost would make the volume of the leak bigger too.

The way to check it is with VCDS and drive the car. To my knowledge VW wouldn't be able to do this? I'll wait for a dealer man to correct me if I am wrong, Jimmy?

Hope that half makes sense

Gavin

[Tim]

A lot of dealers use VCDS these days so they can do everything that we can. The difference is that they are not concerned with performance so if it drives ok and isnt throwing codes then its perfectly fine.

I just replaced an old diaphragm DV on a mk5 GTI yesterday with the revised revision D piston style. They just dont hold up well on a tuned car and really should be replaced whether faulty or not. If they havent failed yet they soon will.

[Jmac]

A lot of dealers use VCDS these days so they can do everything that we can. The difference is that they are not concerned with performance so if it drives ok and isnt throwing codes then its perfectly fine.

I just replaced an old diaphragm DV on a mk5 GTI yesterday with the revised revision D piston style. They just dont hold up well on a tuned car and really should be replaced whether faulty or not. If they havent failed yet they soon will.

Agree on the Performance comment, bearing in mind ive been away from dealerland for a long time but run my own gig and take all that the customer has to say in mind, this is probably where it falls down, the customer talks to me, anyway if the customer had been complaining of power loss then the tech should be notified and asked to check such things, if all good and its not flagged, a normal data dump might not show anything, i totally agree that a tuned one wont last, the thing might be very happy in "normal detuned land" but up the anti and itll find the weak spots and this being one for sure. As for the Dealer being able to check the actual and requested absolutely they can, with the laptop driven VAs5054 of course they can, not sure if im missing something but with VCDS that i use 90% of the time has the same Measured blocks that the factory tool will have only the VCDS might show more info on the block for ease for the end user, if i have a blonde moment and my VCDS or my VAS wont work due to a faulty batt or something i can check the same channels with my Launch diagun because i know the block to read , so nothing that VCDS does is any better than the VAS only its quicker and user friendly, to be honest these days diagnostics are getting quite tricky and i find myself using both hand in hand in some situations, in fact its getting very regular.VCDS over VAS probably wins more with the likes of HEx coding, it generates the code for u as the VAS has to be entered line for line. A lot of very new VW and especially Audi are running their own protocol and im waiting for a patch to run my VAS on them, VCDS goin the same way, but UWE at VCDS is all over it so will be good in no time. Anyway dont want to sway to much off topic here. To conclude the VCDS does what the VAS does but is quicker and user friendly, the VAS needs VW knowhow
Cheers
Jmac

[docjames]

Thanks everyone for all your input and for keeping (mostly) on-topic and not starting a flam war!

As I'm currently in the process of buying a house, tune will have to wait a little longer for the moment until that is sorted out, but still plan to go ahead later this year.

Appreciate some PMs that have come also.

[thezoneR32]

Have a look at this.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f20/ccode-stage-2-mkv-gti-dyno-71314.html

[bwen]

Have a look at this.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f20/ccode-stage-2-mkv-gti-dyno-71314.html

Power looks nice and linear, what's up with the AFR and torque? Is that really 540nm from a k03?