Stage 1 suggestions GTI

[joey79]

Look for Pacortech. Dave is the Sydney outlet for UGP

Thank you. Will send Dave an email.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Venomqld]

I'm in a similar situation as OP, I have a GTI 2011 also considering a stage 1 upgrade.

I have heard of/looking at APR, Tarmac, Harding Performance and Coolum Motors who do custom/spectune.

Any recommendations would be helpful for the Sunshine Coast area ?

Thanks.

[seangti]

I'm in a similar situation as OP, I have a GTI 2011 also considering a stage 1 upgrade.

I have heard of/looking at APR, Tarmac, Harding Performance and Coolum Motors who do custom/spectune.

Any recommendations would be helpful for the Sunshine Coast area ?

Thanks.

I don't know Coolum Motors, but if they're dealing SpecTune you should be right with any of those tunes (questions may be about their knowledge with the golf platform). All those tunes are well represented with proven results.

I'm not an APR fan and Harding Performance tunes may be similar in that they will only support their tunes on their hardware. I.e. run a different intercooler or intake and you've lost the support of your tuner. Just worth asking the question. Of those tuners mentioned, I'd go Tarmac (and probably will in due course on my Jetta), but wouldn't hesitate much for any of them from a reputation perspective.

[vorace]

Hi
I have Superchips Bluefin on my Mk6 GTI. Bought it from the UK- DemonTweeks many years ago. I was much cheaper than APR, Giac etc. Also in Stage one tune it is a conservative tune with very smooth power and nice top end. Probably more gentle on the clutch than the others. Fuel economy is better than stock, and the 3K rpm flat spot is gone.
They are on sale currently from AUS distributor for $625 which is great value.

[maltbbe]

I'll second the recommendation of Superchips! I bought a Bluefin unit with a Stage 1 tune from a UK retailer for $450 about a year ago - it's definitely a milder tune, but it still transformed my Mk5. What really sold me was how cheap it was to move up stages; when I put a K04 with bigger injectors in my car, their Australian distributor only charged me $200 to jump from Stage 1 to Stage 3, which is epic value compared to APR or Revo. Their after-sales support has always been super helpful, both from their Australian distributor (Jonathan) and their staff back in the UK. It's probably a less sophisticated K04 tune than the more expensive companies, but I'd rather have saved the $1k than have a perfect boost curve!

If you've got a manual, it's definitely worth thinking about clutch wear when you're doing one of these tunes. Mine was fine at Stage 1, but it was wrecked by the K04 upgrade, and upgraded clutches a) are pretty expensive (budget at least $2k) and b) have a really different feel to the stock unit. It's also worth changing plugs and coils as a precaution, even at Stage 1.

[joey79]

Hi guys,

When you say a more conservative tune, what was the power increase ie KW?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[spellbound]

Hi guys,

When you say a more conservative tune, what was the power increase ie KW?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Did APR stage 1 on a manual mk6 cost $1200 , on sale , power 188kw torks 400nm , from 2000km , no issues till 35000km did a coil .
Economy was actually better , no torque steer issues , lazy driving , skipping gears , great for country cruising .
Did my mk5 with Power chip , now out of business i think not such a big increase no issues .
My current car have not bothered its got plenty of go .
Remember no telling the world , insurance co's in particular .
What ever you pick you will love it .

[joey79]

Bluefin is looking more and more attractive.

Mine is dsg by the way.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vorace]

Golf GTI by Superchips | Auto Express

Bluefin Stage 1 has a very smooth OEM like power delivery, but with a definite jump in grunt. Makes the GTI a better faster and more enjoyable car. Fantastic upgrade! Not much money at all, and with the savings over APR,etc...as mentioned by maltbbe you can get upgrade coilpacks,plugs ....and a GFB DV+!

[The_Hawk]

BWA Auto did my APR tune (and servicing) when I used to live in Sydney and come highly recommended, even though it was a big of a drive for me. (they also happen to be a sponsor of this place ). I was always happy with their service and trusted their advice.

ECU Upgrades | BWA Auto | Volkswagen


My personal opinion is that you are best to use whatever your local VW Specialist uses and recommends since they will be looking after the servicing after the tune is done. It's much better if they know what they are looking at when they are looking after your car longer term. The differences between most tunes is relatively small anyway.

Again personally, I like APR for all the R&D they invest in their products which is one of the reasons I chose them back when I had my car done but I get it's probably one of the more expensive options out there.