Which ECU flash?

**Timbo** · 14-11-2006, 04:47 PM

I'm going to ask a contentious question

, but I mean no harm to any supplier by it (so please don't go all tribal on me n: ), but what are the pros and cons (if any) of the various ECU flashes (APR, GIAC, Oettinger)?

For example, I have heard that Oettinger is, or may be, sanctioned and warranty accepted by VW. This would be one advantage to me for that particular flash...but it could just be pub talk.

brackie · 14-11-2006, 05:32 PM

Mate...You're opeing a can of worms. Chip wars have resulted in much bad feeling on other forums and I wouldn't like to see that happening here.

I have no problem with the publishing of factual information from chip manufacturers as long as the playing field is level. In other words the cars in which chips/flashes are installed must be stock standard in all respects so that no other variables are introduced. This could even be extended to using the same dyno (because the do vary, you know

).

"My Dad's Bigger than you Dad..." arguments have no place here. I'd suggest that you go to the manufacturers' web sites and research there.

**Bug_racer** · 14-11-2006, 05:40 PM

Im happy to hold drag days and dyno days . I invite all my competition and they are free to enter . Most choose not to . Possibly something to hide ? I dont know .

I dont do track days to measure power of a car cause a good driver in a slow car is usually quicker than a bad driver in a quick car .

I'll leave it at that

pologti_oldfart · 14-11-2006, 09:11 PM

The reason I chose APR was convenience as there is a dealer local. I think no matter who you used you would be happy with the result.

(My ten cents well 18cents after inflation!)

**Timbo** · 14-11-2006, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by brackie

Mate...You're opeing a can of worms.

Fair enough, but I specifically did not ask the "My Dad's bigger than your Dad" question; as a veteran of RX-8 forums, I am well aware of the arguments around power specs and I can read the spec sheets and dyno charts of the suppliers and know how much weight to give to this material.

My question was about the pros and cons

. Things such as local development for fuels sold here now and in the future, support network, warranty (as I mentioned in my original post) and so-on...not relative power claims.

These other factors are important to intending purchasers, and these forums ought to be a source of information (and rational discussion) covering this sort of stuff to assist people make choices. Where else can you engage a group apart from the OEM or supplier that collectively has experience and knowledge across the range of products available, to allow a considered choice to be made?

However, if this is too contentious, and it's not possible to have a mature discussion, I will concede and request the moderators delete the thread.

**Timbo** · 14-11-2006, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by pologti_oldfart

The reason I chose APR was convenience as there is a dealer local. I think no matter who you used you would be happy with the result.

Thanks...that's helpful and exactly the sort of information I'm seeking. So, I guess that narrows my choice to APR if I'm seeking something supported in Canberra?

pologti_oldfart · 14-11-2006, 09:35 PM

I got mine done at Canberra VW Centre in Belconnen. I had heard good things about them so that is why I went there and they just happened to be an APR dealer. If they were a dealer for a different company I would happily have used them! (I think they may also be an Oettinger dealer but I am not sure.)