VWR OEM+ Stage 1

[GabrielT]

Just wondering if any of you have got this tune? If so, worthy power gains? I am planning to run this tune on my stock mk7.5 gti with R600 CAI upgrade.

[Scratchyratface]

I've got the VW Racing stage 1 tune and the R600 in my TT which is essentially the same engine as your GTI. I saw an increase from 169KW to around 210-220KW just with those mods. The power increase is noticeable with a lot more grunt from 3rd/4th gear. I am considering the DSG tune as well.

[GabrielT]

Awesome. Sounds very tempting!

Does the tune in anyway change the engine sound? And the big warranty thing, dealers generally overlook this kind of tune when you bring it in for a routine service?

[Scratchyratface]

The tune alone won't change the engine sound but with the R600 you'll hear a tiny bit more noise from that, I added the high flow turbo inlet as well just for the hell of it. I get a bit more of a whoosh noise with acceleration. I opted not to have the turbo muffler delete option because I didn't fancy the WRX pshhhh noise (sounds like a bus).
The dealer won't overlook the tune unfortunately and it will no doubt get flagged, as has been discussed a lot before - they can't reject warranty claims on anything that is not connected to the tune. Suspension, interior or exterior issues (that sort of thing). If you blow up the turbo then they will probably claim its the change to the engine management that could be a cause.
Stage 1 is generally safe, I can't recall anyone having done any major damage from that. If the tuner is reputable then they will usually include some sort of warranty against any engine issues that are proven to be from the tune.
I went to Harding Performance in Brisbane for mine, worth a chat with Jon there if you are in Brisbane. Happy to demo stage 1 if you aren't too far away

[GabrielT]

Thanks man! Yeah Harding performance is where i got my r600 intake and springs. Am planning to go with them with the tune. Do you return the tune to stock every time you bring your car in for service? Mine’s still got 3 years warranty on the clock.

[Scratchyratface]

ah nice. I did notice some extra noise from the exhaust after the tune and additional bits.

My TT is out of warranty in a few months and I stopped taking it to Audi for the service as the service centre is a pain in the backside to get to in the mornings. I did recently take it in for the airbag replacement and asked them to give the car a check over before the warranty expires and they never said anything about the air intake and tune which leads me to believe that they didn't actually bother. Apparently Audi are claiming that a lot of dealers are creating extra workload for themselves by checking cars over and finding issues. I thought that was the point of a service centre - finding issues before they turn into bigger problems rather than just letting their clients cars break.

[lenny555]

Some dealers will work with you and ask you take the tune off before they do any warranty work as they did with my car at North Shore VW.