APR ECU queries

[clicht]

Hi,
I currently have an APR ECU remap...(works very well), but I have a few questions that I would really appreciate someone helping me with:

1. What exactly did this remap do (I know it pushed the boost up, but whats else)...
2. If I get a downpipe / intercooler etc..., would I need a new ecu remap (presume yes)...
3. What would this new remap from Q2 above do.
4. What would the impact of not having a remap do.
5. What is the differance between the stage 1, 2 and 3 APR ECU remaps...

Perhaps someone has some documentation on the APR remaps...

Thanks

[masev]

I would suggest you contact your local APR dealer as they are best placed to provide you with the correct information.

[AdamD]

1. Generally, stage 1 ECU tunes will up the boost and may change the mixture, but the most significant change is to the ignition timing AFAIK.

2. If you get a downpipe, then the increased flow may confuse the O2 sensor, which could cause the car to go into limp mode. Not 100% sure on the behaviour with the APR tune, but people usually go to a stage 2 tune when they get a larger downpipe (which is a big component of the stage 2). You shouldn't need a new tune if you upgrade your intercooler in isolation.

3. A stage 2 remap will give you a little more power, but also makes allowances for the increased flow courtesy of the downpipe, and allows the ECU to deal with the readings it'll be getting from the O2 sensor accordingly.

4. You may get the car going into limp mode, and/or fault codes/warning lights may be thrown.

5. See this link (for the Mk6 Golf). The various mods are listed under the banners of stages 1, 2 and 3. In a nutshell, stage 1 is tune only, stage 2 adds cold air intake (CAI), downpipe, intercooler and cat-back exhaust (some components may be optional), and stage 3 adds a bigger turbo. There are other parallel mods that can be added too, like a high pressure fuel pump, that may contribute to a "stage". The ECU tunes at each level reflect the hardware that's been fitted, and allow the car to both deal with them, and take advantage of them for increased performance and economy.

[Finance_Analyst]

From my understanding, APR runs boost at 16-17psi, compared to something like 8-10psi stocko.

Hence the huuugggeee turbo rush felt down low, but the little K03 runs out of puff at the top end.

[Ideo]

Also bear in mind that stages are marketing terms (I don't mean that in a bad way) and apply in different ways to different companies.

E.g. Some companies will run three levels of tune, with different results for each depending on the amount of mods you have done. Others lump tunes and parts together as the one component.

[Ryan_R]

If you've purchased Stage 1 from APR and then get further hardware upgrades via APR, the subsequent APR ECU software upgrade is free (that's what I was told when I got Stage 1 anyway)

[clicht]

thank guys.
part of my concern is that i do not always want to put apr branded products in my polo, and only when you put in apr branded products, do you get the free software upgrade...so i will must prob put in some mod's, then do a apr branded mod and get the free upgrade...bit frustrating, but this is obviously part of the apr marketing

[Ideo]

thank guys.
part of my concern is that i do not always want to put apr branded products in my polo, and only when you put in apr branded products, do you get the free software upgrade...so i will must prob put in some mod's, then do a apr branded mod and get the free upgrade...bit frustrating, but this is obviously part of the apr marketing

Then don't go APR.

I refuse to do business with a company that dictates that I can only use their brand, only purchased in this country, to get upgrades for free.

Besides, other companies off better products in some instances (not all, I hasten to add) and I would prefer to have that freedom of choice.

[DkN]

For the price you would have had to pay, you would be much better off finding a local custom tuner for a real custom tune. Otherwise, there are plenty of other cheaper and at least equal options like Viezu, Bluefin, Custom Code. Do plenty of research before you upgrade. Almost all of the questions you asked can also be found if you just spend the time to search. It is well worth the effort, trust me.

[Ideo]

For the price you would have had to pay, you would be much better off finding a local custom tuner for a real custom tune. Otherwise, there are plenty of other cheaper and at least equal options like Viezu, Bluefin, Custom Code. Do plenty of research before you upgrade. Almost all of the questions you asked can also be found if you just spend the time to search. It is well worth the effort, trust me.

Yep.

BPS and Recode both do great custom work.

Revo and GIAC do the exact same thing as APR for a fraction of the cost.

I went Viezu due to location more than anything, and Bluefin etc are similar in that regards in that it is more of a regional solution. Plus the free map upgrades are always a bloody good thing in my book.