Tuning / performance update

[clip]

Just an update on what's been happening with my Tig - for those that are interested.

Had the Tig at Harding's Performance for the new APR tuning maps and torque arm insert.

All I can say is the APR software is bloody great. I have 4 main modes now,
(most of which I will probably not use very often, but still nice to have):
1. standard OEM map (125kW, 280Nm)
2. 98ron map (189kW, 410Nm) - now my "standard map"
3. valet mode - restricts the engine to about 4300rpm max (great for when my lead-foot sister-in-law drives it ).
4. security mode - car will start, but no accelerator/throttle control, car will only idle).

Thing that blows me away with all this is that it all works seamlessly with the car's systems and is fully integrated with existing controls. It could easily be a factory option.

As I've said before, the improved performance is just sensational - especially the torque. It's simply awesome and shows on the road in very practical day to day driving.

The torque arm insert has also made a big difference IMO - (crisper gear changes and much improved clutch take-up even on standard power setting).

I love it when things just "work".

[Tigga1]

thanks for your update.
As you know, I am also seriously considering the APR tune, and will be contacting Guy H on my trip down south.
I also considered the torque arm insert, as I found it great on my MKV DSG Golf, just not sure if it will make much of a difference on the auto Tig, any thoughts?
The other one that I am considering, is the Haldex gearbox upgrade, which provides a more "sporty" spread of torque front/rear...
thank you also for following up on the wheel offset for 18" & 19"s ;-]
cheers
Tigga

[bxpressiv]

Forgive me for not knowing much at all but from my limited research on APR chips I was just wondering:

For example with program 2 to get those benefits the tradeoff is fuel efficiency for example? If anyone could tell me what it's all about in laymans terms and how much it costs I would be much appreciated...

[Arctra]

Those figures are impressive gains man! I see that you have a 125kW Manual though. I have struggle seeing whether there's anything like that for the TDI's though. Do you know if there is?

I guess my main concern with getting this sort of remapping done is the extra strain it puts on the drive train. Especially with an auto box like I have. As I understand it they de-tune the TDI's somewhat for the auto box as compared with their manual bretheren. Any comments on this?

[clip]

Sorry I can't comment on the TDI's Arctra, other than I know there are remaps for them.
Best thing to do would be speak with Hardings I guess.

bxpressiv - yes there is trade off with fuel economy. If this is a concern for you, the huge benefit of this system, as I see it, is the ability to switch between modes. So in real world terms, you could switch it to mode 1 standard setting which would give you maximum potential for fuel economy when commuting sensibly around town. But then going for a run down the highway, you could set it to mode 2- which I've found actually slightly increases my economy on the open stretches, but also adds the advantage of vastly improved overtaking and hill climbing performance.

Of course if you want a spirited run up through the ranges or quick runs around town etc, leaving it in mode 2 will chew up more fuel but also leave you grinning like an idiot at the end of it!

So as I see it, you have the best of all worlds. But be warned, once you've run it on the performance map, it is very hard to change it back to standard! And, at the end of the day, I'm more than happy to live with the combined average of 9.8 that I'm getting out of the Tig now given it's performance. But this question comes up a lot, so when I get a few minutes I'll do up some comparisons, should be interesting.

As for costs, mine was negotiated in the purchase price of the car, so I can't give you an exact amount of what it cost me sorry. But I think Harding's have prices up on their web site now.

[bxpressiv]

Sounds pretty good to me. Definitely worth investigating further me thinks...

[Pullstarter]

I'm definitely going the APR route also, can't wait for that extra power, just gotta save up for it now Pretty sure its $1995 for two programs (i.e. stock and 189kw)

Arctra; there is an APR remap for your TDI, peak power is 125kw not sure on the torque increase though, should be on their website I imagine. Don't be at all worried about the auto box, pretty sure it's the same box that's in the 147 so it can take a lot more than the TDI will put out.

[yshsieh]

Sensational analysis for me

[sama13]

Sharkie, keep us posted on that DP, please PM as soon as you have more info I need to get my hands on one of those. I did my front intercooler already and it's awesome.

[golfyvic]

Just an update on what's been happening with my Tig - for those that are interested.

Had the Tig at Harding's Performance for the new APR tuning maps and torque arm insert.

All I can say is the APR software is bloody great. I have 4 main modes now,
(most of which I will probably not use very often, but still nice to have):
1. standard OEM map (125kW, 280Nm)
2. 98ron map (189kW, 410Nm) - now my "standard map"
3. valet mode - restricts the engine to about 4300rpm max (great for when my lead-foot sister-in-law drives it ).
4. security mode - car will start, but no accelerator/throttle control, car will only idle).

Thing that blows me away with all this is that it all works seamlessly with the car's systems and is fully integrated with existing controls. It could easily be a factory option.

As I've said before, the improved performance is just sensational - especially the torque. It's simply awesome and shows on the road in very practical day to day driving.

The torque arm insert has also made a big difference IMO - (crisper gear changes and much improved clutch take-up even on standard power setting).

I love it when things just "work".

Hi,

Went to see Volkspower in Burwood (Vic), who sell the APR ECU flashes. Dean there gave me the 6 hr trial.... makes a monumental difference!!! Will definately be getting it, (the standard 2 program option). If I purchase before June 30, I get a 10% discount.

Anyone thinking of getting the ECU flash for their GT Sport, they can now get one through APR. The technology has only been out a week for the GT's and apparently I'll be the third GT in the country to have it, (that's what the guy told me anyway).

See Dean at Volkspower in Burwood, very professional and informative, and I highly recomend them...

BTW: He advised APR are currently developing an Exhaust for the GT's, but aren't out yet. He said be careful as there are a lot of places that will sell you an exhaust, but will have no significant power gain. He knows a bloke that spent $4K on an exhaust, for a 4kw power gain. He said once the APR exhaust comes out, they'll have special exhaust ECU upgrade that will complement the exhaust...