DINAN Sport Performance Tuner Review Compilation + A Question

[NewDirection]

Hello everyone,

As promised on a recent thread, I will now provide a review of the Dinan ECU piggyback module recently selling under $200 at ECS and ModBargains. It claims maximum gains of 20HP/30TQ. I'm hoping everyone who bought one can add their reviews to this thread.

Overview
The basic idea is that this module fools your ECU into producing higher boost. It comes with five different settings, which you can switch between over Bluetooth using an app. The settings are: Valet (-2 psi), Stock, Sport (+2 psi), Sport Plus (+3 psi), and Race (+4 psi).

Installation
The module is a little plastic box that connects to the MAP sensor wire on the drivers side of the car (in LHD cars) towards the front. Installation took less than 10 minutes, with most of the time spent looking for the correct wire and deciding how to secure the module to the car.

The Good
The module definitely produces a boost in power, particularly in the Race setting. It is not huge amount but it is noticeable, especially at higher RPMs. I was looking for a small but significant increase, and I am quite satisfied.

The Bad
Some hesitation between 2500 and 3500 RPM. Not a lot but enough to be annoying. The hesitation seems to increase in severity depending on the setting chosen on the module. It is not a deal breaker but is irritating, especially on Race mode. If anyone has any advice on how to deal with this please share.

Conclusion
Satisfied. Works as advertised but would not pay a penny more.

[XCELR8]

I bought the same unit for my 2010 A5 S-line.

Install was super easy. I'd say 5 min max, most of it is connecting the zip ties together that attach it to your intake tube. It does not come with any instructions so you'll want to download the .pdf that includes a walkthrough for the app as well. The app allows you to toggle between the different modes. It also includes a digital boost gauge that operates via bluetooth. The gauge is okay at best really as readings lag behind at times. The bluetooth connection is sketchy while driving and connects/disconnects randomly. I only use the app to select the different modes then put my phone away.

I had an APR tune on my 2006 A4 with first gen 2.0t. It was a lot more aggressive and seemed to confuse the transmission at takeoff or during a hard downshift when passing. I also had fuel delivery issues with it. This Dinan tune is softer and doesn't seem to stress the car nearly as much. I noticed the low RPM/speed turbo lag almost gone, she's a lot more responsive on downshifting and pulls longer when passing traffic. I've only had it in sport+ mode as the roads here have been pretty nasty. I'll try race when things melt. There was mid-grade in the tank when I installed it and the car performed okay. Once I filled up with 93 it really woke up.

Overall, this is the tune I was looking for. I'll be interested to see how much more an intake will change things in the spring.l Easy install, worry free fun that's really changed the car. I was fortunate enough to get mine for $170 shipped but there are other vendors out there for around $200 still. Best bang for the buck module out there!

[tominabox1]

I'll add my review here as well since there isn't really a good single repository for this chip:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post12866553

TL,DR: works good but doesn't appear work with Android 8.0.

(and while it may not mean much, I did clock my best 0-60 time after installing this, about 1 second faster than any previous clock, though still have not hit the claimed 0-60 time, even with the module)

[bat6wc]

Thanks for the review. I get mine tomorrow but won't be installing it until it warms up a little. The box says it's for up to a 2014 but I don't know why it wouldn't work on my 2016.

[NewDirection]

Thanks for the review. I get mine tomorrow but won't be installing it until it warms up a little. The box says it's for up to a 2014 but I don't know why it wouldn't work on my 2016.

Looking forward to hearing your impressions!

- - - Updated - - -

I bought the same unit for my 2010 A5 S-line.

Install was super easy. I'd say 5 min max, most of it is connecting the zip ties together that attach it to your intake tube. It does not come with any instructions so you'll want to download the .pdf that includes a walkthrough for the app as well. The app allows you to toggle between the different modes. It also includes a digital boost gauge that operates via bluetooth. The gauge is okay at best really as readings lag behind at times. The bluetooth connection is sketchy while driving and connects/disconnects randomly. I only use the app to select the different modes then put my phone away.

I had an APR tune on my 2006 A4 with first gen 2.0t. It was a lot more aggressive and seemed to confuse the transmission at takeoff or during a hard downshift when passing. I also had fuel delivery issues with it. This Dinan tune is softer and doesn't seem to stress the car nearly as much. I noticed the low RPM/speed turbo lag almost gone, she's a lot more responsive on downshifting and pulls longer when passing traffic. I've only had it in sport+ mode as the roads here have been pretty nasty. I'll try race when things melt. There was mid-grade in the tank when I installed it and the car performed okay. Once I filled up with 93 it really woke up.

Overall, this is the tune I was looking for. I'll be interested to see how much more an intake will change things in the spring.l Easy install, worry free fun that's really changed the car. I was fortunate enough to get mine for $170 shipped but there are other vendors out there for around $200 still. Best bang for the buck module out there!

I agree, excellent bang for the buck!

[NewDirection]

Bump for additional reviews if anyone would like to share. I'm curious what others' impressions were.

[chip_]

Install was super easy. I'd say 5 min max, most of it is connecting the zip ties together that attach it to your intake tube. It does not come with any instructions so you'll want to download the .pdf that includes a walkthrough for the app as well. The app allows you to toggle between the different modes. It also includes a digital boost gauge that operates via bluetooth. The gauge is okay at best really as readings lag behind at times. The bluetooth connection is sketchy while driving and connects/disconnects randomly. I only use the app to select the different modes then put my phone away.

she's a lot more responsive on downshifting and pulls longer when passing traffic. I've only had it in sport+ mode as the roads here have been pretty nasty. I'll try race when things melt. There was mid-grade in the tank when I installed it and the car performed okay. Once I filled up with 93 it really woke up.

Overall, this is the tune I was looking for. I'll be interested to see how much more an intake will change things in the spring.l Easy install, worry free fun that's really changed the car. I was fortunate enough to get mine for $170 shipped but there are other vendors out there for around $200 still. Best bang for the buck module out there!

Ok so 2013 Audi allroad here and have to agree with all of the above. Like other mention should be like this in stock form. I have been in mostly sport+ mode.

Also on a side note I also have tried the Neuspeed Power module 64.10.13 but was getting underboost error so I removed it until I have more time to figure that out. Due to the sale on the Dinan I thought I would give it a whirl.

As of right now it is not throwing an error with the Dinan and still gives it a nice boost! So for the sale price I think it is worth it.

[keiffr]

I finally installed over the weekend and yes I also agree with all the above. I've also been mostly in sport+ mode during daily driving. I've set it on race+ mode and to be honest didn't really feel a difference from sport+, maybe I'll have to open it up a little more on the freeway. Like everyone else, this is the best bang for the buck!

[NewDirection]

So is no one else getting any undesirable behaviour from their car such as hesitation, unexpected power surges, etc?

I'm starting to wonder whether my unit is faulty...

[keiffr]

So is no one else getting any undesirable behaviour from their car such as hesitation, unexpected power surges, etc?

I'm starting to wonder whether my unit is faulty...

I haven't experienced any hesitation, power surges etc. yet.....I'll keep you posted.

Also, for those who live in California - if you order from ModBargains - the unit ships directly from Dinan HQ in Morgan Hill, CA. I received mine in 1-Day!

[BeerBrent]

Thanks for the reviews. Definitely might need to check this out and get one soon.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-dinan-pa...d440-0046~din/

I'm surprised that this is $100+ more on Amazon.

[NewDirection]

Hmm, I'm going to contact for an exchange.

[bhvrdr]

Thanks for the reviews. Definitely might need to check this out and get one soon.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-dinan-pa...d440-0046~din/

I'm surprised that this is $100+ more on Amazon.

It's 30 less at modbargains

[BeerBrent]

It's 30 less at modbargains

Thanks!

http://www.modbargains.com/dinan-aud...nantronics.htm

[newnoise1024]

Anyone in Canada order from these guys? Looks painful to get this part shipped to Toronto.

[keiffr]

Hmm, I'm going to contact for an exchange.

Any new updates on your module?

[NewDirection]

Anyone in Canada order from these guys? Looks painful to get this part shipped to Toronto.

I live in TO but get my stuff shipped to CBI USA, just across the Niagara Falls border.

- - - Updated - - -

Any new updates on your module?

Have sent mine to ECS for exchange. Will update ince I receive the new one.

[bhvrdr]

So is no one else getting any undesirable behaviour from their car such as hesitation, unexpected power surges, etc?

I'm starting to wonder whether my unit is faulty...

I did some testing on mine yesterday.


First, Yes there is not as smooth of power deliver as stock at all. Its not crazy jerkiness but there is definitely uneven power deliver. This was also evidenced in the boost logs.

Interestingly the dinan unit ONLY plugs into the boost sensor. The Neuspeed unit plugs into MAP and boost sensor. I havent looked at exactly what goes on when you are fooling on the the boost sensor but the MAP sensor is reading the unfooled boost. I'll look into it more.

Overall id say it was a relatively minimal power gain though. Boost increases in "Race" mode were somewhat similar to even "sport" mode fluctuating between stock levels and perhaps about +2 psi but the boot profile was much more choppy.

I'd like to try the NS module to compare it but overall i'm relatively unimpressed with this Dinan module.

Mike

[tominabox1]

I did some testing on mine yesterday.


First, Yes there is not as smooth of power deliver as stock at all. Its not crazy jerkiness but there is definitely uneven power deliver. This was also evidenced in the boost logs.

Interestingly the dinan unit ONLY plugs into the boost sensor. The Neuspeed unit plugs into MAP and boost sensor. I havent looked at exactly what goes on when you are fooling on the the boost sensor but the MAP sensor is reading the unfooled boost. I'll look into it more.

Overall id say it was a relatively minimal power gain though. Boost increases in "Race" mode were somewhat similar to even "sport" mode fluctuating between stock levels and perhaps about +2 psi but the boot profile was much more choppy.

I'd like to try the NS module to compare it but overall i'm relatively unimpressed with this Dinan module.

Mike

It certainly lacks "finesse" but its far from unimpressive IMO. It adds a lot of character to the drive, but I don't think anyone can argue it replaces a proper tune. And you're right, the single point of reference (MAP) is probably partially responsible for that but its also a fraction of the cost of any other option. Just have to weigh all the factors when making that choice.

[bhvrdr]

It certainly lacks "finesse" but its far from unimpressive IMO. It adds a lot of character to the drive, but I don't think anyone can argue it replaces a proper tune. And you're right, the single point of reference (MAP) is probably partially responsible for that but its also a fraction of the cost of any other option. Just have to weigh all the factors when making that choice.

I dont want to be premature with my assessment either. I'll run some MAF comparison logs and do some acceleration logs and see how much its adding. Its seeming like 15hp or so though in some rev ranges and 0 in other rev ranges but I could be wrong. Let me do more testing.

Anyone here done acceleration testing?

Mike

[tominabox1]

I dont want to be premature with my assessment either. I'll run some MAF comparison logs and do some acceleration logs and see how much its adding. Its seeming like 15hp or so though in some rev ranges and 0 in other rev ranges but I could be wrong. Let me do more testing.

Anyone here done acceleration testing?

Mike

I have mapped MAF and did the /0.8 thing and saw about +25 hp in race mode over stock on a 3rd gear pull. Granted I'm running other bolt ons so I may have more success because of that too.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

[bhvrdr]

I have mapped MAF and did the /0.8 thing and saw about +25 hp in race mode over stock on a 3rd gear pull. Granted I'm running other bolt ons so I may have more success because of that too.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

Thats not too bad at all. I'll give it another shot in the coming week here and dig a little deeper. Sometimes I give up on things before really given them a good try.

Mike

[bhvrdr]

Just as an update I was able to do some controlled condition testing tonight. I did back-to-back accelerations runs on the same surface controlling for intake air temperatures using p3 gauge with track pack.

Averaging out 5 runs each in sport, sport plus, race and with the unit disconnected I was not able to see any statistically significant difference between any of the acceleration times. All were within .2 of each other with one of the stick runs being a tie for the best time.

Anyone else do runs?

Mike

[A4x]

Just as an update I was able to do some controlled condition testing tonight. I did back-to-back accelerations runs on the same surface controlling for intake air temperatures using p3 gauge with track pack.

Averaging out 5 runs each in sport, sport plus, race and with the unit disconnected I was not able to see any statistically significant difference between any of the acceleration times. All were within .2 of each other with one of the stick runs being a tie for the best time.

Anyone else do runs?

Mike

How did you time the runs?

I think logging boost, timing, and MAF would give a better indication of any additional power and which areas of the power band it can be found.

[bhvrdr]

How did you time the runs?

I think logging boost, timing, and MAF would give a better indication of any additional power and which areas of the power band it can be found.

P3 guage track pack for all runs. Boost will be spoofed by the device which throws off logging.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BeerBrent]

Just as an update I was able to do some controlled condition testing tonight. I did back-to-back accelerations runs on the same surface controlling for intake air temperatures using p3 gauge with track pack.

Averaging out 5 runs each in sport, sport plus, race and with the unit disconnected I was not able to see any statistically significant difference between any of the acceleration times. All were within .2 of each other with one of the stick runs being a tie for the best time.

Anyone else do runs?

Mike

That's kinda a buzz kill. I was looking forward to getting one. Now I'm not so sure it's worth it.

[bhvrdr]

That's kinda a buzz kill. I was looking forward to getting one. Now I'm not so sure it's worth it.

I think it may provide a bit better low end. Still, be interested to see other peoples timed runs. I guess I could be an anomaly but so far the car is in good shape. I flashed to Unitronic and cut over a second off my 0-60.

MIke

[tominabox1]

That's kinda a buzz kill. I was looking forward to getting one. Now I'm not so sure it's worth it.

It definitely adds a ton of torque (butt dyno). Its noticeable and does spice the car up.

[BeerBrent]

^ Thanks! I'll probably still get one.

[Danmalx]

So is no one else getting any undesirable behaviour from their car such as hesitation, unexpected power surges, etc?

I'm starting to wonder whether my unit is faulty...

I just got my Dinan Tuner this last weekend from a fellow ‘Ziner and I did experience the hesitation that you mentioned. It also seemed to be amplified when I changed it to a more aggressive setting, but it doesn’t happen all of the time. Correction, it doesn’t happen all of the time in settings less than race. Did your new unit come in and, if so, how is it working for you?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[BeerBrent]

I got a Dinan Tuner from a fellow local 'Ziner yesterday (thanks hardfive!). I installed it and haven't experienced any hesitation etc yet. I have it in Sport+ mode. It's a nice little boost in torque. Less hesitation when flooring it.

[chip_]

I got a Dinan Tuner from a fellow local 'Ziner yesterday. I installed it and haven't experienced any hesitation etc yet. I have it in Sport+ mode. It's a nice little boost in torque. Less hesitation when flooring it.

Congrats - gives it a little more pep...

[VincentNewguyen]

ModBargains had this on sale for under $200 plus an additional 10% off all Dinan products so I jumped the gun, can't wait to throw this on to see how it performs especially paired up with my intake, turbo muffler delete, downpipe, and full exhaust. Hoping it'll keep me at bay from an APR tune as I really don't want to get a TD1 flag and want something that is easily reversible from at home.