The Dilemma of choosing the right Tune the first time.

[Eli0073]

I wanted to share a honest opinion about something that I'm currently going through as I plan to continue to modify my S3.

Many times I see threads about different Tunes for our cars offer by different companies. Revo, APR, IE Integrated Engineering, JB4, Cobb, GAIC, Untronic, United Motorsports, VRTuned, ABT, RaceChip, 034 Motorsports, Etc....

The question time and time again is which one is the best? Well that's the wrong question and you will get the wrong answer.

The simple answer is that one of them will most likely be the right product for your intended need. And that's the trick honestly.

The intended need and end game is very important. Otherwise you will ended up spending unecessary money. We all know how easy is to fall into the money pit. Hence my Dilemma. I'm currently on Integrated Engineering Stage 2 93 high torque and I'm very very happy with they're products. My car is at the point where it has every bolt on modification that you can do. And so I want to go Stage 3. As such I'm buying the rest of the parts I need. I decided to go with Revo IS38ETR V2. My problema is that now I'm forced to change Tunes even do I want to stay on IE Tune. Because IE don't have and doesn't want to offer a Stage 3 and I'm saying that they don't want to because I contacted them and request a Retune that I was more than willing to Pay for they're service. Integrated Engineering answer plain and simple is Go buy from somewhere else...Ouch! Very sad do, because now I need to buy a New ECU Tune and DSG Tune to go Stage 3. Now that's my fault because I should have known better that I have all the intentions to go Stage 3. But come on, after I made a considerable investment since they collect my money buying several of they're products... costumer loyalty goes out of the window and you are no longer a valuable costumer.

So that leaves me with 2 options. Easy one is simply buy from another company even do that is falling in to the money pit, Revo for obvious reasons is the one I'm considering, even do I'm not a fan of the taking the car to a shop to get Tune as I like to do things on my own. Option 2 this is a fun one, Hack into my IE Tune software so that I can Re tune it to go Stage 3.

So again the Lesson here to learn is knowing your end goal before you commit to buy any Tune in this case and know the support available from the tuner company. Because let's be honest this Tunes are not cheap.

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[hev702]

Same. APR currently. If I started all over, I would probably get the Cobb Accessport

[CavEsk1337]

I fell into the same trap with IE. I'm now on EQT via Accessport and wish I would've gone that route from the beginning. That was an expensive lesson.

[en22]

Sometimes you can’t predict issues, like how APR discontinued stage 2. Messed up my plans


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[texasboy21]

I am currently in the research phase myself and completely agree that there really isn't a "best", just a "best for you". The fanboy-ism that always comes along with the 'which tune is best?' posts doesn't offer much insight beyond what that one person is running/biased towards.

Im looking to go straight to 'stage 2' (downpipe and FMIC), want the flexibility to play with octane settings (at a min), and need headroom and options to potentially go 'stage 3' - without incurring a bunch of shop labor-hours and minimizing the sunk cost of the software.

For me that has be leaning towards Eurodyne Maestro.

[Spinnetti]

Its funny that people can even say which tune is "best" unless they've had them all and on the same car with rigorous testing and even if you had, who cares if one is a tiny bit faster or whatever. In the end it just doesn't matter as long as its well done and reliable. Pick one that best meets your needs, availability, pricing, convenience, future potential or whatever. Regardless of who you pick, as you keep getting more extreme, you'll be paying more for less. Stage 1 is the best bang for the buck and goes down from there no matter who you choose. I think I've had 7 tuned VAG cars now? from stage I to III+. Don't worry to much about it and enjoy the ride :)

[Crowlski]

Its funny that people can even say which tune is "best" unless they've had them all and on the same car with rigorous testing and even if you had, who cares if one is a tiny bit faster or whatever. In the end it just doesn't matter as long as its well done and reliable. Pick one that best meets your needs, availability, pricing, convenience, future potential or whatever. Regardless of who you pick, as you keep getting more extreme, you'll be paying more for less. Stage 1 is the best bang for the buck and goes down from there no matter who you choose. I think I've had 7 tuned VAG cars now? from stage I to III+. Don't worry to much about it and enjoy the ride :)

I agree but who has the cheese to spend on every tune?? I like many of you here are thinking exactly alike. For me? My RS3 has barely 1000 miles on it. I doubt it will see the track on the regular but I want something that is NOT stock but I don't want to mod the crap out of it either. That said I am bouncing around to see which tune will give me what I want. Likely a stage 1 or about. But not sure from what software tune vendor. If you have any suggestions I am all ears.

[Spinnetti]

Stage 1 is your best value and is quite noticeable. Most of the common vendors do a nice tune. I've used mostly APR, REVO and Unitronic. Overall, I've been happiest with Revo especially since I can tune from home, but I'm sure 034, IE and others stage I tunes are fine too - everybody seems to be good at stage I, so pick the cheapest and most convenient to install.

[aaronc7]

lol

I need a new picture with a raspberry pi

:(

[Gberg888]

IE Stage 1 tune blew my motor up.... 46k miles.

[aaronc7]

Stage 1 IE tune blew my motor up.... 46k miles.

Definitely not the first instance I've heard of this. A guy recently had his motor let go and shared some datalogs. Looked quite lean to me for extended WOT/hard driving.

[hpclayto]

There have been instances of motors going kaboom from every tuning company. Not something specific to a certain company. Usually an underlying issue that was just exacerbated by the tune.

[Gberg888]

There have been instances of motors going kaboom from every tuning company. Not something specific to a certain company. Usually an underlying issue that was just exacerbated by the tune.

On this platform? Please send me links and information. I have not seen anything about other company's tunes causing this. The motor had 46k miles on, well maintained by Audi and myself based on what the service books say but with 5k oil changes because 10k is silly long.

[brian23A3]

Well it seems that if you keep your car for a while the best choice maybe a tune that offers stage 3 (or more). If you constantly change cars a tuner with just stage 1 and stage 2 should be fine because you don't keep your cars anyway lol.

But kidding aside I think convenience is very important, whether you can flash at home and or if the tuner is close by to where you live.

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[normcaldwell]

Lot's of options, a good thing.

I've had the United Motorsports trio of files, ECU, DSG, and Haldex for the last 20,400 miles and 2 1/2 years; nearly all of it with the AWE catted/resonated downpipe.
Car was stock until 39,800 miles (I bought it at 39,600 miles). Now, at 60,200 miles.
Love the combo. Not one check engine light or performance issue. Car runs great. Plenty of power.

Plus, all of the emissions indicators are in Ready mode (tune was originally with the stock downpipe; didn't change it with the AWE downpipe).
So, the car should pass emissions for OBDII readiness and tailpipe (the downpipe has the 200 cpsi HJS cat).

[spacecase]

I decided to go with Cobb. Was gonna go with IE until I saw Gberg's post and others about how IE turns off sensors and isn't extremely transparent in what they do. With the accessport I can use their generic ECU tune or have the option to have a Pro tune. Worth it IMO and I save money by getting an accessport vs having to buy a laptop to flash,

[aaronc7]

One of the best things about the accessport is that it's easy to monitor/datalog the car once in awhile, or when you first get a new tune...or move to a new location, or whatever. You can make sure it's running well and check up on it every so often.

[spacecase]

Yup that's what sold me since I didn't want to buy vagcom, a laptop, and the additional dongle. Ended up getting the Accessport on Stratified website and it pretty much comes with their tune for free. Looking forward to installing it once received.

[Boomerdw]

I am happy with the APR stage 1. Got the DSG tune as well. Really improves the car even in D mode. I am older so don’t get silly anymore. On ramps and passing when necessary. No launches or low digs. Usually just cruise but know I have the additional power at higher speeds. It really makes using D mode around town much easier to drive. Otherwise when stock D mode was weak. I am coming from a C6 with 475 hp in a lighter car. So really used to the torque around town. I had changed from 3:42 to a 4:10 differential though.

[CavEsk1337]

I decided to go with Cobb. Was gonna go with IE until I saw Gberg's post and others about how IE turns off sensors and isn't extremely transparent in what they do. With the accessport I can use their generic ECU tune or have the option to have a Pro tune. Worth it IMO and I save money by getting an accessport vs having to buy a laptop to flash,

You're going to want to go with an aftermarket company for a tune. Cobb's OTS tunes are awful, and knock like crazy. EQTuning.com is one I recommend, but their are others out there as well for Cobb.

[spacecase]

You're going to want to go with an aftermarket company for a tune. Cobb's OTS tunes are awful, and knock like crazy. EQTuning.com is one I recommend, but their are others out there as well for Cobb.

I actually ordered the cobb accessport from Stratified since it comes with their tune for the same cost. Heard good things about em so looking forward to it.

[NanoG]

I went with the Cobb Accessport because it grows with your mods from stage1 to fully built engines.

You get to flash the tunes at your convenience and the AP also gives you the ability to datalog, check for DTC's, clear codes, etc...
There are also a good number of tuners on the Cobb platform to choose from: EQT, 5150, Stratified, etc...

It was actually Cobb adding support for Audi that cemented my decision to get an A3.

[Boomerdw]

I went with APR primarily because it has a CARB #. Living in California I have had tuned and modify cars before and do not want to go through the expense of returning to stock after 6 yrs, also I would rather pay a tech to download and I would probably screw it up. Tech isn’t my strength. Not bad for a 2 liter 4. The down side of forced wire I the non line power delivery. With Stage 1 the power can come on suddenly depending on rpms. I was running a LS3 at 480 hp. With a 4:10 differential. 3200 + lb car. It brought the power on smoothly. Numbers wise on paper the two should be pretty close, but the Vette would win modified.

[ilikecookies]

There have been instances of motors going kaboom from every tuning company. Not something specific to a certain company. Usually an underlying issue that was just exacerbated by the tune.

Anyone keeping count of which company has had the least issues? My warranty just came up and I've been looking to get a tune for my PFL S3

[flyingfish2626]

I am very happy with my EQT stage 1 with the accessport. Great power, super smooth, and the DSG tune is great.

[RGT03]

Anyone using Cobb+EQT in Texas and if so have you had any problem with inspections?


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[RudyH]

IE Stage 1 tune blew my motor up.... 46k miles.

I truly hope that you get things sorted, that sucks!! I found the IE was marketing themselves too aggressive vs the competition and it threw a red flag for me. Same with the Cobb base maps ( I think might be a typo?), seems a bit sketch but I don't plan on just using them.

I did a little chart because going through the same thing to consider replacing my JB1 - now that I am getting closer and closer to end of warranty. It's for the Golf R, but same thing...
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/rud...post-114862466

I am pretty much set on AccessPort + EQT - mostly because I am 6MT and there are some specific engine tweaks I want that are unlocked with Cobb, and so bloody expensive with the other vendors. Overall they seem to have the torque I want because AWD, and a great rep in the Golf R forums. The Eurodyne was my second option, just the price point was close to the Cobb, just not the flexibility that you get and the extra features (minus burble which I would have skipped on for no lift or LC)

[AraS3]

Anyone using Cobb+EQT in Texas, and if so, have you had any problem with inspections?


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I’m waiting for my EQT stage one to arrive and have asked EQT the same question. I got a generic answer that it shouldn’t but best to return to stock advice.

I would like to know if the Readiness Monitor is set with EQT stage one also...

[RGT03]

I’m waiting for my EQT stage one to arrive and have asked EQT the same question. I got a generic answer that it shouldn’t but best to return to stock advice.

I would like to know if the Readiness Monitor is set with EQT stage one also...

Thanks. When I owned my STi I had a Cobb stage 2 kit with catted downpipe that would pass emissions in Texas. However when I asked IE about this they basically implied that I would have to uninstall the downpipe on the S3 every year and reset readiness by flashing back to the stock. Ended up being a dealbreaker for IE stage 2. I am hoping that Cobb+eqt can resolve that problem but haven’t been able to confirm.


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[993140]

Anyone tried this?

https://neuspeed.com/pages/search-re...q=power+module

64.10.15_739x555.jpg

[RudyH]

Thanks. When I owned my STi I had a Cobb stage 2 kit with catted downpipe that would pass emissions in Texas. However when I asked IE about this they basically implied that I would have to uninstall the downpipe on the S3 every year and reset readiness by flashing back to the stock. Ended up being a dealbreaker for IE stage 2. I am hoping that Cobb+eqt can resolve that problem but haven’t been able to confirm.


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Not sure how local this guy is to you :
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/how...post-113507773

but the guy that came up with the idea is from Texas, he made me a sample and it works, except I have a JB1 and it keeps tossing CEL for another reason (where the JB4 / tunes remove the lean codes)

[AraS3]

Not sure how local this guy is to you :
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/how...post-113507773

but the guy that came up with the idea is from Texas, he made me a sample, and it works, except I have a JB1, and it keeps tossing CEL for another reason (where the JB4 / tunes remove the lean codes)

I had this on my G35 when I installed a single turbo and replaced the Cat with a straight pipe... No CEL and pass emission testing 100% of the time!! But I read, this could be hit and miss for Audi... I do miss having a tunable EMS. I tuned my G35 myself, and it lasted 10yrs with no issue on the stock moto before i some l sold it! I even had it pro-re-tuned when I installed my water/meth kit, but end up trashing the tune and re-Tuning it myself...

One reason i went with Cobb is the ability to log and see what’s going on real-time. Even great tuners make mistakes and not all pro tuners are honest. I could not imagine myself tuning a car and forget about it, especially on OTS tune regardless of any company.. even tuned by APR!! Because if something goes wrong, it will be an endless blaming game and pointing fingers.. It’s also a good pre-emptive measure having a device you can monitor in real-time..

[RGT03]

You can log with IE ‘s software too.


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[spacecase]

I’m waiting for my EQT stage one to arrive and have asked EQT the same question. I got a generic answer that it shouldn’t but best to return to stock advice.

I would like to know if the Readiness Monitor is set with EQT stage one also...

Doesn't look like EQT shuts off any readiness. All mine say they're ready that are applicable.

[AraS3]

You can log with IE ‘s software too.


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I am more interested in a small device I can easily mount to do real-time monitoring. Logging your entire drive and analyzing the logs can be time-consuming. I typically use my Cobb AP when it gets hot, and I monitor my IAT or used a different gas station. And if I see something fishy, with one press of a button, I can start my logging.

The AP can display up to six gauges. I monitor my A/F, boost, IAT, knock retard (average), Trans/Engine oil temp.

Doesn't look like EQT shuts off any readiness. All mine say they're ready that are applicable.

Yap, I just confirmed it with mine. All my monitor is in a ready state.