On the big software debate you guys have going on the 2nd page, as well as a little of on this page near at the top, we here at MJM Autohaus (
www.mjmautohaus.com) would like interject a little as a long time software dealer of APR, NEUSPEED and REVO. We've flashed hundreds of cars here in-house and can give you guys a little insight on the differences between them all, what they do, what they don't do, what to expect and which might be best for your car based on the type of driving you do, your budget, power goals, etc.
We've flashed cars with each the three (3) companies listed above and can tell you that, for the most part, when doing a simple "Stage I Flash", you're not going to see a whole lot of difference between the three in respect to power (at least that you can feel with the butt dyno). We've done it many times. This is, of course, if you're talking about a bone stock versus a bone stock car - NO OTHER MODS! We've done it and can tell you that they're all within a horsepower or two of each other. Meaning, you're not going to flash one with Chip A and run it head-to-head at the track or on the street against Chip B (again, stock for stock) and have one pull away from the other. It's pretty darn close, though; we're talking half a fender or so, and even then, a lot of that can depend on the fuel used, how the other components on the car are working, who the driver is, etc. For the most part, it's a wash (give or take). Again, this is on a "Stage I Flash", if you will.
Okay, now where the three (APR, REVO and NEUSPEED) differentiate is with the different settings each does (or doesn't come with) for an extra few bucks. For example, both APR and REVO, for an additional charge, allow you to turn the software on and off with a Valet mode (i.e. for instances when a wife might drive it, a buddy might borrow it, your son is taking the car, it's being valeted, etc). You can essentially turn the software off altogether, putting the car back to complete stock power levels. This is something you cannot do with NEUSPEED, however, the NEUSPEED software does not have the ability for the driver (you) to turn the program on and off; only we can do it at our shop, it's not something the owner can do without us. With APR and REVO, you can do it yourself from the cockpit of the car. In addition to being able to turn the software on and off, both APR and REVO allow you to change settings on the software dependent on the octane of fuel you'd like to run (i.e. 91 octane, 93 octane, 100 octane, etc). With APR, these things are done via your OEM cruise control buttons for ease of use and the stealth factor. Your cruise control will continue to function as normal, but will give you the ability to scroll through the programs you have purchased with your APR ECU Upgrade (for an extra fee). The procedure is simple and involves only two steps with APR. With REVO, functions similar to these (and more) are done via an SPS unit, that like APR's options, are extra in price (on top of buying the software). The SPS unit from REVO allows you to tinker with boost, fueling and throttle; something not available from APR or NEUSPEED.
In addition, both APR and REVO have "Stage II" files for most turbo cars that allow you to achieve additional horsepower and torque with a "Stage II Flash" when adding things like full turbo-back exhaust, intake, front mount intercooler, injectors, etc. And to take it even a step further, REVO (and now recently APR) allow for custom "Stage III" software for your DIY big turbo guys who would like to source your own turbos, manifolds, bigger injectors and choosing to do the reliable, turn-key and well engineered Stage III+ Turbo Kit from APR (as seen in the MJM Autohaus in-house demo car). Choosing which software is right for you is dependent upon a few things (including cost) and we've tried to outline each of them for you. NEUSPEED is typically going to be the least in cost, while APR is going to be the most. Feel free to email us
HERE with any questions on software for your car if you're local to us. If not, check out your local APR, NEUSPEED or REVO dealer for any questions we may have not covered here.