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Tuning/Chip FAQ Thread: Which One Do I choose?

C4L

Banned
I was looking on the Unitronic site and for Stage 1+ it says there is no required hardware such as an intake like it says is required in this thread. What appears to be the difference is;

Stage 1 - 91 Octane and 16 psi Boost = 245hp and 280 lb-ft - $550
Stage 1+ - 93 Octane and 18 psi Boost = 260hp and 295 lb-ft - $600

For required hardware on both it simply says NONE on the Unitronic website.

Here in Michigan virtually ALL Premium fuel is 93 octane. On occasion I come across 92 octane. For this reason, I would prefer a tune for 93 octane and not 91 octane.

Which is correct because I am leaning towards the 1+ tune simply because I exclusively use 93 octane and it is only $50 more for 15hp and 15 lb-ft.
 

trackstar

Ready to race!
I was looking on the Unitronic site and for Stage 1+ it says there is no required hardware such as an intake like it says is required in this thread. What appears to be the difference is;

Stage 1 - 91 Octane and 16 psi Boost = 245hp and 280 lb-ft - $550
Stage 1+ - 93 Octane and 18 psi Boost = 260hp and 295 lb-ft - $600

For required hardware on both it simply says NONE on the Unitronic website.

Here in Michigan virtually ALL Premium fuel is 93 octane. On occasion I come across 92 octane. For this reason, I would prefer a tune for 93 octane and not 91 octane.

Which is correct because I am leaning towards the 1+ tune simply because I exclusively use 93 octane and it is only $50 more for 15hp and 15 lb-ft.

the stock intake is sufficient for 1+, you'll be fine and will love the tune!
 

kork13

New member
Interested in doing APR's Stage 1 ECU upgrade once I get my GTI this summer, and their occasional sales sound like an awesome deal. How often does APR normally do their sales? I think I'll just wait until I can get in on that...

Never done them before, so pardon my ignorance... I know they're designed to increase HP/TQ performance and do a great job of that, but do these chip tunes have any tendency for leading to problems down the road due to pushing the engine, turbo, etc. further? I mean in terms of the car's maintenance requirements, reliability/longevity, fuel economy, and so on? I only ask because this will be my only car for commuting and such, not just a hobby "go fast" car.

Also, since OKC doesn't have any APR dealers, I'd have to drive 100-200 miles to Tulsa or Dallas to actually do the upgrades... Would you be comfortable with doing this so far from home (not having the APR specialists around if something goes screwy)?
 

grambles423

Automotive Engineer
Interested in doing APR's Stage 1 ECU upgrade once I get my GTI this summer, and their occasional sales sound like an awesome deal. How often does APR normally do their sales? I think I'll just wait until I can get in on that...

Never done them before, so pardon my ignorance... I know they're designed to increase HP/TQ performance and do a great job of that, but do these chip tunes have any tendency for leading to problems down the road due to pushing the engine, turbo, etc. further? I mean in terms of the car's maintenance requirements, reliability/longevity, fuel economy, and so on? I only ask because this will be my only car for commuting and such, not just a hobby "go fast" car.

Also, since OKC doesn't have any APR dealers, I'd have to drive 100-200 miles to Tulsa or Dallas to actually do the upgrades... Would you be comfortable with doing this so far from home (not having the APR specialists around if something goes screwy)?

You bring up some great questions.

1) APR normally brings up their sales around seasonal changes. "Spring into Power" and "Fall into Power" are their common marketing ploys. There should be on VERY soon if not next week.

2) Tuning on these cars are a tried and true method for gaining the best amount of horsepower and torque for very little money. Stage 1 tuning is by far one of the most common modifications done to the TSI engine because, as of now, there are very little issues that arises from doing it. Main concerns would be install integrity rather than the actual tune itself. People have explained of issues with ECU malfunctions due to improper handling, but those are rare cases, which from what I've seen have been handled by the respectable company 100% of the time.

Gas Mileage will increase as long as you stay sane and keep your foot out of it. If not, you'll more than likely see a decrease in mileage on the account you're having so much fun!

Put it this way, in terms of reliability, I drive my car 100miles a day as 100% Daily Driver. I'm APR K04 tuned putting roughly 366hp and 380tq at the crank. Never once have I had an issue with it in the almost 10K I've had it on there. :thumbsup:

3) 100-200 Miles away isnt nearly as bad as some drive. But ALWAYS ALWAYS know, we here on the forums are always here to help. Every company has associates that prowl the forums looking to answer questions if need be and most of them are very happy to help! You can always PM anyone who you might seem fit to answer your question correctly and detailed as you see fit. We're pretty easy to get in touch with.

If theres anything else, feel free to ask.
 

jernigan007

Ready to race!
hey gang! im new to site and would like your opinion.
i have a 2012 gti mk6, stick 4dr. i am interested in the apr sale.
im picking up their cai stage 1&2 pipes, PLUS a stage 1 chip flash.
stage 2 when i get a downpipe, but no time soon as these mods have drained the bank!

i think i will be choosing 93/100/stock/valet.
my question is this: does anyone ever need to put their settings back to stock? also, 93 gas is all over Florida, so why should i choose 91 over 93 ?
 

grambles423

Automotive Engineer
hey gang! im new to site and would like your opinion.
i have a 2012 gti mk6, stick 4dr. i am interested in the apr sale.
im picking up their cai stage 1&2 pipes, PLUS a stage 1 chip flash.
stage 2 when i get a downpipe, but no time soon as these mods have drained the bank!

i think i will be choosing 93/100/stock/valet.
my question is this: does anyone ever need to put their settings back to stock? also, 93 gas is all over Florida, so why should i choose 91 over 93 ?

In the time I've had my chip, I've only put it in stock mode 3 times. My dealer knows about my K04 tune and such, but I dont want them joyriding in my car.
 

jernigan007

Ready to race!
my friend tells me to pick 91 over 100, for my 2nd option. i doubt id ever use 91 gas, and prolly will use 100 some day at a track event. even if i did need to use a tank of 91 here or there, i doubt it would adversely effect my car. am i on the right path?
thanks again!
 

grambles423

Automotive Engineer
my friend tells me to pick 91 over 100, for my 2nd option. i doubt id ever use 91 gas, and prolly will use 100 some day at a track event. even if i did need to use a tank of 91 here or there, i doubt it would adversely effect my car. am i on the right path?
thanks again!

Yeah, your logic seems sound. Personally I have Stock/91/93/100. I never used valet when I had it, so I felt it was a waste. There are times I've needed the 91 tune by not knowing what octane the premium gas was a certain gas stations around my area, but its good for long trips when you dont know.
 

jernigan007

Ready to race!
your setup sounds good to me as well. having all 4 gas options seems like a good choice. plus with this sale, i get 4 settings for the price of 1 :D
 

grambles423

Automotive Engineer
your setup sounds good to me as well. having all 4 gas options seems like a good choice. plus with this sale, i get 4 settings for the price of 1 :D

DO IT! You wont regret it!
 

jernigan007

Ready to race!
i checked out the apr site and it says contact a dealer for ecu purchase. so those dealers have the flash onhand and i really dont have to have anything shipped to them? im a bit confused.
 

grambles423

Automotive Engineer
i checked out the apr site and it says contact a dealer for ecu purchase. so those dealers have the flash onhand and i really dont have to have anything shipped to them? im a bit confused.

Correct. Drive up. They remove your ECU, flash it, and put it back in.
 

JKoby123

Ready to race!
APR sale started today, for those who care!

Also, Grambles, I know that I don't know you, but I swear to God, you're like my idol. I stalkerishly click threads every time I see that you've replied.

No homo.
 
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