3.0 TDi tuning - who to choose...?

[avant_adam]

I posted something around a year ago asking about tuning the 3.0TDi. Since then I've been looking at a number of different tuners that seem to offer what appears to be a very similar level of tune for very different prices.

All chip tuning of this engine, is that stage 1? (without changing the exhaust or filters or turbos etc) seems to net between 290 and 300 bhp and between 580 and 600 Nm torque. What is not clear is why some of these are 250 GBP and others more than four times the price.

I know that the more expensive options are "properly" developed and are from responsible and respected tuners. Several tuners seem to offer the same software but through different franchises.

Is it possible for anyone to give me any advice on their experiences of tuning. I know that a couple of tuners used to sponsor this site so I'm not sure whether the mods limit this kind of discussion?

Companies that I have looked at in no particular order include:

QST - UK reseller for MTM
MTM - Cantronic 285 bhp / 580Nm (1250 Eu plus fitting)
MTM - Performance upgrade 300 bhp / 600 Nm (1250 Eu plus fitting)
ABT - 282 bhp / 550 Nm
AMD - 290 bhp (449 GBP)
Superchips Bluefin - 291 bhp / 582 Nm (455 GBP)
Black-Code - up to 15% efficiency, up to 35% power (349 GBP + VAT)
EvolutionChips - 280 bhp / 585 Nm (359 GBP inc VAT)
CK-Speed - 283 bhp / 590 Nm (89.95 GBP !!!)

I haven't even scratched the surface here with who offers what but you get an idea of the massive variety in costs for apparently similar gains.

The lure of 600 Nm diesel torque and bothering unsuspecting sports car in my family estate is just too much.

Who can you recommend?
Do you offer tuning and have some reason that I should buy from you?
What are the hazards? - lack of development and detonated engines seems likely?

How do I choose?


Avant_Adam

:beerchug:

[DrAce]

No recommendations but really interested in hearing what others have to say on this. I'm going to run the Allroad stock for at least a few months to get used to it but may well be in the market for an upgrade later in the year.

The performance of the 3.0TDI is impressing me - it's not the most powerful car I've owned but the way it accelerates from just about any speed in any circumstances is effortless.... which means I need to keep a close eye on the speedo at times. :D

[theskyfox]

I'm interested in this too. I had a quote from AMDEssex and they reckoned they could get ~300BHP Easily from the 3.0TDi without changing any stock components! I had originally enquired about a DPF delete, but they said not to bother and just get the remap o0.

[avant_adam]

In my original post I didn't make clear why I am bothered. Like anyone who is considering tuning their car I want to understand what I get for my money?


If the difference between tuners is long term reliability then the additional cost may be worth it. I am trying to understand what I might gain paying £1000 for the MTM tune when I could get the "same" results for £450. If the results are not the same then what are the differences. Afterall, the upfront cost is only part of it, additionally there will be the extra insurance and the potential increased running costs with more frequent oil / brakes / tyres / clutch replacements.


I guess that I am wanting assurances that no one can give - that all will be ok and that I won't break my car. Puting 25% more power and torque through the drivetrain will obviously not help the life any - but how much will it harm it? I guess a lot comes down to the way that the car is driven. If I spend everyday racing from the lights under full power then the damage will come much quicker than if the extra in reserve is only called for when overtaking or in extremes.


Adam

[ROMEYR32]

Hello there, I recently fitted a TUNIT box on my A4 2.0tdi avant cvt. Instantly impresssed, noticed the torque improvement mainly. Its adjustable with a small blade screwdriver, Ive just left mine set as it came - balance between performance and mpg. We have one fitted on a company navara pick up and got 5 mpg increase. PM for good price wink wink!

[ROMEYR32]

I also felt like you Adam regarding reliability etc. They have fitted plenty of these units. The tunit box doesnt affect boost pressure, it just fits into the fuel wiring harness on the engine. It just alters the fuel/air intake. They also offer warranty!

Dan

[JimC64]

Hey there Adam, great question btw:approve:
I cannot offer sound technical advice, but can offer experience of a few different remaps over several years

SAAB 93 1.9Tid from 150bhp to 175bhp done by Saab UK. This represented around 17% gain in power and much improved fuel economy. The cost was £900 from Saab and I kept the warranty on the car ( this was the reason for going through Saab )
Had the car 3 years and put 80k miles on her with no issues at all:approve:

Ford Mondeo ST tdci from 155bhp stock to 195bhp after remap...This represents around 26% and the car had electric like pereformance afterwards. Fuel economy was great too...after a trip from Glasgow - Derby and back i did 540 miles on one tank and still had 1/4 tank left:approve::approve:
Cost from Seditas of Prestwick, near Ayr was £400 if I remember correctly.
More than a few miles put on the car with zero issues.

Audi A6 2.0 tdi 140bhp - 176bhp around 25% increase done by Audi. Noticeable difference for sure in both power / fuel economy.:approve:
Agasin paid thru the nose at £750 or thereabouts from Glasgow Audi, but I wanted to make sure the warranty was still intact on a new car.
78k miles from new with no issues in that regard. I'm pretty sure they just farmed this out and added a few £££ for the privelege

To sum up, I've had the OEM and the aftermarket options, and notice very little difference in any respect other than price!
I haven't had any experience of tuning boxes, but have heard that they are very good value for money. I myself was too scared to try them and went for the full remap.
Loved the extra power AND 10%-15% fuel economy savings when driven normally - the key being"when driven normally"

As for your concerns?
Yes I'm sure if you drive everywhere at 100 miles an hour and get there ASAP using all the remap has to offer ALL of the time....I'm sure you will shorten the lifespan of your engine.
IMHO using it here n there as you would normally for quick bursts will not cause any more damage than you would normally expect.
This is exactly how I've driven mine for nearly 80k with only the std service intervals and the original clutch still all good.

Just a FYI - You're saying you've been quoted by some remap companies £1250??
Have you actually asked Audi for a quote??? Might be worth thinking about if you are considering paying in that region :beerchug:

Don't know if any of the above helps or not Adam, but hopefully gives some insight

[avant_adam]

Thanks for the responses.

Interestingly I too had a Saab that was dealer tuned (Hirsch stage 1 tuned 9-3 Aero, 210 bhp to 230bhp). I completed around 100k miles tuned with no issues whatsoever.

The dealer backing gave me the confidence that I am lacking in some of the tuning options available.

I'll keep thinking it through. Will depend on the insurance company attitude. I was with Adrian Flux before who were friendly about tuned cars. Now I am with the RAC and suspect that they may be less impressed.

I'll post if I do anything.

A_A

[theskyfox]

Hold on a minute...so you guys are saying that you can get Main Dealers to do a Remap for you? This sounds Awesome! How did I not know this?....Can any of them do it, or is it only certain branches? I would be very interested in this for my next car!

-Andrew

[simfin]

Richter Sport are who a few Audi Dealers use.

http://www.richtersport.co.uk

[JimC64]

Hold on a minute...so you guys are saying that you can get Main Dealers to do a Remap for you? This sounds Awesome! How did I not know this?....Can any of them do it, or is it only certain branches? I would be very interested in this for my next car!

-Andrew


Of course Andrew, although you will pay more for the privelege!!!

The upside though, especially if its either a brand new out the box / ex demo with 2k miles and 3 months old is the peace of mind of having your warranty remain intact...totally worth it IMO for an extra £400 or so.
Its almost impossible for them to detect a remap unless they go specifically looking for one, but, then your warranty would be voided for ANY engine related issues.

I would think that most main dealers would now offer this service.....simply ask the question.

Good luck :beerchug: