I'm liking the looks of the Race Chip upgrade. I was going to go with the Neuspeed piggyback (for warranty issues), but this is looking like a really sweet option. BrenDub have you noticed the difference? Any doubts about their claims? Also, does a short ram intake help with this. I know the Neuspeed says their intake helps, but I have to imagine that any decent intake will do the same.
Golf Alltrack Tuning Thread
- Thread starter ATXGolf
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No offence man but I just did a little searching myself and out of 30 positive reviews from BMW, MB to Audi and VW the general consensus is that people have had no issues with exception of a select few. Now this could have been from improper installation or hooking up the unit to incorrect sensors etc.
My personal experience is that I personally had the Ulitmate version installed on my 1.8T Jetta for a year and now in my Alltrack (2 months) with zero issues, check engine lights or failures. That being said I looked at all my options before buying the Racechip and decided it was my best choice because my main reason was contruction, durability and water proof nature. The neuspeed l, Berger motorsports, Dinan versions looked cheaply constructed. The 2nd main reason for my choice was Bluetooth connectivity, at the time none of these companies offered an app with control via a smartphone. Overall I am pleased with the Racechip thus far and don't always let a couple of people negative feedback sway my decision based on there bad experiences. I also did contact there customer service without issue and was contacted within 24 hours to my questions. Just food for thought anyone reading this thread and that is considering purchasing one.
As far as you questions go with power gain, yes it's huge and noticable for sure. I didn't have an intake installed on either vehicle but from past experiences with tuning, supporting hardware will also give you more noticable gains than one without.
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My personal experience is that I personally had the Ulitmate version installed on my 1.8T Jetta for a year and now in my Alltrack (2 months) with zero issues, check engine lights or failures. That being said I looked at all my options before buying the Racechip and decided it was my best choice because my main reason was contruction, durability and water proof nature. The neuspeed l, Berger motorsports, Dinan versions looked cheaply constructed. The 2nd main reason for my choice was Bluetooth connectivity, at the time none of these companies offered an app with control via a smartphone. Overall I am pleased with the Racechip thus far and don't always let a couple of people negative feedback sway my decision based on there bad experiences. I also did contact there customer service without issue and was contacted within 24 hours to my questions. Just food for thought anyone reading this thread and that is considering purchasing one.
As far as you questions go with power gain, yes it's huge and noticable for sure. I didn't have an intake installed on either vehicle but from past experiences with tuning, supporting hardware will also give you more noticable gains than one without.
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Brendub, Stoked you are having a good experience with the Racechip. I'm not doubting it. The gen consen does seem to point to positive results, but there are bad reviews that can't be denied. Some claim it's little more than snake oil (so to speak). Are their numbers at the crank or real world?
Nilly, That unitronic sounds badass, but I worry when a company can't do simple math. Their gains number don't match their charts and their stock numbers don't match the manufacturer numbers.
Who woulda thunk there'd be so much to think about for a simple mod. I just want the one that gives me results without CELs.
Nilly, That unitronic sounds badass, but I worry when a company can't do simple math. Their gains number don't match their charts and their stock numbers don't match the manufacturer numbers.
Who woulda thunk there'd be so much to think about for a simple mod. I just want the one that gives me results without CELs.
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Dude......you are way overthinking this! I would trust majority of the positive reviews over a just a few negatives. Keep in mind take everything for a grain salt so to speak, I talk from experience and am giving you my honest opinion here. I don't have anything to gain or lose either way, just my opinion from my own experience so take it for what it's worth my man.
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When the time comes I'm planning to go with a Stage 1 APR tune. A friend had that on his 2008 Jetta and it was impressive. I know it's a different engine, but the improvement over stock felt great. Also, my dealer does the APR tune and will still honor the warranty if the tune is done there. Figuring I'll drive the car stock for a while to get a good feel for it so that when I go in for the tune, I'll have a better feel for just how much improvement the tune gives me.
Improved MPG?
Hey. I'm new here. Just got a 2017 SE and am curious about the piggyback tuning options. I know these help boost performance, but I'm curious about the claims of increased MPG. For example, Racechip says their GTS chip can raise MPG "up to 20%." Would love to hear of real world results specific to the Alltrack, of the Racechip GTS or any other brand. Anyone have info to share? If so, thanks in advance!
George
Hey. I'm new here. Just got a 2017 SE and am curious about the piggyback tuning options. I know these help boost performance, but I'm curious about the claims of increased MPG. For example, Racechip says their GTS chip can raise MPG "up to 20%." Would love to hear of real world results specific to the Alltrack, of the Racechip GTS or any other brand. Anyone have info to share? If so, thanks in advance!
George
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To put it in simple terms: Increasing the combustion temperature of the engine increases the thermal efficiency (better fuel economy and/or more power). The only problem with running engines at higher temperature is that the air in the combustion chamber which consists of 78% Nitrogen turns into NO, NO2, NO3 etc.. (NOx). In the presence of high heat, NOx emissions exponentially increase out the tailpipe. NOx is what causes smog in the air and affects peoples lungs/asthma problems. Engine manufactures perform a fine balancing act to calibrate the engine to meet emission standards and have good driveability under all conditions. NOx emissions in diesel and gas engines behave a bit differently but same general ideas apply, basically high heat yields higher emissions.
Bottom line: with these ECU flash or piggy back systems you are changing your vehicle's calibration to optimize it for power or fuel economy or both. However, I'm not sure if they spent the extra money testing, that costs in the $30,000-$200,000+ price range, to see what happens to the rest of a vehicle's emissions (HC, CO, NOx, PM) which typically affects peoples health.
Does anyone know if there are any EPA or CARB approved mods, not just pending approval? Or should I not ask
Bottom line: with these ECU flash or piggy back systems you are changing your vehicle's calibration to optimize it for power or fuel economy or both. However, I'm not sure if they spent the extra money testing, that costs in the $30,000-$200,000+ price range, to see what happens to the rest of a vehicle's emissions (HC, CO, NOx, PM) which typically affects peoples health.
Does anyone know if there are any EPA or CARB approved mods, not just pending approval? Or should I not ask
Hey Snow,
Sorry for the delay, been busy with a new little one at home. I can't speak to the numbers as I haven't done any Dino time. I've had my tune about 9k miles so far and am still in love with it. Only maintenence to this point was an oil change and general checkup service at the dealer.
A good friend of mine is the sales manager at my local dealership and he's the one that recommended Unitronic to me. I looked at APR as well but went with my friends recommendation.
As for MPG, it really depends on driving style. I can be conservative and get another 4-5 MPG over what I was getting stock but I didn't flash my ECU to be conservative. By no means am I racing, but I'm enjoying my daily commute. With that, I'm getting the same as stock MPG.
For environmentals, I assume they are not working to meet any standards. My aim is to pass state emissions without cheating the system. I have no plans on removing cats or any other protection devices from the car. I've had much heavier modified vehicles and they all passed without issue. Beyond that, I don't know what the overall output change is on the car either.
Wish I had better answers but like everyone else, I just have speculation and observation to base this all off of.
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Sorry for the delay, been busy with a new little one at home. I can't speak to the numbers as I haven't done any Dino time. I've had my tune about 9k miles so far and am still in love with it. Only maintenence to this point was an oil change and general checkup service at the dealer.
A good friend of mine is the sales manager at my local dealership and he's the one that recommended Unitronic to me. I looked at APR as well but went with my friends recommendation.
As for MPG, it really depends on driving style. I can be conservative and get another 4-5 MPG over what I was getting stock but I didn't flash my ECU to be conservative. By no means am I racing, but I'm enjoying my daily commute. With that, I'm getting the same as stock MPG.
For environmentals, I assume they are not working to meet any standards. My aim is to pass state emissions without cheating the system. I have no plans on removing cats or any other protection devices from the car. I've had much heavier modified vehicles and they all passed without issue. Beyond that, I don't know what the overall output change is on the car either.
Wish I had better answers but like everyone else, I just have speculation and observation to base this all off of.
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Following up on my previous concern about certification of the APR Stage 1 ECU upgrade for emissions. I guess it is legit.
Last month APR received their approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the APR Stage 1 ECU upgrade, and our Alltracks are on the list. There is a copy of the CARB Executive approval on the bottom of their webpage. WOW I guess that's why they call California a progressive state. I wonder if it's available to the rest of the 49 states?
UPDATE 12/3: After looking into whether the APR Stage 1 ECU upgrade is allowed in all 50 states it looks like the CARB Executive order may be acceptable to the 16 or so states mostly in the Notheast that have adopted California's standard and maybe the rest of the states, as well. IF anyone related to APR know about this issue please post or clarify on the APR website, so it is clear to all.
Last month APR received their approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the APR Stage 1 ECU upgrade, and our Alltracks are on the list. There is a copy of the CARB Executive approval on the bottom of their webpage. WOW I guess that's why they call California a progressive state. I wonder if it's available to the rest of the 49 states?
UPDATE 12/3: After looking into whether the APR Stage 1 ECU upgrade is allowed in all 50 states it looks like the CARB Executive order may be acceptable to the 16 or so states mostly in the Notheast that have adopted California's standard and maybe the rest of the states, as well. IF anyone related to APR know about this issue please post or clarify on the APR website, so it is clear to all.
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