I would say Van Aaken (
www.vanaaken.com ) for any TDI, as they've been tuning TDI's longer than most from what I know, but that doesn't mean they can provide the best, another solution is the TDI Tuningbox (
www.tuningbox.com ), both of which are plug in tuning box solutions, so no permanent modification required. For VAG cars then all of the normal VAG tuners can offer something, but if it's serial programing then the choices are limited to APR, Revo, AmD to come soon as I understand, and Jabbasport based on what you say. From what I know of TDI tuning the chip/software change is the best option as all the plug in boxes do is alter fueling, and do not alter turbo boost pressures, so no more air is added to the equation, which equals more black smoke. Power gains are close but slighly less on the plug in boxes.
Most of the below can offer solutions I believe, so you'll just have to take your time and browse their sites...
Just to save you a bit of time ploughing through the search engines I've put my
updated choice of top/recognised tuners for Audi's (VAG), and although originally was aimed at chip tuning encompasses general tuning as well;
Most recognised within the UK:
APR -
www.goapr.co.uk/dealer/index.html - Good maps and well respected, especially in the US. Just released OBD* tuning. Switchable options using cruise control.
REVO-
www.revotechnik.com/uk/ukrevo.html - Good maps, first tuner to do OBD* tuning in UK. Switchable options using switch (Dongle).
AmD -
www.auto-amd.com - More than just a chip tuner, they are a complete tuner unlike many others. Respect.
Jabbasport -
www.jabbasport.com/Audi/Jabbachips/Contact/contact.html - For those that want to take their tuning that little bit further. Well respected.
Forge Motorsport -
www.forgemotorsport.co.uk - No chip tuning of their own but they do offer a number of great tuning products for VAG cars.
* - OBD = On Board Diagnostic. Tuning which is done via the diagnostic serial port located on the vehicle, so no chip replacement is required.
Great German tuners:
Oettinger -
www.oettinger.de or
www.roadandsport.co.uk (UK dealer) - One of the longest running tuners for Audi's. A great tuner with a great range of products.
ABT-
www.abtsportsline.co.uk/location.php3 - Again a long running tuner with good products. Official Audi chip tuning for The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium amongst other countries.
MTM-
www.mtm-online.de or
www.qstuning.com (UK dealer) - Well known for good maps with solid performance.
SKN-
www.skn-tuning.com or contact SKN (UK) Ltd. on
www.scottsmototune.co.uk - Not so well known but good products nonetheless
Other recognised tuners for chips mainly;
Superchips -
www.superchips.co.uk - Regarded as a general tuner offering nothing special, but map on 1.8T does produce good results!
Wetterauer -
www.wetterauer.de - Not so well known german tuner, but still heard of. Used in both the US and Europe.
DBM -
www.dbmengineering.nl - Similar to Jabbasport but in Holland. Nice product range with carbon air boxes. Produced a 420bhp S3 for the road!!
Bullpower -
www.bullpower.nl - Very little known about this tuner.
Sportec-
www.sportec.ch (Even though covered by AmD) - Relatively new to the UK scene. Good torque figures produced with the maps and satisfied customers.
Powerchips-
www.powerchipgroup.com - Hardly ever mentioned on the forums, like Superchips, but look to provide good results. The website is extremely good, and the detailed datasheets provided within minutes of an enquiry are full of info. Available through
www.mongooseexhausts.com or
www.motorsportworld.co.uk
All have their merits, and really it's a personal choice, and you have to check around before choosing in my opinion. There are many other smaller tuners who offer chips etc. but are not widely recognised, but can offer options cheaper than above. There are other big tuners such as
GIAC (
www.giacusa.com ) that I have not mentioned because within Europe I do not know of a dealer and don't know of anyone running these chips other than Americans and Australians.
Do not think for one moment that the above is comprehensive, it is only my opinion and based on my knowledge of tuning, the products offered and comments I have picked up on my travels and is intended to be unbiased, but I do have a weak spot for Oettinger these days.
Gambba
