S3 Stage 1 remap

luke_m87 · Dec 1, 2015

Firstly i'm awarethis has been covered a thousand times and that a few of you guys that are clued up must be bored of typing the same thing over and over, but with the search function not working google is not much use as i'm getting threads from 2010 so are probably out of date by now. So sorry for creating yet another "I want to have my car mapped thread".

I'm wanting to go stage 1 on my 2008 Sportback S3, but i'm quite unsure which direction to go.

My first thinking was Revo, but if i was to go with this option i'd prefer to take the car to a reputable dealer or Revo themselves if this is allowed? If not are Revo Essex a good shout?
AmD I am unsure about as a close friend of mine had work done by them and had a bad experience, although I know they do come with big recommendations from a lot of people.
Shark and Bluefin I like the idea of being able to switch maps and also read codes, but I don't like the idea of putting map on the car without someone over seeing it and also giving it the all clear.

Having looked further into stage 1 mapping I can see there are a lot of companies offering much of a muchness and then allowing dealers to apply their maps. Is this a case of them literally uploading a file or are the dealers making changes to each map to suit the adoptions each car is already running to, or is the file sent to 'HQ' to be amended?

I currently am not looking to go any further than a map and maybe a cat-back resonated Milltek as I have 2 boys that are in the car daily it still needs to be family friendly, but fun when i can get out to enjoy a drive. I like the idea of feeling the boost being punchy over progressive but I guess progressive would be more suited to my everyday driving.

My question is more where would be the best recommendation to have the car mapped rather than which map.

Sorry this seemed so much simpler in my head and thank you for any of your wisdom passed on in advance.

Sandra · Dec 1, 2015

Revo have many outlets im sure @Revo Steve-W can help you out with who is closest to you. Shark are the same, they have many dealers across the country. We have @badger5 . It really comes down to what you want from the map.

x

luke_m87 · Dec 1, 2015

Thanks Sandra, hopefully some of the guys will see this post and offer some advice soon.
In terms of what I'm looking for, I'm not chasing figures I would just like to bring the car to the next level and enjoy the car. The main thing I am worried about is someone working on the car and saying they are a dealer or specialist that actually hasn't got a clue and also someone that can the relied upon if one day I was to move forward to the next step.

smurfworth · Dec 1, 2015

I see you haven't mentioned APR, they seem to be a favourite with most people these days as revo have not developed their maps for the 8p for a while where as APR are constantly developing theirs and bringing out new stuff for their maps. I'd go this route if you are at any time going to go further than stage 1, as their maps seem to produce the best figures in recent years.

However, regardless of who you choose if your just looking for a stage 1 then you'll be well looked after regardless if it's one of the big name remap companies, just make sure it's from a specialist would be my only advice.

luke_m87 · Dec 1, 2015

Thanks @smurfworth , that's a good point I hadn't really looked at APR as I struggled to find much on the map other than the quoted price on their website.
This was my feeling that looking at stage 1 its a case of finding the right place to have the work done by a true specialist, and to be honest if i'm spending the money I want to do it wisely.
I am based in Hertfordshire, but travelling isn't to much of an issue if it means being looked after by someone that is highly recommended.

smurfworth · Dec 1, 2015

luke_m87 said:
Thanks @smurfworth , that's a good point I hadn't really looked at APR as I struggled to find much on the map other than the quoted price on their website.
This was my feeling that looking at stage 1 its a case of finding the right place to have the work done by a true specialist, and to be honest if i'm spending the money I want to do it wisely.
I am based in Hertfordshire, but travelling isn't to much of an issue if it means being looked after by someone that is highly recommended.

The other one I forgot to mention was r tech which create the map for you on a rolling road and can set it up however you want, r tech is probably the highest recommended company in the vag scene and would be a recommendation if you don't mind traveling.

luke_m87 · Dec 1, 2015

I've heard the name r tech, but i haven't actually seen much or looked into them. Having done a quick Google are they based in Leicester?
It'd be great to hear from anyone that could give a view on any of the above maps and any recommendations of specialists too.

S3Alex · Dec 1, 2015

luke_m87 said:
I've heard the name r tech, but i haven't actually seen much or looked into them. Having done a quick Google are they based in Leicester?
It'd be great to hear from anyone that could give a view on any of the above maps and any recommendations of specialists too.

Rick @ Unicorn has a very good reputation for custom mapping,if that's in your list.

I've used Revo maps up to Stg4,and had no problems,but I think recently they've dropped the ball a bit,and the custom mappers,as well as APR have picked things up somewhat.
I would however have no issues using either of those.

AMDTuning have always done very good work for me,and will go out of their way to deal with any issues that customers may have,but personally,I would recommend them to anyone.
I can also recommend Storm Developments in Aldermaston.

luke_m87 · Dec 1, 2015

Thanks @S3Alex
I know you probably have to answer at least 3 threads like this a day so it's very appreciated that you don't just ignore them or so how much we annoy you with the same questions over and over.

The issue with AmD was that a close friend had an S3 8L a few years back that they mapped, he came away with them saying that he had a fast one, but when he had it rr'd and the guys looked into the map at another garage things didn't quite add up seemed they had just added heaps of boost and fuel in places. (anyway that for another thread i guess) So although i know you have had a lot of work done with them i have been a little weary of going down that route.
I'm based in Herts just north of London so although travelling isn't a massive issue for only going stage 1 I'm not looking to break the bank or travel 500 miles round trip.
The APR and Revo I would say are a little toppy on price so I would say that was about my limit on cost and then Leicester is an easy journey so 150-200 miles max round trip. Unicorn would be a little bit far for me I think.
I haven't seen anyone write up an AmD stage 1 map review, but being reasonably close to them and your good word always seem to have me looking back on their site.

S3Alex · Dec 1, 2015

I think they certainly know their 8P work,if that makes any difference.

Another possible for you would be Storm,near reading,who have also done some amazing work for me,and commented that the engine work AMD had done was very good.
So...one tuner complimenting another shock horror!

luke_m87 · Dec 1, 2015

You don't hear that very often.
If I were to go down the AmD route do you know if the map would be lost if the battery has to be disconnected, seems to be the same across most of the maps. The fact that they aren't to far away from me and come with recommendations is a big plus.
I seem to remember reading that Revo may be looking to revisit the 8P with some of their new additions, that would be good to hear from them what if any revisions they would be making.

smurfworth · Dec 1, 2015

luke_m87 said:
I've heard the name r tech, but i haven't actually seen much or looked into them. Having done a quick Google are they based in Leicester?
It'd be great to hear from anyone that could give a view on any of the above maps and any recommendations of specialists too.

Yeah they are the ones I meant

luke_m87 said:
Thanks @S3Alex
I know you probably have to answer at least 3 threads like this a day so it's very appreciated that you don't just ignore them or so how much we annoy you with the same questions over and over.

The issue with AmD was that a close friend had an S3 8L a few years back that they mapped, he came away with them saying that he had a fast one, but when he had it rr'd and the guys looked into the map at another garage things didn't quite add up seemed they had just added heaps of boost and fuel in places. (anyway that for another thread i guess) So although i know you have had a lot of work done with them i have been a little weary of going down that route.
I'm based in Herts just north of London so although travelling isn't a massive issue for only going stage 1 I'm not looking to break the bank or travel 500 miles round trip.
The APR and Revo I would say are a little toppy on price so I would say that was about my limit on cost and then Leicester is an easy journey so 150-200 miles max round trip. Unicorn would be a little bit far for me I think.
I haven't seen anyone write up an AmD stage 1 map review, but being reasonably close to them and your good word always seem to have me looking back on their site.

Regarding cost, if you hold out for the sales they have normally in the winter and summer the cost is reduced quite a bit. Think mine from Apr was around £450 with the summer sale deal. However, you do get what you pay for in life though.

luke_m87 · Dec 1, 2015

Oh really, I guess they start the beginning of January? When I mentioned cost I wasn't meaning to scrimp and look for the cheapest option, I always think why would you buy such a car and then want to go down the cheap route? I understand everyone has a budget, but 1)it's asking for trouble and 2) it's a luxury german hatch back not a little Japanese toy.

Lewbo · Dec 1, 2015

APR just had 30% off remaps on Black Friday meaning it's only £420 and REVO had 25% off which is £450.

I'm booked APR cos of many brilliant reviews and it was slightly cheaper. Mines getting done Friday can't wait. I was going to go to stage 1 + which Revo don't offer but just going stage 1 ATM due to funds.

smurfworth · Dec 1, 2015

luke_m87 said:
Oh really, I guess they start the beginning of January? When I mentioned cost I wasn't meaning to scrimp and look for the cheapest option, I always think why would you buy such a car and then want to go down the cheap route? I understand everyone has a budget, but 1)it's asking for trouble and 2) it's a luxury german hatch back not a little Japanese toy.

Possibly, just keep an eye out if your in no rush. It's normally around a 20% saving. Yeah I understand, it's just you get some come on here expecting a £200 remap to be the dogs dangles

paul_zx6r · Dec 1, 2015

I've got my car booked in with r-tech for a stage 2+ map next month, it's a family sportback too, I've got 2 girls one is 5 and the other 10 weeks, don't let the family put you off getting power lol, if your based in north London have you looked at scc in St. Albans their a revo dealer.

SootySport · Dec 1, 2015

You don't loose a remap if the battery is disconnected. Nor do you loose the radio code, the only things that need resetting are the auto windows, radio pre set memories and the clock.
Another mapper of repute is Jabbasport near Peterborough, always go for the custom remaps, whoever you go with.

JamesMadog · Dec 2, 2015

Ive got my S3 booked in with Rick at Unicorn next tuesday, heard really good things about his work and if you look on his website S3 8p's seem to be his fortay, the fact its a custom map and its a good price also tempted me,
Regards

StevomcS3 · Dec 2, 2015

I recently had apr stg 1 done at ecotune in Hillington. Car was standard at hit a nice 321bhp. Was very pleased with performance and the service from ecotune..

luke_m87 · Dec 2, 2015

I had applied for the Revo Black Friday discount and received the voucher, but after reading peoples views I'm swayed away from Revo and would rather go with something more up to date. I think I'm considering either APR or AmD as I'm nearby to Essex if i have any issues or decide to go further then its not to bad to get down there.

@paul_zx6r you are brave, the mrs is going to take some convincing. I mean I don't drive fast at all with the family in the car, but she isn't keen on me wanting it to be any quicker.

@Soot1 The Revo site has a disclaimer on their stage 1 map: NOTE: Software settings will default to equivalent of stock (B1, F0, T0) when the battery is disconnected. An SPS or your Revo dealer can be used to reset the performance mode settings. So I wasn't sure if this is the case with all maps or just theirs?

Unicorn is a 400 mile round trip for me, if I was to start having issues with the map or anything like that it's a fair trek. I have heard good things though so hopefully you won't be disappointed @JamesMadog

smurfworth · Dec 2, 2015

luke_m87 said:
I had applied for the Revo Black Friday discount and received the voucher, but after reading peoples views I'm swayed away from Revo and would rather go with something more up to date. I think I'm considering either APR or AmD as I'm nearby to Essex if i have any issues or decide to go further then its not to bad to get down there.

@paul_zx6r you are brave, the mrs is going to take some convincing. I mean I don't drive fast at all with the family in the car, but she isn't keen on me wanting it to be any quicker.

@Soot1 The Revo site has a disclaimer on their stage 1 map: NOTE: Software settings will default to equivalent of stock (B1, F0, T0) when the battery is disconnected. An SPS or your Revo dealer can be used to reset the performance mode settings. So I wasn't sure if this is the case with all maps or just theirs?

Unicorn is a 400 mile round trip for me, if I was to start having issues with the map or anything like that it's a fair trek. I have heard good things though so hopefully you won't be disappointed @JamesMadog

Do you have cruise control? As maps can be changed using the cruise control stick with APR.

Regarding losing the maps when the battery is disconnected.. That's just revo, however you don't lose the map you just lose the settings that the map had. You can get a controller that restores the settings by plugging it into the OBD port under the dash and restoring your settings.

Other maps don't work that way so there's no unique settings to lose when the battery is disconnected.

luke_m87 · Dec 2, 2015

No cruise control, it's a manual and I think one of the only options not ticked. It is a possible retrofit that I have on the list though.
Ahh ok so it reverts to it's base settings then. Are the APR maps not set up to each car as well?

smurfworth · Dec 2, 2015

luke_m87 said:
No cruise control, it's a manual and I think one of the only options not ticked. It is a possible retrofit that I have on the list though.
Ahh ok so it reverts to it's base settings then. Are the APR maps not set up to each car as well?

It is possible, just a case of installing the stick and turning it on in vagcom. Yeah you got it, no the APR maps are generic so two stage 2+ APR'd S3's should be just as fast as each other with any variations depending on how healthy each engine is and any different modifications etc

Ollie2014 · Dec 2, 2015

luke_m87 said:
No cruise control, it's a manual and I think one of the only options not ticked. It is a possible retrofit that I have on the list though.
Ahh ok so it reverts to it's base settings then. Are the APR maps not set up to each car as well?

Hi Luke i'm new to this tuning talk and so on but Awesome GTI do a retrofit cruise control system £299 fitted using genuine parts and they do APR maps also.

luke_m87 · Dec 2, 2015

Oh really, I hadn't realised it was a fully generic map. Kinda puts me off a little if there is no movement for individual cars/personal set-up.

Hi Ollie I have a friend that has retro fitted cruise control to his 8P already so when it comes to it I'll be enlisting his help.

Trying to decide what way to go is actually quite difficult, I'm going to be terrible if I decide to go any further!

S3Alex · Dec 2, 2015

Both Revo and APR are generic in the sense that they have common base files,which are then adjusted to the individual car and driver(or at least should be).

There may therefore be some small differences in fuel,boost and timing,but they will not be huge.

I had Revo maps on my car for several years,and had no complaints,but I would say that the custom tuners such as Rick @ Unicorn can offer a lot more now,and would be well up my list if I was looking now.
I've got something completely off that track now,and the degree of customisation is amazing,albeit at serious cost,but it does show what can be done,and people like Rick can provide a good taste of that,at much lower cost.

luke_m87 · Dec 2, 2015

@S3Alex sorry I may have worded my last post slightly wrongly. I know that both are 'generic' maps with base maps and had assumed as you say both are then adjusted to the individual car. I think there was confusion the way the APR map was described then.

I would head down the Unicorn route but it is over 400 miles round trip, if any issues started to show themselves that's a long journey to be making again.
Do you know of anyone a little further south? I'm based in Hertfordshire so Essex is ideal with AmD.

S3Alex · Dec 2, 2015

luke_m87 said:
@S3Alex sorry I may have worded my last post slightly wrongly. I know that both are 'generic' maps with base maps and had assumed as you say both are then adjusted to the individual car. I think there was confusion the way the APR map was described then.

I would head down the Unicorn route but it is over 400 miles round trip, if any issues started to show themselves that's a long journey to be making again.
Do you know of anyone a little further south? I'm based in Hertfordshire so Essex is ideal with AmD.

Got it!

OK...as you know,most of my work has been done by AMDTuning,so I can vouch for them.
They do their own maps as well as APR.

I can also vouch for Storm Developments in Aldermaston,as they did all of the programming on my current ECU.

luke_m87 · Dec 2, 2015

Just checked Storm's site out, that's a pretty competitive price on mapping.
I feel rather indecisive there's to many options. I feel slightly torn between AmD's own map, R Tech, and now Storm Developments.

S3Alex · Dec 2, 2015

luke_m87 said:
Just checked Storm's site out, that's a pretty competitive price on mapping.
I feel rather indecisive there's to many options. I feel slightly torn between AmD's own map, R Tech, and now Storm Developments.

It's always difficult to choose.

R-Tech may offer you some custom features that others can't but you would need to compare prices and specs to be sure.
All of them are reputable.

One of the biggest considerations obviously is how close you are to one or other,but having had my car shipped to Nortech and Storm,I can say that's pretty easy to,if the need arises.

Krony · Dec 2, 2015

All of the big companies are good, as Alex says stick with someone close, i went Revo simply because that's what Lvs Racing use and they are a 3 min drive away so any problems it's alot easier to get sorted.

luke_m87 · Dec 2, 2015

I think I'm going to have to speak to all three and maybe take a view from there.

Shipped makes me think of putting it in a box! I do have access to a couple of trailers if needed, but still at the end of the day its only going stage 1 maybe if it was for a build like yours then I'd start considering the longer hikes.
Thank you for your advice and help it's much appreciated!

JamesMadog · Dec 2, 2015

luke_m87 said:
I had applied for the Revo Black Friday discount and received the voucher, but after reading peoples views I'm swayed away from Revo and would rather go with something more up to date. I think I'm considering either APR or AmD as I'm nearby to Essex if i have any issues or decide to go further then its not to bad to get down there.

@paul_zx6r you are brave, the mrs is going to take some convincing. I mean I don't drive fast at all with the family in the car, but she isn't keen on me wanting it to be any quicker.

@Soot1 The Revo site has a disclaimer on their stage 1 map: NOTE: Software settings will default to equivalent of stock (B1, F0, T0) when the battery is disconnected. An SPS or your Revo dealer can be used to reset the performance mode settings. So I wasn't sure if this is the case with all maps or just theirs?

Unicorn is a 400 mile round trip for me, if I was to start having issues with the map or anything like that it's a fair trek. I have heard good things though so hopefully you won't be disappointed @JamesMadog

Im hoping so mate! Still a bit nervous but i think all will be good! Looking forward tonthe drive back

luke_m87 · Dec 3, 2015

@JamesMadog how far are you travelling? I bet it'll be the best drive you've had and won't be wanting to get out!

JamesMadog · Dec 3, 2015

luke_m87 said:
@JamesMadog how far are you travelling? I bet it'll be the best drive you've had and won't be wanting to get out!

54 miles mate so probably about hour n a half there and about 45 minutes to get back

S3 Stage 1 remap

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