Hi,
I know the subject of re-mapping has been covered many times within this forum and I don't want to get into any kind of debate over 'should' or 'shouldn't' you??
My question is regarding two of the main software promoters - GIAC and Bluefin.
I have a 2008 S3, which once run in, was re-mapped using the portable bluefin handset.
This map, I felt, provided excellent, all round boost and acceleration, irrelevant of speed or gear - I could be on the motorway, doing 60 in 6th, put my foot down and the car would 'take off' with no hesitation or 'lag' and continue pressing me back into the seat ...... on and on!
Being the greedy ****** I probably am though, when I read the reviews regarding GIAC's new 330bhp Hammer map making the bluefin feel like 'stock' I thought hmmmm, I'm going to have to have a slice of that!
As I'm mid Cheshire, I made an appointment with Steve Jnr at Statller and after changing the car back to stock, headed on over to Sheffield.
The day was most informative and Steve was an excellent source of information regarding the make up of my car and the science of re-mapping.
He took me out for the customary test drive and from the passenger seat, the car felt quick!!
We pulled over, swapped seats..... I pulled on the fingerless driving gloves and off we went, eagerly anticipating the effect of 20 more horses.
My first thoughts were..... Hmmm it does feel fast - but faster than the Bluefin?? Not sure!!
I settled up with Steve and set off home (the 60 mile test run).
If I'm honest, my general impression was that of - slight disappointment!
Overall, the car did feel fast, however, it lacked some of the exhilarating urgency, I felt with the Bluefin.
irrespective of gear or speed, there was unfamiliar lag when accelerating at less than 3000 rpm (Dare I say.. possibly a tad more than in 'stock').
Don't get me wrong, once moving (above 3000rpm), the car felt strong through the gears and onwards, it just seemed to lack that immediate and satisfying knee in the back low down boost.
After a couple of weeks I emailed steve with my observations and he was genuinely mortified at my disappointment, even offering to travel over to Cheshire to have a look, saving me the inconvenience of a return trip over the moors (Steve, you're a top bloke!!)
I did, however, decide to kill two birds with one stone - Return to Sheffield - Have Steve look at the map and ECU - then have a nice new Milltek Cat Back fitted.
Steve carried out a bag full of diagnostic checks, re flashed, then downloaded a fresh version of the Hammer to the ECU.
Out for another series of test drives and.... - From standing, the car felt awesome through the gears, but again, during normal, road speed acceleration, there were signs of lag under 3000 rpm.
Steve has obviously mapped many cars with the GIAC software and other customers have experienced massive gains throughout the rev range.
He has offered to take further readings and send them directly to GIAC for a more customised map, but we both decided to run the car for a few more miles before making that decision.
So, thoughts at the moment - only 2500 miles on the clock - Maybe it will improve with age??
Another - possibly revert to the Bluefin??
My question to you all would be - has anyone else any experience, thoughts, comparisons or advice regarding getting the best out of this lovely engine??
I would also mention and fully recommend Statller in Sheffield - Great service with helpful advice and support!!!
Cheers,
Rob
I know the subject of re-mapping has been covered many times within this forum and I don't want to get into any kind of debate over 'should' or 'shouldn't' you??
My question is regarding two of the main software promoters - GIAC and Bluefin.
I have a 2008 S3, which once run in, was re-mapped using the portable bluefin handset.
This map, I felt, provided excellent, all round boost and acceleration, irrelevant of speed or gear - I could be on the motorway, doing 60 in 6th, put my foot down and the car would 'take off' with no hesitation or 'lag' and continue pressing me back into the seat ...... on and on!
Being the greedy ****** I probably am though, when I read the reviews regarding GIAC's new 330bhp Hammer map making the bluefin feel like 'stock' I thought hmmmm, I'm going to have to have a slice of that!
As I'm mid Cheshire, I made an appointment with Steve Jnr at Statller and after changing the car back to stock, headed on over to Sheffield.
The day was most informative and Steve was an excellent source of information regarding the make up of my car and the science of re-mapping.
He took me out for the customary test drive and from the passenger seat, the car felt quick!!
We pulled over, swapped seats..... I pulled on the fingerless driving gloves and off we went, eagerly anticipating the effect of 20 more horses.
My first thoughts were..... Hmmm it does feel fast - but faster than the Bluefin?? Not sure!!
I settled up with Steve and set off home (the 60 mile test run).
If I'm honest, my general impression was that of - slight disappointment!
Overall, the car did feel fast, however, it lacked some of the exhilarating urgency, I felt with the Bluefin.
irrespective of gear or speed, there was unfamiliar lag when accelerating at less than 3000 rpm (Dare I say.. possibly a tad more than in 'stock').
Don't get me wrong, once moving (above 3000rpm), the car felt strong through the gears and onwards, it just seemed to lack that immediate and satisfying knee in the back low down boost.
After a couple of weeks I emailed steve with my observations and he was genuinely mortified at my disappointment, even offering to travel over to Cheshire to have a look, saving me the inconvenience of a return trip over the moors (Steve, you're a top bloke!!)
I did, however, decide to kill two birds with one stone - Return to Sheffield - Have Steve look at the map and ECU - then have a nice new Milltek Cat Back fitted.
Steve carried out a bag full of diagnostic checks, re flashed, then downloaded a fresh version of the Hammer to the ECU.
Out for another series of test drives and.... - From standing, the car felt awesome through the gears, but again, during normal, road speed acceleration, there were signs of lag under 3000 rpm.
Steve has obviously mapped many cars with the GIAC software and other customers have experienced massive gains throughout the rev range.
He has offered to take further readings and send them directly to GIAC for a more customised map, but we both decided to run the car for a few more miles before making that decision.
So, thoughts at the moment - only 2500 miles on the clock - Maybe it will improve with age??
Another - possibly revert to the Bluefin??
My question to you all would be - has anyone else any experience, thoughts, comparisons or advice regarding getting the best out of this lovely engine??
I would also mention and fully recommend Statller in Sheffield - Great service with helpful advice and support!!!
Cheers,
Rob