Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box

djgritt · 18-04-2008, 17:38

I'll be bringing in a chunk of wedge at the end of the month, and after buying some bits i want and sorting some stuff out, i was considering using the remaining to get a treat for the vRS.

I am after an ECU upgrade device, be it remap or tuning box, to up the power

However, it has to be removable and able to be swapped from OE to Mapped easily for services etc, so not mapped onto the ECU itself (incase of dealer updates etc)

I know of the following, but dont know too much about them really, so after advice on that, and anyone with experience of them's opinions?

- Superchips Bluefin
- Dragon Digital Tuning Box

Also, if anyone know of any others, it'd be appreciated.

**VRStu** · 18-04-2008, 17:47

Bluefin seems popular for the TDi at the moment. Given the DPF issues I'd be wary of the Tuning Box route at the moment.

REVO is another one of the switchable types but you need to buy a switch or know somone that has one.

dstev2000 · 18-04-2008, 18:26

Doesn't the Bluefin plug into the diagnostics port in the footwell?

If so then surely it must carry out some sort of ECU flash to increase power

The Dragon box is hard wired down stream of the ECU so therefore completely undetectable.

I looked at the Bluefin some time back but wasn't 100% confident it wouldn't be traced.

**VRStu** · 18-04-2008, 18:35

Yes the Bluefin actually flashes the firmware on the ECU each time you load/unload the SW. The early ones didn't reset the flash counter however I am told that the newer ones do.

Differance between Dragon type boxes and a remap is that a remap will also increase air flow as well as fuel, Dragon simply over fuels.

magic62 · 18-04-2008, 18:40

I have the superchips bluefin since today. If it is traceable then I will know it as soon as next friday. My Octi will be in for a checkup, because I think my airmassmeter is faulty.
I will restore the original data on thursday, first I want to drive it for a week.
Will also readout the faultcodes before (I do have VAG-COM

).

My decision to go for the bluefin is, that I can always restore the original data if I want to (everytime before the car goes to the dealer). And play it back on if the car comes back.

The data is transmissioned over the diagnostics port, ie flashing the ECU. The bluefin stores the original data.

This is how it works:

You upload the original data in the bluefin. Then you sent the data to SuperChips, they will sent you (within 8 hours on working days) the changed data for your car. This is uploaded into the bluefin.
After this, you just change the uprated data in your cars ECU.

Now go for a spin and

In the JKM forum I already wrote a smal post with my expiriences.

dstev2000 · 18-04-2008, 19:04

The flash counter was my main concern. If the newer ones can reset it then this makes the Bluefin a tempting proposition

As already discussed, I for one wouldn't risk a Dragon box with a DPF given the amount of clag that gets produced when running one. I know from experience with my old PD130

magic62 · 30-04-2008, 19:17

Here is an update on the Bluefin.

After a little trouble flashing the car back to original (the bluefin didnt want to communicate with the car), I tried it again today and everything went well.
I did it as a test, because my car has to go back to the garage one day for a checkup on the power loss after the engine update 28E1.

After it got flashed back, I immediately flashed the superchips data back to the ECU.

Now the downside of the story. Checked the ECU afterwards with my VCDS (the new name for VAG-COM) and found out, that the car had had 4 succesfull flashes.
This means the three times I flashed it are recorded and not resetted.

The car is running very good with the superchips data, runs ever better. Already managed a 4600 in 6th on a slight downhill part of the autobahn (almost 250km/h speedo which was 242 GPS km/h).
Acceleration in 6th gear is a blast (especially from 140 onwards).

Giant · 30-04-2008, 19:47

Had mine done by Will at p-torque, a site sponsor and so far, so good.

Give him a call. I have done 19,000 miles since I had mine done with no problems, only fun to report.

Organist · 30-04-2008, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by magic62

Already managed a 4600 in 6th on a slight downhill part of the autobahn (almost 250km/h speedo which was 242 GPS km/h).

That's just over 151 MPH

phil holmes · 01-05-2008, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by djgritt

I'll be bringing in a chunk of wedge at the end of the month, and after buying some bits i want and sorting some stuff out, i was considering using the remaining to get a treat for the vRS.

I am after an ECU upgrade device, be it remap or tuning box, to up the power

However, it has to be removable and able to be swapped from OE to Mapped easily for services etc, so not mapped onto the ECU itself (incase of dealer updates etc)

I know of the following, but dont know too much about them really, so after advice on that, and anyone with experience of them's opinions?

- Superchips Bluefin
- Dragon Digital Tuning Box

Also, if anyone know of any others, it'd be appreciated.

Dont bother with the above tunning products go for a revotec ecu update totaly undetectable by dealers, Dealers faultfinding equipment works on revo. ECU updates do not affect revo. I work at a skoda dealer and have a revo on my 2007 oct vrs no issues with revo only good things to say. You can also get a switchable revo unit to switch between stock and performance how good is that!

FocusZtec · 01-05-2008, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil holmes

Dont bother with the above tunning products go for a revotec ecu update totaly undetectable by dealers, Dealers faultfinding equipment works on revo. ECU updates do not affect revo. I work at a skoda dealer and have a revo on my 2007 oct vrs no issues with revo only good things to say. You can also get a switchable revo unit to switch between stock and performance how good is that!

Errr, not entirely accurate.

Undetectable by the dealer? Depends how hard they try to look and certianly detectable further up the chain.

And ECU updates do not affect REVO?!

A number of people I know have had to revisit the REVO dealer after the car has been in for a service and an ECU update has been carried out hence wiping their Revo map.

Other maps (such as Superchips) also allow switching between multiple maps.

Lee

**VRStu** · 01-05-2008, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil holmes

Dont bother with the above tunning products go for a revotec ecu update totaly undetectable by dealers, Dealers faultfinding equipment works on revo. ECU updates do not affect revo. I work at a skoda dealer and have a revo on my 2007 oct vrs no issues with revo only good things to say. You can also get a switchable revo unit to switch between stock and performance how good is that!

So you favour REVO then

Organist · 02-05-2008, 08:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil holmes

Dont bother with the above tunning products go for a revotec ecu update totaly undetectable by dealers, Dealers faultfinding equipment works on revo. ECU updates do not affect revo. I work at a skoda dealer and have a revo on my 2007 oct vrs no issues with revo only good things to say. You can also get a switchable revo unit to switch between stock and performance how good is that!

Don't believe you. As has been said many times on here, any dealer can find the evidence of aftermarket tuning gear. It just depends how far they want to look!!

Dor · 02-05-2008, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Organist

Don't believe you. As has been said many times on here, any dealer can find the evidence of aftermarket tuning gear. It just depends how far they want to look!!

Yes, so tou pay you money and take yer choice. Life is full of risks eh?

Rgs

Chris

Haddock · 04-05-2008, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by magic62

Here is an update on the Bluefin.

After a little trouble flashing the car back to original (the bluefin didnt want to communicate with the car), I tried it again today and everything went well.
I did it as a test, because my car has to go back to the garage one day for a checkup on the power loss after the engine update 28E1.

After it got flashed back, I immediately flashed the superchips data back to the ECU.

Now the downside of the story. Checked the ECU afterwards with my VCDS (the new name for VAG-COM) and found out, that the car had had 4 succesfull flashes.
This means the three times I flashed it are recorded and not resetted.

The car is running very good with the superchips data, runs ever better. Already managed a 4600 in 6th on a slight downhill part of the autobahn (almost 250km/h speedo which was 242 GPS km/h).
Acceleration in 6th gear is a blast (especially from 140 onwards).

Hi, I am contemplating the Bluefin myself - but the part about the number of flashes not resetting is a bit of a worry, did you tell Superchips about this and if so what did they say?

Otherwise it sounds like a great piece of kit

Regards

Chris

18-04-2008, 17:38	#1
djgritt Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blandford, Dorset Posts: 601 Members Car: 2007 Octavia vRS Thanks: 26 Thanked 24 Times in 23 Posts	Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box I'll be bringing in a chunk of wedge at the end of the month, and after buying some bits i want and sorting some stuff out, i was considering using the remaining to get a treat for the vRS. I am after an ECU upgrade device, be it remap or tuning box, to up the power However, it has to be removable and able to be swapped from OE to Mapped easily for services etc, so not mapped onto the ECU itself (incase of dealer updates etc) I know of the following, but dont know too much about them really, so after advice on that, and anyone with experience of them's opinions? - Superchips Bluefin - Dragon Digital Tuning Box Also, if anyone know of any others, it'd be appreciated. __________________ MY07 Octavia vRS TDi Hatch - Black Magic - Replacement Engine, Replacement Gearbox, Replacement DPF - Colour Coded Grille Surround, De-Tangoed F&R Indicators, 'vRS' Etched Tax Disc Holder, 2nd Rear Fog, Anti-Hijack, Leaving/Coming Home Lights, Michelin PS2 Tyres - RR Proven 177.9 bhp / 289 lb/ft www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk - South Central Regional Organiser www.freewebs.com/holebrookfarmlivery/index.htm - Horse Livery & Grazing in North Dorset

18-04-2008, 17:47	#2
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box Bluefin seems popular for the TDi at the moment. Given the DPF issues I'd be wary of the Tuning Box route at the moment. REVO is another one of the switchable types but you need to buy a switch or know somone that has one. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

18-04-2008, 18:26	#3
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box Doesn't the Bluefin plug into the diagnostics port in the footwell? If so then surely it must carry out some sort of ECU flash to increase power The Dragon box is hard wired down stream of the ECU so therefore completely undetectable. I looked at the Bluefin some time back but wasn't 100% confident it wouldn't be traced. __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

18-04-2008, 18:35	#4
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box Yes the Bluefin actually flashes the firmware on the ECU each time you load/unload the SW. The early ones didn't reset the flash counter however I am told that the newer ones do. Differance between Dragon type boxes and a remap is that a remap will also increase air flow as well as fuel, Dragon simply over fuels. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

18-04-2008, 18:40	#5
magic62 Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leverkusen Germany Posts: 137 Members Car: Octavia² vRS TDI estate Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box I have the superchips bluefin since today. If it is traceable then I will know it as soon as next friday. My Octi will be in for a checkup, because I think my airmassmeter is faulty. I will restore the original data on thursday, first I want to drive it for a week. Will also readout the faultcodes before (I do have VAG-COM ). My decision to go for the bluefin is, that I can always restore the original data if I want to (everytime before the car goes to the dealer). And play it back on if the car comes back. The data is transmissioned over the diagnostics port, ie flashing the ECU. The bluefin stores the original data. This is how it works: You upload the original data in the bluefin. Then you sent the data to SuperChips, they will sent you (within 8 hours on working days) the changed data for your car. This is uploaded into the bluefin. After this, you just change the uprated data in your cars ECU. Now go for a spin and In the JKM forum I already wrote a smal post with my expiriences. __________________ Silver 2006 vRS-TDI estate, mostly std, just a couple of mild changes. Roofrack, alarm, heated rearseats, VW RNS 510 + CD-changer, sunsafe + Climair sonniboys, cruisecontrol, , HillHold, interior superflux leds, original SonyEricsson FSE with K810i, BBS RD394 16" winterwheels, polished BBS VZ033 (CH) 18" summerwheels.

18-04-2008, 19:04	#6
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box The flash counter was my main concern. If the newer ones can reset it then this makes the Bluefin a tempting proposition As already discussed, I for one wouldn't risk a Dragon box with a DPF given the amount of clag that gets produced when running one. I know from experience with my old PD130 __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

30-04-2008, 19:17	#7
magic62 Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leverkusen Germany Posts: 137 Members Car: Octavia² vRS TDI estate Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box Here is an update on the Bluefin. After a little trouble flashing the car back to original (the bluefin didnt want to communicate with the car), I tried it again today and everything went well. I did it as a test, because my car has to go back to the garage one day for a checkup on the power loss after the engine update 28E1. After it got flashed back, I immediately flashed the superchips data back to the ECU. Now the downside of the story. Checked the ECU afterwards with my VCDS (the new name for VAG-COM) and found out, that the car had had 4 succesfull flashes. This means the three times I flashed it are recorded and not resetted. The car is running very good with the superchips data, runs ever better. Already managed a 4600 in 6th on a slight downhill part of the autobahn (almost 250km/h speedo which was 242 GPS km/h). Acceleration in 6th gear is a blast (especially from 140 onwards). __________________ Silver 2006 vRS-TDI estate, mostly std, just a couple of mild changes. Roofrack, alarm, heated rearseats, VW RNS 510 + CD-changer, sunsafe + Climair sonniboys, cruisecontrol, , HillHold, interior superflux leds, original SonyEricsson FSE with K810i, BBS RD394 16" winterwheels, polished BBS VZ033 (CH) 18" summerwheels.

30-04-2008, 19:47	#8
Giant Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Derbyshire Posts: 27 Members Car: vRS PD on order Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Advice/info required - vRS TDi remap/tuning box Had mine done by Will at p-torque, a site sponsor and so far, so good. Give him a call. I have done 19,000 miles since I had mine done with no problems, only fun to report. __________________ vRS PD hatch. P-Torque 200bhp. Race blue, xenons, jumbo, climate, elec rear windows, 18" zeniths, MFD2, Maxidot, rear parking sensors, light assist, wiper assist

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