United Motorsports Questions [Archive]

T_Glass_27

10-13-2013, 10:05 AM

I am in the process of choosing my tune. I have heard nothing bad about United Motorsports in any other tune threads but when I mention going with either them or APR everyone says APR because its more safe, and set it and forget it. I realize that APR is one of the most conservative tunes and UM is one of the most aggressive. That being said, has anyone ever had issues with their UM tunes? I would have to ship to them which wouldnt be an issue but I have an APR tuner only 30 mins away. Feedback from UN users would be great!

Firefox250

10-13-2013, 10:33 AM

How far do you plan on taking you B7? I went with UM because I'm planing on putting on an bigger turbo on so that's why I went with UM. I haven't had an issues with UM either, but I haven't had the tune long enough. All I know is every time I drive the car I have a big smile on compared to the Revo 2+ tune I had.

RAudiB7A4

10-13-2013, 11:26 AM

Like already stated; it depends entirely what you want out of your car. I went with APR because as everyone has said; it is the most reliable tune out there, and has some nice gains. I've held off on the HPFP upgrade because go don't want to have to change out a $40 part every oil change when this is my daily driver and I put on 20k miles a year. If you are going to upgrade the turbo, then go with UM for sure. You'll get the best numbers and is probably pretty save considering they have one of the best tuners in the country. If you are planning on keeping it as a reliable daily driver and don 'to want the hassles of replacing cam followers every oil change or so, then go with one of the OTS tunes.

derrek

10-13-2013, 11:34 AM

Just curious as to how apr is any more reliably then the other "stage 1" tunes? IMO all the reliability depends on how well you maintained your car before the tune. OP if it was me I'd go to the shop that you feel the best about.

RAudiB7A4

10-13-2013, 11:46 AM

I shouldn't say APR is "the most" reliable. Pretty much all of the OTS tunes are made for reliability first , gains second.

I agree, maintenance is the key to reliability. Period .

RAudiB7A4

10-13-2013, 11:55 AM

I should add that one of my very good friends has built his 2.5L five cyl. VW Rabbit from top to bottom off of Jeff Atwood and United Motorsports. He has a one of a kind build, and one of the highest whp rabbits out there thanks to Jeff Atwood's tuning and recommendations. Hence why I say definetely go with UM if you are doing a build.

ultraleggera a4

10-13-2013, 12:12 PM

carguy138

10-13-2013, 12:16 PM

Here's my take. My car has been tuned since 8k miles with APR and I just replaced the turbo (APR K04 S3 kit) at 86k miles. Original K03 had ZERO shaft play and the car burned zero oil while being tuned for roughly 80k miles. These are expensive cars (or were) and going with APR gives you the piece of mind that it won't cause problems.

kaz02a4

10-13-2013, 01:28 PM

I went through the same decision a month ago, and went UM. I can't speak to how APR is as far as a power comparison, but the UM tune is incredible. There's gobs of power, and the actual drive-ability is improved IMO. No reliability issues yet, except for some WOT hesitation in 6th gear cruising. I'm 95% sure it's coil packs, because they were already on their way out before I got the tune.

BEFORE YOU GET ANY TUNE, please do yourself a favor and make sure your maintenance is all up-to-date. Diverter valve, cam follower, coil packs, oil leaks, etc. I tried tuning before I had a consumption issue fixed, and it only aggravated the problem. Yes. I'm stupid. I didn't have enough cash on hand after the tune to get the problem fixed, so I just added oil until I got finances straight. Yes. I'm stupid. But seriously, it'll save plenty of headaches.

vce1232000

10-13-2013, 01:44 PM

just read the specs on UM tunes. Throws out some very nice ###

T_Glass_27

10-13-2013, 03:42 PM

I dont plan on ever going to an upgraded hpfp. So I would be going with either APR stage 2 or UM stage 1. No bigger turbo plans. I didnt think cam followers would wear out that fast with a stock hpfp? I was thinking around every 15k.

jsandor91

10-13-2013, 05:19 PM

Just do it, Get United Motorsports stage 1, if wanna laugh @ your buddies b7 s4 when you beat him with your k03 a4, the reaction is priceless.
I've been running it since the beginning January 2012 with no complaints.

I'd like to see a video of that

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vce1232000

10-13-2013, 07:53 PM

I'd like to see a video of that

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk now Free ('http://tapatalk.com/m?id=10')

A well tuned KO4 can do a stock S4 in city driving environment[race]. Ask me how I know[drive].

ultraleggera a4

10-13-2013, 08:06 PM

I'd like to see a video of that

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk now Free ('http://tapatalk.com/m?id=10')

Find me a victim and I'll post a video, I doubt the 2 B7 S4s i beat would want a video of them losing on YouTube.
Another thing is neither one was stock, one had a cutout and intake and the other had cat back and a tune.
I now have more power than my signature show but haven't made time to get a dyno, since that dyno I now have a upgraded lpfp & hpfp along with an exhaust cut-out.

p0isin

10-13-2013, 08:11 PM

Find me a victim and I'll post a video, I doubt the 2 B7 S4s i beat would want a video of them losing on YouTube.
Another thing is neither one was stock, one had a cutout and intake and the other had cat back and a tune.
I now have more power than my signature show but haven't made time to get a dyno, since that dyno I now have a upgraded lpfp & hpfp along with an exhaust cut-out.

Just curious, do you have any boost & fuel logs of 3rd or 4th gear pulls? I'd like to see what the UM tune is capable of.

ktish

10-13-2013, 08:26 PM

I'd like to see a video of that

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x3. Would run to my nearest dealer if it means beating my dad's b7 s4 :P

ultraleggera a4

10-13-2013, 08:39 PM

Just curious, do you have any boost & fuel logs of 3rd or 4th gear pulls? I'd like to see what the UM tune is capable of.

As a matter of fact I just did a log today in 3rd gear with 3 people in the car to create some nice load, pm me.
Your email

mec

10-13-2013, 08:44 PM

Just curious, do you have any boost & fuel logs of 3rd or 4th gear pulls? I'd like to see what the UM tune is capable of.

It's capable of whatever any other tune is. thought it will be more aggressive. The thing is that a log won't tell you much. He may actually be running less boost than a similar file, but could still be making more power. Similarly with fuel, more fuel doesn't always equal more power, especially not with the FSI's.

The best thing you can ask for is a Dyno, and even that is not very objective because different shops use different dynos, in different climate, with different correction factors, and each car is different.

Pretty much all OTS tunes are going to net you the same power +- 10 ponies that you can't really even feel. The difference is in the smoothness and experiences of the tuner. But its an off the shelf tune. If you are looking to maximize power then you want a custom tune. Probably 2-3 times more expensive for marginal performance but thats how you do it.

p0isin

10-13-2013, 08:44 PM

As a matter of fact I just did a log today in 3rd gear with 3 people in the car to create some nice load, pm me.
Your email

PM sent, thank you!

p0isin

10-13-2013, 08:47 PM

It's capable of whatever any other tune is. thought it will be more aggressive. The thing is that a log won't tell you much. He may actually be running less boost than a similar file, but could still be making more power. Similarly with fuel, more fuel doesn't always equal more power, especially not with the FSI's.

The best thing you can ask for is a Dyno, and even that is not very objective because different shops use different dynos, in different climate, with different correction factors, and each car is different.

Pretty much all OTS tunes are going to net you the same power +- 10 ponies that you can't really even feel. The difference is in the smoothness and experiences of the tuner. But its an off the shelf tune. If you are looking to maximize power then you want a custom tune. Probably 2-3 times more expensive for marginal performance but thats how you do it.

I am expecting logs to be close to APR, Revo, or MAESTRO tunes. It would just be nice to see what his tune is requesting and what his KO3 can supply. The part about beating B7 S4's was what made me ask, I don't know how much more power can be made out of the KO3 than what we've already seen.

A dyno would be nice but in his earlier post he said he did not have one. My next upgrade will most likely be MAESTRO anyways for customization.

ultraleggera a4

10-13-2013, 09:11 PM

Yes I do , just not the new dyno yet, but the power in my signature is what I had when I beat the S4s
Its in the dyno thread

jsandor91

10-13-2013, 10:30 PM

What were the conditions speeds temps altitude etc. I know your fwd so if you did a roll it def helped .

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ultraleggera a4

10-13-2013, 10:44 PM

Did 30 roll up to 100 and a 50-140 in 80°F with slight head wind in socal.

ultraleggera a4

10-13-2013, 10:48 PM

Oh did I say socal? I meant mexico[>_<]

swaggerwagon

10-14-2013, 05:10 AM

Go to VW of South Charlotte. They do APR and UNI in house. Ask for a trial. They're good people.

T_Glass_27

10-14-2013, 06:37 AM

What do they charge for the trial?

vce1232000

10-14-2013, 07:04 AM

A 6 hour APR trail is free at participating dealers. I know that APR itself was flashing free trials at the shows. I don't know about UNI. I believe Uni gives a 30 day money back if you aren't satisfied with it. Usually what ever 1st tune you use. Will leave you a lasting impression. And that's the tune you will swear by as the best. Great 1st impression's, Leaves loyal future purchases. This is why most tuning companies enjoy newbie's entering the performance arena. Its just marketing 101.

swaggerwagon

10-14-2013, 07:37 AM

That I don't know, I'd give them a call. I haven't been there in a bit. If you ever want to go custom, Eurowise is pretty familiar with the Maestro Suite.

stevengrande

10-14-2013, 06:42 PM

Go to VW of South Charlotte. They do APR and UNI in house. Ask for a trial. They're good people.

UNI has a free test program? I didn't know that? I thought APR was the only one that did. Need to look into that.

-Probably sent while driving my A4 from my Nexus 7-

Operator

10-14-2013, 06:53 PM

Just to make sure everyone knows. Uni = Unitronic. UM = United Motorsports. Didn't want anyone to get thrown off.

stevengrande

10-14-2013, 07:01 PM

Just to make sure everyone knows. Uni = Unitronic. UM = United Motorsports. Didn't want anyone to get thrown off.

Good point, Operator. I still don't know if UNI or UM have free trials, but I'd like to try either.

-Probably sent while driving my A4 from my Nexus 7-

vce1232000

10-14-2013, 08:07 PM

Good point, Operator. I still don't know if UNI or UM have free trials, but I'd like to try either.

-Probably sent while driving my A4 from my Nexus 7-

I'm it for the free trail to do comparison between the tunes. I know with APR tune after the 6 hrs are up it reverts back to whatever tune you had.

stevengrande

10-15-2013, 12:30 PM

I'm it for the free trail to do comparison between the tunes. I know with APR tune after the 6 hrs are up it reverts back to whatever tune you had.

I tried the APR 6hr trial tune. Brought it straight to my buddy to compare w/ his REVO stage 1 tuned B7. My car is almost as quick in SPORT mode as it was w/ the APR tune. The REVO tune was lights out a better 'seat of the pants' feel. I just chalked it up to it being a 6hr test tune issue and probably wasn't a great way to judge the APR but still...they lost a customer. I'm going UM or UNI when it's time. I've heard great things re: both.

-Steve G - 2005.5 A4 2.0T
***If you're reading this it was probably sent via TapTalk while driving my B7***

T_Glass_27

10-15-2013, 12:33 PM

Yea I wanted to get a trial of APR's software but the shop charges $50 for installation time.

vce1232000

10-15-2013, 01:14 PM

The APR shops by me charges 0. You mite want to check out some other dealers in the area that don't charge for trial version. I know a few other tunes have a money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. I know the BIg Five was at all the shows I went to this year. Again APR was flashing free trails. No charge what so ever. Maybe some people on here are close to you and you can go for a ride in their wip and you can go from there. And do a comparison from there?

glissoar

10-15-2013, 02:16 PM

Coming from an APR stage 1 tune and then moving to the K04 UM tune, I would say 100% go UM. I have had 0 issues with the tune and my build with just a small k04 upgrade and the custom dyno tune from UM I hang with stage 1 S4's all day long. Jeff @ UM is a master, go APR if you want to spend money in the future changing your tune, go UM if you want more power

derrek

10-15-2013, 03:07 PM

vce1232000

10-15-2013, 03:18 PM

A well tuned KO4 can do a stock S4 in city driving environment[race]. Ask me how I know[drive].

Quote Originally Posted by glissoar View Post

Coming from an APR stage 1 tune and then moving to the K04 UM tune, I would say 100% go UM. I have had 0 issues with the tune and my build with just a small k04 upgrade and the custom dyno tune from UM I hang with stage 1 S4's all day long. Jeff @ UM is a master, go APR if you want to spend money in the future changing your tune, go UM if you want more power
B7 or B8 S4's?

My friend was a B7 S4 stock tip tranny. But still had 340 hp. I wouldn't even attempt to try that with a B8 S4 tip with grandma driving. No matter how much I[drive]. I will never [race]. I have to[hail] to the B8 S4.

T_Glass_27

10-16-2013, 07:17 AM

Alright, Well I have decided to go with United Motorsports. I am going to have to ship my ecu to them and wont be able to until next week. When I get it back I will leave a proper review!

derrek

10-16-2013, 12:06 PM

Alright, Well I have decided to go with United Motorsports. I am going to have to ship my ecu to them and wont be able to until next week. When I get it back I will leave a proper review!

That's what I would have done if I was you. You're going to love.

T_Glass_27

10-17-2013, 07:13 AM

Actually F that. I am taking it out tonight so I can ship it first thing tomorrow morning lol

T_Glass_27

10-18-2013, 11:07 AM

Well I guess it isnt going out today! I emailed and called but havent heard back! I dont have a way to pay online and donnt have address to ship to! TAKE MY MONEY UM! haha

T_Glass_27

10-18-2013, 11:15 AM

Well I guess it isnt going out today! I emailed and called but havent heard back! I dont have a way to pay online and donnt have address to ship to! TAKE MY MONEY UM! haha

They just called back! I got the address so I am ready to go! Review coming soon!

glissoar

10-18-2013, 11:27 AM

B7 or B8 S4's?

B7 S4's

glissoar

10-18-2013, 11:32 AM

They just called back! I got the address so I am ready to go! Review coming soon!

If you want to take a long drive, HB Motorwerks is a UM dealer and they are in Chesapeak, VA which is only a few miles past the VA/NC line. Not sure how for Mooresville is from VA. But Im good friends with the owner, I can help you get in contact with them

T_Glass_27

10-18-2013, 11:46 AM

I would but I am a little over 5 hours from there.

vce1232000

10-18-2013, 01:05 PM

I would but I am a little over 5 hours from there.
I cant think of any better way to enjoy the tune on a return[drive] trip like that.. Bring the gas card[race]

LmG7119

10-19-2016, 09:09 AM

Sorry to bring this thread out of dead.

How do you like UM?

I have 2013 Allroad( B8.5 I believe) and I'm debating between APR or UM stage 1. I won't ever go beyond stage 1. Here in MN we have gas stations with 91, 92 and 93 octane gas. So I do like that UM will work with any of those as compare to APR I would have to pick a tune based on octane.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks