APR or Unitronic tune for a '16 S6, which one?

[luv2sleep]

I know I know, another ECU tune thread. I've read through a lot of threads regarding tunes but I'd like to hear some personal thoughts from ya'll. I've been back and forth on whether to tune or not but I think the beast is begging to be unleashed, at least a little, so I'm still entertaining the thought once again. On paper, APR seems to offer bigger gains but I like Unitronic since I can flash it back to stock and vice versa in my own garage. Thoughts/recommendations?

[sciblades]

I vote for unitronic due to its proven track results, ease of tuning from home, and amazing customer service from John

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[sciblades]

Proven track results? You ran 11.36@126 with RS7 turbos. APR ran 11.0@125 with the stock S6/7 turbos. Your results may be "proven" but they're also slower and less impressive than APR's.

Comparing beta software to production software?

Also he is talking stage 1 software not stage 3 which unitronic doesn't offer so your argument is not valid.

Vol please get a tune and actually run your car so you can contribute something productive to the forum.

How can you advise people on a tune you do not have?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[mjfloyd1]

Proven track results? You ran 11.36@126 with RS7 turbos. APR ran 11.0@125 with the stock S6/7 turbos. Your results may be "proven" but they're also slower and less impressive than APR's.

That was with his matrix lights off. Much faster when he turns them on...

[John@Unitronic]

I know I know, another ECU tune thread. I've read through a lot of threads regarding tunes but I'd like to hear some personal thoughts from ya'll. I've been back and forth on whether to tune or not but I think that the beast is begging to be unleashed, at least a little, so I'm still entertaining the thought once again. On paper, APR seems to offer bigger gains but I like Unitronic since I can flash it back to stock and vice versa in my own garage. Thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks for your interest in our Performance Software for your 2016 S6. Yes, UniConnect+ provides our Clients with the unique freedom to program their ECU from the comfort of their own home/garage. I believe what Sciblades was referring to us our 1/4mi results using our Stage 1+ Performance Software on our in-house S6, which we ran a 11.405 @ 120.77mph and 11.440 @ 121.15mph back-to-back, back in October 2015. Can't wait to hit the track again once the weather changes.



If you're looking for feedback on our performance software, and you haven't done so already, I'd recommend searching through the forums for third-party feedback, as we have Clients all over the world enjoying our Stage 1/Stage 1+ Performance Software and UniConnect+ on their C7 and C7.5 S6/S7. We'll have further upgrades for your S6 soon, too, but nothing to share at the moment.

[Barritia]

If you want the faster Qtr Mile tune and the ability to tune the car from almost anywhere night or day plus want great customer service then Unitronic it is. I'm patiently waiting for the stage 2 and the trans tune. Been extremely happy with the stage 1+.

[zcspec]

luv2sleep, you pretty much have a brand new s6 which is under warranty. The moment you bring your S6 to a dealership with the flash, you'll be flagged TD1.

Why do I bring this up?

The debate between tuners is an ongoing issue throughout ALL Audi models. The end result which I have read over and over again, people taking their vehicles to "local" tuner dealers who will provide them the BEST customer service when they need it.
Therefore, if there is a local APR or Unitronic dealer near you, pick the one who provides you with the best service when you need it, IE, having it unflashed completely BEFORE you take it in for service, then having it reflashed afterwards. When it comes down to it, both tuning companies flashes which produce similar powers. It's not as though one tuner will out perform the other by 50-100-150hp. If they did, I would question the reliability behind if.

Just my .02cents.

[luv2sleep]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys!
We only have 91 octane in my neck of the woods, unless I go to a gas station that sells the good stuff but I'm just a street punk so I'll stick with 91. Is stage 1+ only if you are using 93 or is it okay with 91? I'm new to the tuning scene so excuse my ignorance. Anyone have the 1/4 mile numbers with just the stage 1 91 octane?

[MadAboutCars]

Unitronics Stage 1 here and also very happy. Never would have happened if I couldn't flash it myself, so thanks Unitronics. Tempted to get stage 1+ now that I've found a good source for 98 ron. Email and voice communication with Unitronics here is excellent, so the best of both worlds, flash myself and dealer support.

[MadAboutCars]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys!
We only have 91 octane in my neck of the woods, unless I go to a gas station that sells the good stuff but I'm just a street punk so I'll stick with 91. Is stage 1+ only if you are using 93 or is it okay with 91? I'm new to the tuning scene so excuse my ignorance. Anyone have the 1/4 mile numbers with just the stage 1 91 octane?

My stage 1 tune runs happily on both 91 and 93 octane. No track times, sorry.

[Phi399]

I have the Unitronic Stage 1+ tune. It took around 20 min in my garage. I have flashed back to stock and had service performed by the dealer without any problems. I keep the cable in the car in case I need to reflash. I am waiting on switching my exhaust until Unitronic releases their turbo back and Stage 2 tune. It was definitely a great investment.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[luv2sleep]

luv2sleep, you pretty much have a brand new s6 which is under warranty. The moment you bring your S6 to a dealership with the flash, you'll be flagged TD1.

Why do I bring this up?

The debate between tuners is an ongoing issue throughout ALL Audi models. The end result which I have read over and over again, people taking their vehicles to "local" tuner dealers who will provide them the BEST customer service when they need it.
Therefore, if there is a local APR or Unitronic dealer near you, pick the one who provides you with the best service when you need it, IE, having it unflashed completely BEFORE you take it in for service, then having it reflashed afterwards. When it comes down to it, both tuning companies flashes which produce similar powers. It's not as though one tuner will out perform the other by 50-100-150hp. If they did, I would question the reliability behind if.

Just my .02cents.

I'm not following your logic. My understanding is (uh oh, here we go with the TD1 can of worms again) that Audi has a way of finding out if a car has been flashed with a ECU tune even if it's flashed back to stock "completely"; so, that's the "pay to play" rule and I get that. However, a "quick" scan of the ECU will not reveal a ECU tune if it is flashed back to stock, whatever "quick scan" means.
I guess my question is, does APR do a better/more thorough job of flashing/unflashing than what a UniConnect can do for DIYer, assuming it is done properly in both instances?

[John@Unitronic]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys!
We only have 91 octane in my neck of the woods, unless I go to a gas station that sells the good stuff but I'm just a street punk so I'll stick with 91. Is stage 1+ only if you are using 93 or is it okay with 91? I'm new to the tuning scene so excuse my ignorance. Anyone have the 1/4 mile numbers with just the stage 1 91 octane?

I'd recommend using Stage 1 if you'll only use 91 octane. In the event that you have access to 93 octane or higher, you can always reflash to Stage 1+ via UniConnect+.

[phatkat]

This is an interesting thread where the owner flashed back to stock from an APR tune and the dealer detected it. Thread gets a bit nasty but all in all some food for thought if you do want to flash (and unflash).

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=693695

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

[luv2sleep]

Looks like one must pay to play! Oh well, it's only money. No guts, no glory! **** it, here we go!

[Clipse3GT]

AnyOne else have some reviews on their unitronic tune?

[Owlbandit]

AnyOne else have some reviews on their unitronic tune?

Running Unitronic Stage 1+ for five months with no issues (reflashed before dealer visit). A recommended dealer close to my house and reflashing from home were my decision points. Still waiting for the TCU tune, could be a deal breaker for some. I think whether it's Unitronic, APR, GIAC, etc. you are getting a tested remap that will boost power. Remapping before service, especially warranty related work is essential in avoiding the dreaded TD1 flag.

Although I do believe if you go to the dealership with a major engine/driveline warranty issue, even if you are remapped back to stock, if Audi HQ digs deep enough (past a spec/actual check) they will find a parameter (boost level, ECU remap counter, etc.), something that will allow them of the hook for the cost of a major repair they can blame on the tune. This will have nothing to do with your relationship at local dealership, but the higher ups at HQ that your case and engine file would be transmitted to in order to receive authorization on a multi thousand dollar warranty repair bill.

So it's back to pay to play, convenience of remapping, and choosing reputable companies with tested tunes. In the end, each person has to weigh the factors and make the decision they are most comfortable with. I'm happy with my Unitronic tune and I feel it was worth the cost. Others feel the same about the brand they chose too. Now if we only had that TCU tune....

[Sean@APR]

APR for sure. :)

[Barritia]

I went unitronic mainly because of reliability and the dongle so I could flash from home.

[Djpeaksd]

I went unitronic mainly because of reliability and the dongle so I could flash from home.

So a question about Unitronic. Does any tablet work? Or what is the recommended tablet?

[QuaTTrings]

That's my thought also. I also like the idea of not having to visit a shop whenever I want to go back to stock.

And not getting charged for the install labor which just about anyone that has ever used a computer in their life can do...

I went unitronic mainly because of reliability and the dongle so I could flash from home.

[luv2sleep]

I'd recommend using Stage 1 if you'll only use 91 octane. In the event that you have access to 93 octane or higher, you can always reflash to Stage 1+ via UniConnect+.

Is there a difference in your tune between a C7 vs. C7.5? Since the C7.5 has 30hp more, does that mean that a C7.5 will always have 30hp more than the C7 given the exact same tune?

[luv2sleep]

That's my thought also. I also like the idea of not having to visit a shop whenever I want to go back to stock.

And not getting charged for the install labor which just about anyone that has ever used a computer in their life can do...

I'm in OC as well and the local APR dealers charge $50 for every visit. I've heard of some other dealers (other states) waiving this fee but I haven't found one yet in SoCal. Unitronic, EPL, and Velos seem to be good for "flash-at-home". Any other tuners do this?

[QuaTTrings]

It seems to be the direction that things are going finally. It should have been this way years ago considering how many of us have been tweaking our cars using VAGCOMs forever now...

Vivid Racing has the ability to flash with their handheld device and the price is fair at $1500 for the RS7, although I don't know much about it.

I'm in OC as well and the local APR dealers charge $50 for every visit. I've heard of some other dealers (other states) waiving this fee but I haven't found one yet in SoCal. Unitronic, EPL, and Velos seem to be good for "flash-at-home". Any other tuners do this?

[Avned]

I'm in OC as well and the local APR dealers charge $50 for every visit. I've heard of some other dealers (other states) waiving this fee but I haven't found one yet in SoCal. Unitronic, EPL, and Velos seem to be good for "flash-at-home". Any other tuners do this?

Damn! $50 every time to flash?? I'm lucky to have my dealer here do it for free. And he's the only one in Las Vegas. So Cal has so many APR dealers it's ridiculous.

[luv2sleep]

Damn! $50 every time to flash?? I'm lucky to have my dealer here do it for free. And he's the only one in Las Vegas. So Cal has so many APR dealers it's ridiculous.

$50 each time is ridiculous but more so is getting with the times and offering the ability to flash at home. APR lost me there.

[roadrunner_oz]

APR breaking engines

[jsmonet]

I'm in OC as well and the local APR dealers charge $50 for every visit. I've heard of some other dealers (other states) waiving this fee but I haven't found one yet in SoCal. Unitronic, EPL, and Velos seem to be good for "flash-at-home". Any other tuners do this?

I paid the extra for lifetime flashes at eurocode, but I'm not jazzed about needing to. With Dinan I never needed to pay for subsequent flashes. If APR would let me license a home flash for 100 bucks I would do it, hint damn hint. fwiw, I'm not tech-illiterate and probably roll an infra hardcore'er than apr would ever touch, so letting me flash on my own would not exactly be a risk.

fuck, cobb and giac have handhelds.

edit: i'm s1 ecu/tcu apr and satisfied with it. I just would prefer the ease my cobb AP gave me on my sti. I can run rings tech-wise around nearly anyone who would ever touch my car, so it would be nice to have that freedom.

[luv2sleep]

I paid the extra for lifetime flashes at eurocode, but I'm not jazzed about needing to. With Dinan I never needed to pay for subsequent flashes. If APR would let me license a home flash for 100 bucks I would do it, hint damn hint. fwiw, I'm not tech-illiterate and probably roll an infra hardcore'er than apr would ever touch, so letting me flash on my own would not exactly be a risk.

fuck, cobb and giac have handhelds.

edit: i'm s1 ecu/tcu apr and satisfied with it. I just would prefer the ease my cobb AP gave me on my sti. I can run rings tech-wise around nearly anyone who would ever touch my car, so it would be nice to have that freedom.

I ended up going with EPL. I'm not tech savvy but flashing at home is easy as it gets. It's so easy that even a caveman can do it! I agree...businesses need to get with the times.

[scott99c2]

Good choice. EPL has been around a long time.

[Barritia]

APR breaking engines

Damn that's really unprofessional of APR. it amazes me at the lengths some company go to try and discredit customers experiences.

[Barritia]

I gave EPL a shout when I first got my S6 but couldn't get any replies from them as they were moving to another shop. Ended up with Unitronic and it's been a breeze putting the tune on a removing it when I need to from home.

[Arin@APR]

Damn that's really unprofessional of APR. it amazes me at the lengths some company go to try and discredit customers experiences.

This customer has mistaken a dealer for our own company. Here's a response I've given elsewhere.

I’m not really sure what any of this has to do with us.

Here’s a timeline of events:

Dan ran our Audi S3 APR ECU tune, and later purchased our DSG software. As far as his reviews went, he seemed pleased with the software, but wanted more power. He asked if we could do a custom TTE turbo tune for him, but it wasn’t something we could provide.

He then moved onto another custom tuner in the UK and began the process of getting software for his TTE kit. He removed APR software at this point. During the tuning process, the tuner struggled to make power. TTE sent him multiple turbos to help, and Dan reached out to me looking for advice.

Dan later reported back they were able to make all the expected power once fixing something in his exhaust and intercooler. He then tracked the car, and claimed he had a catastrophic engine failure. He blamed the spark plugs for the failure and then he began the process of returning the car to stock, and selling it for a different car.

He purchased a new clubsport GTI and asked to transfer his tune. Our dealers in the UK denied the transfer, as this is not our policy.

Here’s where it gets confusing for me:

After this, Dan changed all of his youtube videos telling everyone APR software will cause engine failures. Keep in mind, he was not running APR software, or an APR turbo kit when his engine supposedly failed at the track. He claims our software broke his engine, but also claims he was still able to make big turbo power, and track the car. Furthermore, he’s still saying the engine is fine after putting it back to stock, but somehow we damaged it. Even in this thread he’s said “It hasn’t actually blown up, it runs and makes power just fine.”

This is beyond confusing.

I called Dan to see if I could figure out what was going on. I seemed to be missing some sort of back story. I’m still not sure why he’s upset with APR, or how we have any relation to his issues, or lack of issues as he’s stated above. I wish him all the best.

Thank you

[Barritia]

As they say there's always 2 sides to a story but thanks for the clarification. Whilst you are in here is there ever any plans from you guys to follow the trend and release a cable to tune from home. Unitronic taking for ever to bring this TCU tune out and in getting impatient.

[turbello18]

As they say there's always 2 sides to a story but thanks for the clarification. Whilst you are in here is there ever any plans from you guys to follow the trend and release a cable to tune from home. Unitronic taking for ever to bring this TCU tune out and in getting impatient.

My guess is it won't happen. There's too many dealers and too much money in it for them. I suspect dealers make very little on the software and get most of their money on the flashing. The requirements can't be any greater than what epl has, cable and Internet. But epl is a smaller company with not a big reseller base so they are incentivized to come up with this disruption. As a heads up I've had apr in my 1.8 Jetta and a4 and never any issues with the software performance. Did get hit with the readiness issues and spent a month trying to figure out how I could get inspected before I saw here there was a specific code I needed. Of course I had to return to reseller for another flash and 50$. I went epl on the s6 and am very happy so far. They've been very responsive and a good company to work with.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[wwhan]

....I went epl on the s6 and am very happy so far. They've been very responsive and a good company to work with. ...

One of the risks is the security & access of the server that saves the stock tune (for one's vehicle). The ECU tuner server must be operational to re-Flash. If the server goes down, gets corrupted or hacked, there is a risk of not being able to Flash back to stock, unless one has a Audi dealar do a stock re-Flash of the ECU. Similar risk to saving info in the cloud.

[SilveR316]

Does EPL allow you to save your stock file locally? It would be a great solution to the remote server going down or getting hacked.

I know some of the tune loaders in the VW world allow this.

[luv2sleep]

Does EPL allow you to save your stock file locally? It would be a great solution to the remote server going down or getting hacked.

I know some of the tune loaders in the VW world allow this.

No, only on their server so basically you need to connect to their server anytime you flash (and "flash back").

[SilveR316]

No, only on their server so basically you need to connect to their server anytime you flash (and "flash back").

I know EPL has been around for a while now, but this is kind of concerning. I would like to be able to have access to my stock file locally in case it's needed for whatever reason.

[turbello18]

I don't see any more risk than if you rely on a reseller to connect to a manufacturers server. It's the same process That said I'm sure epl has a back up. There's not much required to do this.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app