Ok so here is the big question, what is the difference between GIAC, Softronic and Revo software? Is there an advantage of one over the other? Are they all essentally the same? Will they all viod factory warranty?

 

Suggest you do a search. There have been a million posts here recently on this subject, especially regarding the Softronic.

 

I just got my ECU TRIAL flashed with APR software (www.goapr.com) which came highly recommended by my mechanic. I did a search and see really no feedback on APR on a C2S which can mean good or bad things....anybody have APR and any feedback?

As for my feedback, I'm finding the car to be much more responsive, but I'm not sure if it's in my head. The exhaust note sounds different to me as well, which my gut tells me is ridiculous, but I'm far from technical, so maybe it's related.

Regardless, the trial runs for 6 hours with the key in, so I'll probably burn the rest of the time tomorrow. The non-trial update costs $1200 so I'm still debating - biggest concern is why the APR flash doesn't seem to have much feedback on this forum and in a general search of the internet.

 

ssaa77,

You may have seen my posts already. I have the APR software and I am very satisfied. I too noticed a change in my exhaust note and a subjective increase in MPG. I say subjective because I notice I am not filling up as often but I don't have any written records.

This biggest advantage is the powerband seems to have moved lower in the RPMs and the throttle response is linear with no hesitation. The car feels like its torque comes on sooner and lasts longer especially in conjunction with my other mods.

I chose APR because they have been around a long time and they are semi local to me.

In addition I had them put their software on my A3 and was very pleased so it was a natural for me to chose them for the C2S.

Here is a quote from the recent (May)European Car mag P 56.

"The North American Euro Aftermarket is not the most virtuous of industries. There are exceptions(like Dinan, Neuspeed, AWE, and APR), but for every bright spot there are dozens of not-so-good pretenders. No need to name names-the guilty know who they are. The real question is: do you?"

APR is building a new facility with a small test track, they have a racing effort, and their goals is to be to VW-AUDI and Porsche what AMG is to Mercedes.

Bottom line I enjoy their product and for the life of me I can't figure out how any one companies software could be significantly better than the others. It would be nice if a magazine would do a comparison. I do not believe the newcomers outrageous claims of power increases on a NA engine.

I am totally satisfied with my choice and sleep well at nights knowing I picked a company that stands behind their product.

David

 

Being able to flash back to a 100% original file is always nice if the car is under warranty or being raced. The PCA had 10 out of 15 cars read out DQ'd or marked for a check again from altered software at the Sebring race. All other tunes are altered and detectable from a binary check. Basically if it is switchable then it cant be all original or stock.

 

DNDODD,

Thanks for your feedback. Your explanation is spot on. Given APR's solid rep, why are all the ECU flashes reviewed so much more? I think the 997 flash has been around over a year or so...

 

APR just started flashing Porsche cars late last year, perhaps they need more time. Most of all the other companies have been flashing these cars for years.

 

I just did the Revo trial flash for 5 hours. Does this modify my stoock at all and void my warranty? After the 5 hour trial is over will it revert back completely to stock and will it be undetectable that I tried a software flash and be questioned by the dealer?

 

I remember Champion Motorsports trying them a few years back. I guess APR have tried something new this time around.


Theo

 

Once the ECU has been flashed even if it is put back to stock Porsche can tell. You can only flash the ECU 3 times and then it is done. You can not keep flashing the ECU back and forth.

 

This flash was only the trial flash. According to the dealer, it reverys back to factory and this is not an overwrite of the original program. There should be no change to the factory files with the trial flash. I'm not sure about the permanent program but the trial they say does not effect the factory ECU program. Is this true? I have never messed with the flash before so I have nopt fashed back and forth...not sure what you mean.

 

The flash has written to the DME and once the trial is done it will still be altered. All switchable maps alter the DME and it will stay that way unless flashed again with the original. Some of them more than others.

 

I'd be shocked if you can really feel a small change in the power band. You Think the power band is more linear? The torque comes in how much quicker? 500 rpms liwer or more? Its in your head

 

I agree that APR is a good company to deal with, I have had three different Audi's with there software, even though they are new to Porsche, I don't think that they will sell a product that is inferior in any way. If I do a flash, I would do APR without a doubt.

 

It would be great to do a blind test. Probably a pain in the butt to coordinate since I don't know anyone in the Seattle area with a C2S - anyone on this board interested?

It could completely be in my head. Particularly since the trial "encouraged" me to push the car a little harder (contrary to the MPG improvements observed earler - I'm seeing quite the opposite!). Also, I'm not sure if I've logged 6 hours with the key in, so I'm kinda waiting to see if the car significantly changes once the changes turn off. We'll see later this week, I guess.