Hello,

I am thinking of flashing/tuning my 997TT Tip (2007) to gain some power i.e around 50-60ps. For the time being it will be just flash not exhaust upgrade, and I am between FVD and APR.
There is an APR dealer here in Greece who can do the flash, and I have read many posts about this tune, which seems to make very good power gains (+60hp) but I understand this program runs much more boost compared to FVD, and it meshes up with the boost indicator which only shows up to 1bar whereas in reality it pushes up to 1.4bar.
FVD can be ordered online and I can do the flash myself with their cable and windows based program. Power gains seem to be around 50hp but the boost level is not as high as APR (which is a good thing) and the boost indicator in car's display shows actual values.

1. So should I go with the flash (either of the above) and keep my stock exhaust in place??? I understand that I would have additional power gains if I update my exhaust, but for the time being I like to keep it stock.

2. FVD or APR??? I would appreciate any comments from those who actually have these flashes in their cars

Thanks
Mat911

 

Softronic worked wonders on my TT...

I have heard great things about FVD as well but have not heard any feedback specifically on their tune.

 

Where do you feel the most power gains? Low or mid range? Any exhaust upgrades?

 

My only concern about APR is that if you decide you want to upgrade your hardware later on, upgraded VTGs etc..., APR will not custom tune for you. You have to buy a new tune all over again whereas if you go with some of the other tuners, Softronic, Protomotive, etc... you only pay a small fee to upgrade your tune.

On the other hand, if you know for certain that you will not be upgrading major hardware (exhaust doesn't require new tune) then you can go with APR.

 

First thing I would suggest is trying to keep it local. Not just to support your local guys but I'd see what/if they have to show/demo etc... The next thing to think about is the after install support that you may well be needing. If you plan on keeping the car a long time and or driving it a lot it's good to be able to have a good relationship down the road.

You'll have fun with the tip.. One of the ones we did last year was running 10.4-6 @ 128-130 on stoc turbos, free flowing exhaust and evomsit software and their tcu upgrade on 93 octane.

 

Contact Skandalis or Madsex they both run APR they both hold the 100-200 record, (Exhaust/ECU) one tip other manual and they live in Athens (patriotakia)
If it's only for tune go with APR, it's one of the best tunes out there.

 

Thanks all for your comments,

The reason I am between APR & FVD is that the latter is in Germany (within EU) therefore I wont have import taxes etc for the hardware (the cable, CD etc) and APR although it is American tuner there is a dealer in Greece.
Actually I have contacted Softronic and I was almost one click away from on line purchase of their flash upgrade, but then there was that problem of sending the cable which had to be imported from USA, pass through Greek customs, taxed/clearance formalities etc. I really want to avoid dealing with Greek customs...

I have read many posts about the two fellow greek guys with APR flash and how happy/satisfied they are with the performance, I tried to PM but I dont have enough posts to do that yet....

Except of the high boost (I understand it is around 1.4 bar, which I think is rather high on the long term for stock internals...(especially considering Greek hot weather)) of APR, another negative point is that I dont have Cruise Control in my car, so I could not have the added benefit of multiple programs that APR offers.

Have not decided which flash yet, but I know that my stock exhaust will not be upgraded in the near future.
Running any first stage flash with stock exhaust would cause any problems or bring extra heat stress to the engine ???

Thanks

 

If your budget is tight id be starting with a decent exhaust and then do your tune. The stock system has bad asthma and will need to be addressed sooner than later. Increase your boost in and you will need better flow out.

 

In addition to what Speedy up there ^ mentioned, an exhaust is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can do. The improvement in your car's vocal cords, if you select the right exhaust, is tremendous and carries with it a big grin factor.

But back to the tune, APR is undoubtedly a great option if you know that you will never be upgrading your turbos, etc...
If you think you will, even in the distant future, I would reconsider simply out of practicality. There's no point in paying for the same thing twice.

About APR, I don't think that the extra boost APR runs is such a big problem. Like Milou pointed out to you above, we have several guys on here running APR and they report no problems at all.

Softronic is also a great choice and it's the choice I made. I can tell you that my car still holds the acceleration record for 997.2TT PDK with stock turbos and it's on a Softronic tune. Getting the cable into Kuwait was no problem at all.

Good luck with your selection, stay safe and have fun!

 

1. 1.4 bar is what a stock GT2 peaks with the same internals.

2. Cruise control is not an option on the 997TT, it is standard on all 997s.

 

Maybe Greek specced cars, do not have Cruise Control as standard....

I really do not need it, but apparently makes a lot of difference if you want to have APR flash....

 

Switzer...

 

I have never heard of any 997TT's anywhere without cruise. The other greek guys all have cruise as they mention they switch on the fly. This does not sound right on your car .

 

I dont have CC. Here are some pics of the steering column.

 

i thought cruise control stalk is on the other side of the steering wheel..?