Arin@APR

What's the general consensus on this forum and platform when it comes to tuning? Have you tuned your engine and/or transmission? If you did, why did you do it, and if you didn't, what's holding you back?

We've been tuning Porsches for over 20 years at APR. You can see a list of Porsche Models we tune here. It's not all of them, but a good chunk of models. The software we have is also on sale until the end of October right now.

When it comes to some of the other brands we tune, some of the more high end models, like the Audi RS6 and the Audi RS3 are heavily tuned. On the RS3 front it's hard to find one that isn't tuned. We see the same on some Porsche models, but on others it seems some are hesitant.

So, what's your take on tuning?

offagain

My take is that modern Turbo engines can easily and safely be pushed to generate reasonable gains without a problem. Why do I keep mentioning my previous C63S? Anyway, the AMG could be tuned for 10%-15% more power with ease. However, they are already running at a relatively high tune anyway and once you step on from an ECU, you are into big money very quickly. Porsche engines are similar, from what I understand, but can get costly once you go above basics. I have had tuned cars in the past and never had an issue and certainly would again.

Would I get my Macan tuned? Yes, but in time and I need to understand my situation. Currently on year 3 of the factory warranty and will need to see what I am going to do come next year and its out. If I can get a suitable warranty that doesnt exclude tuning options, I will be looking next year. First up though is our BMW 328d which takes to tunes extremely well.... ;-)

supercup

Arin,

I would put a poll up with your question to get votes - get quick read on numbers. I used to mod everything I got, but in the last few years I have not tuned any car or truck including my 2023 GTS. I must be getting old! I do continue to tune turbo SXS's.

In the past I have used APR, GIAC and custom one off's to tune "turbo" cars I have owned such as 2003 GT2, 2009 Turbo Cab, 2012 PTT and 2018 Golf R. My experience is in each case I got a nice boost in power. In the case of the PTT and the Golf R with PDK tranny's, along with the nice boost in power came glitch's and/or misses on the shifting - they just seemed to be off and you had to custom tune the tranny to get it right. On my PTT I had a GIAC tune first - good power bump. I then went to a custom tune for tranny and motor via BBI and got great results, but at a significant cost. My Golf R was a commuter and I was in for service one day at the VW dealer and they asked me if wanted them to put an APR tune on it, I said sure. Great power bump, then did your down pipe which was a nice mod as well.

I live in S. Cal - smog is a huge issue, with significant penalties and more and more enforcement. At this point I would not do anything that was not CARB approved - which tends to limit the choices and the effectiveness of the tune. The other challenge you may face is cars are getting so powerful now that you don't really need a tune unless you are hitting the track and want that little bit extra to beat your buddy's time.

For my 2023 GTS I daily drive I run CA 91 premium crap gas - the tunes that are out on 91 look to give you 10 hp +/- - so for the everyday use does not offer value. APR is a great Company and I have had good experience with your products.

NickS

No because there isn't a tune for the 2024 Macan GTS and even if there was APR, Cobb, etc won't create a TCU tune to go with it.

sivikvtec

Nothing CARB approved that available for the Macan with EA888 Gen4.

Otherwise I’d consider it.

VAGfan

I did a Burger Motorsports JB1 piggyback module on my 2.0, to preserve my warrantee.....

I have had APR Stage-1 tuned ECUs on 3 or my prior VAG vehicles, and honestly, the JB1 piggyback feels as smooth and "integrated" as the factory or tuned ECUs.

steveo17

almost positive the Cobb tune will work on a 24 GTS. There is nothing different about that car from a 22/23

signde

No APR tune for the 3.6 turbo. For the first time in 10+ years of tuning I went with a non APR tune. Got to say, tuning myself without having to go to local shop was pretty sweet. Even better, Cobb's devices are macOS friendly.

AlBinVA

The current Macan GTS provides enough power and fun for me on city streets considering that it is a C SUV and not a sports/touring/GT type of vehicle.
My $.02

VAGfan

It is actually a sporty/touring/GT vehicle....don't get hung-up on its SUV-like shape/appearance.

#1SomeGuy

Somewhat this...

But more so, don't want to give up my warranty on what would be an extremely expensive engine or transmission if something went wrong. It was one one thing back in my Mazdaspeed days where a long block could be bought for 3-4 grand out of a wrecked car, I ran a decent tune with a Cobb accessport. It's another thing when the replacement would be $20-30k.

So unless you're selling 100% equal coverage guaranteed as my factory warranty along with your tune, not happenin'

signde

they do. it is called APR plus.

#1SomeGuy

In Canada too...?

to_riffic_day

Cobb on my '23 GTS. I didn't think it needed it, but I'm glad I did. It feels better with it, as if this was how it should have come from factory.

wwahl

Well, that and a Pedal Commander.