Why can't I get a direct answer from APR?
02-03-2003, 09:05 AM
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Why can't I get a direct answer from APR?
My 99.5 1.8t A4 Avant doesn't run so great on the CA 91 octane gas and the APR v3 software. I get timing retaradation and surging under WOT when the weather is warm and AC is running. This problem became worse when we switched to 91 octane gas and was only noticeable very occasionally on the 92 octane. It seems like the v3 software just runs too much timing for our CA 91 octane crap.
So, I e-mail APR then call them. I want to know, "Does the v3.1a software run better on 91 octane than the old V3 software". APR says, "Well, there are changes to the software and it MAY run better - try it."
And yes, I know there can be other issues, but my car has been checked out a number of times, no boost leaks, my Bailey Valve seems to be working fine, the car doesn't throw any codes, etc.
I understand APR's position, but all else being equal, their v3.1a software either works better with the 91 octane gas or it doesn't. Perhaps APR hasn't done enough testing or hasn't had enough feedback on this issue?
Ok, my rant is done. Not to bash APR, but it sure would be nice to get a confirmation. Looks like I will have to do the confirmation myself. ;-)
Thanks for hearing me out.
-Adam
So, I e-mail APR then call them. I want to know, "Does the v3.1a software run better on 91 octane than the old V3 software". APR says, "Well, there are changes to the software and it MAY run better - try it."
And yes, I know there can be other issues, but my car has been checked out a number of times, no boost leaks, my Bailey Valve seems to be working fine, the car doesn't throw any codes, etc.
I understand APR's position, but all else being equal, their v3.1a software either works better with the 91 octane gas or it doesn't. Perhaps APR hasn't done enough testing or hasn't had enough feedback on this issue?
Ok, my rant is done. Not to bash APR, but it sure would be nice to get a confirmation. Looks like I will have to do the confirmation myself. ;-)
Thanks for hearing me out.
-Adam
02-03-2003, 09:29 AM
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The 3.1a software will be a vast improvement. The earlier version has a
glitch in the software at ~5400 rpm where the software reverted to the 'stock' program. If it doesn't help with the surge it will certainly help with better power above 5400 rpm.
the 3.1a is a smoother package to boot. IMO get the update and see what you think.
FWIW, surging and timing retard are typically an Audi issue and not a chip issue, e.g. BPV, carbon build up in the combustion chambers, weak spark, weak plug, gap too wide on the plugs, etc. It CAN be the chip but most often it is an Audi issue. HTH
the 3.1a is a smoother package to boot. IMO get the update and see what you think.
FWIW, surging and timing retard are typically an Audi issue and not a chip issue, e.g. BPV, carbon build up in the combustion chambers, weak spark, weak plug, gap too wide on the plugs, etc. It CAN be the chip but most often it is an Audi issue. HTH
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02-03-2003, 12:50 PM
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I'm running the original v3.0 with no EMCS.
When I called I was very clear about the version of the chip I was running and the octane related problems I've been experiencing. The surging at WOT definitely got worse on 91 octane. I've been fairly careful to eliminate other possible issues. New plugs at my 30k service made little difference. My car is not throwing any codes either, I tested it with Vagcom.
Once at the track I mixed 1/3 tank of 100 octane with 92 octane and she was MUCH smoother. No hesitation, no timing pulled back, just smooth power and lots of boost. I do run Redline Fuel System cleaner about every 3-5k to keep carbon deposits down. My Bailey BPV seems to be working fine too.
Anyway, I'm heading up to Hartmann Motorsports tomorrow to do the upgrade. I was just mildly frustrated that I didn't get this answer:
"If you are experiencing octane related timing retardation with our version 3 software on CA 91 octane gas, we recommend you upgrade."
The answer I got was, "Try it, it might help. You could have other issues."
Thanks guys.
-Adam
Once at the track I mixed 1/3 tank of 100 octane with 92 octane and she was MUCH smoother. No hesitation, no timing pulled back, just smooth power and lots of boost. I do run Redline Fuel System cleaner about every 3-5k to keep carbon deposits down. My Bailey BPV seems to be working fine too.
Anyway, I'm heading up to Hartmann Motorsports tomorrow to do the upgrade. I was just mildly frustrated that I didn't get this answer:
"If you are experiencing octane related timing retardation with our version 3 software on CA 91 octane gas, we recommend you upgrade."
The answer I got was, "Try it, it might help. You could have other issues."
Thanks guys.
-Adam
02-03-2003, 01:17 PM
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I understand <more>
I was a little confused because APR's website indicates that the chips ARE octane specific. And Tom stated above that the v3.1 software addressed 91 octane issues. Part of the confusion was the response I got on the phone and this message from APR in November 2002:
"Adam, there is no octane specific tuning for the pre-2000 models. The programming you have is made for use with 91 octane. I suggest that you upgrade to v3.1a for increased smoothness and improved power in the high rpm range."
Huh? No octane specific tuning?
Anyway, I'll find out tomorrow if the surging is related to the v3 software.
-Adam
"Adam, there is no octane specific tuning for the pre-2000 models. The programming you have is made for use with 91 octane. I suggest that you upgrade to v3.1a for increased smoothness and improved power in the high rpm range."
Huh? No octane specific tuning?
Anyway, I'll find out tomorrow if the surging is related to the v3 software.
-Adam
02-03-2003, 01:42 PM
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This *might* help with the confusion. The 3.1a program for the nDBW cars has 91 octane. If memory
serves, my original chip was for 93. If you opt for EMCS you can get 91, 100 and stock.
There is a version 3.0 for the DBW cars that IS octance specific. In other words, you can get 91, 93, 100, valet and stock.
If you opt for non EMCS on the nDBW you will get 91. If you opt for non EMCS on the version 3.0 for DBW you could choose the specific octane you wanted .. 91 or 93.
There is a version 3.0 for the DBW cars that IS octance specific. In other words, you can get 91, 93, 100, valet and stock.
If you opt for non EMCS on the nDBW you will get 91. If you opt for non EMCS on the version 3.0 for DBW you could choose the specific octane you wanted .. 91 or 93.