Also added these album links into the right hand menu --->
Posts
VTA BOVs - pah! Begone with you (pair)
3 weeks ago
Showing posts with label edition30. Show all posts
Showing posts with label edition30. Show all posts
Thursday, 3 February 2011
various car pic albums : GTI Edition 30 / BMW E46 M3 / MR2 Spyder / Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo / GTI Mk2 8V
got some time to start syncing pics from an old machine to picasa.
Also added these album links into the right hand menu --->
Also added these album links into the right hand menu --->
Friday, 31 December 2010
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Golf GTI Edition 30 REVO Stage 1 remap review
Why
For a long time I have been running APR Stage 1 on my 57 plate manual Edition 30
My original Edition 30 : APR Stage 1 review has all the info for that decision.
At the time I decided that the combination of APR and AwesomeGTI suited my needs best using some factors I think you should consider for a map/tuner :
Customer base (size)
customer feedback
type of customer profile
distance from you
cost
development time and resource to produce product
updates
are they VW specific or other makes too?
time in business for this specific car make
dyno plots (both from company and from forums , they differ greatly). shape is as, if not more important than ultimate numbers
AirFuelRatio data, EGR temp data etc
ability and type of switching , stock vs mapped mode
adjustability
all well and good, I was happy until October 2010 when the folllowing bombshell dropped from AwesomeGTI HQ
full AwesomeGTI press release
and heres the carrot.....
as you can imagine I was over the moon at this :happy2:
Now this puts any Awesome supplied APR owner in a quandry.
3 choices
a) move onto REVO software to ensure continued support.
b) keep APR but have no idea where to get support from or indeed how far away from your location it will be.
c) flash back to stock
For me it was actually very easy, and confirmed that backup and support is worth more than ultimate bhp/map name.
Even if Awesome had moved to a.n.other.software.map Id probably have gone with that to keep the support.
But as we all know REVO is the main player in the UK so to be honest it was a no brainer.
Others I'm sure had slightly different decisions, but for me going to REVO on a K04 is not a worry, but theres lots of other maps out there (K03, early 1.8T cars etc)
Offering free changeover was a masterstroke by AwesomeGTI to keep the customer base. Im sure if it had cost then a much larger % would just have said 'fine,Ill keep APR and do without support'.
Not withstanding that Im sure more than a few SPS units have been sold to go with the 'free' remap ;-)
So here I am full circle, originally considering APR vs REVO, choosing APR, then by a quirk of fate moving onto REVO.
I feel pretty lucky as given the cost of a remap, few of us switch between tuners, we mostly make an informed decision then stick with it.
Having had a few discussions it seems that the support just wasnt there from APR, I have experienced this after having misfire issues, where it became patently obvious that Awesome were spending vast amounts of time logging my car (not at my expense I hasten to add) to eventually find an APR map fault.
I also believe that theres an issue with APR stg1 ED30 file and high flow intakes (Forge Twintake/ITG Maxogen) that APR have no inclination to resolve.
however I digress.
For over 30000 miles I have thoroughly enjoyed the APR stg1 K04 ED30 map, but circumstance means Im now REVO...
timeline for maps on my car
0 - 12,000 miles : OE std map
12000 - 31000 miles : APR stage 1 flash
31000 - 42000 miles : APR stage 1 v2.2 update
42000 - to date : REVO stage 1
Sourcing
well that would be from AwesomeGTI, Manchester
REVO quote the following figures/gains and costs
2.0T FSI 230bhp/221lbsft 300bhp/310lbsft trial=yes £499 (stage1) £549(stage2) £599(stage2+)
for stage 1 the relative gains are 2.0TFSi +35-60 bhp +50-80 lbft torque
if you have stage 1 its £50 to upgrade to stage2
for me the map and logging/setup itself was free under Awesomes offer.
If you are the tweaking kind or want the ability to switch to stock , or want to activate the antitheft feature you also need the SPS switch which is £99.
With APR I could switch maps using the cruise control stalk. With that no longer available I needed to buy the SPS unit to perform the same function
(and allow me to 'play' with the settings)
Best have a look at what the SPS can do
Fitting
Simples, turn up reflash and some on road logging to set the Boost/Timing/Fuel parameters (which are set initially but you can then alter with the SPS)
As it turned out I'd filled with BP Ultimate 97RON which isnt good enough for the usual timing settings.
So mine was pegged back to B6T3F9 (normal on 99RON would be something like B7/T5/F9)
I did not request dyno runs, which I'll get done later once I've tweaked the settings with VCDS AND fitted my new THS engine mounts(now fitted see my other review)
Heres a sample APR vs REVO graph for an Edition 30 (stage 2 I think) that awesome had in recently
http://www.awesome-gti.co.uk/images/mk5ed30_graph.jpg
Alternatives
plenty of choice, just do the research first
APR (lol)
GIAC
Superchips
etc..
APR vs REVO
Ok, so in the morning I drive in on APR , in the afternoon I drive out on REVO (B6T3F9).
Immediately I notice the idle is better, and dont push the car too hard. First impressions are good
I subsequently pottered about and got a full tank of Shell VPower in and SPS'd the settings on Performance Map1 to B7T4F9.
Now for some fun, the throttle modulation feels different much more progressive.
APR improved the throttle control when I got the updated v2.2 map, allowed much better control but REVO improves it even further.
You can actually hold for example a small level of boost e.g. 5psi consistently whilst accelerating (this is actually quite hard on APR)
Acceleration feels 'clean and crisp' is the best way to describe it. The engine inertia feels lighter as if flywheel has been lightened.
I have a DEFi boost guage which has been invaluable for comparison (without which my assumptions and feelings would have been wrong...), I can cross reference butt dyno feel with actual psi.
(yes, I know psi isnt everything but its a reasonable bencmark here)
For a while my APR software had a peak of 20psi (early files had a higher peak) but dropped quickly to 16psi then back up as revs rise
(this is due to APR reducing boost from 3.5 - 4.5krpm for surge they believe occurs),
ironically this means that APR 'feels' faster than REVO but isnt by a long way.
REVO software peaks higher initially (23+psi) AND then holds it higher for a longer rev range.
There are 2 areas where they differ the most
1) 3500-4500 rpm boost levels : APR dips REVO stays put
2) 4500rpm to redline boost levels : APR boost is much lower with an ever increasing psi gap to the redline wrt REVO
in short they are NIGHT AND DAY, when driving the car it feels different but the boost guage also tells a story.
Driving cars back to back you would think "REVO more linear and pulls harder top end", but if you look at the boost levels the gap is even wider than it feels.
And so we get onto hardware protection mapping, basically VW's effort to protect your engine.
Failsafes exist in the OE map, if the exhaust gas temperature levels get too high or maybe the airfuel ratio gets too lean then the ecu overrides any requests and tries to put more fuel in.
Much debate has ensued on various forums with it now into urban myth status, last time I saw any meaningful data was that both APR and REVO have protection mapping still present.
(some early REVO tunes may not but i cant substantiate that)
APR put a lot of emphasis on playing smarter by getting similar power to other tuners but also keeping within AFR and EGT limits.
Whilst I believe them, you also have to balance this with how many REVO cars are out there and havent had issues.
(Also consider that whats relevant in other countries isnt necessarily relevant here, fuel type/RON , climate conditions etc ALL effect a tuners ethos and the results)
REVO have also had issues with some tunes (misfires on certain cars), so neither is whiter then white.
I try to be unbiased.
TODO additional data links
some notes from Arin@APR about tuning philosphy
Plus Points (compared to APR)
software settings are optimised and can be adjusted for each individual car.
idle quality seems better
the way the car revs 'feel' different and almost lightened if that makes sense. throttle response modulation has altered
car seems to spool earlier but ramp rate is reduced (probably effected by the boost setting in SPS)
boost builds then holds in a linear fashion there much less of a torque spike, this also helps the tyres keep grip and doesnt shock them loose as much.
tunable upgrade path to suit your mods
complimentary DSG software is available should you wish it
Minus Points (compared to APR)
you need an external SPS switch to swap maps (as opposed to cruise stalk for APR)
clutch was marginal on APR, on REVO its quite clearly on borrowed time! (although you could argue that linear delivery although higher stresses the plates less than a peaky lower delivery)
fuel economy is slightly worse
Summary
I have ran APR stage 1 ED30 software for 30,000 miles with no issues (few early teething troubles aside!) and good economy to boot.
I would have no hesitation recommending APR again where the individual wants support over ultimate hp for a local APR tuner.
Bottom line is, Ive tried it and it runs well and i loved it, and my car never broke.
(If Awesome switched back to APR I would quite happily switch back for the support aspect and acknowledge I'd lost some performance)
moving onto REVO, I love the new found ability to tweak the settings via the SPS.
I prefer the delivery style and the sheer increase in acceleration, its a great product, my feelings seem to echo just about every other REVO user Ive spoken too.
Is REVO running at safe boost and AFR values? I dont know, I hope so.
Is REVO running so far above safe levels that APR indicate? I doubt it otherwise we would have seen more failures.
My advice at the moment would be
If you want ultimate performance : get REVO
If you live close to a trusted garage that supplies APR : get APR and be happy you have a good tune
If you like to be 'safe' and worry about crossing the road at night : get APR
I'm no REVO or APR fanboi and i hate the forum rubbish that I regularly see spouted about both companies.
Do the research and make your own mind up. Its more likely that some other factor will ruin your car (poor quality oil/low oil/ dont let it warm up etc)
I was happy before, and I'm even happier now.
Based on my experience REVO is a faster, linear tune for a UK ED30 stg1 than APR in the same environment on the same fuel (UK 99RON Shell VPower)
If for some reason it goes bang or REVO is proved to be unsafe in the future this statement would be untrue and APR would have been proved to be right.
you pays your money, you takes your chance ................
thanks for reading :happy2:
future stuff
TODO : add logging new settings
TODO : add actual dyno plots of my own car
[EDIT : Nov 2015 car on 88000 miles : still running REVO Stage1 after all these years, BTF settings slightly reduced to keep the torque ramp up lower to make the clutch last as long as possible.
I have not updated the map version, nor got the 'linear settings' maybe at some point. Still love it, car runs great]
[EDIT : i sold the Edition 30 and bought an Edition 35 (same engine)
I could have gone for REVO again, but this time I chose RTech, checl out
https://johnoldfield.blogspot.com/2019/03/golf-gti-edition-35-maintenance-and.html]
For a long time I have been running APR Stage 1 on my 57 plate manual Edition 30
My original Edition 30 : APR Stage 1 review has all the info for that decision.
At the time I decided that the combination of APR and AwesomeGTI suited my needs best using some factors I think you should consider for a map/tuner :
customer feedback
type of customer profile
distance from you
cost
development time and resource to produce product
updates
are they VW specific or other makes too?
time in business for this specific car make
dyno plots (both from company and from forums , they differ greatly). shape is as, if not more important than ultimate numbers
AirFuelRatio data, EGR temp data etc
ability and type of switching , stock vs mapped mode
adjustability
all well and good, I was happy until October 2010 when the folllowing bombshell dropped from AwesomeGTI HQ
"For nearly 10 years, Awesome have been responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of all APR software and hardware products in the UK. Over a number of years, Awesome have suffered due to 'internal politics' at APR and we have decided to terminate our business relations. As from 3 PM on Tuesday 12th October 2010, Awesome terminated its partnership with APR LLC and signed contracts with Revo Technik as an approved dealer. "
full AwesomeGTI press release
and heres the carrot.....
28 Day Amnesty starting Monday the 18th of October.
This will allow any existing APR software equipped vehicle to be re flashed to REVO software with no charge
as you can imagine I was over the moon at this :happy2:
Now this puts any Awesome supplied APR owner in a quandry.
3 choices
a) move onto REVO software to ensure continued support.
b) keep APR but have no idea where to get support from or indeed how far away from your location it will be.
c) flash back to stock
For me it was actually very easy, and confirmed that backup and support is worth more than ultimate bhp/map name.
Even if Awesome had moved to a.n.other.software.map Id probably have gone with that to keep the support.
But as we all know REVO is the main player in the UK so to be honest it was a no brainer.
Others I'm sure had slightly different decisions, but for me going to REVO on a K04 is not a worry, but theres lots of other maps out there (K03, early 1.8T cars etc)
Offering free changeover was a masterstroke by AwesomeGTI to keep the customer base. Im sure if it had cost then a much larger % would just have said 'fine,Ill keep APR and do without support'.
Not withstanding that Im sure more than a few SPS units have been sold to go with the 'free' remap ;-)
So here I am full circle, originally considering APR vs REVO, choosing APR, then by a quirk of fate moving onto REVO.
I feel pretty lucky as given the cost of a remap, few of us switch between tuners, we mostly make an informed decision then stick with it.
Having had a few discussions it seems that the support just wasnt there from APR, I have experienced this after having misfire issues, where it became patently obvious that Awesome were spending vast amounts of time logging my car (not at my expense I hasten to add) to eventually find an APR map fault.
I also believe that theres an issue with APR stg1 ED30 file and high flow intakes (Forge Twintake/ITG Maxogen) that APR have no inclination to resolve.
however I digress.
For over 30000 miles I have thoroughly enjoyed the APR stg1 K04 ED30 map, but circumstance means Im now REVO...
timeline for maps on my car
0 - 12,000 miles : OE std map
12000 - 31000 miles : APR stage 1 flash
31000 - 42000 miles : APR stage 1 v2.2 update
42000 - to date : REVO stage 1
Sourcing
well that would be from AwesomeGTI, Manchester
REVO quote the following figures/gains and costs
2.0T FSI 230bhp/221lbsft 300bhp/310lbsft trial=yes £499 (stage1) £549(stage2) £599(stage2+)
for stage 1 the relative gains are 2.0TFSi +35-60 bhp +50-80 lbft torque
if you have stage 1 its £50 to upgrade to stage2
for me the map and logging/setup itself was free under Awesomes offer.
If you are the tweaking kind or want the ability to switch to stock , or want to activate the antitheft feature you also need the SPS switch which is £99.
With APR I could switch maps using the cruise control stalk. With that no longer available I needed to buy the SPS unit to perform the same function
(and allow me to 'play' with the settings)
Best have a look at what the SPS can do
Fitting
Simples, turn up reflash and some on road logging to set the Boost/Timing/Fuel parameters (which are set initially but you can then alter with the SPS)
As it turned out I'd filled with BP Ultimate 97RON which isnt good enough for the usual timing settings.
So mine was pegged back to B6T3F9 (normal on 99RON would be something like B7/T5/F9)
I did not request dyno runs, which I'll get done later once I've tweaked the settings with VCDS AND fitted my new THS engine mounts(now fitted see my other review)
Heres a sample APR vs REVO graph for an Edition 30 (stage 2 I think) that awesome had in recently
http://www.awesome-gti.co.uk/images/mk5ed30_graph.jpg
Alternatives
plenty of choice, just do the research first
APR (lol)
GIAC
Superchips
etc..
APR vs REVO
Ok, so in the morning I drive in on APR , in the afternoon I drive out on REVO (B6T3F9).
Immediately I notice the idle is better, and dont push the car too hard. First impressions are good
I subsequently pottered about and got a full tank of Shell VPower in and SPS'd the settings on Performance Map1 to B7T4F9.
Now for some fun, the throttle modulation feels different much more progressive.
APR improved the throttle control when I got the updated v2.2 map, allowed much better control but REVO improves it even further.
You can actually hold for example a small level of boost e.g. 5psi consistently whilst accelerating (this is actually quite hard on APR)
Acceleration feels 'clean and crisp' is the best way to describe it. The engine inertia feels lighter as if flywheel has been lightened.
I have a DEFi boost guage which has been invaluable for comparison (without which my assumptions and feelings would have been wrong...), I can cross reference butt dyno feel with actual psi.
(yes, I know psi isnt everything but its a reasonable bencmark here)
For a while my APR software had a peak of 20psi (early files had a higher peak) but dropped quickly to 16psi then back up as revs rise
(this is due to APR reducing boost from 3.5 - 4.5krpm for surge they believe occurs),
ironically this means that APR 'feels' faster than REVO but isnt by a long way.
REVO software peaks higher initially (23+psi) AND then holds it higher for a longer rev range.
There are 2 areas where they differ the most
1) 3500-4500 rpm boost levels : APR dips REVO stays put
2) 4500rpm to redline boost levels : APR boost is much lower with an ever increasing psi gap to the redline wrt REVO
in short they are NIGHT AND DAY, when driving the car it feels different but the boost guage also tells a story.
Driving cars back to back you would think "REVO more linear and pulls harder top end", but if you look at the boost levels the gap is even wider than it feels.
And so we get onto hardware protection mapping, basically VW's effort to protect your engine.
Failsafes exist in the OE map, if the exhaust gas temperature levels get too high or maybe the airfuel ratio gets too lean then the ecu overrides any requests and tries to put more fuel in.
Much debate has ensued on various forums with it now into urban myth status, last time I saw any meaningful data was that both APR and REVO have protection mapping still present.
(some early REVO tunes may not but i cant substantiate that)
APR put a lot of emphasis on playing smarter by getting similar power to other tuners but also keeping within AFR and EGT limits.
Whilst I believe them, you also have to balance this with how many REVO cars are out there and havent had issues.
(Also consider that whats relevant in other countries isnt necessarily relevant here, fuel type/RON , climate conditions etc ALL effect a tuners ethos and the results)
REVO have also had issues with some tunes (misfires on certain cars), so neither is whiter then white.
I try to be unbiased.
TODO additional data links
some notes from Arin@APR about tuning philosphy
Plus Points (compared to APR)
software settings are optimised and can be adjusted for each individual car.
idle quality seems better
the way the car revs 'feel' different and almost lightened if that makes sense. throttle response modulation has altered
car seems to spool earlier but ramp rate is reduced (probably effected by the boost setting in SPS)
boost builds then holds in a linear fashion there much less of a torque spike, this also helps the tyres keep grip and doesnt shock them loose as much.
tunable upgrade path to suit your mods
complimentary DSG software is available should you wish it
Minus Points (compared to APR)
you need an external SPS switch to swap maps (as opposed to cruise stalk for APR)
clutch was marginal on APR, on REVO its quite clearly on borrowed time! (although you could argue that linear delivery although higher stresses the plates less than a peaky lower delivery)
fuel economy is slightly worse
Summary
I have ran APR stage 1 ED30 software for 30,000 miles with no issues (few early teething troubles aside!) and good economy to boot.
I would have no hesitation recommending APR again where the individual wants support over ultimate hp for a local APR tuner.
Bottom line is, Ive tried it and it runs well and i loved it, and my car never broke.
(If Awesome switched back to APR I would quite happily switch back for the support aspect and acknowledge I'd lost some performance)
moving onto REVO, I love the new found ability to tweak the settings via the SPS.
I prefer the delivery style and the sheer increase in acceleration, its a great product, my feelings seem to echo just about every other REVO user Ive spoken too.
Is REVO running at safe boost and AFR values? I dont know, I hope so.
Is REVO running so far above safe levels that APR indicate? I doubt it otherwise we would have seen more failures.
My advice at the moment would be
If you want ultimate performance : get REVO
If you live close to a trusted garage that supplies APR : get APR and be happy you have a good tune
If you like to be 'safe' and worry about crossing the road at night : get APR
I'm no REVO or APR fanboi and i hate the forum rubbish that I regularly see spouted about both companies.
Do the research and make your own mind up. Its more likely that some other factor will ruin your car (poor quality oil/low oil/ dont let it warm up etc)
I was happy before, and I'm even happier now.
Based on my experience REVO is a faster, linear tune for a UK ED30 stg1 than APR in the same environment on the same fuel (UK 99RON Shell VPower)
If for some reason it goes bang or REVO is proved to be unsafe in the future this statement would be untrue and APR would have been proved to be right.
you pays your money, you takes your chance ................
thanks for reading :happy2:
future stuff
TODO : add logging new settings
TODO : add actual dyno plots of my own car
[EDIT : Nov 2015 car on 88000 miles : still running REVO Stage1 after all these years, BTF settings slightly reduced to keep the torque ramp up lower to make the clutch last as long as possible.
I have not updated the map version, nor got the 'linear settings' maybe at some point. Still love it, car runs great]
[EDIT : i sold the Edition 30 and bought an Edition 35 (same engine)
I could have gone for REVO again, but this time I chose RTech, checl out
https://johnoldfield.blogspot.com/2019/03/golf-gti-edition-35-maintenance-and.html]
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Friday, 27 August 2010
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Golf GTI Edition 30 in the dark...
arrived at work the other day before 7am , needless to say the lights were off!
10 minutes later, lights came on and I tried to take a 'moody' pic ...
10 minutes later, lights came on and I tried to take a 'moody' pic ...
Saturday, 28 November 2009
345mm cross drilled S3 (same as R32) front brakes fitted to Golf GTI Edition 30 (std are 312mm)
UPDATE 2022 on : I also performed a similar upgrade when I sold the Edition30 and now have an Edition 35 , of note the later Mk7 calipers can fit the Ed30 too
see https://johnoldfield.blogspot.com/2021/08/draft-golf-gti-edition-35-front-brake.html
see https://johnoldfield.blogspot.com/2021/08/draft-golf-gti-edition-35-front-brake.html
S3 front brakes, std pads and goodridge braided hoses
here they are laid out for fitting :
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
the Edition 30 original setup 312mm x 25mm single pot :
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
getting fitted by ADS Preston, 345mm x 30mm single pot:
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
blurry but good :
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
up and running :
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Golf gti edition 30 : 30k mile service / mpg update
57 plate , 30k miles service due.
Car now 2 yrs old.
decided to go with Gilbert Lawton Manchester again (supplying dealer) on a while you wait basis. Specified use of LongLifeOil and NOT to wash the car....
Been good so far, and once again all went smoothly , 1.5 hrs for service and also a brake fluid change.
2 R32's and a 5dr Edition 30 , all around £20k !
Mk6 GTI with ABT kit. Kit was nice , wheels are horrible.......
the bill!
£216 , inc brake fluid change , long life oil adds £25 !!!
355 miles @ 28.8MPG , using Tesco 99RON for this tank (vouchers + clubcard lol)
Car now 2 yrs old.
decided to go with Gilbert Lawton Manchester again (supplying dealer) on a while you wait basis. Specified use of LongLifeOil and NOT to wash the car....
Been good so far, and once again all went smoothly , 1.5 hrs for service and also a brake fluid change.
2 R32's and a 5dr Edition 30 , all around £20k !
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
Mk6 GTI with ABT kit. Kit was nice , wheels are horrible.......
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
the bill!
£216 , inc brake fluid change , long life oil adds £25 !!!
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
355 miles @ 28.8MPG , using Tesco 99RON for this tank (vouchers + clubcard lol)
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Monday, 26 October 2009
Seat Ibiza 1.4 Ibiza Sport / Golf GTI Edition 30 mpg updates
a few more miles on the Seat Ibiza , 398 miles @ 41.8MPG
and for the Golf Edition 30 Apr stage 1
358 miles @ 29.9 MPG
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
and for the Golf Edition 30 Apr stage 1
358 miles @ 29.9 MPG
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
Monday, 12 October 2009
Golf GTI Edition 30 mpg update
260 miles @ 26 MPG , a bit of a low mpg tank this one
but my excuse is that I havent driven it lol
Amy has been using it (while I use the Ibiza), clearly she has a lead foot.
Either car , doesnt matter , with me driving its 5-10 MPG more ....
but my excuse is that I havent driven it lol
Amy has been using it (while I use the Ibiza), clearly she has a lead foot.
Either car , doesnt matter , with me driving its 5-10 MPG more ....
 |
| From Johns Car Blog |
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
edition 30 gti mpg updates 26kmiles
couple more Edition 30 GTI APR stg1 APR mpg updates all on Shell high octane fuel
354 miles @ average 31.2 MPG
359 miles @ average 30.4 MPG
363 miles @ average 30.9 MPG
354 miles @ average 31.2 MPG
359 miles @ average 30.4 MPG
363 miles @ average 30.9 MPG
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
25k miles/ Edition 30 mpg updates / Grand Slam Tennis Wii
few more golf gti edition 30 apr stage 1 mpg updates.
Note that for these I didnt run the tank empty ;-)
30.7 mpg / 341 miles
28.5 mpg / 316 miles
29.7 mpg / 350 miles
pic of GTI beside a HUGE off road adventure land rover!
the last pic of the PS2's on the front just before them came off! somewhat smooth in the middle eek
then a few in game shots of my Wii Grand Slam Tennis character (now 3.5 stars , 2 full grand slams completed)
A fantastic 5 star game that Ive been addicted to over the last month........
Wii Sports Resort out on friday too :-)
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Michelin Pilot Sport (PS2) 225/40/18 92Y XL (Extra Load) tyre review
Michelin Pilot Sport (PS2) 225/40/18 92Y XL (Extra Load)
(also can be found here)
Why
We all need tyres, and often we underestimate just how important these 4 small patches are.
I have ran these for 13k miles and Im just about to replace like for like , so I reckon a review was in order.
Considerations for tyres are varied but generally follow these lines :
1. Cost
2. Grip levels wet/dry (which translates to stopping distance and safety!)
3. Availability
4. Brand name 'status'
5. Tread Wear Rate
6. Noise levels
7. Alloy lip protection
8. Speed rating
9. Quality
10. Progressive breakaway
These are all differently 'weighted' by all of us, for me I'm not a rich man, but for me grip (especially wet) ,breakway progression, quality and wear rate are my primary considerations. For each and every person on here I'm sure its different.
I will not discuss 'remoulds' here , but suffice to say I would hope no one on this forum is running them on a GTI, they are wholly inadequate for the car, probably don't have a sufficient speed rating and verge on the downright dangerous.......
Volkswagen fitted various makes of OE tyres to GTI's.
Michelin
Pirelli
Continental
My car (Edition 30) came from the factory fitted with 4 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's in 225/40/18 size.
Whilst not a 'bad tyre' the car suffered what I consider to be inappropriate levels of understeer.....
Due to certain circumstances the front tyres were damaged at 12k miles (even though they were barely worn at that mileage!), and replaced with Pilot Sport PS2's
At the same time the car was remapped to ~300bhp and the WALKit fitted.
The steering 'feel' , turn in and stability was transformed. I could attack corners with much more confidence.
These Pilot Sport PS2's have now lasted 13k miles (car now at 25k miles) and are now at the legal limit and are due to be replaced.
The rear original OE supplied exaltos are barely 50% worn after 25k miles !!
After much deliberation and discussion on the forum I narrowed it down to 2 choices
1. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (a known quantity)
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric (unknown for the GTI but won reviews and I have had VERY good experiences with GSD3 pattern F1's on previous cars)
In the end I bought option 1 which I'll explain why in the summary......
Heres some useful data (they are all links...)
Golf GTI tyres reviewed
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 data
Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric data
2009 Test : Pirelli PZero wins !
Benchmark EVO tyre test 2007
Actual tyre specification (from >> here << ) Michelin® Pilot® Sport PS2™ Tire Size: 225/40ZR18/XL (MSPN: 93617) Service Description 92Y Model Number (MSPN) 93617 Tire Size 225/40ZR18/XL Type of Tire Ultra-High Performance Sport Rim Width Range 7.5" - 9" Section Width on Measuring Rim Width 9.2" on 8" Aspect Ratio 40 Overall Diameter 25.1" Tread Depth 9.5/32" Tire Revolutions per Mile 829 at 45mph Speed Ratings Y Load Index 92 Maximum Load 1389lbs.@50 psi Treadwear Grade 220 Traction Grade AA Temperature Grade A heres a pic of new vs on the treadwear indicators (my car 2 weeks ago)
Sourcing
This time I have chosen to use a mobile fitting service called Event Tyres
Order the tyres online , select a date , they then phone you back (very quickly) and confirm the time/date etc.
No money is required until they are fitted.
So far the experience has been top notch.
Just make sure you order the CORRECT tyres
(you dont want MO type , you do want XL rating)
I got a £10 voucher code from http://twitter.com/event_tyres as well.
(Of note I also referenced
http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m4b0s134p11466 which are generally cheapest at £128 each)
From event tyres it was £290 for 2 incl fitting (- £10) voucher = £280
Not the cheapest but suits me.
(Costco also do tyre deals which is definitely worth checking as they are much cheaper... eh SteveP )
Fitting
Fitted today , phone call at 8.30 am to say it would be around 11am
Adam arrived 11:15
Very friendly top notch service. Huge van and air jack , viola all done (balanced weights stick on and only on inside ) in 20 minutes! alloys confirmed prior to work so no disputes after . No marks made at all.
Absolutely faultless.
Event come highly recommended based on this experience.
10/10
funnily enough the TPS warning came on after a few miles because the rolling radius has changed so much.
The new tyre tread depth is huge.
Other options to consider
Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric
Pirelli PZero
Yokohama parada 2
Continental Sport Contact
Read the reviews , check the forums (for the exact tyre size you plan to fit) and decide yourself
Plus Points
hot weather : good strong grip , nice feel , progressive breakaway, easily recoverable, nice turn in feedback. no impression of weak sidewalls at all
cold weather : as above + good stability , never once aquaplaned.
100% tread : no 'bedding in' phase required , great from mile 0
50% tread : still performing great, no change in wet or dry from 100% tread
10% tread (legal limit) : amazing for a nearly bald tyre! still manage to shift some water, in general driving seem normal, however once the (lower) limit is reached the progression is swift into terminal understeer. To be fair I have taken these tyres way past the point of tread depth where I would normally change. But they perform so well.
limited road noise, probably got slightly worse once past 75% worn (25% remaining)
on the track : not tested so I cant comment in this scenario. Reckon they should perform well as long as they dont overheat and tyre pressures are kept stable
up the drag strip : rubbish driver on a cold day = poor results lol, not the tyres fault
Minus Points
The biggest minus by far with these is the COST , at least 10% (often more) expensive than Goodyears.
not a big rim protector either
Summary
I chose these again because based on the mileage (13k) , the fact theres no scrubbing in mileage (500 miles for the F1's) , no massive reduction in performance at the legal tread depth (that F1's do tend to have) , these factors balance out the increased cost.
I just couldnt risk putting Goodyears on. Maybe next time I will, but for now nope...
As with all tyres , check and experiment with your tyre pressures , it can and does make a huge difference
As a rough guesstimate the tyres have worn 8mm (9.5mm - 1.5mm) in 13,000 miles = 0.6 mm per 1,000 miles wear rate
At a cost of £145 , they have cost just over 1p per mile (per tyre)
Exaltos are a good compromise if cost/wear rate comes above outright grip as a priority.
Choose you tyres carefully but check out the reviews and see how much the stopping distances vary between tyres!
They may just save your live one day , where a few extra horsepower from that air filter etc wont. dont scrimp
In summary I highly recommend these for the Golf GTI
[Edit October 2010 :
The second front pair have now worn down and have been replaced for the MOT today.
This time around the front PS2's have done 19,000 miles , an incredible mileage beating the last sets mileage (13,000 miles) by a significant margin. I can only surmise that a less peaky remap (APR stg1 newer version file) + knackered engine mounts + a slowing ageing driver have contributed to a 50% improvement in mileage. (dont forget I also did a wet Oulton park in Dec 2009!)
These tyres are nothing short of superb wet and dry, and once again have proved consistent performance right up to the legal limit (1.6mm)
I did get a bulge in one tyre towards the end from a large pothole, but Im not sure any tyre would have withstood the impact so well.
A truly superb tyre that works well, if not a little pricey (and get more expensive by the minute!)
the story does however end there, as I have now decided to try something new, 4 new PS3's were fitted as the PS2/Exalto combos replacements.
review of PS3's to follow in a different thread
]
(also can be found here)
Why
We all need tyres, and often we underestimate just how important these 4 small patches are.
I have ran these for 13k miles and Im just about to replace like for like , so I reckon a review was in order.
Considerations for tyres are varied but generally follow these lines :
1. Cost
2. Grip levels wet/dry (which translates to stopping distance and safety!)
3. Availability
4. Brand name 'status'
5. Tread Wear Rate
6. Noise levels
7. Alloy lip protection
8. Speed rating
9. Quality
10. Progressive breakaway
These are all differently 'weighted' by all of us, for me I'm not a rich man, but for me grip (especially wet) ,breakway progression, quality and wear rate are my primary considerations. For each and every person on here I'm sure its different.
I will not discuss 'remoulds' here , but suffice to say I would hope no one on this forum is running them on a GTI, they are wholly inadequate for the car, probably don't have a sufficient speed rating and verge on the downright dangerous.......
Volkswagen fitted various makes of OE tyres to GTI's.
Michelin
Pirelli
Continental
My car (Edition 30) came from the factory fitted with 4 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's in 225/40/18 size.
Whilst not a 'bad tyre' the car suffered what I consider to be inappropriate levels of understeer.....
Due to certain circumstances the front tyres were damaged at 12k miles (even though they were barely worn at that mileage!), and replaced with Pilot Sport PS2's
At the same time the car was remapped to ~300bhp and the WALKit fitted.
The steering 'feel' , turn in and stability was transformed. I could attack corners with much more confidence.
These Pilot Sport PS2's have now lasted 13k miles (car now at 25k miles) and are now at the legal limit and are due to be replaced.
The rear original OE supplied exaltos are barely 50% worn after 25k miles !!
After much deliberation and discussion on the forum I narrowed it down to 2 choices
1. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (a known quantity)
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric (unknown for the GTI but won reviews and I have had VERY good experiences with GSD3 pattern F1's on previous cars)
In the end I bought option 1 which I'll explain why in the summary......
Heres some useful data (they are all links...)
Golf GTI tyres reviewed
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 data
Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric data
2009 Test : Pirelli PZero wins !
Benchmark EVO tyre test 2007
Actual tyre specification (from >> here << ) Michelin® Pilot® Sport PS2™ Tire Size: 225/40ZR18/XL (MSPN: 93617) Service Description 92Y Model Number (MSPN) 93617 Tire Size 225/40ZR18/XL Type of Tire Ultra-High Performance Sport Rim Width Range 7.5" - 9" Section Width on Measuring Rim Width 9.2" on 8" Aspect Ratio 40 Overall Diameter 25.1" Tread Depth 9.5/32" Tire Revolutions per Mile 829 at 45mph Speed Ratings Y Load Index 92 Maximum Load 1389lbs.@50 psi Treadwear Grade 220 Traction Grade AA Temperature Grade A heres a pic of new vs on the treadwear indicators (my car 2 weeks ago)
Sourcing
This time I have chosen to use a mobile fitting service called Event Tyres
Order the tyres online , select a date , they then phone you back (very quickly) and confirm the time/date etc.
No money is required until they are fitted.
So far the experience has been top notch.
Just make sure you order the CORRECT tyres
(you dont want MO type , you do want XL rating)
I got a £10 voucher code from http://twitter.com/event_tyres as well.
(Of note I also referenced
http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m4b0s134p11466 which are generally cheapest at £128 each)
From event tyres it was £290 for 2 incl fitting (- £10) voucher = £280
Not the cheapest but suits me.
(Costco also do tyre deals which is definitely worth checking as they are much cheaper... eh SteveP )
Fitting
Fitted today , phone call at 8.30 am to say it would be around 11am
Adam arrived 11:15
Very friendly top notch service. Huge van and air jack , viola all done (balanced weights stick on and only on inside ) in 20 minutes! alloys confirmed prior to work so no disputes after . No marks made at all.
Absolutely faultless.
Event come highly recommended based on this experience.
10/10
funnily enough the TPS warning came on after a few miles because the rolling radius has changed so much.
The new tyre tread depth is huge.
Other options to consider
Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric
Pirelli PZero
Yokohama parada 2
Continental Sport Contact
Read the reviews , check the forums (for the exact tyre size you plan to fit) and decide yourself
Plus Points
hot weather : good strong grip , nice feel , progressive breakaway, easily recoverable, nice turn in feedback. no impression of weak sidewalls at all
cold weather : as above + good stability , never once aquaplaned.
100% tread : no 'bedding in' phase required , great from mile 0
50% tread : still performing great, no change in wet or dry from 100% tread
10% tread (legal limit) : amazing for a nearly bald tyre! still manage to shift some water, in general driving seem normal, however once the (lower) limit is reached the progression is swift into terminal understeer. To be fair I have taken these tyres way past the point of tread depth where I would normally change. But they perform so well.
limited road noise, probably got slightly worse once past 75% worn (25% remaining)
on the track : not tested so I cant comment in this scenario. Reckon they should perform well as long as they dont overheat and tyre pressures are kept stable
up the drag strip : rubbish driver on a cold day = poor results lol, not the tyres fault
Minus Points
The biggest minus by far with these is the COST , at least 10% (often more) expensive than Goodyears.
not a big rim protector either
Summary
I chose these again because based on the mileage (13k) , the fact theres no scrubbing in mileage (500 miles for the F1's) , no massive reduction in performance at the legal tread depth (that F1's do tend to have) , these factors balance out the increased cost.
I just couldnt risk putting Goodyears on. Maybe next time I will, but for now nope...
As with all tyres , check and experiment with your tyre pressures , it can and does make a huge difference
As a rough guesstimate the tyres have worn 8mm (9.5mm - 1.5mm) in 13,000 miles = 0.6 mm per 1,000 miles wear rate
At a cost of £145 , they have cost just over 1p per mile (per tyre)
Exaltos are a good compromise if cost/wear rate comes above outright grip as a priority.
Choose you tyres carefully but check out the reviews and see how much the stopping distances vary between tyres!
They may just save your live one day , where a few extra horsepower from that air filter etc wont. dont scrimp
In summary I highly recommend these for the Golf GTI
[Edit October 2010 :
The second front pair have now worn down and have been replaced for the MOT today.
This time around the front PS2's have done 19,000 miles , an incredible mileage beating the last sets mileage (13,000 miles) by a significant margin. I can only surmise that a less peaky remap (APR stg1 newer version file) + knackered engine mounts + a slowing ageing driver have contributed to a 50% improvement in mileage. (dont forget I also did a wet Oulton park in Dec 2009!)
These tyres are nothing short of superb wet and dry, and once again have proved consistent performance right up to the legal limit (1.6mm)
I did get a bulge in one tyre towards the end from a large pothole, but Im not sure any tyre would have withstood the impact so well.
A truly superb tyre that works well, if not a little pricey (and get more expensive by the minute!)
the story does however end there, as I have now decided to try something new, 4 new PS3's were fitted as the PS2/Exalto combos replacements.
review of PS3's to follow in a different thread
]
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
R32OC all results on Awesomes website
dyno plots and vids for all cars from the R32OC day @ Awesome GTI are now available.
R32OC dyno day page @ Awesome
previous report and pics are in THIS blog post
R32OC dyno day page @ Awesome
previous report and pics are in THIS blog post
Monday, 22 June 2009
MPG updates
more GTI Edition 30 APR Stage 1 MPG updates , last 3 tankfuls
28.0 MPG / 320 miles
33.7 MPG / 395 miles
30.5 MPG / 364 miles
pics of ye olde tyres down to the legal limit, still perform well but have a VERY quick breakaway in the wet.....
last pics are from a sunny walk up Moel_Fammau hill in wales
EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis Wii
EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis [Wii] website
What a superb game , the learning curves a bit steep but its worth it.
One of the first games to use the WiiMotionPlus attachment, seems to work well.
Can be temperamental but you get used to it. The online modes are great, no lag. And I love the cartoon interpretation of the famous players.
Its gonna have to keep me occupied as "The Conduit" has just been delayed again until mid July!
O2 phone upgrade time in 1 month
Yes its coming to the end of my 18 month contract on my N95 8GB so its time to consider the replacement.
Im currently debating Iphone 3GS OR the NOKIA N97
Stephen Fry doesnt seem to keen on the N97 lol
http://www.stephenfry.com/blog/2009/06/19/iphone-therefore-i-am-stephen-reviews-apples-iphone-3gs/
N97 + Iphone 3GS links
http://www.iphonic.tv/2008/12/rivals_nokia_n97_versus_iphone.html
http://www.techdigest.tv/2009/06/im_out_of_contr.html
http://www.fonearena.com/blog/2009/06/13/nokia-n97-vs-apple-iphone-3g-comparision-with-pics.html
http://blog.omio.com/feature/iphone-3g-s-vs-nokia-n97-clash-of-the-cutting-edge-smartphones/
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/9834_The_Nokia_N97_QA_page.php
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/9830_AAS_Insight_Special-N97_audio_.php
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Nokia_N97_Review-Part_1-First_impressions.php
gadgets caught my attention this week
1. Performance Vbox highlighted by Giles in his recent Spa trip
2. 24V Impact Wrench from Machine Mart , £90
3. drying towels from autoperfection
Sadly I cant go this year but its the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2 weeks
http://email.lawcreative.co.uk/T/ViewEmail/r/3447D2A8308A18EC/591F53185456F629C5EC08CADFFC107B
more GTI Edition 30 APR Stage 1 MPG updates , last 3 tankfuls
28.0 MPG / 320 miles
33.7 MPG / 395 miles
30.5 MPG / 364 miles
pics of ye olde tyres down to the legal limit, still perform well but have a VERY quick breakaway in the wet.....
last pics are from a sunny walk up Moel_Fammau hill in wales
EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis Wii
EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis [Wii] website
What a superb game , the learning curves a bit steep but its worth it.
One of the first games to use the WiiMotionPlus attachment, seems to work well.
Can be temperamental but you get used to it. The online modes are great, no lag. And I love the cartoon interpretation of the famous players.
Its gonna have to keep me occupied as "The Conduit" has just been delayed again until mid July!
O2 phone upgrade time in 1 month
Yes its coming to the end of my 18 month contract on my N95 8GB so its time to consider the replacement.
Im currently debating Iphone 3GS OR the NOKIA N97
Stephen Fry doesnt seem to keen on the N97 lol
http://www.stephenfry.com/blog/2009/06/19/iphone-therefore-i-am-stephen-reviews-apples-iphone-3gs/
N97 + Iphone 3GS links
http://www.iphonic.tv/2008/12/rivals_nokia_n97_versus_iphone.html
http://www.techdigest.tv/2009/06/im_out_of_contr.html
http://www.fonearena.com/blog/2009/06/13/nokia-n97-vs-apple-iphone-3g-comparision-with-pics.html
http://blog.omio.com/feature/iphone-3g-s-vs-nokia-n97-clash-of-the-cutting-edge-smartphones/
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/9834_The_Nokia_N97_QA_page.php
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/9830_AAS_Insight_Special-N97_audio_.php
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Nokia_N97_Review-Part_1-First_impressions.php
gadgets caught my attention this week
1. Performance Vbox highlighted by Giles in his recent Spa trip
2. 24V Impact Wrench from Machine Mart , £90
3. drying towels from autoperfection
Sadly I cant go this year but its the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2 weeks
http://email.lawcreative.co.uk/T/ViewEmail/r/3447D2A8308A18EC/591F53185456F629C5EC08CADFFC107B
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