MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: nelmser on August 28, 2016, 03:52:47 pm

Title: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: nelmser on August 28, 2016, 03:52:47 pm
Just bought one of the DIY bluefins from Superchips.  Anyone had any experience using one in the past?  £330 well spent or not?

My GTI is completely stock at the moment.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: slix on August 28, 2016, 04:09:39 pm
Not heard any bad things about them but could have had a full custom rtech map with 2 dyno before and after runs for £290. I don't like generic maps.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: AJP on August 28, 2016, 04:15:55 pm
The code might have been revised, but I know a few years ago the consensus was that the Superchips map spiked a little bit too aggressively. You really should have asked the question before you paid the money!

The big boost spike aside, as slix says R-Tech are right up there with the best maps for the TFSI. Fully custom, mapped live on the dyno, safe and progressive boost, and generally make more power than other maps.

I know this isn't the news you were hoping for, but where do you stand with a refund..?
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Madone on August 28, 2016, 04:28:33 pm
I had bluefin before going Revo (and going RTech shortly), I was really impressed at stage 1, also I had a warranty so could remove the map myself if needed. Superchips don't make the most power but I had zero complaints at the time. You would get more from Revo or RTech for example, but that doesn't make bluefin bad. Being able to remove the map was a massive plus for me. Def not a waste of money for stage 1
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: stuart-88 on August 28, 2016, 05:25:26 pm
£20 more and you could have had yourself a fully custom map from R-Tech with rolling road proof. From what I've seen (nothing of my personal experience though) they massively over estimate performance gains, and the graphs don't look too healthy either.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: 993BOY on August 28, 2016, 06:11:21 pm
I installed the stg 1 Bluefin map on mine.
Yes it does spike the power delivery; from 2400rpm it ramps up the power massively and it does tail off higher up the rev range, but
It is easy to install and remove.
Is good value for money in my opinion.
Certainly makes the car a lot quicker and gives you masses of torque in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears.

Probably nowhere near as good as a live re-map, especially if you go above stg 1.
If I ever decide that I need more power, I will go with a live re-map for sure, but for now the power gains are impressive and simple to achieve.

No idea on the power figures, they state that it will go from 230bhp to 290bhp, but the torque has made a massive difference and overtaking is a breeze.
Not sure how good it is with K03?!??
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: rich83 on August 28, 2016, 07:06:40 pm
Why buy something.... and then ask if its any good. Surely thats an arse over tit way about it?
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Madone on August 28, 2016, 07:12:17 pm
Why buy something.... and then ask if its any good. Surely thats an arse over tit way about it?

Haha :grin: :happy2:
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: xs2man on August 28, 2016, 10:52:01 pm
I had a Bluefin on my 335d.  It was about 30-40 BHP down on quoted figures, but was still pleasant to drive.

Wouldn't personally buy again though as it was so short on quoted figures, and wouldn't likely recommend either.  But it wasn't all bad.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: nelmser on August 28, 2016, 11:17:49 pm
Why buy something.... and then ask if its any good. Surely thats an arse over tit way about it?

I read many reviews from people who have used it, just wanted some mk5 gti specific feedback. It's only a few hundred quid so I won't get too worked up with my 'arse over tit way about it'.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: rich83 on August 29, 2016, 12:52:21 am
My advice.... sell it (or get a refund) and book in at r-tech.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: SurreyED30 on August 29, 2016, 08:06:22 am
I have bluefin stage 1 on my edition 30 and it drives/pulls fine, 6th gear pulls are insane on the motorway! I don't get any crazy boost (all or nothing) with mine but if I had it RR it will probably be a mental graph like everyone says about bluefin,  as it is just a plug and play map with no fine tuning, yes I will be going to Rtech before Xmas lol  :P
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: nkp on August 29, 2016, 11:00:49 am
I was tempted to go for the bluefin as it does appeal being able to take the map off and on when/if needed. But i've realised that when the time comes for me to remap i'll have added an exhaust/induction kit and perhaps the extras for stage 2, so for me REVO can do their thing and i'm sure the drive home will be worth it.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Jmccarron71 on August 29, 2016, 05:26:46 pm
I have super chips bluefin 290 on rolling road edition 30 but I'm happy with it.its faultless in my eyes and you can switch back to original or upgrade to stage 2 for £50.but I agree r tech will get more power but with higher boost etc.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: GrayMK5GTI on August 29, 2016, 05:34:47 pm
Bluefin don't have a great rep for these engines. The K04 (edition30) map asks for 110% duty of the turbo & masses of fuel. Puts a lot of undue strain on your components.

They are by no means a specialist for these engines, and there are better maps out there  :happy2:
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: AJP on August 29, 2016, 06:03:45 pm
I have super chips bluefin 290 on rolling road edition 30 but I'm happy with it.its faultless in my eyes and you can switch back to original or upgrade to stage 2 for £50.but I agree r tech will get more power but with higher boost etc.
R-Tech get more power, with LESS boost. Which is kind of the point being made.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: 993BOY on August 29, 2016, 06:21:13 pm
So are we saying that a stg 1 remap on an ED30 using Bluefin can be damaging to engine/turbo/clutch etc?
Or, stages of tune over stg 1 can damage??
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Aidy06 on August 29, 2016, 07:56:38 pm
Can you sell on the Bluefin devices or not? I've got one sat in my loft but assumed that they locked to one car.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: 993BOY on August 29, 2016, 08:17:29 pm
I was also wondering the same thing, but guessing that they lock onto the chassis number when reading the ECU??
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: nkp on August 29, 2016, 08:22:54 pm
Once you've used the bluefin on your vehicle it can be reused again, but it needs to go back to super chips for them to reset it - costs about 250+.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Madone on August 29, 2016, 08:25:19 pm
So are we saying that a stg 1 remap on an ED30 using Bluefin can be damaging to engine/turbo/clutch etc?
Or, stages of tune over stg 1 can damage??

I had bluefin at stages 1,2 and 3. If anything they would be less damaging at the higher stages as those seem to be even further behind the other tuners. Stage 1 bluefin was the best, 2 and 3 didn't add much. Going from bluefin stage 3 to Revo stage 2+ was night and day. bluefin stage 1 is fine, if you have it already don't worry and just enjoy the car. If you want to go past stage 1 then another tuner would be better.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: 993BOY on August 29, 2016, 08:36:03 pm
That is the basis that I worked on when I bought it, cheap easy tune for a massive performance improvement, plus easy to remove if required  :happy2:

If it is a safe tune, all the better  :smiley:
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: GrayMK5GTI on August 29, 2016, 09:41:38 pm
So are we saying that a stg 1 remap on an ED30 using Bluefin can be damaging to engine/turbo/clutch etc?
Or, stages of tune over stg 1 can damage??

Have a read of this: http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,65077.0.html

Bluefin after 1.7 bar of boost. R-Tech only need 1.3bar for a better performance.

Bluefin asking far too much of the stock hardware in that setup - hardly a safe setup long term
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: bonelorry on August 29, 2016, 10:56:39 pm
My friend had a Bluefin on his MK5 Golf GT TDI 4Motion, He really rated and to be fair to Superchips he ended up with about 5-6 different maps from them as they tailored it to suit his needs.

I.E At first it was a bit smokey so they altered the software a few times and sent it back to him FOC.

I would always go for a proper bespoke map myself though, My ED30 will be going to R-Tech for a Stage 1. I have used them twice before on previous cars and have nothing but praise for them.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Beddie on August 29, 2016, 11:08:32 pm
In the interest of balance i ran Superchips Bluefin (stage1) on my ed30 for 80k without a single issue  :happy2:

Not just road miles either, LOTS of hard track miles and it always pulled well and didn't miss a beat, swapped the Bluefin onto my ed35 and did 40k in that in a similar trouble free manner  :happy2:

I've no doubt R-Tech/Revo etc offer a better mapping solution and greater numbers, but for the money and the convenience i honestly couldn't fault the Bluefin..
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Madone on August 30, 2016, 09:54:06 am
My bluefin stage 1 map peaked at 1.4 bar, not sure what was happening with the 1.7 reading !, sounds odd.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: john87 on August 30, 2016, 12:30:30 pm
I had bluefin stage 1 on my mk6 R, I found it made the accelerator pedal far too sensitive (was quite difficult maintaing 20/30mph without going on/off) and wave of torque came in too quickly which made the clutch slip @23k miles. On this basis I wouldn't recommend.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: GrayMK5GTI on August 31, 2016, 08:32:20 pm
My bluefin stage 1 map peaked at 1.4 bar, not sure what was happening with the 1.7 reading !, sounds odd.

It's stage 2, that's why boost is higher  :happy2:
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: unzippy on September 01, 2016, 02:48:05 pm
So are we saying that a stg 1 remap on an ED30 using Bluefin can be damaging to engine/turbo/clutch etc?
Or, stages of tune over stg 1 can damage??

Anything that makes the engine work harder will increase wear to all components.
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Hedge on September 01, 2016, 07:53:59 pm
My bluefin stage 1 map peaked at 1.4 bar, not sure what was happening with the 1.7 reading !, sounds odd.

I have logs from Bluefin stage 1, 2 and 3 and peak is always 1.3/1.4bar.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Superchips Bluefin
Post by: Madone on September 01, 2016, 09:32:56 pm
Agreed, I had bluefin stages 1,2 and 3 and only ever saw 1.4 max, if the person earlier was seeing 1.7 then something was very different !