MK5 Golf GTI
General => Product Reviews => Topic started by: SteveP on May 23, 2009, 11:27:08 pm
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Why: -
For me in simple terms it is the only real way to extract the potential from a modern car by changing a number of parameters within the ECU, effectively provides the best "bang for buck" as our american cousins say :grin:
This review is related to the Stage 2 version of the Revo software which takes advantage of the Turbo Back Milltek exhaust system I also have fitted to my car. The only other performance modification I am running is a high flow panel filter at present.
As some will be aware I previously had the Superchips Stage 2 software installed which I was generally happy with, but after a trial of the Revo software I found it delivered more than I was expecting, plus with the possible future availability of the a DSG remap from Revo I felt it was the right thing to do to give me a better upgrade path for the future.
I was also very interested in the Select Plus Switch Revo offer as an option with their remaps. A brief list of features from the Revo website which shows the available options this allows you to modified/change: -
- stock and performance switchability
- octane specific settings
- anti-theft mode
- variable boost and timing settings
- user presets
My alternative theory behind why is that it's because Revo put something in the coffee machine to make everyone who ventures into their office in Daventry want to buy their Remaps :laugh:
Sourcing: -
My Revo Stage 2 software was directly supplied by Revo
Revo Technik Limited
47 Brunel Close
Drayton Fields Industrial Estate
Daventry
Northants, NN11 8RB
Tel: +44 (0)1327 301901
Sales: sales@revotechnik.com
Web: www.revotechnik.com
Alternatively they have a network of dealers, list is available on their website :happy2:
Installation: -
Carl @ Revo completed the installation of the software, this involved re-flashing the ECU via the OBD-II port (a standard way for remaps to be applied to the car) and took probably no more than 10 minutes.
Once complete I was handed the key and asked to take the car for a spin so Carl could complete some data logging with the laptop.
Getting in to the car it immediately felt a bit more alive as I pulled out of the industrial estate where Revo are based but initially thought this was the normal "post modification placebo effect".
However after completing the first logging run I knew the car was pulling much stronger and reached the legal speed limit (and not 1 mph over) of the chosen test road much quicker than before.
The first run showed the fuel was very good octane (I was running Shell V-Power at the time) and it was nearer the quality they expected from the 100 octane brews you get in places like Greece :drool:
Also the rate that I cycle through the fuel was thought likely to help as I generally fill up 3-4 times a week :surprised:
So after a quick stop off to increase the timing and a second run was completed, results showed the cars was running well with no "knock" on the timing.
The Revo setting where configured as follows - B8-T6-F9
We returned back to the Revo office and I knew it was the right decision to take their software.
Carl also prepared a second set of settings on a Select Plus Switch which described as more aggressive which are B9-T5-F9.
So all in the whole process (including being taken for a test drive in their Stage 2+ Leon Cupra Demo Car :scared:) took 2 hours :happy2:
Plus Points: -
- Improved performance and driveability
- Element of User Switchablity via the Select Plus Switch
- Proven upgrade path for Stage 2+ for further performance increases
- Good Customer Service and Knowledgeable Staff
Minus Points: -
- Just the one, doesn't help the "slippery slope" urges to continue modifying :laugh:
Summary: -
In summary I was very impressed with the guys at Revo and the passion and knowledge they showed about their product and the world of car tuning.
I have now put around 250 miles on the car of very mixed driving from central London, to motorways, A roads, B roads and country lanes and in all cases the car drives so much better.
It is smoother in traffic and low speed driving and when the conditions allow it is just so much more alive on the road. (In fact typing this review makes me want to go for another drive :grin:).
The power delivery now seams to be across a much broader band and pull stronger all the way up to the point the DSG gearbox forces the gear change.
Fuel economy has remained the same on the long runs as before, can't say on the around town/cross country roads as I have been experimenting so it's been a bit lower than I would expect :evilgrin:
You can also hear the additional boost that has been dialed in now too :drool: :drool:
I haven't used the Select Plus Switch or tried the "Aggressive" settings as yet but will update the thread once I have.
So would I recommend it, 100% YES :driver: :driver:
The car will be going on a rolling road on the 6th so I will post up the graph shortly after this. :happy2:
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I know exactly what you mean, Steve - I've had their 'coffee' too! :happy2:
I'm quite surprised you have changed to Revo from Superchips but pleased to read you are so happy.
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Boost 9 setting, are you sure??
Good review tho!
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Boost 9 setting, are you sure??
Revo Carl seems to like that boost setting with the K04...
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My bad, his base setting for my car are B8-T6-F9, the aggressive are B9-T5-F9 :smiley:
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Dont yo need to have a HFP for stage2?
He said if i liked aggressive to use B7/8.... B9... well... duno what that would be like
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^^ HPFP is required for "Stage 2+" :happy2:
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ooo
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I run boost 9 all the time LOL
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Cracking review Steve and welcome to the dark side mate.. Niice choice :happy2: Oh and thanks for making me miss my car even more now too :signLOL:
So when is the pump being installed for the Stage 2+? :wink:
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^^ Cheers Ben, I thought you might be along :laugh: :laugh:
I will run stage 2 for a bit but the Stage 2+ is on the cards for the future :evilgrin:
Just need to get back the Santa Pod to see how she goes down the strip now :driver:
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nice one Steve :happy2: have you logged to check the boost levels in comparison to SC?
look forward to the RR plot :laugh:
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^^ Cheers Ben, I thought you might be along :laugh: :laugh:
I will run stage 2 for a bit but the Stage 2+ is on the cards for the future :evilgrin:
Just need to get back the Santa Pod to see how she goes down the strip now :driver:
What is your best so far on the 1/4 mile (as a benchmark)? :smiley:
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Think Steve has done a 13.8 IIRC but i'm sure he'll confirm shortly..
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Think Steve has done a 13.8 IIRC but i'm sure he'll confirm shortly..
Correct :happy2:
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Glad you're happy steve :)
nice meeting you.....always good to put a face to a name, and glad you enjoyed the cupra :P
now get a pump :)
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Cheers Carl. :drinking:
Brakes first then the Stage 2+ :evilgrin:
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now get a pump :)
....Carl, you're an animal!! :laugh: :evilgrin:
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no i just crave the best for your cars! :happy2: :P
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no i just crave the best for your cars! :happy2: :P
No, you're an animal... :evilgrin: :grin:
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no i just crave the best for your cars! :happy2: :P
No, you're an animal... :evilgrin: :grin:
Yep, another vote for animal :laugh: :laugh:
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lol!
admit it....... everyone loves stage2+ :D
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lol!
admit it....... everyone loves stage2+ :D
Its alright.. :wink: :wink:
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Yeah yeah, you lot and your K04s.....bah!
I might have to have a Revo day for some fine tuning and programs set up myself, sounds productive!
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^^^ You know you want a K04 really Mike :signLOL:, the fine tuning after the logging defo made a difference so that's why I have ordered myself a VCDS cable as well so I can also do some checks myself :fighting2:
I also tried the "aggressive" config that Carl had pre-loaded up on my Select Plus switch on the way home tonight and was really surprised again at the difference, I wouldn't want to leave it like that for the normal daily commute (as it would get me into lots of trouble) but when you want to go for a blast it will be superb :evilgrin: :evilgrin:
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could go for a 3071 mike ;)
perfect turbo for the 2.0TFSi.......but we do offer K04 software for the K03 guys also........ so lots of choices for you all :)
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.......but we do offer K04 software for the K03 guys also........
....Meaning for cars originally which had K03 but which have been modded with K04's?
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.......but we do offer K04 software for the K03 guys also........
....Meaning for cars originally which had K03 but which have been modded with K04's?
Yeah, for cars with K04 turbo's.. Like the VWR demo..
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^^^^
Cheers, Jonny :drinking:
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Tsk, you guys trying to spend my money again... unless I can convince the missus I can afford to have something Porsche shaped in the next 12-18 months and keep the GTI , I'm not doing anything that isn't easily reversible. I think it has enough power to balance against the lack of LSD.
I've got an SPS thingy, but I think rather than mess around with things on the fly, I'd rather have 2/3 preset programs based on what suits my car and what I want of it that particular day. Like one for eco-commuting, one for fast road and one for lunacy on the track.
It does have a few custom touches for getting air in and out, so it's hard to get ideas from other similar cars set ups. I think some logging and fine tuning is the way forward.
I have a plan, will be in touch Carl..... :happy2:
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I've got an SPS thingy, but I think rather than mess around with things on the fly, I'd rather have 2/3 preset programs based on what suits my car and what I want of it that particular day. Like one for eco-commuting, one for fast road and one for lunacy on the track.
....DSG's D-mode is for 'eco-commuting' but taking into account the ever changing dynamics of circumstances on the road (not track) I don't see the point of swopping maps between commuting and 'fast road'. It's equivalent to driving on the road with ESP switched off - It's that one time which you didn't predict correctly which will catch you out.
Surely you drive a mixture of 'fast road' and 'eco-commuting' on every journey?
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How so? All of my jouneys are planned to some degree, so within 10 seconds I can adapt the car accordingly for them. If I haven't done it beforehand, then its in the car for a quick change. Surely this is what the SPS is designed for?
You use your car purely for pleasure, every drive is a fun adventure and I'm sure you pick your routes accordingly. I can see why switchable is no real advantage to you to be fair.
Monday to Friday I do exactly the same route, I drive slowly in D as I don't see the point in wasting fuel in boring traffic. I could make it more amusing I suppose by doing lots of overtaking, but what's the point, I doubt I'd be any quicker in the long run gaining a few car lengths and it just serves to annoy others. If I can easily have a map that takes advantage of my commuting mentality and makes the car even more economical, then all the better.
Driving to the 'ring, 600+ miles of crappy motorway - utterly pointless having it in 'balls out' mode following white vans for hour after hour. Once there though, loony mode and the extra fuel saved used for laps!!
Going out for a spirited drive, plug it in, fill yer boots!
Your analogy doesn't really work - altering the map doesn't alter the handling of the car, I can still take a corner at the same speed, it's just slower in a straight line and any road worth driving on is still a 60mph limit.
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^^^^
Your journeys may be planned but you can never know what will happen on them. We're probably splitting hairs - Our lifestyles and hence the way we use our cars are clearly very different. I have never commuted in my life (except by London Transport as a student) as when I worked it was my own company and based literally next door to my home.
Altering the ECU map doesn't alter the handling per se but it does alter the performance dynamics and consequently how you exploit the handling.
If you want to swop between maps I think it's much more useful to do so on the fly rather than stop and use the OBD port as the Revo switch currently does. If on the fly, it would also allow you to match continually changing road conditions - But, again, DSG D-mode does it for you - Sounds like you need DSG for commuting. Personally I can't be arsed to keep swopping and it's almost a hassle even using the anti-theft feature.
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so robin are you saying giac would be the way forward then? the fact you can change maps while on the go?? im still weighing up which direction to go. mark at vwr said he could custom map for me but it will obviously be on all the time eek the confusion! and i have to say i agree with the dsg mentality that im commuting 30 miles a day so mainly chug along in D but occasionally whack it into S or just use the paddles sometimes so i want to be able to maximise economy when im in boring traffic but when i have clear space to power upto 70 i wanto be able to do it quickly :evilgrin: i like the idea of a few of the mapping companies but really want to be totally sure im happy before spunking half a grand up the wall when im so poor!! :laugh:
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so robin are you saying giac would be the way forward then? the fact you can change maps while on the go?? im still weighing up which direction to go. mark at vwr said he could custom map for me but it will obviously be on all the time eek the confusion! and i have to say i agree with the dsg mentality that im commuting 30 miles a day so mainly chug along in D but occasionally whack it into S or just use the paddles sometimes so i want to be able to maximise economy when im in boring traffic but when i have clear space to power upto 70 i wanto be able to do it quickly :evilgrin: i like the idea of a few of the mapping companies but really want to be totally sure im happy before spunking half a grand up the wall when im so poor!! :laugh:
....Although I am a great fan of Revo, if you feel you will want to change maps on the fly, and GIAC offer that possibility, then there is a strong case for going with GIAC (providing that the rest of what GIAC offers satisfies you and also their agent's aftersales standard of service). I think that APR also offer an on the fly selection.
However, if you've got DSG, then personally I think that being able to use D-mode makes a typical commute drive more economical and less stressful. And then you've always got S-mode and Manual and absolutely any mixed up combination you fancy as appropriate at the time - All instantly available on the fly.
It all depends on how you individually use your car. tony_danza is very specific in his particular needs and they are clearly very different from mine - His approach to driving is very different from mine. Neither of us are either right or wrong - Just different.
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cool dude :happy2:
still dont know which direction to go though!! :signLOL:
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Get yourself along to the Rolling Road day as you will have plenty of people to chat to about the options :happy2:
I can see where both of RR and Tony_D are coming from with there comments, I just really liking the flexibility of the Select Plus switch at the moment and have stopped and changed between the presets in a matter of seconds
Even in a slightly tamed down mode it's more than enough for the daily commute :evilgrin:
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yeh i'll be there steve will be grilling you on the 2 maps youve had! should be a good meet up im hoping i can reach standard this time only got 224 on my best run at jkm they said it could have been a dodgy batch of vpower. might be getting a panel filter before i come so i may get an extra horse!! :happy2:
great review by the way and i was already swaying to revo :party:
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great write up and really impressed with the cars, power delivery
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Are you not tempted with the Stage 2+ mate seeing as you now have the hardware to allow it?
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Yes will definitely go Stage 2+ at some point, I am but I want to bed in Stage 2 for a while first before I make that next step. I think initial priorities are to get brakes uprated from standard and then a replacement IC.
Hmm, £50 isn't much to make the jump... :confused:
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Yes will definitely go Stage 2+ at some point, I am but I want to bed in Stage 2 for a while first before I make that next step. I think initial priorities are to get brakes uprated from standard and then a replacement IC.
Hmm, £50 isn't much to make the jump... :confused:
....But Dom isn't saying his decision to wait a while is financially based.
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Steve are you DSG? If not hows your clutch? I really want to switch my APR Stage2+ cupra to Revo but not sure if the clutch will take it, should e sensible and get the clutch 1st
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I am DSG :happy2:
From going out in their car I would expect your really need to upgrade the clutch on the manual first as it's throwing down a lot of torque :driver:
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Yeah im sure its slipping now and the revo would be even more aggressive
alllllot of money for the clutch kit i need though :sick:
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Steve are you DSG? If not hows your clutch? I really want to switch my APR Stage2+ cupra to Revo but not sure if the clutch will take it, should e sensible and get the clutch 1st
Mike a i am also APR stage 2+ on a Cupra have just had to change clutch so if you change to revo or not you will be needing a clutch.
Why you considering changing?
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Partly everyone raving about it, sounds more aggresive than the apr. Also want to go GT35 long term which will probably need revo map any way...
Ill See how much difference the clutch makes to My APR Set up. See if it sends the power to the wheels any better...
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Partly everyone raving about it, sounds more aggresive than the apr. Also want to go GT35 long term which will probably need revo map any way...
Ill See how much difference the clutch makes to My APR Set up. See if it sends the power to the wheels any better...
GT35 :scared: i have been looking at GT30 my self .As for the map Revo map does seem a bit more aggressive perhaps it time Apr look at the map and do an Update i know Zboyd has mentioned this in the past .
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Partly everyone raving about it, sounds more aggresive than the apr. Also want to go GT35 long term which will probably need revo map any way...
Ill See how much difference the clutch makes to My APR Set up. See if it sends the power to the wheels any better...
GT35 :scared: i have been looking at GT30 my self .As for the map Revo map does seem a bit more aggressive perhaps it time Apr look at the map and do an Update i know Zboyd has mentioned this in the past .
**EDIT GT30 sorry haha