Just when I was sold on getting a local GIAC flash for my 3.2, the tuner discontinues using GIAC "mostly for political reasons" they said. But they're willing to have my EECU sent off to be flashed. Obviously a PITA for me.

Today I learn Revo's got a software upgrade, and another local tuner can do it in-house. Obviously more convenient.

Either way, is it possible to go wrong? Is one brand "safer" than the other or more reputable? And how detectable are they by the stealership if in stock mode?

__________________
2007 A3 3.2 Quattro :: silver/black :: tech :: cold weather :: Sirius :: Open Sky :: blindspot mirrors :: Formula One tint and bra :: Revo

Next up: Milltek exhaust

Me personally, I am going tiwht REVO for the handheld falsher. GIAC is a bit more 'conservative' in their tuning, though still very "up there" and just as reputable. Even though most have 'stock' tunes available, there usually is a sort of lockout/security feature to block the tune from being detected. When dealers see this, its a tell-tale sign that the ecu has been tampered with/reflashed. Best bet is to talk to a dealer's SA/ST and see how "firm" they are on mods. Sometimes you can get them to look the other way.

__________________


the4ringer - Fourtitude
DoubleStuff2.0 - Audizine
MBtoA3 - AudiForums

[||||------] 40% Complete

at the stealership, my service advisor doesn't have an answer for that, the parts manager says it does affect warranty and the service manager, says he doesn't know and it's up to the technician. if i push any more on this, they'll definitely know what's up.

for the most part, a car wouldn't need to be reflashed, though...right? or can they detect new software just by running diagnostic? both Revo and GIAC can be switched back to stock. power gains for the 3.2 are the same (minor).

even more confusing - before i bought, the sales guy here said they could reflash if i got the 2.0. but then again, he jerked me around enough that i got the car 60 miles away from another dealer.

__________________
2007 A3 3.2 Quattro :: silver/black :: tech :: cold weather :: Sirius :: Open Sky :: blindspot mirrors :: Formula One tint and bra :: Revo

Next up: Milltek exhaust

i got Revo on my car and i'm very satisfied with it. i don't know anything about GIAC to be able to comment on it.i have a 16-18HP gain w/ my intake and exhaust and Revo. i like the fact that Revo has great customer service. George@Revo got a call from my local shop on a Saturday morning b/c he couldn't find the lastest download for my car. George got the call and was able to upload it and ready to reflash my car w/in a few hours. I'm sure other dealers would've just said "wait till monday".

When I brought my car in for my 35k service, I noticed my ECU was reprogrammed back to stock. I used my SPS select from Revo and was able to change my ECU back to my settings. I don't know if my dealer saw anything b/c they didn't say anything about it. Then again, my dealer is pretty cool...

Good luck w/ your decision.

Question for krazy, you can use the SPS to reflash your ECU? The reason is because I go reprogrammed back to stock as well, and will be reflashing it back to Revo while I pick up the SPS.

I Just got my GIAC loaded today. So far very happy, smooth and aTON more power all the way through. The shop that did it told me that GIAC isn't really detectable by the dealership, unless they have a reason to look for it.???Also he told me that GIAC is fuuly adaptable-meaning there is no stage 1,stage 2 and so on. When you add an upgrade ie. intercooler, DP it will self adjust. Revo I believe has a stage 2 after DP and intercooler. If I get a 3in. down pipe he said he will update it for me.I can tell more after the break- in but for now- very happy with the GIAC.

Yea, after I got my car back from the dealer, I noticed the car was sluggish. Hooked up to my laptop w/ the SPS and noticed the EUCset back to stock. Input my settings, hooked up it, back to driving goodness!

I think they are discussing tunes for the 3.2

__________________
Turbochargers whistle while they work, superchargers whine while they screw.

I'm curious if you guys are aware that the dealer can check the boost history on your car and see the peak pressure. I know this as my dealer just informed me mine was peaking around 20. Given that, does it really matter if you set your ECU back to a "stock" setting before service? Does setting the ECU back to stock erase the boost history as well?

__________________
'06 2.0T 6sp > Opensky > Nspd ECU > Nspd RSB > Nspd Sports / Koni FSD > ECS DB Insert > Nspd Short Shift > Nspd CAI > Tinted tails > AWE vent gauge > Debadged

Would that even apply to the 3.2, lavadrifter?

Also curious - for what reasons would a tech need to look at the ECU? Routine diagnostics? Or anything other than a factory reflash (which my car does not need)?

__________________
2007 A3 3.2 Quattro :: silver/black :: tech :: cold weather :: Sirius :: Open Sky :: blindspot mirrors :: Formula One tint and bra :: Revo

Next up: Milltek exhaust