My GIAC ECU flash attempt...

[jkeith72]

So I finally have the time to get my car flashed. After much reading, debate, hymming and hawing, I decided to go with GIAC a while back. I live in the Pheonix area, and there is only 1 dealer in the state.

Friday, I make the appointment and leave work early. During the phone conversation, the guy (I think hes one of the owners) says he would like to be paid in cash....The money takes a while to get into his account if its from a card...not to mention his fees. I told him I would see what I could do.
I left work early and arrived. I had a chance to get 300 cash from the ATM at work and told him I would pay the rest on the card. He kind of frowned on that a little, and made it clear that cash is preferred. He was never rude or anything, but it just made me feel like he wasnt in a good position from a business standpoint.
I had a few minutes till the car before me was complete, so I went to the bank a few miles away. On my way back to the shop, he called me and said they dont have some sort of adapter to flash my car. He could have it shipped overnight, and maybe I could have it flashed on Monday (last day of sale). At this point I have to admit I was both disappointed, and relieved. Little red flags were popping up throughout this process, but this last one was big. I guess it just makes me feel like they are somewhat of a fly-by-night operation.

My question is, would any one else feel like I shouldnt go back? My other option is APR, and as I have learned...is probably a lateral move....
So as of now, I feel like I should just pre-pay the APR dealer for the sale that ends on Monday and have it done. I know they are somewhat reputable, and have always been very nice on the phone...and in person a year ago when I went in to have them check my ECU numbers.

Just like to hear what you guys think...THANKS!

[FastB7S4]

Any reputable shop should take credit no questions asked. I would not go back to that shop. What if you have issues? Doesn't sound like they would step up to the plate if anything happens. I would get the APR.

[sfccryder]

take your money and run to the nearest apr dealer.

[de_bklyn]

^^ This! Too many red flags IMHO.

[instigator31]

Run - honestly that is why I went APR. Called a couple GIAC dealers and they all gave me the willies. The APR dealer was awesome...day and night difference.

The the potential 2-5 extra HP you MIGHT get with GIAC it is not worth it...GO APR!

[MrRline]

Is this tunning gruppe? I think they are the only GIAC dealer in the phoenix area or the state for that matter. As far as the experience if your unhappy with the way you are treated your not obligated to take your car there.

Ill just leave this here for some reading if it is. Below that is a quote from nick on here from audizine. He's the one with the read S4 now. Given the experience with this topic above me, lack of insurance, and the way you were treated thus far i'd probably look to goodspeed or a revo dealer.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...t-help-WARNING!!

"Does TuningGruppe carry insurance now? I remember they used to not, and a horror story involving a Jim's big turbo TT blowing an engine while supposedly under their watch."

[Blackhawk878]

That sounds shady as hell.

Give Goodspeed in Scottsdale a call, I had them flash my wife's CC. They were nothing less than professional.

[bordercitymadman]

That sounds shady as hell.

Give Goodspeed in Scottsdale a call, I had them flash my wife's CC. They were nothing less than professional.

+1 and I shipped my ecu to them

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[DOQ fastlane]

" says he would like to be paid in cash....The money takes a while to get into his account if its from a card...not to mention his fees. I told him I would see what I could do."

Right there I would be outty.

I love giac.. Maybe bc I have a great dealer in my area. It's been dead reliable for me.
And a total beast on the road.

[jkeith72]

Ugh, I hear you guys. I felt like I should run too, but was battling the WANT to get the tune done. I was actually wierdly relieved when he called saying the tune couldnt be done that day. Part of me was really annoyed too....I took time off work, and ran around getting him cash.

So thanks for all the advice! Im taking my money to Goodspeed for APR (since there is only 1 GIAC dealer in AZ ). It will cost a little more, but well worth it for Piece of mind...

Goodbye Tuning Gruppe.....Hellooooooo Goodspeed!

Thanks again guys!

[jkeith72]

Thanks DJ for the good info....Im not surprised at all!

Is this tunning gruppe? I think they are the only GIAC dealer in the phoenix area or the state for that matter. As far as the experience if your unhappy with the way you are treated your not obligated to take your car there.

Ill just leave this here for some reading if it is. Below that is a quote from nick on here from audizine. He's the one with the read S4 now. Given the experience with this topic above me, lack of insurance, and the way you were treated thus far i'd probably look to goodspeed or a revo dealer.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...t-help-WARNING!!

[MrRline]

Thanks DJ for the good info....Im not surprised at all!

Just looking out for ya man Let me know how it goes with getting your reflash done and how the power is. I know Rob loves it enough he wants me to drive his car so I get the bug.

[jkeith72]

Just looking out for ya man Let me know how it goes with getting your reflash done and how the power is. I know Rob loves it enough he wants me to drive his car so I get the bug.

I will do that! I will me paying for the tune tomorrow, just so I can get the sale. Probably schedule it for later in the week if they have an opening. I have heard only good things about them, so I feel relatively safe letting them do the work.

So does the APR tune take some time to "adjust" to your driving before it delivers full power? Maybe I will spring for a before and after dyno pull if it would be appropriate...

[MrRline]

I will do that! I will me paying for the tune tomorrow, just so I can get the sale. Probably schedule it for later in the week if they have an opening. I have heard only good things about them, so I feel relatively safe letting them do the work.

So does the APR tune take some time to "adjust" to your driving before it delivers full power? Maybe I will spring for a before and after dyno pull if it would be appropriate...

I can tell you they build some monster cars as i've experienced first hand driving down the road. That being said I think even myself would feel more comfortable there than at tg. As far as the power adjustment you'll have to ask someone i'm honestly not to sure. Also while you are there even though i'm sure they will do it make sure you mention for them to reseal your ecm with the oem glue that vw uses to prevent moisture issues not that we would have any of those problems out here.

[DOQ fastlane]

All tunes take some time to adapt all depending on your driving habits.
Pushing the car a bit after the flash will help it adapt more quickly.. But roughly speaking anywhere from the 30-50 miles is when you'll feel the new adaptation.

For me.. I drove home about 10 miles.. Next day drove 25 to work.. 25 back... But the 2nd full day on the ride into work is when I was really taken back.

[jkeith72]

I'm at Goodspeed waiting for my car now. Hoping it goes well!!

[R0bL0gic]

I'm at Goodspeed waiting for my car now. Hoping it goes well!!

Are you meeting up with DJ and myself at Cars and Coffee tomorrow morning?

[MrRline]

You know you want to before you go back to cali

[jkeith72]

I'm actually back in AZ full time again...finally. 3 long years away from home n family really sucked!!

So the flash went well! Goodspeed was top notch, as advertised. Mason was very friendly and helpful. His M3 was soooo sweet. 2012 with a Vortech blower....I need to win the lottery!

So my first Impressions of the flash are good. The increase in power was felt immediately, but I look forward to more as it adjusts. As Mason mentioned, my DSG is a bit more quirky while it adjusts as well. Next week will be telling for sure. I have not really done a full throttle start yet. Too much traffic at lights, and I don't wanna be that douchebag who lights up tires...only to get the stink eye at the next light. I did gass it at around 45-50 and the power is VERY strong! I was at 80 in no time,and that's not good in a 45 zone. More fun to come with time and less traffic!

As for meeting up, I would love to...but my son has flag football that takes up my whole Saturday morning. Maybe another time? Would love to meet you guys!

[R0bL0gic]

I'm actually back in AZ full time again...finally. 3 long years away from home n family really sucked!!

So the flash went well! Goodspeed was top notch, as advertised. Mason was very friendly and helpful. His M3 was soooo sweet. 2012 with a Vortech blower....I need to win the lottery!

So my first Impressions of the flash are good. The increase in power was felt immediately, but I look forward to more as it adjusts. As Mason mentioned, my DSG is a bit more quirky while it adjusts as well. Next week will be telling for sure. I have not really done a full throttle start yet. Too much traffic at lights, and I don't wanna be that douchebag who lights up tires...only to get the stink eye at the next light. I did gass it at around 45-50 and the power is VERY strong! I was at 80 in no time,and that's not good in a 45 zone. More fun to come with time and less traffic!

As for meeting up, I would love to...but my son has flag football that takes up my whole Saturday morning. Maybe another time? Would love to meet you guys!

You'll really enjoy it and Mason is so knowledgeable and his M is sooo bad! The GS guys are top notch all the way!

We’ll have to meet up some other time.