Should I do APR stage 1 or not? Opinions wanted

[shayatin]

Hi Vortex, I'm trying to decide whether or not to go stage 1 and I'd like your opinions.

I have a 2012 GLI AB manual. Its pretty much stock except H&R coils.
I'm not interested in racing, but I like to be able to go fast if I want (which isn't very often).
Really I'm just looking for the "fun to drive factor". Right now the GLI is super fun to drive! I cant imagine that stage 1 would increase the "FTD factor" that much, but maybe(?)

Basically right now the APR sale has got me motivated, and I have an awesome APR dealer here, but my concern is a) warranty void, and b) the infamous(?) carbonio intake.

Tell me what to do guys. Time is short on this sale, but I'm pretty worried about the 2 items above, and I just don't now that stage one will bring me more joy

Thanks!

[Rsalinas3]

i would i have apr stage 2 and its awesome not a big difference from 1 to 2 but a huge difference from stock to 1 and u can always lock it before u go to the dealer so they will not b able to find out u have it

[pattrick02]

what did you have in mind - only stage 1, or stage 1 with more mods in the future?

[shayatin]

what did you have in mind - only stage 1, or stage 1 with more mods in the future?

I'm not really sure. I guess that once you go down that road you are committed. I guess probably exhaust with stage 2 in the future. again I want it to be fun to drive (and perhaps sound mean in the process)

originally my plan was to do appearance as phase 1 (which I'm doing now) and performance as phase 2 (like starting in a few months), but with the APR sale currently its kind of pushing phase 2 along faster than I had planned.

So really I can hide the flash from the dealer? I keep hearing horror stories of a database of owners with the flash kept by VW to deny warranty claims.

Also what about the intake? Seems like people are claiming that the intake can damage your engine?

Thanks again guys!

[King Schwab]

Do it. It is the best investment you will put into your car. I recently had the stage 1 done just last Friday. (I drive a 12' GLI also) The car is 1000% more fun to drive. The responsiveness and the boost that come from the tune and intake is incredible. I guarantee you will not regret it. No more delay before you get the turbo to spool. Step on the gas and you rocket forward.

Do it. You will love it.

[CandyGLI]

U can hide the tune I did not hear about this yet

[jhatfie]

Stage 1 tune is a huge improvement over stock. You will thank yourself the second you first row through the gears with your new found power. Do it!

[stumpjump]

Am I the only one that thinks about gas economy and transmission and clutch longevity in situations like this?

[shayatin]

Do it....The car is 1000% more fun to drive...I guarantee you will not regret it.
Do it. You will love it.

So it seems like the "fun to drive factor" question is answered!

So opinions on warranty and the intake?

Thanks guys!

[VelvethammR]

Agreed. I got my car flashed around 3k and it was by far one of the best investments in a vehicle ever. I put the stage 1 intake on around 10k. The intake will help your engine more than it will hurt it. Now at 16k and no problems...all smiles. I've taken the car in twice and the dealer never mentioned anything about the mods. I put it in stock mode before I took it in. Trust all of us...Stage 1 flash is a must to really enjoy this car. I would also recommend a short shifter. I installed the ECS shortshifter and didn't realize how long the throw was before.

[Clyde Smith]

Stage 1 APR. 93 program only, no stock mode. Worth it.

Also, **** cat pajamas.

[GLI Nutt]

I have had mine for a little over a week and I would highly recommend it. Best bang for the buck that I have ever spent on a car mod. Power increase is significant and noticeable right away. When I added the intake, the car seemed much more responsive off the line and turbo lag decreased. I got 31 MPG running 75-80 MPH with bursts to 100 on the way back from Florida. As long as you don't beat on it, the clutch should be fine with just stage 1. I was also very impressed with APRs customer service and professionalism while I was in their facility. As far as the dealer and warranty concerns go, I am willing to take the gamble for the extra power. Life's too short to be worried all the time...

[pattrick02]

personally i'd just wait to go stage 2/2+ with intake and exhaust, but that's just me...stage 1 is a nice improvement, but you're going to end up wanting more and more...maybe start with just looks first and then work towards performance?

[Clyde Smith]

^ I thought that too. But then, I figured with a downpipe/flash, I'd only want more (K04, etc)...and then it becomes a project with tons dumped into it, when it needs to just stay a fun DD

[Arin@APR]

In my opinion, the best thing to start out with is the APR Stage 1 flash and the Carbonio intake. It makes a rather substantial difference. If that's not enough, then we have more upgrades to keep you happy all the way to 500 HP.

[CopyNow]

I seriously am in this same boat, 100%. Literally, what you said word for word. I think from the feedback on this site, I'm sold on the tune. My only questions is should I do that intake with it. High flow filters also means high flow dirt, getting into the engine. you can google this, and there is NO question about it. TESTS have clearly proved the less restrictive the filter, the more particles pass through. I look forward to keep seeing peoples opinions on the tune though.

[arcorl]

In my opinion, the best thing to start out with is the APR Stage 1 flash and the Carbonio intake. It makes a rather substantial difference. If that's not enough, then we have more upgrades to keep you happy all the way to 500 HP.

^^^^^^
agreed!!

[Mre2099]

I only have 91 here and maybe some 93 here and there. Is it possible to get the stage 1 using 91?

[arcorl]

yes you can get it in 91

[AlexGLI]

I did the APR Stage 1 upgrade almost two weeks ago, and all I can say is that it's definitely worth it.

I purchased it during the sale, and have four programs installed. I've only used the 91 Octane program so far, as that's what I had in my tank when it was done. The difference really is night and day, as much so as everyone else has said.

I had the same concerns as you did, and was hoping for some better opinions aside from "Wooooo do it!", but seriously, that sums it up.

As soon as you get on the gas, even a quarter press, you'll notice the difference. It just begs to go. In addition, there's a noticeable difference in engine noise, which is great for me. I haven't used my satellite much since I got it for that reason, I just enjoy hearing the revs.

All in all, absolutely worth it. No regrets on my part.

Also, I have a 6MT as well.

Hope that helps!

[CopyNow]

I did the APR Stage 1 upgrade almost two weeks ago, and all I can say is that it's definitely worth it.

I purchased it during the sale, and have four programs installed. I've only used the 91 Octane program so far, as that's what I had in my tank when it was done. The difference really is night and day, as much so as everyone else has said.

I had the same concerns as you did, and was hoping for some better opinions aside from "Wooooo do it!", but seriously, that sums it up.

As soon as you get on the gas, even a quarter press, you'll notice the difference. It just begs to go. In addition, there's a noticeable difference in engine noise, which is great for me. I haven't used my satellite much since I got it for that reason, I just enjoy hearing the revs.

All in all, absolutely worth it. No regrets on my part.

Also, I have a 6MT as well.



Hope that helps!

Thank you! I will be doing it within a month!! I also have the 6MT, and was wondering if there would be any difference with the sounds...

[bmllr8]

Throwing the cat pajamas in the dumpster. APR stage 1 scheduled next Friday.

[itskohler]

[Clyde Smith]

Throwing the cat pajamas in the dumpster.

[itskohler]

What does that mean?

[Clyde Smith]

SEARCH N00B

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...for-a-few-days

[itskohler]

Bahaha. I assumed it was a meaphor for going catless

[shayatin]

Thanks to everyone who's responded.
I've made the appointment to get this done before the sale ends.

So just to follow up; thought on the intake?

[bmllr8]

Thanks to everyone who's responded.
I've made the appointment to get this done before the sale ends.

So just to follow up; thought on the intake?

I thought about the intake as well, but I am just sticking with the Stage 1 tune for now. If that works well I'll look to move to the stage 2 with a carbonio intake (seems popular here and on other forums) during the next APR sale.

[vadimr]

Had my car for a week now and already scheduled for this next thursday. Thanks for all the input guys.

[Tee Why]

Finally decided to upgrade my GLI and got the Stage I with 91 octane (live in CA) at Eurocode in Torrance CA from all the positive reviews here.

First, they have to take the ECU out so the process took about an hour and a half and they charge for the labor. They threw in a feature where you can low lower and raise the windows with the remote, which is really nice. Chris wanted to throw in a T-shirt for me for waiting but I asked for a Eurocode windshield decal, which they put on for me. That was nice of them.

As for me, I have a stock 6MT GLI. Main reason I wanted to get the stage I is b/c for me, I find the power lacking from idle to about 3000 RPM where I mainly drive. I'm a mature driver and am not interested in racing or making my car loud. I just wanted more low end torque for driving around town and passing on the highways.

I've had the upgrade for 4 days and here are my observations so far. First in 1st gear as you take off, the gas seems more sensitive to input. With light press of the gas, I normally rev to about 2000 RPM or so but now am finding the car easily revving to 3000 rpm with the same amount of pressure on the gas.

Where as I felt the power weak from idle to about 2800RPM, and good from 2800 to near redline, the engine now feels good from idle to about 2500RPM and very strong from 2800 on. Slow roll on seems to show a little dip at about 2800RPM actually but from 3000-5000RPM, it really feels good.

On the highway, cruising at about 70mph, I tried passing by flooring the gas a few times and found the car going 87mph by the time I passed and looked down. At first, I kept thinking I was in 5th and trying to shift up when I was already in 6th gear.

I've taken it up to Angeles Crest Highway and my average fwy miles was 31mpg with 45mph average for about 68 miles, so that's about what I normally get.

Overall, this is a performance upgrade that is immediately noticeable and I think it makes the GLI more competitive with newer 2.0 L turbo engines coming out from other makers making more power than the TSI engine in the GLI. Knowing what I know now, I'd probably get the upgrade again. It definitely makes the car more fun and exciting when you push it and it definitely make the car easier to drive in terms of passing around town and passing on the HWY.

[pbassist12]

Finally decided to upgrade my GLI and got the Stage I with 91 octane (live in CA) at Eurocode in Torrance CA from all the positive reviews here.

First, they have to take the ECU out so the process took about an hour and a half and they charge for the labor. They threw in a feature where you can low lower and raise the windows with the remote, which is really nice. Chris wanted to throw in a T-shirt for me for waiting but I asked for a Eurocode windshield decal, which they put on for me. That was nice of them.

As for me, I have a stock 6MT GLI. Main reason I wanted to get the stage I is b/c for me, I find the power lacking from idle to about 3000 RPM where I mainly drive. I'm a mature driver and am not interested in racing or making my car loud. I just wanted more low end torque for driving around town and passing on the highways.

I've had the upgrade for 4 days and here are my observations so far. First in 1st gear as you take off, the gas seems more sensitive to input. With light press of the gas, I normally rev to about 2000 RPM or so but now am finding the car easily revving to 3000 rpm with the same amount of pressure on the gas.

Where as I felt the power weak from idle to about 2800RPM, and good from 2800 to near redline, the engine now feels good from idle to about 2500RPM and very strong from 2800 on. Slow roll on seems to show a little dip at about 2800RPM actually but from 3000-5000RPM, it really feels good.

On the highway, cruising at about 70mph, I tried passing by flooring the gas a few times and found the car going 87mph by the time I passed and looked down. At first, I kept thinking I was in 5th and trying to shift up when I was already in 6th gear.

I've taken it up to Angeles Crest Highway and my average fwy miles was 31mpg with 45mph average for about 68 miles, so that's about what I normally get.

Overall, this is a performance upgrade that is immediately noticeable and I think it makes the GLI more competitive with newer 2.0 L turbo engines coming out from other makers making more power than the TSI engine in the GLI. Knowing what I know now, I'd probably get the upgrade again. It definitely makes the car more fun and exciting when you push it and it definitely make the car easier to drive in terms of passing around town and passing on the HWY.

Nice write up! Im thinking of just doing Stage 2 instead of going 1 and then 2

[Laxhawk]

If you are having any concerns about APR looking out for their customers, just take a look at my thread and put yourself at ease.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...y-ECU-is-fried...

APR really is an amazing company.

[MadJerry]

Am I the only one that thinks about gas economy and transmission and clutch longevity in situations like this?

No, I do too...