Bloody Expensive Ecu Reflash

[Gav]

For those of you that have access to Autospeed online magazine have a look at the following article:

More Go for the Golf

For those that don't I've quoted a key paragraph:

"Retailing for AUD$1999, the APR ECU reflash gives the little Volkswagen an amazing 47 percent more torque and 28 percent more power. The standard 147kW/280Nm output pales in comparison to the reflashed 188kW/411Nm output.

So what is the reflashing process and what’s changed in the program?

In contrast to other approaches to engine management modification, the APR reflash involves absolutely no wiring. First, a standalone PC is connected to the OBDII-style VAG-COM port and the standard program is logged. The appropriate aftermarket tune is then selected from a secure proprietor website and is flashed into the ECU. The entire process takes around 30 minutes."

These OBDII-style reflash programs are pretty bloody expensive in my opinion. Sure the results are quoted as being flash (excuse the pun), but really - for a straight plug in and 20 minutes time there is very little in labour and nothing in parts cost (except a laptop and cable outlay).

OK - development costs you say? Well, at 2 grand a hit and acknowledgement that this same software is suitable for all market versions of this model I suspect that there is a fairly hefty profit margin in this for the developers. How many Mark V GTi Golfs have/will been made I wonder?

Comments?

[R33S2]

Corner the market and you can do what you like, if you buy a Golf you deserve to be arse raped lol

[Jimbo2000]

how is that even expensive?

2k for an extra 40kw is pretty good if you ask me

you'd spend the same (or more) on an exhaust and that wouldnt come close