APR vs GIAC ECU Flash

[bagherra]

Hello all,

Have any of you had the APR ECU flash completed on their 996 TT? I'm curious what your experience is. Two locally owned shops can do either GIAC or APR. I have heard lots of good things about the GIAC upgrade, but little about APR. If there is not much of a difference between the two in performance and reliability, then I'll side with APR since I like the convenience of the software control through the cruise control switch. I'll also upgrade the DVs. I had this done on my Audi and have been happy with the results.

Thanks.

[wross996TT]

I have not heard of anyone using APR (on a Porsche). What do you mean control the software through the cruise control switch? AFAIK the programs must be loaded into the ECU, usually through the OBD port.

About which flash to go with depends on what your ultimate goals are. You would like your tune to match your hardware, e.g., if you eventually go with hybrid turbos or new intake you'll need a tune to take advantage of them. GIAC and probably APR are what I would call off-the-shelf tunes...so if you stay with mostly stock hardware, they will probably work just fine. If you have higher aspirations, I suggest you talk to some tuners and get their advice (UMW, Proto, EVOMS, FVD, etc.)

[bagherra]

I have not heard of anyone using APR (on a Porsche). What do you mean control the software through the cruise control switch? AFAIK the programs must be loaded into the ECU, usually through the OBD port.

About which flash to go with depends on what your ultimate goals are. You would like your tune to match your hardware, e.g., if you eventually go with hybrid turbos or new intake you'll need a tune to take advantage of them. GIAC and probably APR are what I would call off-the-shelf tunes...so if you stay with mostly stock hardware, they will probably work just fine. If you have higher aspirations, I suggest you talk to some tuners and get their advice (UMW, Proto, EVOMS, FVD, etc.)

This is a recent development (in the past year or so) - APR added Porsche to its other supported vehicles (Audi/VW).

Here's a link that will help to explain: http://www.goapr.com/Porsche/products/ecu_...e_996turbo.html

In addition here is a link that explains their EMCS (cruise control programming). The initial ECU load takes place as you describe - but post-load you control the programming via cruise control on startup: http://www.goapr.com/Porsche/products/emcs.html

I appreciate your advice on the rest. I plan on staying stock for some time (besides the existing aftermarket exhaust, and upgraded DVs), but I'll talk with some of the local tuners in town and see if better options are available.

Edited April 27, 2008 by bagherra