Why are tuner supplied stage 3 fueling kits so expensive?
05-28-2006, 06:19 PM
#21
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Obviously, it's not the parts, but the technical know-how put into the software.
Take your pick; APR, AWE, ASP, MTM, AMS...
They've all invested massive R&D hours into the development of mixing and matching the right equipment with software to produce the results we expect. There's a very clear, calculable value of this work, and it shows itself in the customized software. How much would it cost to recreate this package on your own? Sure, the parts are accessible, but what about the custom-mapped tuning for K04s + fueling?
Like others on this board, I appreciate the DIY value in the homebrew approach, but I'll gladly pay +$2k for a fueling kit that works from the start.
They've all invested massive R&D hours into the development of mixing and matching the right equipment with software to produce the results we expect. There's a very clear, calculable value of this work, and it shows itself in the customized software. How much would it cost to recreate this package on your own? Sure, the parts are accessible, but what about the custom-mapped tuning for K04s + fueling?
Like others on this board, I appreciate the DIY value in the homebrew approach, but I'll gladly pay +$2k for a fueling kit that works from the start.
05-28-2006, 07:25 PM
#22
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As others have said...
It's a niche market, getting smaller. They've got to make profits in order to continue to innovate.
Furthermore, you're forgetting that your K03 code cost something too, so to be fair you must factor that into the cost of your homebrew setup as well.
Beyond that, I am of the humble opinion that the "TCD" and MBC approach is a Band Aid... Yeah... It'll work, but it's not a right thing to do to an otherwise sophisticated engine management solution. It's an old trick.
Furthermore, you're forgetting that your K03 code cost something too, so to be fair you must factor that into the cost of your homebrew setup as well.
Beyond that, I am of the humble opinion that the "TCD" and MBC approach is a Band Aid... Yeah... It'll work, but it's not a right thing to do to an otherwise sophisticated engine management solution. It's an old trick.
05-28-2006, 07:27 PM
#23
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How many people who go to tuners for more HP in their sports cars->
will have the time or expeirence to do the work
themselves ? They will have the money though.
themselves ? They will have the money though.
05-28-2006, 07:31 PM
#24
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Chiming in...
Assuming you mean genuine tuning, rather than just tweaking adaptation values with Lemiwinks and fibbing to the boost control circuit...
I believe that APR charges something like $2,000 per day and apparently does a complete tune in two or three days. AMS charges similarly.
I believe that APR charges something like $2,000 per day and apparently does a complete tune in two or three days. AMS charges similarly.
05-28-2006, 08:09 PM
#25
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I am currently stage 2 APR. I am in the process of putting the funds together for stage 3
I just purchased my ECU. We have a custom tuner in Stratford, CT, EPL tuning. With my current list of mods he will add new fuel injectors, RS4 accordeon, ASP MAF and tune the ECU for ~$2600. Horsepower to the wheels will easily be over 400. The choice is yours. I have chosen to go with a local guy that I can easily go to if there are secondary issues. Other tuners want to recoup their R&D so there is an expense with that. Going homebrew, if you have the talent, would be fun but certainly takes knowledge.
05-28-2006, 08:18 PM
#26
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You can do it yourself for less, "if" you can do it yourself for less. As a business owner..
I understand the consumer thought process of what am I getting for my money. I also know I pay for many things at a premium for a piece of mind. We are not talking a sale on boneless chicken. It's my ~$20,000+ car. I want to pay for the piece of mind but even then I have levels. So choose the level that suits you best. The tuners are in it to make a living. You have to decide if your getting what you paid for. I do pay extra not to worry or to go back if it's not to my satisfaction.
