APR vs EQT

[aaronc7]

I would say probably quite similar. Both are designed to be conservative for a given set of mods or general mod guidelines. Both as time has gone on, continue to offer tune updates and continue to refine their tunes. Big advantage here is Cobb, you can do updates yourself and I think EQT only charges like $25 for it. I don't think you're going to get a lot of true direct, objective comparisons.

But with the Cobb platform you can monitor and datalog directly to make sure your car is running like it should. You might come across some "hey I have some knock with my EQT tune, is this normal" threads....but 99 percent of guys who run APR probably have the same thing going on in the background and are just completely unaware.

APR is a good company and a big name in this part of the car community, but their flash tune model is behind the times I'm afraid.

 

[E90 Skye]

Great info, thanks for the reply!

 

[ck23]

On the question of reliability/longevity vs performance... How does the EQT stage 1 do? APR Stage 1 seemed like a subtle upgrade that just explores with the motor is capable of without running into reliability issues, I would assume EQT stage 1 to do the same unless anybody has other experience, thoughts etc.

Great point. From what I understand and have researched, EQT seems to run along the same lines as APR in terms of technical aspects. While it is a newer tune, I guess we could say the jury is still out, whereas APR tunes have been on cars for years.

 

[ck23]

I would say probably quite similar. Both are designed to be conservative for a given set of mods or general mod guidelines. Both as time has gone on, continue to offer tune updates and continue to refine their tunes. Big advantage here is Cobb, you can do updates yourself and I think EQT only charges like $25 for it. I don't think you're going to get a lot of true direct, objective comparisons.

But with the Cobb platform you can monitor and datalog directly to make sure your car is running like it should. You might come across some "hey I have some knock with my EQT tune, is this normal" threads....but 99 percent of guys who run APR probably have the same thing going on in the background and are just completely unaware.

APR is a good company and a big name in this part of the car community, but their flash tune model is behind the times I'm afraid.

Good feedback, thank you. I agree with the platform having an advantage of being able to interact more with the tune through the AP. As for me, I don't know how much that interests me. Not that I'm knocking it, just I guess still trying to decide if I want to have that much interaction myself, or a "set it and forget it" approach.

I posed the same question in some other areas, one thread/poll represented a large skew in the direction of APR being the way to go. I guess in the end, you research to your hearts content, then you end up going with your gut on some of this stuff. Both are great tunes, and I think you really can't lose either way.

 

[jimlloyd40]

Great point. From what I understand and have researched, EQT seems to run along the same lines as APR in terms of technical aspects. While it is a newer tune, I guess we could say the jury is still out, whereas APR tunes have been on cars for years.

The jury has returned and it's EQT for the win!

 

[DallasDub94]

Good feedback, thank you. I agree with the platform having an advantage of being able to interact more with the tune through the AP. As for me, I don't know how much that interests me. Not that I'm knocking it, just I guess still trying to decide if I want to have that much interaction myself, or a "set it and forget it" approach.

I posed the same question in some other areas, one thread/poll represented a large skew in the direction of APR being the way to go. I guess in the end, you research to your hearts content, then you end up going with your gut on some of this stuff. Both are great tunes, and I think you really can't lose either way.

The EQT base tune is very much set and forget due to it's refinement. You use the AP to flash the tune and monitor things for a few days.... then throw it in the glovebox if you want. It's a tool and provides additional visibility on the operation of the car. Also it's always there to pull codes w/o need for a laptop or additional tool.

I'm the type of person that keeps the AP mounted with specific monitors. I also usually have a Boost, wideband AFR, E85 % multi-gauge setup in the car. But by no means do you have to keep the AP out and plugged in, it's not "required" for the tune/car to function.

Excess interaction/visibility > None

 

[neogeo]

There are reasons to go APR+ if you want a "set and forget" Stg 1 OEM+ Tune, plan to keep the car for a while to amortize the cost, and are never wanting to do more tuning. I know a lot of people here don't fall into that category but I do... having wasted way too much money on tuning Subies and a Mk 6 in the past. I'm done with that. And when you sell, the warranty is transferable, and a buyer at least knows what he is getting into, not some unknown set of mods.
APR+ is CARB approved in CA, and the warranty is a big "plus". 290hp is plenty enough ( few more hp???) and overwhelms the front tires anyway. The power is super smooth and I don't have any complaints.

Great advice here. If you’re not interested in going down the rabbit hole of endless mods, and tweaking, APR is a great option. For a lot of people 290hp probably provides a very satisfying experience. The CARB approval and warranty are certainly appealing options. I have to say I’ve also dealt with APR customer service over the phone and it was excellent. I know that this is anecdotal, but for every dissatisfied customer they probably have many many satisfied ones.

I don’t have an APR tune. My car is a mish mash of parts, but it’s only a project for me and I don’t need to rely on it as my daily. If I had to use the car as a daily, and it had to be as reliable as stock, I would have gone with an APR package 100%.

 

[El_bigote_AJ]

The EQT base tune is very much set and forget due to it's refinement. You use the AP to flash the tune and monitor things for a few days.... then throw it in the glovebox if you want. It's a tool and provides additional visibility on the operation of the car. Also it's always there to pull codes w/o need for a laptop or additional tool.

I'm the type of person that keeps the AP mounted with specific monitors and/or has Boost, wideband AFR, E85 % gauge setup in the car. But by no means do you have to keep the AP out and plugged in, it's not "required" for the tune/car to function.

Excess interaction/visibility > None

Your AP in a VW is showing ethanol percent?

 

[DallasDub94]

Your AP in a VW is showing ethanol percent?

No, I have a Innovate ECB-1 gauge for that. I'll clarify that in my comment.

 

[El_bigote_AJ]

No, I have a Innovate ECB-1 gauge for that. I'll clarify that in my comment.

The ecb-1 and the ecf-1 are nice! I went with the mtx cause between the gauge pod and my aem failssafe the cost was already stacking up. Since you are Cobb did you add a bung for the O2 or just use the existing rear 02 location?
And yeah I agree fully - I feel much better constantly seeing as much of my cars parameter as possible and often.

 

[DallasDub94]

The ecb-1 and the ecf-1 are nice! I went with the mtx cause between the gauge pod and my aem failssafe the cost was already stacking up. Since you are Cobb did you add a bung for the O2 or just use the existing rear 02 location?
And yeah I agree fully - I feel much better constantly seeing as much of my cars parameter as possible and often.

Haven't on mk7 yet... my mk6 Cobb DP had a extra o2 bung... was super convenient. Although you unplug the rear o2 with stage 2 and up Cobb tunes to prevent running rich, I'd rather add a bung and just leave the o2 sensor in the bung unplugged.

I'll probably get the mtx-d and run a psb-1 beside it. I love the ecb-1 but the screen is kinda small for more than 2 parameters. CJM has a nice dual pod + hood/visor setup for the left vent.

 

[El_bigote_AJ]

Haven't on mk7 yet... my mk6 Cobb DP had a extra o2 bung... was super convenient. Although you unplug the rear o2 with stage 2 and up Cobb tunes to prevent running rich, I'd rather add a bung and just leave the o2 sensor in the bung unplugged.

I'll probably get the mtx-d and run a psb-1 beside it. I love the ecb-1 but the screen is kinda small for more than 2 parameters. CJM has a nice dual pod + hood/visor setup for the left vent.

Yeah I have that pod, it’s really nice. The visor won’t work with the bigger bezels like I have though.

 

[anotero]

Yeah I have that pod, it’s really nice. The visor won’t work with the bigger bezels like I have though.

View attachment 170522

That is a good photo. Car looks good.

 

[DallasDub94]

Yeah I have that pod, it’s really nice. The visor won’t work with the bigger bezels like I have though.

You're right the gauge bezels are pretty large... Neither the AEM or Innovate gauges fit the visors? Saved me some $$

 

[El_bigote_AJ]

You're right the gauge bezels are pretty large... Neither the AEM or Innovate gauges fit the visors? Saved me some $$

Yeah he designed the pod to flush out perfect with aem’s digital line (analog is a tiny bit smaller) and that happens to fit perfect with innovate gauges too.