Hello.
I spent a good while researching the best option for tuning my A2.
I shortlisted three companies; AmD; Revo Technik; MTM.
All three seemed to be well established bonafide companies and offered tuning upgrades that didn't quote ridiculous figures. My main concern was for the longevity and safe running of the engine, as well as having some extra power on tap when I needed it. Companies that claimed some 35+bhp increase on an engine that originally outputs 75bhp, I found hard to believe and avoided.
After initially trying to get in touch with my local Revo outlet, I was a little put off by not being able to contact the man responsible for tuning - it seemed that he was a mobile specialist who used established garages as bases - fine for some but I could envisage potential aftersales problems.
MTM in Haywards Heath seemed a good option, but in the end I decided to go for AmD in Bicester.
I choose their OneClick tuning option which I must say is very flexible and impressive.
The sales guy was very courteous and offered me a £100 discount when I pressed him and I ended up paying £399+VAT.
They sent me the unit which plugs into the OBDII port in the drivers side footwell. Initially it reads the original map of the ECU and then you return it to them for a performance map to be programmed alongside. Once you get it back (next day - very quick) you have the two options of running either the original map or the enhanced map - I noticed the difference immediately.
The enhanced map offers a good consistent torque pull right across the rev range and doesn't drop off early. The in gear pull is great fun and offers safer overtaking.
I didn't think I would use the option to revert back to the original map but surprisingly I use it often, mostly for my daily commute, where the traffic does not generally allow a nippy/fun drive - and it does spare some fuel.
Just to be really sad (sorry, I'm not a nerd.....honest) I have recently filled the A2 with a tankful of BP Optimax Diesel and am running on the un-tuned map to see what my average MPG will be. I will then refill with the same but will switch to the enhanced map for the duration of the fuel tank to see what I get. I will post my results in the current thread on fuel consumption/economy. Until now I got 53mpg (Sainsbury's regular diesel with the standard map); or 48mpg (Sainsbury's regular diesel with AmD enhanced map).
Now then, because I'm a bloke, I knew that the AmD OneClick was good but I wanted to see raw data. So, last November I travelled up to Bicester and was very impressed with their setup; full VAG service facilities; big plasma TV and PS2 in reception; little tables with remote links for your laptop; free drinks & friendly people. I was there to get a rolling road test.........with my A2!! The other cars there were TT's; A6's; S4's etc - I felt a bit of a prat with my humble offering............but enjoyed the experience all the same.
The end result showed an output of 95bhp with 180lb ft of torque at 2196rpm (I really do sound like a nerd don't I?). I'm happy.
On the way home some chump in his M3 cut me up coming off the M40 onto the M25 - I really enjoyed pushing him to 95mph on the slip road and then undertaking him at some 100mph odd........in my 1.4TDI badged A2 - very irresponsible and illegal (sorry officer) I know, but boy I couldn't stop laughing............great!
The only downsides from AmD are the poorly written instructions (which I pointed out to them and hopefully have now been amended) and the presentation of the OneClick unit - having spent £500 it would be nice to have had a leather pouch to store it in.Other than that a very good experience.
So Fiona, in response to your first question 'Yes I have' and my views of AmD are now clear. Thank you.
Goodnight all!
Eeeboy.
PS: Can all those A2 drivers at Shalford please wave back to me in the mornings!!!
