S3 8P Shark Stage 2 Review.

[mjr901]

2012 '61' Black Edition (mapped via OBD Port)

Hi all,

I've had my Milltek and P-flo on for a while now which meant stage 2 software was available.

So today N8 popped down and did my map.

First N8 read the current file on the ECU. Then it was a case of sending it to Mikko to "adjust it".

He sent the revised map back and it didn't go straight on at first, it error'd. N8 re-tried, all was fine. Seems to happen frequently when mapping, so not to worry.

So once the map was put on we went for spin.....

First impressions were that the map is very smooth. Theres not a huge smash in the back side(like revo), most of the power is spread across the entire rev range. I get significant boost between 6k-7k rpm. Obviously it boosts before then, but i feel most of it comes right at the end of the rev range.

The maps only been on for a few hours so the car is still "adapting" but it does feel like its getting better and better as i go. The traction control light flickers a wee bit more

I cant fault the service from N8, top bloke. He even did a bit of VCDS for me. :thumbsup:

So i can recommend Shark, the car still works, and its goes smoother and faster......:icon_thumright:

The only thing i'd say, i'd probably want a bit more of a bang from any future maps from them. So if i was you, and you thinking of going with shark, insist on a more aggressive map, or you could just drop it a gear or two and keep the smoothness....

Anybody thinking about doing it can have a go in mine before they start the modding process to see what stage 2 ends up like.

Let me know if there are any questions.

 

[Shadowman]

Hi....is yours manual or DSG ?

Nice part of the world over there....I'm looking to move over to your neck of the woods in the next six months, so I'll look out for your car when we pop over looking for houses..)

N8 did mine to Stage 1 a couple of weeks ago, and as you say he offers a top service and is a great guy too.

Anyway , enjoy all that smooooth power...)

 

[GNJ_Motorsport]

Glad you got sorted with the Shark map mate

 

[mjr901]

It's a DSG.

I think he mentioned you actually. moving up from Cambridge to Malvern? I live close to there. So if you don't see me...you'll hear me for sure.

 

[mjr901]

Glad you got sorted with the Shark map mate

Have you sorted your clutch yet!?

 

[Shadowman]

Yep, that's me....can't stand the flat countryside any more...need to get ack to some hills !!

I'll look/listen out for you..)

 

[GNJ_Motorsport]

Have you sorted your clutch yet!?

Yeah mate it's sorted now, had a few niggles with it but finally got it sorted this weekend. Apologies I couldn't make it down to do it the other week I was gutted as I would have liked the trip down and the business obviously but good to see Nathan looked after you. The more happy Shark customers the better no matter which of us does the map

 

[N8]

Mike's car really has me wanting a big bhp DSG car, , Drove perfect Mike, effortless power all day long, nice meeting you fella, I think Stage 3 will give you the bang your after.

 

[Paullie]

Nice write up, Mike! Top service from N8 and the Shark team once again. SHARK FTW ADL!! Enjoy. xx

 

[legin]

Sounds like Shark know how to map an engine for progressive delivery and wish I had gone there but didnt call me back bla bla. I have a bluefin and asked them to turn down the smash in the back as the turbo diesel delivery is positively not my cup of tea, its much better now not least for the clutch but a little lumpy as the map is a cut and shut.

 

[PaulAr]

Perfect timing this post, I am also looking at Shark software right now but do quite like the old school agressive shove so would be putting my request in for something along those lines.

That said, I am DSG too, so dont want `all or nowt` delivery when pootling around in `D`in a more sedate fashion.

Anyone requested a customised or agressive map from Shark?

cheers
Paul

 

[paddy]

REEEEEEEEEEEEEVOOOOOOOOOOO.......REEEEEEEEEVOOOOOOOOOO

 

[warren_S5]

REEEEEEEEEEEEEVOOOOOOOOOOO.......REEEEEEEEEVOOOOOOOOOO

Come on Pad, you know Revo is only for poo pushers and jockey boys ;-)

 

[paddy]

Well i was thinking of Paul

 

[PaulAr]

REEEEEEEEEEEEEVOOOOOOOOOOO.......REEEEEEEEEVOOOOOOOOOO

Local dealer issues and being relieved of £780 for switchable Stage1 is giving me heartburn.

 

[paddy]

Look out for special offers a month back it was £400 with a free SPS so they have plenty of room to be flexible,

 

[APAutomotive]

I'm sure that Mikko would adjust the map to your requirements. Obviously all that extra 'kick' does take its toll on the components. :icon_thumright:

 

[mjr901]

Perfect timing this post, I am also looking at Shark software right now but do quite like the old school agressive shove so would be putting my request in for something along those lines.

That said, I am DSG too, so dont want `all or nowt` delivery when pootling around in `D`in a more sedate fashion.

Anyone requested a customised or agressive map from Shark?

cheers
Paul

Ive been talking to N8 about making it more aggressive.

Please dont get me wrong the car flamin goes!

Its a pleasure to drive.

He reckons the DSG map should do it. Its the low down torque it's missing, the map should raise the parameters, thus giving more torque,and make the gear changes faster. so when I can rustle some more disposable funds together I'll do that and update. won't be for a bit, I'm off touring Europe in the S3 for 10 days in April. so I'll be skint $$$ for a while.

 

[PaulAr]

Look out for special offers a month back it was £400 with a free SPS so they have plenty of room to be flexible,

The dealers I spoke to were clear it would be full RRP +VAT for map and switch and that the last `deal` ended Dec last year and no new deals on the horizon.
Not begging the feckers, Stage 1 on the TFSI is hardly new Tech, so why the premium!

 

[paddy]

I would ask REVO HQ if they will match shark, that will put them on the spot. Tell then you have had revo before so are an existing customer but cant justify the premium price over Shark.
Put them on the Spot.

 

[Spin140]

Local dealer issues and being relieved of £780 for switchable Stage1 is giving me heartburn.

Look out for a special offer as someone else posted, not knocking Shark as only heard good things but I have one simple question for you Paul, Were you happy with Revo on the last S3 ?


Thought so, enough said

 

[PaulAr]

I would ask REVO HQ if they will match shark, that will put them on the spot. Tell then you have had revo before so are an existing customer but cant justify the premium price over Shark.
Put them on the Spot.

Had previous dialogue with HQ before when I didnt get a discounted SPS I was promised with my last purchase, and was referred back to the dealer.
It would appear pricing issues are dealt with at dealer level.

Ive REVO`d 3 cars previously and been happy with the results, does what it says on the tin....etc..., but the local dealer situation and inflated cost has just put me off.

cheers
Paul

 

[warren_S5]

Fair shout, if dealer doesn't fill you with confidence then you've got to decide with your own feet. I go direct to HQ so have never suffered at the hands of third party. Be interested to see what you think of Shark.

 

[PaulAr]

Look out for a special offer as someone else posted, not knocking Shark as only heard good things but I have one simple question for you Paul, Were you happy with Revo on the last S3 ?


Thought so, enough said

Yep, more than happy mate, its a great product, just not £780 great....

I made the calls to a couple of dealers and nothing forthcoming unfortunately, hence looking elsewhere.

If I can get software that does the same job as REVO and a handset for switching from a reputable tuner for MUCH less than REVO has quoted then its a easy decision.

cheers
Paul

 

[Spin140]

Fair enough, think in your shoes and location it has to be Shark.

 

[paddy]

I didnt know Shark do a SPS ?

 

[mjr901]

I didnt know Shark do a SPS ?

As far as im aware sharks version cant adjust boost and timing, it simply reads fault codes and loads, reloads the map. Think it does have a vehicle immobiliser function.

Correct me if im wrong please!

 

[GNJ_Motorsport]

As far as im aware sharks version cant adjust boost and timing, it simply reads fault codes and loads, reloads the map. Think it does have a vehicle immobiliser function.

Correct me if im wrong please!

That is correct but you can also request a new map if not 100% happy with the 1st map. For example if you want it more aggressive, you tell us/them that and we get a more aggressive map sent back to you.

 

[mjr901]

well I've had a couple of days to play with this shark re-map.

I've got to say its brilliant. effortless over taking.

With all these ludicrous prices of Revo too. why pay more?? Yes Revo are very good but why go to waitrose for your spaghetti when they sell the same stuff in Morrisons @ a better price?

Cant wait to get the DSG map done now. it will be awesome!

 

[Nickl]

arghhh comic sans, that first post was really hard to read! Just had my S-tronic car done at Revo, considered Shark but seemed to be more people around with Revo, sounds like they did an awesome job though!

 

[PaulAr]

well I've had a couple of days to play with this shark re-map.

I've got to say its brilliant. effortless over taking.

With all these ludicrous prices of Revo too. why pay more?? Yes Revo are very good but why go to waitrose for your spaghetti when they sell the same stuff in Morrisons @ a better price?

Cant wait to get the DSG map done now. it will be awesome!

Cool, did you get that `night and day` sensation and that "Whhooah **** me" moment when you dorve it post map?

 

[mjr901]

Cool, did you get that `night and day` sensation and that "Whhooah **** me" moment when you dorve it post map?

To be honest at first I was like umm....But now after a few days of testing, the maps really woken up. The power has moved in the rev range so it's just a case of re-learning where the power is.

And also the trouble is, I'm comparing it to a Revo Stage 2+ golf edition 30 (356bhp) as that's all I have experienced in a tfsi. plus the fact the Revo's maps are quite aggressive. In Golf there's wheel spin galore (FWD) which makes lots of fun factor whilst driving. S3 however isn't..4wd cancels most of that out so there is limited drama.

So really my expectations were set way too high. It's not a fair comparison.

The Shark map is very refined. I wouldn't hesistate to map with them again.

 

[N8]

You need DSG software + Fuel Pump + Stage 3 then you'll be 100% happy. Believe me, Mike's car was effortlessly quick!

 

[mjr901]

I'll start with the DSG software. car flies as it is. especially 4th gear.

 

[N8]

No worries, yes then the software will help with the delivery your after, I think your bonkers, drove perfect to me, I want your car

 

[mjr901]

I have a need for speed....and MONEY!

 

[PaulAr]

My STS is an its way, postman N8 has been busy today (cheers)

Reckon I will go for a more agressive map then, maybe a slightly tempered version than REVO will do nicely.

Must admit, Ive not had many adaption issues before, although the car felt did feel notably better with a few miles on, I always found an instant effect from REVO Stage 1. Similarly an MTM modified ECU on an old MK4.

Ive only ever had Stage 1 so hopefully I will be suitably impressed with SHARK.
Roll on tomorrow!

Paul

 

[mjr901]

no doubt eventually it will be engine out....2.5tfsi in... it's never ending this business.

 

[mjr901]

My STS is an its way, postman N8 has been busy today (cheers)

Reckon I will go for a more agressive map then, maybe a slightly tempered version than REVO will do nicely.

Must admit, Ive not had many adaption issues before, although the car felt did feel notably better with a few miles on, I always found an instant effect from REVO Stage 1. Similarly an MTM modified ECU on an old MK4.

Ive only ever had Stage 1 so hopefully I will be suitably impressed with SHARK.
Roll on tomorrow!

Paul

Postman N8 he's sent me a sticker too today. funnily enough he does wear bright red shoes. royal mail colour

Cheers N8!

 

[N8]

Everyone loves my Air Max 1s