Finally, went for the re-map itch and got it done today.
It is a Stage 1 remap with around 30-35% increase in power and torque. Although these figures are just for my information, the actual figures won't be known until a dyno run which I won't be doing as I am quite satisfied with the butt dyno.
I chose CODE6 mainly due to the discount they were offering, although I have no idea what the actual cost for Stage 1 is., but compared to the other tuners, it was still worth it. The remap didn't take too long, however it had to come back to stock map since the EGR valve not showing any difference in figures ,which I wanted deleted. The figures shown before and after re-map was the same probably due to the partial plate I had fixed.
Anyway , that work is being postponed and the Stage 1 map was flashed. On the first trial drive, I couldn't feel much of a difference except when the turbo spooled, I felt a slightly more push on the seat compared to before, but I wasn't happy and so wasn't the tuner. Returned and got all the turbo plumbing clips tightened (they were actually not full tight) and got the MAF sensor cleaned and took it for another spin and what a difference. I couldn't actually feel the full effect due to the traffic , but I knew the torque has increased.
On the return I got some opportunities to experience the changes and
It wheel spins in second when I bury the pedal and torque steers all the way to third gear. The torque aside, the way the engine pulls when the turbo kicks when the gas pedal is stomped on is just crazy.
I haven't tried driving like how I normally do to feel the difference in daily drive, but the torque change saw me shuffle between 3rd and 4th on the return from the turner. And the best part of it all, the smoke hasn't increased , atleast till now. I am also waiting for the next trip to know how it has improved at highway speeds and with load.
The engine oil and filter needs to be changed as well which will add a bit more oomph.
The car being light has helped a lot and so as the bigger tyres. It is not an un-controllable type of power increase. What I feel are the brakes are going to see pads being replaced more often than usual and I am waiting for the stock Alnacs to wear out so I can go for something stickier.
I didn't want to wait till the engine has run more to do this since I wanted to enjoy the car to the fullest from the beginning till I have it. It was the same case with my old Figo when I go the Red Rooster exhaust and intake done when the car had just reached 10k kms. This time it was just 8.5k kms.
A big thanks to DrNaren, Deetjohn, D3mon and Keroo for helping me out with the details and letting me drive their cars to feel the difference (D3mon & Keroo)
Will post more experiences and specifics as I pile on kms. The car has run 8600 kms .