I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
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- SpoolinDub
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I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
After much debate I decided to go with the Gonzo Tune stage 2(http://www.gonzotuning.com). Talked to the guy and it sounded great. So I sent off my ECU, paid the man and got it back. My issue is now that when I put it in(naturally opened the door and popped the hood and left it in run to align the TB) and started my car it didn't do a whole lot of starting. It sat at 200rpm and then died. Then it wouldn't start unless I put my foot in the gas. The tune also came with launch control set at 4K and its only supposed to work when the clutch is pushed in. Well it works in neutral at 35k. I decided to try and keep it running and take it around the block. Throttle response was spectacular but its only boosting to 4psi and not doing anything past there. I let it sit for 2 days and when I started it today it puffed white smoke like a chimney. My car was running fine before I sent my ECU in so what the crap? I emailed Gonzo and told him everything it was doing and this was his response:
"Scan the car. A flash wouldn't make it run like that. You most likely have a hardware issue."
Surrriously?????!!?!? Real helpful dude... Its not throwing ANY codes.
More recently all I did was put BKR7E plugs in, gapped to .028 since I was getting a tune, and revision D coils. (Thanks MikeWire) Changed the oil and went from a green spring to a yellow spring in my Forge 007 to accommodate for the 21psi.
Now what I did do when I ordered the tune was get an EVAP delete. Although I haven't actually taken out the EVAP yet I plan to eventually I was just planning ahead. Issue?
In conclusion am I frickin' insane and do something stupid or does it sound like this tune is garbage?
As always, thanks for any input guys!
"Scan the car. A flash wouldn't make it run like that. You most likely have a hardware issue."
Surrriously?????!!?!? Real helpful dude... Its not throwing ANY codes.
More recently all I did was put BKR7E plugs in, gapped to .028 since I was getting a tune, and revision D coils. (Thanks MikeWire) Changed the oil and went from a green spring to a yellow spring in my Forge 007 to accommodate for the 21psi.
Now what I did do when I ordered the tune was get an EVAP delete. Although I haven't actually taken out the EVAP yet I plan to eventually I was just planning ahead. Issue?
In conclusion am I frickin' insane and do something stupid or does it sound like this tune is garbage?
As always, thanks for any input guys!
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Re: I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
First off I have never heard of Gonzo tuning. Second their website sucks. Third why the evap delete?
I can't even tell if you meet the hardware requirements for stage 2.
I'm confused, straighten me out here and give some real details.
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I can't even tell if you meet the hardware requirements for stage 2.
I'm confused, straighten me out here and give some real details.
TF101 ICS 4.03
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- SpoolinDub
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Re: I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
I did a lot of research on vwvortex about it and apparently everyone is in love with the tune. The EVAP delete was because I've had a few problems with it and I just want it gone. Clean up the engine bay a bit. Now that I actually think about it though, fudge it.
As far as the stage 2 requirements, he says that it was meant to run plain stock. Nothing was needed at all. My best comparison to it would be GIAC X+.(Apples and oranges) Required: Nothing. Recommended: Exhaust, DV, FMIC.
I knew I should of went with United Motorsports
As far as the stage 2 requirements, he says that it was meant to run plain stock. Nothing was needed at all. My best comparison to it would be GIAC X+.(Apples and oranges) Required: Nothing. Recommended: Exhaust, DV, FMIC.
I knew I should of went with United Motorsports

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Re: I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
I'm at a standstill here. I don't want to just start replacing things. Although the car is having some symptoms of a failed crankshaft position sensor...
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Re: I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
Bummer, stick with it and check all the basics...you will get it.
And yes United Motor Sports and Blue Water Performance are the hottest VW tuning shop in the country right now IMO.
Never heard of gonzo either but, I am sure you will get it running smoothly.
And yes United Motor Sports and Blue Water Performance are the hottest VW tuning shop in the country right now IMO.

Never heard of gonzo either but, I am sure you will get it running smoothly.
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I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
Wow for a stage two I thought you needed a down pipe, injectors, and high flow intake?
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- SpoolinDub
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Re: I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
He also has a stage 2+ that you would need a VR6 MAF housing for also. I didn't really question it.
Put a cinder block on the gas pedal to let it idle at about 800-1K for a half hour and still no codes.
Put a cinder block on the gas pedal to let it idle at about 800-1K for a half hour and still no codes.
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Re: I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
Never heard of them either, but I have to agree, I don't think a tune would have caused those problems, unless there was no factory safeguards left installed in the software, but I doubt that.
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Re: I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
You would have to understand where I am coming from though because it wasn't running like that before I sent off my ECU. I am going to run a proper pressure test tomorrow to be sure its not that. It just doesnt make sense to me. 

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I just can't win, Gonzo Tuning?
You have access to a vagcom? If you find a compatible spare ECU I can kill the immo for you.
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