A stage 1 tune from a reputable tuner is the best bang for buck
Agreed. Looking at advertized horsepower claims and what it costs is not the way to go. Think first about stress on the engine. An ECU software tune for +25hp or + 80hp is the same amount of work, but there's a bigger engine stress factor. The factory tune for most V.W engines has some latitude because they want their engines to give a consistent 'average' performance in all countries, altitudes and a wide range of fuel quality. A stage 1 tune is generally just an ECU code change and pushes the power and torque up a bit to use this margin, without needing significant changes to engine parts. Go higher than this and some expensive mods are required and engine life can be compromised. Choose a tuner that can offer the performance versus fuel economy options. You can't have both, but they may offer one or the other, or a half way compromise.
EOSSydney hit the later (post 2010?) Bosch tri-core ECU reflash problem and couldn't do or risk a DIY reflash at home. But a decent tuning shop can do it with Alienware software tools by opening it up on the bench. If they are paying for the Alientech licence, they have access to tried and tested tuning files. That's a lot better than a smart kiddy using WINOLS to create untried custom files from their bedroom. If a tuner has a good reputation, consider removing the ECU (easy to do) and doing it by mail. It takes a few days but you may get a better price?
IMHO a Stage 1 tune is something that gives that extra performance when you need it and isn't for racing around a track. Be aware that once an ECU is tuned with non-V.W software, if you take your car to a Stealer and it gets a diagnostics scan, they will know and without telling you, your car 'may' come back as stock! Always get copies of your before and after tuning files from the tuner and see what guarantees they give if you need the tune put back.
Be aware that free ECU tuning files you might find trawling the internet are 'Generic'. Your ECU is actually personalized with data and options specific to your car VIN. An ECU tune whether done by mail order or not, should customize your original ECU and keep these settings. Some local tuners may include dyno testing and fine tuning which you probably wouldn't need for Stage 1. The number of times an ECU is reflashed is permanently stored in the ECU and cannot be spoofed.
