So let’s say for the sake of argument I have a recent tune that needs fixed, does this recommendation stand for an already tuned vehicle? And yes, he is still around these days.![]()
Formato is fine. I think he's a smart guy and has a LOT of tuning experience. From what I recall, he doesn't get too close to the ragged edge, but as with all tuners he can sometimes be short for time, and rush things. I think there might have been some questions on his A6 transmission techniques, but that was a LOOONG time ago. He has a propensity to upsell people on his latest and greatest innovations (phenolic gaskets, etc) that I would pass on, but specifically as a tuner, I think he'd be a good choice.
Pat G is my #1 recommendation though. He's very thorough and will give you a dozen revisions if you need it; but he'll get you very close on the 1st try. I still found myself changing and tweaking his tune, but that's a "me" thing and not a fault of his. Again, I like Pat G the most and I think he's also the lowest cost. The only negative I've ever heard about Pat is the tenuous wait until he tells you it's your turn. But when you're on deck, he's very fast, and very responsive. If you have a question or concern, ask it. I think he's good at A6 tuning also, because again I've never heard a bad thing about him. Expect him to give you a solid tune that is safe for the street and unexpected variables. I've used him twice, FWIW.
Justin White is another guy who's good, but he has a STRONG personality and often comes off like a pretentious prick. Probably because he is a pretentious prick - but he can tune a car and has been pretty good with A6 transmissions. He has a colorful history in the V community in part because he tends to be associated with racers and windowed blocks (I would say his methodology is very aggressive). He is very proud of tuning cars that go fast. So think "closer to the edge."
Honestly, I would only use one of those three, based on your preferences for risk, "all out" performance and/or cost. But really you should use Pat G.
Anyone else will have increasing levels of risk. Don't use a local shop - most of those guys have a very narrow skillset (in a bad way), and I have that T-shirt too. Don't use the latest flavor on Facebook or Instagram; it's literally a democracy of idiots where the flavor of the week is the ONLY FLAVOR YOU SHOULD HAVE!!! And that is determined by which dudes with bro-dozers know whom, and which are besties.
It’s MAP tuned. VE tables are not stock. We added the flex fuel kit and enabled so I have both tables for PE(alcohol and gas). I’m not here to bash anyone and I agree with the previous poster that he is very capable however my he just doesn’t have the time. The tuner in question is aware of the setup as he did it himself. I did the supporting mods, he did the flex fuel and porting. My understanding is that on these PCMs, VE is coefficient based rather than a normal VE table. I am happy to post logs and the current file however I believe this to be a deeper issue that will require someone to sit down and pick apart the MAP tables to correct. It’s also worth mentioning that no changes were made within the FPCM. I was told at the time that it didn’t need to be, which I have since been told that there are critical changes needed when using a DSX aux pump(it wasn’t even unlocked, I had to buy the key myself to disable some DTCs). I am reluctantly happy to pay someone to remote tune or travel somewhere and strap it down again if need be but try as I might, these MAP tables go over my head. I can verify the mechanical integrity of the car and basic parameter in the tune look correct.Is your VE table stock ? Some people just do MAF, since its faster, and leave VE alone, and that tends to create issues on midded setup in the long run. You might need to specify to your tuner that you need a full blend/hybrid tune.
Also, Pat G
I think this is probably the route I will take unless another suggestion comes along. I would prefer to stay within Florida but I will tote the car elsewhere if need be.
