Racechip vs. VAP ECU tuning
 

I've been lurking on the board for some time, prior to picking up the XF Sportbrake and I've read a lot about the couple of different power options out there for the Jags setup. Anyone active here with an XF 380hp engine try either the Racechip or the VAP tune? Or ideally one and then the other? :)

I went back and forth with the VAP support people (person? I never got an actual name, but always got answers to my questions) and apparently the newer ECU (2017MY+) has to be flashed with a loaner tool that gets shipped back, it's no longer an option to get the actual flash unit to keep. The other part is that apparently there's no way to revert the ECU flash. On many other makes, you're able to flash back to stock when bringing for service, but not with the VAP tune, so just wanted to see if anyone's tried either or both recently. Any preference? any experience with dealer service under VAP tune?

It's very easy to install, you wave two Y split cables. One plugs into the map sensor on on end and the original connector for the map on the other end. The other cable connects to the bypass valve solenoid and the other end to the original solenoid connector. You need pretty small hands to get to the MAP sensor connector... You will want to notch the plastic box where the cabin air filter is and install the module in there. I will upload the detailed direction and post a link shortly.

Installation document
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Lv...ew?usp=sharing

Please note, their official manual is slightly incorrect. The picture of the MAP sensor install (rear of the engine, near the firewall) is correct. The other connector does NOT go where you see circled, but on the solenoid next to is (round body). The connector will only fit there anyway.. Good luck on the install.

Not had a chance to update due to the weather not playing ball but currently testing out map 5 , (map 4 is factory setting. and was not impressed . map 5 on the short time has been better , But still needs full tested . Update when i can .

Weather has not been great . not used jag. will update this thread once England dries out lol and have a chance to test the other Maps .

I have a 2018, looking at tuning as well, but really don’t want to mess it up. I reached out to the velocity ap folks for details, but never got a response. I find it strange that so little info is out there for tuning these cars.

Has England dried out yet? Would love an update :)

I agree, there are not a lot of mods available.

I did in the end try the Racechip, as I ran something similar on previous BMWs, and when I got the hardware, while it looked and felt premium, I could not install it easily. The front of the engine was easy, even though mislabeled in the directions. The rear of the engine was completely inaccessible. It's possible that the XF sportwagon is different enough from the regular XF, but the realization I came to, after corresponding with the Racechip support (which was excellent) was that I'd have to remove the windshield wipers and cowl. Otherwise there's not enough room to get behind the engine to plug the other connector into.

For a permanent install, I would have been ok doing this. For a lease car that I'd want to bring back to stock for any service, this is not a 10 minute process, but realistically a few hours of careful work each time. Sadly, I ended up returning it.

I have a 2014 XF. Does anyone have any stories of the VAP ECU not working or otherwise causing problems? Can you reset to factory?