Field Report: Why OEMs Limit Performance (And How to Fix It).

16/04/2025 12 min
Field Report: Why OEMs Limit Performance (And How to Fix It).

Listen "Field Report: Why OEMs Limit Performance (And How to Fix It)."

Episode Synopsis

Car brands are secretly limiting your car’s potential, and it has NOTHING to do with reliability.Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-inGetting more power out of a factory car can be surprisingly straightforward with the right software (and sometimes hardware modifications), but what goes into developing a proper tune that exploits more potential without pushing the OEM components past their limits?At SEMA, HPA had a chat with Arin Anhell from APR, one of the pioneers in the European aftermarket tuning market, to find out how they test and develop tunes, what safety measures they implement, and why modern turbocharged engines leave so much untapped potential from the factory.Also discussed:The limits of factory componentsHow APR ensures reliability in their tuningWhy OEMs leave horsepower on the tableHow direct injection affects tuning potentialThe APR Plus warranty program and what it coversIf you're considering tuning your BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, or other VAG vehicles etc this could be a very helpful insight into some of your options from APR and sister company Dinan Engineering.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Getting More Power From Your Factory Car0:07 - Arin Anhell: APR0:13 - How APR Develops a Tune0:35 - Finding the Limits0:50 - Sensors & Data Collection1:19 - Dyno Testing & Power Increases1:40 - Why Do Factory Cars Have Headroom?2:23 - The Audi RS6 & Porsche Power Differences3:04 - Factory ECU Safety Margins3:39 - Fuel Quality & OEM Limitations4:07 - The MK8 GTI & Octane Impact4:42 - Oil Change Intervals & Reliability5:50 - Cylinder Pressure & Peak Torque Management6:36 - Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI)7:35 - In-Cylinder Pressure Testing8:04 - Tuning Safely Without Risk8:42 - When Factory Hardware Becomes a Limitation9:26 - Turbo Upgrades & Stage 3 Tuning9:50 - Direct Injection Fuel System Limits10:38 - APR Plus Warranty Explained11:32 - APR Engine Replacements?12:00 - ‪@APRtube‬ 12:08 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE