15 replies to this topic

[turbobob]

An honest and unbiased review of MMG Performance by Turbobob. After finally persueding the missus to allow me to upgrade the car, I looked at my options for remapping. It would seem there are 3 specialists in VX220 remapping - Thorney, Courtnay and MMG. After searching for reviews of the three, it would seem that Thorney and Courtnay's have been involved with remapping for years, and Courtnays seem to be the preferred choice (However, I accept this just might be my interpretation). But a relative newcomer to the scene, MMG, have had very postive reviews with regards service, and a number of well known members have said that MMG are one of the few places they would trust to work on their VX. So I got in touch with Liam at MMG, and I have to say that after speaking to both Courtnays and MMG, Liam at MMG won my vote. Whilst Courtnays were polite, they just didn't seem bothered about a group buy and were hard work in trying to get them to give me an understanding of the remapping process. Now whilst I know a bit about cars, some people don't and I asked for an overview, and I got a sort of "well what do you want to know?" response. Great, if you know what sort of questions to ask. However, after speaking to Liam, he was far more helpful and interested in talking about the process, and was quite open to a possible group buy. Liam has explained that quite a lot of R+D (and indeed investment in equipment and software) has been made on the stage 1 and stage 2 remaps. Initially I was planning on a Stage 1, but somehow I got carried away and decided to go straight in for stage 2. So I got the car booked in for 16th February. After delivering the car to MMG, Liam was very welcoming and we had quite a good chat. Liam said he'd call me with an update the follwing day, which he did. Now this may not seem that important, but I find it increasingly these days that these sort of promises are often broken, and its bloody frustrating as the customer to not know what is happening. I was very pleased that Liam did call. Its only a small thing, but believe me, it goes a long way to providing excellent customer service. During the process, my car threw in a few complications, and Liam worked very hard to overcome these issues, and in the process kept me updated (again going back to my point about comminucation). I can't iterate enough the importance of communication with the customer, even if you have promised to contact the customer by a certain time, and there is no news. It seems in this day and age, good, reliable service is often hard to come by. So I'm really pleased to report that both product and service have exceeded my expectations. The service was fantastic, and, based on my 50 mile journey home, the product is also fantastic. The car pulls better than a train in all gears. Even in fifth gear, when I floored it at 60mph, my head pulled back. I cannot believe the difference. I was giggling like a girl at times. I'm really looking forward to warmer, drier days to really put it to the test. MMG service and remap - definitely recommemded!!

[The Batman]

did ya post your graphs, bhp and torque?

[turbobob]

did ya post your graphs, bhp and torque?

I haven't got them yet. Because MMG have an on road Dyno, and I'd prefer to wait until the roads are dry to take the readings. Hopefully I will have something in the next few weeks.

[Duncan VXR]

Liam is a really genuine nice guy who really knows his stuff. REgually stalk him for a tech chat or question and always makes time. One of the few places I would trust to work on my car On road mapping is fine, RR nice for graph. DG

[Stuey]

Welcome to the world of MMG stage 2... I don't feel so special now though lol I can't wait for the summer to see what it can really do!

[turbobob]

My car is still undercover at the moment . I'm waiting for a dry day. I'm itching to get in it again

[Stuey]

Must admit I've only had two good runs.... mainly because I about papped myself the other day when I thought I'd give it some beans going through the Aston expressway tunnel in Brum... which wasn't actually dry at all lol :S Let me know how you get on.

[turbobob]

Must admit I've only had two good runs.... mainly because I about papped myself the other day when I thought I'd give it some beans going through the Aston expressway tunnel in Brum... which wasn't actually dry at all lol :S Let me know how you get on.

Its bad enough with a standard VX giving it the beans when its wet let alone with Stage 2. Aston Expressway How I miss that dingy tunnel....

[spuk87]

Just got back from my stage 1 + pre-cat removal. Service was as good as last time I went, as for the product...well I can't compare it to a TMS or Courtenays remap but I can tell you it definitely feels faster . 2nd gear comes and goes as quickly as I can change gear and 3rd gear has a ridiculous ability to put illegal numbers on my speedo. I have dyno charts for before, after remap and after remap and pre-cat removal- not sure if Liam would mind me posting them on here so I'll wait until he says yes or no. At the moment all I'll say is from my car and another car of same before and after spec we have gone up in power by 21% and my peak torque has gone up 21% as well. An excellent result for the money I'm sure you'll agree, nearly pushing stage 2 performance for stage 1 price. Edit: just to add that due to my over enthusiastic post-remap driving I've just filled up and worked out that my mpg was 23.8 . Oops.

Edited by spuk87, 10 March 2010 - 01:07 PM.

[spuk87]

Dyno charts for those that are interested:

Standard VXT:


After Remap ONLY:


After Pre-cat Removal and Remap:

[JimmyJamJerusalem]

242bhp is very good for such a mild state of modification. Mine is 7 or so horses more poewerful with full 3" 2bular, VXR Turbo, Astra VXR Injectors, Stainless Plenum etc.... Is there any margin to tweak up your torque curve...?

Edited by JimmyJamJerusalem, 11 March 2010 - 06:55 AM.

[spuk87]

242bhp is very good for such a mild state of modification. Mine is 7 or so horses more poewerful with full 3" 2bular, VXR Turbo, Astra VXR Injectors, Stainless Plenum etc....

Is there any margin to tweak up your torque curve...?

I'd doubt it to be honest. As you can see the peak power doesn't come in till right at the end of the rev range. I don't really know but I'd imagine it's not really possible to raise the torque without going for a full exhaust system now(?). I know I've seen stage 2's on here (Boss VX I think) who have the same power as mine but with 272lb-ft of torque against my 222, so I'd guess that has far more low-mid end torque but similar top end (based on the maths of calculating power from torque).

[Duncan VXR]

Looking good Liam keep up the good work - spuk helps keep the power and make more torque if you use super unleaded hence the lower reading on power on yours - 95 ron in a vxt tut tut lol Good results for the cost and I know from speaking to Liam a lot of R&D going into these maps DG

[VXT Tim]

Did Liam say anything about your Budgie Spuk?

[spuk87]

Looking good Liam keep up the good work - spuk helps keep the power and make more torque if you use super unleaded hence the lower reading on power on yours - 95 ron in a vxt tut tut lol

oops. I was wondering why I had the slight dip in power at high revs. D'oh!

Did Liam say anything about your Budgie Spuk?

Seems it's just the hinge on the bootlid, but it wasn't being too bad today which is probably down to the rain lubing whatever was causing it. Gonna take it out tomorrow if it's dry and see if it comes back. Keep you posted .

[VXT Tim]

Thanks, mine was definately down to the inlet pipe