RSC Tuning Sport Shift Remap

[alevine]

I recently purchased the sport shift upgrade (remap) from RSC Tuning (http://www.rsctuning.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_33_309/products_id/734) for my 2007 V8 Vantage. This is the second item I purchased from RSC Tuning, the other being their version 2 of the Super Sports Exhaust (louder version which I reviewed in August and absolutely love). I worked with Stuart from RSC Tuning on both occasions and he has been a pleasure to work with. He has performed as promised and both times he has met or exceeded my expectations. He kept me well apprised of the status of both parts for each transaction, a welcome change from some vendors. I feel he is pretty knowledgeable and offers good insight on the upgrades/options for the AM V8V and sounds like he is a real car enthusiast at heart. BTW, I have no affiliation with Stuart or RSC Tuning. I am simply a happy customer that wants to pay props where props are due.

Speaking of happy customer, the sport shift remap is AMAZING! Holy cow!!!! Why did the car not come from the factory this way??? I doubt AM would sell many manual transmission cars if it did. It is definitely the best bang for the buck on the sport shift model of the AM V8. I am quite pleased. Shift times are much, much faster and are quite crisp. I think you can compare the bang for the buck quotient up there with an ECU tune on a 996 TT or 997 TT. It is that good and transforms the experience. No, the car is not as fast as a modded 996TT or 997TT.

Unfortunately I have only been able to put about 20 miles on the ODO since the upgrade as the weather here in Chicago currently sucks! In fact, last weekend when I re-installed the TCU (transmission control unit) it was snowing and the wind chill was -10 degrees Fahrenheit! I had to wait until the roads were cleared and it was a bit warmer until I could try it out. The shifts are much, much quicker and there is no more lag between gears. It felt much better than a 2000 Ferrari F360 F1 I drove a few years back. Shifts are much more direct and precise. I drive mostly in manual mode but I made a few test runs on the highway using the sport mode in drive. Holy crap, what a difference there! The car now downshifts from 6th to 4th when passing. I have not tried comfort mode yet as I have never used it in the past so I doubt I will find any use for it here.

Removal and installation of the TCU is quite simple. I find myself pretty mechanically inclined but I feel a novice can handle this project easily. It is almost as easy as unplugging computer RAM or a video card on your PC. I do have a couple of tips if anyone is interested but it is really self-explanatory and quite simple. Upon removal, the TCU was sent to RSC in Miami, which then sent it to the UK for the reprogram. I received the unit back in 8 days and re-installation was a breeze. I considered both the RSC and Paramount version of the TCU remap but I ultimately chose the RSC version as I was impressed with Stuart when I purchased the exhaust. Next up for me is the ECU tune!

Adam

[Speedraser]

Glad to hear you like it. However, no matter how good it is, I would choose a true manual -- with a gear lever and a clutch pedal -- every time. For me, personally, I find a conventional manual far more involving and enjoyable (having driven many different paddle-shift cars including both single- and twin-clutch gearboxes). I think it would be a great shame if we lost the choice, as we apparently have with Ferrari now that the 458 will be paddle-shift only.

Apologies if this is a bit of a topic diversion, but I hope it's not the case that few manuals would be sold if the SS box were as good as it is with the update. It's always good to hear positive reviews -- too often we only hear about problems.

[alevine]

Yep, I agree a manual is certainly more engaging and can be a quite bit more fun. However, living in Chicago with heavy traffic, driving a manual can be a real pain and it takes away from the enjoyment of a car. This is actually my first non-manual car ever. I was really nervous before I purchased the AM as my car is really a toy for me. I wanted to have a good all around experience and I thought I might be making a compromise with the sportshift. However, after 16 months of ownership and now with the upgrade, I feel that there is a point in the very near future a manual will not be offered. It is really that good. I used to race SCCA events and I used to be a pretty proficient driver. I can honestly say that there is NO WAY I can regularly and consistently shift with the precision and timing of the sportshift. Now if I lived in a more rural area I would strongly consider the manual for the reasons you stated. I do sometimes miss rowing the gears!

Adam

[Speedraser]

I readily admit that a good paddle-shift system can be "better" from a shift speed and consistency perspective than the most talented human. I just don't find them anywhere near as satisfying to use as a good conventional manual gearbox.

I live in the Metro NY area, so I'm all too familiar with horrible traffic, unfortunately. At least having a gear lever and a clutch pedal gives me something to do while crawling along...