Some Q&A on VAG Services’ exciting new tuning partner. Custom-Code and JBS.

We spent a lot of time considering our long standing role as specialists in the VAG family of products after we parted ways with a popular tuning brand late in 2011, a relationship that successfully spanned almost eight years.

Our tuning customer is cut from the same petrol head cloth as we are! Our customers recognise us for as being proficient, trustworthy and able to provide parallel expertise on the technical side of modern tuning. Not just doing the tuning, but knowing what it takes for a car to provide healthy power.

So whilst the backbone of our business is in maintenance and repair, we also know that a  large proportion of our customer base, want to make their VW, Audi, Seat or even Porsche cars, faster. And as fate would have it, and a customer with a plan, our paths crossed with Custom-Code UK, and we found that not only are they an extremely capable technical tuning partner, but they shared our ethos on performance and the brands in important ways!

We are now proudly representing them as Master Dealer in South Africa, and we are excited at the prospects for growing not simply a brand, but a niche, high quality and focussed service to tuning customers, from mild, to insanely wild. A short perusal of fast Volkswagen, Audi and other VAG cars on the Internet is often not coincidentally linked with the work of Warren Harper, James Silverstone and the teams at Custom-Code and hardware/ technical implementation partner, JBS

A lot of our customers had some questions about our plans, so we thought that some Q&A would help communicate our purpose with Custom-Code, and sister company JBS!

Q. There are so many tuning brands now in South Africa, and so many that offer tuning for the VAG stable of products, do we really need another one?

A. The choice out there is overwhelming. There is so much talk about who has the best software, who is the fastest, who makes the biggest dyno power on forums and wherever enthusiasts meet, it is always controversial. Our intention is to provide an intelligent, well-engineered and professionally supported alternative to customers who have both simple and complex tuning requirements. Our customers can rely on us, and our experience, to provide them with that.

Q, What makes Custom-Code different from the rest?

A. First of all, the Custom-Code model is based on three phases, with a different angle on requirement. Phase One tunes are tunes geared towards cars with no physical modifications, but what is unique is that although the profiles used could be called ‘generic’, the R&D for every single code is done the hard way. Data acquisition, map, and test. Every time we have a new code to develop, the time is being spent to ensure optimal results in all SA conditions. And in real road-based load conditions, not via reams of ambiguous dyno data.  You’ll know a Custom-Code car by the way it feels and responds, when you enjoy it the way it was intended.

Q. How expensive is it compared to the ‘other tuners’?

A. We have given considerable thought to the price sensitivity of the SA consumer, whilst at the same time ensuring that we can keep the process and quality of work sustainable. Our ground level products which are largely static, are extremely competitively priced, without compromise on quality and support. Modern generation car phase 1 tunes are extremely well priced too. When customers move on to Phase 2 and Phase 3 tunes that involved hardware that require custom tunes that are specific to the hardware and requirement, you’ll be receiving state of the art fit for purpose tuning that will exceed your expectations. This is certainly not always cheap, but the value will match the result. We adopt a project approach to Phase 2 and 3, and we will work with you to ensure your Rand/Value ratio is competitive and meets your expectations.

Q When will Custom-Code be in my area?

A. We do not intend to put down 100 dealers in South Africa. VAG Services and Custom-Code are determined to identify and appoint dealers who have a reputation for technical competence, knowledge and a commitment to quality. Our customers are important to us, but our dealers are an extension of us. We expect to have prepared and equipped representatives in the major centres within a reasonable time frame.

Q So if I want Custom-Code for my car, when can I have it?

A. We are making frequent trips to major towns around SA to create awareness, perform on-going testing, chat to potential dealers and of course, tune cars. Please mail vagservices@roadsport.co.za to find out when we are closest to you or ask how we can help! Keep an eye on our website, and please feel free to interact with us on our VAG Services Facebook page.

With Custom-Code and VAG Services, we have every confidence that your tuning requirements will be met and exceeded!

Here is another little taster of things to come. Whoever told you that naturally aspirated tuning gives moderate results might want to have a look at this clip on an A5 Golf R32 DSG! No hardware, just CC ECU VVT Attack software for R32 and bespoke DSG software!

Now you can punish supercars with Vag Services and Custom Code

Here she is on her way to her new home in PE!

Keep an eye on our website for more exciting announcements!
Acknowledged as leaders in custom software for VAG products in Europe, multiple award winning Custom-Code’s and JBS’ ability to bring genuinely tailored software and hardware options to the enthusiast is a huge coup for us!

The Custom Code website at www.custom-code.co.uk and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/customcode

http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/ or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/JBS-Auto-Designs/130461836864

www.custom-code.co.uk

http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/

Regionials, Historics, Marques Cars and Regional Motorcycles! VAG Services clients, please advise if you would like a complimentary ticket for your entry before Thursday, and we will arrange it ahead of the event.