I found this thread really useful when deciding to get Revo Stage 1 on my 150ps SWB Kombi 6sp manual so thank you for all who contributed.
After the advice on here and discussions with Revo technical on the phone I bit the bullet and had the stage 1 installed. I've had it on the van for 4 months and have waited to give it a good time testing it out in various road types and journeys before writing my 2p on the review.
Short Story:
Everything said on here is true, don't think about it just get it installed now you wont regret it.
Long Story:
If your expecting the brick shape van to turn into a Supercar then forget it. The differences are subtle under normally driving conditions, but definitely a massive improvement over stock, and yes, if you give it some beans it really shifts. The most notable difference, as most have said already is the torque increase. The whole van feels smoother and like it is not working as hard or that its been on a diet. You need to change gear less and the power delivery is more constant through the rev range. I was fairly pleased with the van before, hence some hesitancy to have the map, but I'm so glad I went for it, all round its just much nicer to drive.
Regarding MPG, the difference is nominal however I would generally agree with the quoted 2-3 mpg increase for the same driving style. Its not going to pay for itself but that wasn't the reason I bought it.
I regularly drive the A470 in wales north to south which has all driving conditions, steep hills dual carriageway etc on roads like this the map makes the most difference. Much better for overtaking (stating the obvious). When driving fully loaded the hills are less of a struggle and everything is much more relaxed (trying to resist saying smoother again, but it is
).
Regarding wear and tear (which was my biggest concern) then yes if you use all the power more often then obviously everything will wear slightly quicker. In my mind the counter argument is less gear changes = less wear and tear but who knows. I was satisfied that hopefully I haven't caused any detriment to the longevity of my van and the primary reason I went with Revo was for the extensive R&D they do on the impact on all components.
Hopefully my rambling is of some help to those toying with the idea of getting their van do, just do it! you will always wonder what if...
The only negative is that it should have come out the factory that way!!!