I'm quite torn on this....
On one hand, you have PDT stating that he's never seen a problem with the autotech internals after many many installs
On the other, you have tuners, such as JKM who will no longer install the internals and will only fit the full APR pump
Internals have very little in the way of profit margins, but an APR pump from an APR dealer has a healthy profit margin and are easier to install.
The only component likely to fail with either option is the internal seal (there's plenty of info about both options having seal failure) and the cam lobe/follower issue is a general TFSi problem wether you have an unrated HPFP or not.
If you go Autotech then installation is the key feature to longevity, the reason for many of the failures of the internal seal is nothing more than poor installation.
Autotech owners and retailers will say go Autotech, Apr owners and retailers will say the opposite. The truth is that Autotech have sold 10's of thousands of pumps and APR have probably sold plenty as well, neither have any real documented history of causing engine failure.
I would be more concerned with correct installation and mapping/datalogging than the brand fitted and then replace the cam follower at every oil change.
Dave not trying to cause an argument here. But can you show me this documented proof of APR seals failing?? I can't find one instance of this online anywhere. The only one i have ever seen is the Piston going through the follower and impacting direct on the cam lobe. IIRC that was due to the follower having not been changed for about 60k miles.
In your estimation the reason Autotech's fail is due to poor installation. So how come mine lasted 50k miles before failing and I installed it myself on the drive at home. No sterile environment just a careful take OEM parts out and install new ones.
The reason Autotech's cause seal failure, from everything i have read, is due to a stepped piston. Fuel gets behind the step and as a liquid can't be compressed it takes the easiest option, i.e. past the seal. Autotech could sove this issue quite easily by making the piston the same diameter the whole length of the shaft, as per the APR.
I don't agree there is a healthy profit margin on these APR pump's either. Have you actually looked at the cost of one to a retailer? I've spoken to a few when i got one and there is very little margin in them. I would think most would make up their "margin" through the fitting.
I'm not knocking the Autotech ones. I got one from the original batch they made which cost me iirc about £225. I fitted it myself and it lasted 50K miles. even when it started to fail it was still meeting the requested 129.99bar. But if i was to do it all over again i would go straight for APR. I agree the cost of the APR is high. But at least you know it has been thoroughly tested and offers peace of mind.
For all those who are umming and arring look at it this way. You can get tyres for a Golf GTi that cost £45. They work perfectly well and are perfectly safe in terms of they do the job they are designed to do as intended. However everyone quite happily pays double or more (mine where 3x as much per tyre).
But at the end of the day you pays your money and you takes your chances. This argument will go on for time ever more