8V S3 Tuning Thread

[RobH_S3]

It's an ecu out job but there's plenty of tuners already working on the ecu's so that's irrelevant already! Will be going down Statllers on the 26th to get my current car put back to standard so I'll be sure to get some info then! Should also be picking up the new chariot that week aswell

 

[Johnnyb]

It's an ecu out job but there's plenty of tuners already working on the ecu's so that's irrelevant already! Will be going down Statllers on the 26th to get my current car put back to standard so I'll be sure to get some info then! Should also be picking up the new chariot that week aswell

Nice one!

Post whatever Steve says about it here, i'm pretty sure he will revel in the challenge of this new ECU set up, and it will be interesting to see what he says about the new engine and turbo capabilities!

 

[Johnnyb]

P.s. It would be nice to keep up with what Revo are doing, last i heard was that they had a beta file. Given that their maps have a reputation for being on the more aggressive side i rekon the car will be an absolute monster with their software, even at stage 1!

It feels like the calm before the storm right now!!

 

[geefunk1978]

Quite amazing how a car is just released and we're all talking about modding it already! Why don't manufacturers just make cars as good as they could possibly be out the box!!

 

[Johnnyb]

Quite amazing how a car is just released and we're all talking about modding it already! Why don't manufacturers just make cars as good as they could possibly be out the box!!

I do agree with you...

However, i do think i would miss the excitement and anticipation of having the car tuned, knowing how quick it was before, then stepping in it after software or hardware has been installed and waiting for an open road.....then planting your foot down whilst simulteanously smiling, sh*****g and jizzing yourself...

Yeah, i think i'd prefer to tune...

Just wish the dealers would understand our needs and stop being so hard on warranty etc...

 

[Danners78]

Can I ask a fairly boring question?!? What does tuning do to insurance? Do you have to tell them?

 

[cemerson]

Yes, you have to tell them. Some won't insure cars that have been modified, a lot will raise premiums. I know people who have had a lot of trouble with getting insured after they had a remap applied to their cars.

 

[Danners78]

Thanks... And does it invalidate any warranties?

 

[cemerson]

If it could be determined that whatever problem you had was caused by/related to/potentially caused by the tuning/remap and they discovered it then yes. If it's something unrelated then no (and for them to claim otherwise would be illegal).

 

[Johnnyb]

Little update on the ABT software tune...

I have recently purchased ABT's alloys, and in the process they mentioned their stage 1 remap tune to me (i already knew it existed)

Here is a bit more information on it that i got via e-mail

Reference tuning, as discussed this is something we can offer, this would be in the form of an ABT AEC (ABT Engine Controller).
This is an additional ECU which runs along side the Audi Module to increase power to 370PS! Torque is also up by 80NM.
The huge advantage of is that is untraceable via the new Audi diagnostic tool as it is a totally separate engine control unit with a different address.

Please see - ABT Power EN - YouTube a demonstration video.

We would need the car in Milton Keynes for this. I suggest we could fit you wheels (and source tyres if required) if helpful.

Reference removal, It is visible in the engine bay, however it is not visible to the Audi Diagnostic tooling.


The main issue reference warranty claims seems to be where the car goes online to Audi, (when a conventional remap has been carried out) it then logs the fact that the ECU has been re-programmed and then can cause issues reference a warranty claim. As this is a separate module that does not occur as it has no way of communication via the Audi tooling.


So in summery it could be removed if required, however no really necessary. - We can also offer a 'bridge' device that simply plugs in so the fitted loom to return the car to standard.



He then told me he could give some good discount if i take the tune before xmas, normal price is £1975+vat (picks jaw up)

Hasn't told me the discount price yet though. I was gonna wait until next year when the other tuning companies are up and running with their software, i don't see why someone like Revo can't copy the extra ECU unit idea and do it alot cheaper?

Thoughts?

 

[RobH_S3]

My thoughts, im just gonna wait and see whats on the table in spring, will be running winter tyres as soon as I get mine on Tuesday so a map is pointless straight away.

ABT and MTM have never blown me away with any of their products and the price is insane!

See what comes out and go from there, ill also be down statllers this Tuesday aswell so busy day. Car back to standard then pick up the new chariot.... sweeeet!

Also be having a chat with steve on tuning for the new chariot...

 

[Johnnyb]

I was thinking the same thing Rob!

Had the map been £500-600 then i may be tempted, but it's ALOT of money to spend when there isn't anything else to choose from yet!

Let me know what Steve says on tuesday, i will probs be down the following week

 

[pat15312]

You'd have do be impatient or totally new to VAG tuning to pay £1975+VAT for a remap. That said, this does include some additional hardware which suggests that the next generation of remapping is set to me a more expensive than the £400+VAT for Stage 1 on the old S3's 2.0TFSI...

 

[PilotAudi]

What's with all the re-mapping and non genuine Audi wheels? Why not wait for the car you want rather than adding bits and bobs?? Sorry I don't get it?

If an S3 is not good enough buy an RS3 or A145 BMW 135M whatever??

 

[Johnnyb]

What's with all the re-mapping and non genuine Audi wheels? Why not wait for the car you want rather than adding bits and bobs?? Sorry I don't get it?

If an S3 is not good enough buy an RS3 or A145 BMW 135M whatever??

1) RS3 - considered a while back, but that would have made it my 3rd 8P Audi, and i wanted a change of scenery inside and out

2) 135M - has got a face like an abandoned walnut

3) Tuning - can't remember the price of the RS3 but for 2K on this S3 it takes it to 30-40bhp more than the RS3

4) for my budget of £30-35k and my needs of a - 5 door, 4wheel drive, 300+bhp car......There was nothing else other than the ridiculously priced Merc A45 AMG

5) Wheels - Audi still do not offer a 19" alloy for this S3, whereas you can get them on the Golf GTi etc, and i really think this car needs the bigger wheel. My new alloys also from a company affiliated with Audi and designed around them.

6) Until you have your car remapped there is no point passing judgement

7) Cheer up

Regards!

 

[S3Alex]

You'd have do be impatient or totally new to VAG tuning to pay £1975+VAT for a remap. That said, this does include some additional hardware which suggests that the next generation of remapping is set to me a more expensive than the £400+VAT for Stage 1 on the old S3's 2.0TFSI...

Does seem steep even for a piggyback ECU module,and a map.

Then again,£2.4k would buy you the same power on the S3 8P,so maybe that's what the comparison should be.

 

[PilotAudi]

1) RS3 - considered a while back, but that would have made it my 3rd 8P Audi, and i wanted a change of scenery inside and out

Fair enough

2) 135M - has got a face like an abandoned walnut

Agree hate BMWs

3) Tuning - can't remember the price of the RS3 but for 2K on this S3 it takes it to 30-40bhp more than the RS3

Is it really that great an improvement

4) for my budget of £30-35k and my needs of a - 5 door, 4wheel drive, 300+bhp car......There was nothing else other than the ridiculously priced Merc A45 AMG

Horrid car...yuk

5) Wheels - Audi still do not offer a 19" alloy for this S3, whereas you can get them on the Golf GTi etc, and i really think this car needs the bigger wheel. My new alloys also from a company affiliated with Audi and designed around them.

Arches don't accommodate them apparently.. I would consider 19in if available but not extractor fan aftermarket versions

6) Until you have your car remapped there is no point passing judgement

I have experience of several re-mapped cars.. some have impressed, most not

7) Cheer up

Happy as Larry mate.. it's Friday... only 3 months until S3 arrives and 550 days until we get a new government! ;-)

Regards!

See comments above mate!

 

[Johnnyb]

See comments above mate!

Happy for ya!

 

[the_lecht_rocks]

What's with all the re-mapping and non genuine Audi wheels? Why not wait for the car you want rather than adding bits and bobs?? Sorry I don't get it?

If an S3 is not good enough buy an RS3 or A145 BMW 135M whatever??

i'm not a modder, but i know why people do..........

out the box cars are ALWAYS restricted, whether for emissions or for noise, it's a balance most manufacturers have to adopt.

consequently, they "limit" the standard car, choking it of its genuine performance. all the stage 1 modifications generally do is derestrict the choke setting, giving the car it's natural benchmark performance.

dont you think most RS3 owners aren't at stage 1 as well ?????

live and let live sir, and cheer up

 

[S3Alex]

i'm not a modder, but i know why people do..........

out the box cars are ALWAYS restricted, whether for emissions or for noise, it's a balance most manufacturers have to adopt.

consequently, they "limit" the standard car, choking it of its genuine performance. all the stage 1 modifications generally do is derestrict the choke setting, giving the car it's natural benchmark performance.

dont you think most RS3 owners aren't at stage 1 as well ?????

live and let live sir, and cheer up

Good points.

The other factor is reliability,and whilst I know of very few cars at Stg1 or even Stg2+ in 8P terms,(i.e.running around 360bhp ) that have had problems,the manufacturers also want reliability to be a strong point,and wide margins on the engine and it's internals are a part of that.

Very few if any,are prepared to release a "ragged edge" version of a car,and no doubt the tuners appreciate that also.

 

[the_lecht_rocks]

Good points.

The other factor is reliability,and whilst I know of very few cars at Stg1 or even Stg2+ in 8P terms,(i.e.running around 360bhp ) that have had problems,the manufacturers also want reliability to be a strong point,and wide margins on the engine and it's internals are a part of that.

Very few if any,are prepared to release a "ragged edge" version of a car,and no doubt the tuners appreciate that also.

indeed, but stage 1 will NEVER cause an engine failure if developed correctly to match the intercooler and turbo performance parameters.

 

[Itguy]

Very few if any,are prepared to release a "ragged edge" version of a car,and no doubt the tuners appreciate that also.

just had a flashback to the Rover K series VHPD 190hp engine fitted in the S1 Elise and S1 Exige... Ragged edge was just the start of it!!

 

[the_lecht_rocks]

just had a flashback to the Rover K series VHPD 190hp engine fitted in the S1 Elise and S1 Exige... Ragged edge was just the start of it!!

not the most robust of units for increasing power initially however

 

[Itguy]

True! considering it was based on a 1.4!

 

[VeeDubDan]

Perhaps I'm just getting old, but you have to ask how much power do you really need? When the 8P S3 came along and tuning companies developed 300hp packages everyone was delighted and claimed that is how the car should have been from the factory. Now with 8V, Audi have given us 300hp straight out of the box, and in a lighter car to boot. Where should it stop? Factory gives 350, so I must have 400....

At at the end of the day we live in a country with congested roads with limited potential to exploit the extra power. A nice set of alloys or suspension tweaks are worthwhile, but for me 300hp is ample and an extra £2.5k for another 70hp which won't get used most of the time isn't value for money.

 

[the_lecht_rocks]

Perhaps I'm just getting old, but you have to ask how much power do you really need? When the 8P S3 came along and tuning companies developed 300hp packages everyone was delighted and claimed that is how the car should have been from the factory. Now with 8V, Audi have given us 300hp straight out of the box, and in a lighter car to boot. Where should it stop? Factory gives 350, so I must have 400....

At at the end of the day we live in a country with congested roads with limited potential to exploit the extra power. A nice set of alloys or suspension tweaks are worthwhile, but for me 300hp is ample and an extra £2.5k for another 70hp which won't get used most of the time isn't value for money.

i agree, but not everybody does, hence the tuning scene !

regarding roads and congestion, I have none of those problems on the fringe of Cairngorm NAtional Park

 

[S3Alex]

indeed, but stage 1 will NEVER cause an engine failure if developed correctly to match the intercooler and turbo performance parameters.

Agreed....all that a simple remap like that will do is to use some of the margins built into the original spec,and as I said,I don't think I've heard of any issues other than the 8P's useless clutch.

 

[S3Alex]

Perhaps I'm just getting old, but you have to ask how much power do you really need? When the 8P S3 came along and tuning companies developed 300hp packages everyone was delighted and claimed that is how the car should have been from the factory. Now with 8V, Audi have given us 300hp straight out of the box, and in a lighter car to boot. Where should it stop? Factory gives 350, so I must have 400....

At at the end of the day we live in a country with congested roads with limited potential to exploit the extra power. A nice set of alloys or suspension tweaks are worthwhile, but for me 300hp is ample and an extra £2.5k for another 70hp which won't get used most of the time isn't value for money.

You're probably not as old as I am!

I didn't do what I've done with mine because of any reason other than I wanted more,and had the means and the technical support to do so.
The Cosworths did it...honestly!

 

[Itguy]

That's the reason I sold my 911 turbo. 420hp in a fairly small car was just too much on our roads, it was so wasted.

im hoping that the 300 in the S3 will be just right. Enough for rapid overtakes but not too much making you wonder why you're paying the premium of having "the fast one".

 

[Johnnyb]

It's just all down to preference, some like to tune, some don't.....no big deal!

The first car i ever had remapped had me hooked, and i have never done more than a stage 1 remap....if 370bhp is the figure on this new S3 then it will be staying that way...

I would however love to take out the people who don't get it in their own cars, put a trial map on it, tell them to put their foot down and defy them not to be at least a little bit excited by it...

Because everyone who questions it - simply haven't experienced it!

 

[S3Alex]

That's the reason I sold my 911 turbo. 420hp in a fairly small car was just too much on our roads, it was so wasted.

im hoping that the 300 in the S3 will be just right. Enough for rapid overtakes but not too much making you wonder why you're paying the premium of having "the fast one".

Personally,used as I am to what mine does,I cannot imagine how 740bhp feels in a Golf R.

 

[geefunk1978]

I've had my last 4 cars remapped and not had any problems. I'm very good friends with Ben who owns Shark Performance though and know Mikko well who writes the maps so that gives me more confidence. A remap makes the car what it should be when it leaves the factory IMO.

 

[the_lecht_rocks]

Quaife diff for the new s3 8v.... What will it do....?

 

[S3Alex]

Quaife diff for the new s3 8v.... What will it do....?

Same as it does for the 8P.

Instead of a conventional open diff,which will lose traction on wet or uneven surfaces,you get a diff which directs torque to whichever wheel has the most grip,and makes the best of whatever traction is available.

On an unmodified car,I'd question the benefit Vs the cost,but as soon as the torque begins to overcome front wheel grip,these things really do prove their worth.





Compared to this....

 

[Dean_T]

What's with all the re-mapping and non genuine Audi wheels? Why not wait for the car you want rather than adding bits and bobs?? Sorry I don't get it?

If an S3 is not good enough buy an RS3 or A145 BMW 135M whatever??

Life is about choices, what I find interesting is clearly different to what you find interesting - I'm sure you have hobbies or interests that others would find strange or see 'no point' to them.

Each to their own

 

[PilotAudi]

Life is about choices, what I find interesting is clearly different to what you find interesting - I'm sure you have hobbies or interests that others would find strange or see 'no point' to them.

Each to their own

Absolutely right Dean... I understand kids playing about with their Vauxhall Corsas etc, I just don't see the point messing with a mighty fine product.. same as I dislike tattoos and unusual piercings.. beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I prefer original and natural cars. Nice options yes! But thank goodness it's a free world..

 

[S3Alex]

Absolutely right Dean... I understand kids playing about with their Vauxhall Corsas etc, I just don't see the point messing with a mighty fine product.. same as I dislike tattoos and unusual piercings.. beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I prefer original and natural cars. Nice options yes! But thank goodness it's a free world..

Well said.

I can't quite get my head around neons and silly degrees of camber etc,but I love getting a car to do what I would like of it......not for everyone though.

 

[Dean_T]

Absolutely right Dean... I understand kids playing about with their Vauxhall Corsas etc, I just don't see the point messing with a mighty fine product.. same as I dislike tattoos and unusual piercings.. beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I prefer original and natural cars. Nice options yes! But thank goodness it's a free world..

I have spent a bit on my S3 8P getting it up to 2+, on the flip side I would have loved an RS3 as that is more powerful but I just couldn't afford the extra £10k there and then and didnt want to go for finance.

Even if I was in the position to have bought an RS3 I would still have had it remapped

What I have done to my vehicle is in the same vain as adding optional extras - because there was a price point I could afford and these little things make the experience more pleasurable

 

[GNJ_Motorsport]

Worth a mention if people are thinking of 'bolt on' maps like the ABT. DTUK do a tuning box for the new Mk7 GTI so a box for the new S3 will follow no doubt. It is far more reasonably priced as well at just over £400. We will have these available as soon as they are developed.

Diesel Tuning box for Volkswagen Golf Vii 2.0 Tsi 230ps Gti (performance Pack)

 

[Johnnyb]

Cheers GNJ

I'm very interested to see which route Revo go down with this, whether it's gonna be a bolt on like ABT or if they develop some sort of switching device to return to car back to standard..

ABT's is only detectable in the engine bay, and if the car is in for a service - they are gonna be looking at the engine bay!