8V S3 Tuning Thread

ChinsTTS said:
So without employing someone to decipher the whole thread and not having tweaked a car in the past 10 years. One simple question.

Are these piggyback tuning boxes totally undetectable ?

Great to see the same questions being raised about tuners so many years later :). Wonder when I have grandchildren if the same APR vs Revo vs xxx will still be ongoing :)
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I can't see how they can be.

For instance if the boost is increased from say 16PSI to 20PSI, the ECU is surely going to log somewhere that these figures being requested are different????? Likewise if limiters on RPM were raised above manufacturer safe threshold.

Don't know how long it would hold the data for (a fixed time or indefinitely).

Unless tuning companies adapt, it's hard to know what they may offer in years to come as the combustion engine becomes a smaller piece of the car jigsaw. In 20+ years when cars are predominantly electric (guessing) that will be quite a different nugget to crack.
 
warren_S3 said:
I can't see how they can be.

For instance if the boost is increased from say 16PSI to 20PSI, the ECU is surely going to log somewhere that these figures being requested are different????? Likewise if limiters on RPM were raised above manufacturer safe threshold.

Don't know how long it would hold the data for (a fixed time or indefinitely).

Unless tuning companies adapt, it's hard to know what they may offer in years to come as the combustion engine becomes a smaller piece of the car jigsaw. In 20+ years when cars are predominantly electric (guessing) that will be quite a different nugget to crack.
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In the case of tuning boxes are the ECU seeing the raised boost figures, advanced timing etc. Isn't the whole point of this boxes to manipulate the ecu to think it's seeing normal boost values, timing etc. I would think the ECU would freak out otherwise and cause over boost faults and other error codes.
Not saying it's not detectable and maybe i don't get how the tuning boxes work.
 
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JoFa73 said:
In the case of tuning boxes are the ECU seeing the raised boost figures, advanced timing etc. Isn't the whole point of this boxes to manipulate the ecu to think it's seeing normal boost values, timing etc. I would think the ECU would freak out otherwise and cause over boost faults and other error codes.
Not saying it's not detectable and maybe i don't get how the tuning boxes work.
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I know of an S3 (its not our own S3 cough cough) thats local to us thats running an FSR kit thats recently been into Audi, they were specifically asked if there was anything untoward found with the car during its time with them and their answer was NO.

i can't go into the specifics but i also know of an Audi Master Tech who's running a kit on his new s3 and he's checked with the Audi systems he access to at work, and yet again there is nothing untoward left on his car when the box was unplugged.
 
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ChinsTTS said:
My last ride :) never felt as fast as the figures suggest though. M135i always felt quicker in a straight line and would hurt it mid range.
Even had passengers say "its not as quick as your old Golf R!!" Good car for all that though. Bags of character
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I remember you well from the forum mate and you are right, the A45 doesn't 'feel' as quick as the figures suggest and I put that down the progressive power delivery, rather than having a big slab of torque which tails off in the N55 BM engine (which is what I have at the minute). Definitely no comparison with a stock Golf R. More on par with a Stage 2+ Golf R.
Anyway, the car definitely does was it says on the tin with regards figures (especially once a tuning box is added). I was sceptical myself after driving one and thought I would strap my Vbox on to see what it actually does..

Stock -




Stage 1 Box (on greasy roads) -




Did the same on a stock 8V S3 as a comparison (same road) -




Joetidman said:
No one is perfect, regretting it yet? ;)
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Not one bit mate.. Then again, I don't get the car for another 3 weeks so watch this space.. ha
 
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Wow, difference in speed between the 30-130 on the A45 and the 8V (albeit it the 45 has a Stg 1 map on greasy roads).

I don't think any of these new cars feels as fast as they are. Back in tehe 90's my Mk1 GTi 1.8 8v felt like a rabid machine of death (it did have an Audi 80 16V lump in it), but I bet it wasn't doing sub mid 7's 0-60. Over-engineering and additional heft has certainly diluted the seat of the pants feel, but then on the plus side I don't feel like I'm staring imminent death in the face every time I go for a spirited drive in the new cars. These days I get in something doing sub 5 second 0-60's I don't bat an eyelid, 20 years ago that was pure supercar territory.

Be interested to see how you find it Ben.
 
Whats the A45 potential with other bolt-ons, as in stage 2/2+ on standard turbo Ben? A lot of the standard kit looks pretty decent to begin with i.e downpipe.

Off to awesome gti this weekend for an rr day think Rich is coming aswell but hes gonna let us know if you fancy it? Bit short notice like only noticed it the other day.

Same goes to anyone else if you wanna come along? Get a few S3's on the dyno.
 
warren_S3 said:
Wow, difference in speed between the 30-130 on the A45 and the 8V (albeit it the 45 has a Stg 1 map on greasy roads).

I don't think any of these new cars feels as fast as they are. Back in tehe 90's my Mk1 GTi 1.8 8v felt like a rabid machine of death (it did have an Audi 80 16V lump in it), but I bet it wasn't doing sub mid 7's 0-60. Over-engineering and additional heft has certainly diluted the seat of the pants feel, but then on the plus side I don't feel like I'm staring imminent death in the face every time I go for a spirited drive in the new cars. These days I get in something doing sub 5 second 0-60's I don't bat an eyelid, 20 years ago that was pure supercar territory.

Be interested to see how you find it Ben.
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Exactly Warren.. New cars do hide the performance very well these days (which isn't always a good thing in my eyes). It's nice to have the comfort and security though, especially when you aren't in the mood to rag the tits out of it..
The 30-130 time is impressive, have to say. As a guide, the stock time of the A45 was 16.4, so the box definitely helps. Looking forward to seeing what times the 8v S3 and Golf 7 R can achieve when mapped/tuning box is added (especially if with other bolt ons).


RobH_S3 said:
Whats the A45 potential with other bolt-ons, as in stage 2/2+ on standard turbo Ben? A lot of the standard kit looks pretty decent to begin with i.e downpipe.

Off to awesome gti this weekend for an rr day think Rich is coming aswell but hes gonna let us know if you fancy it? Bit short notice like only noticed it the other day.

Same goes to anyone else if you wanna come along? Get a few S3's on the dyno.
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With regards to other bolt ons, I don't think I will be adding anything other than the RENNtech Stage 1 box tbh (although I have said that too many times before ha). I have opted for the performance exhaust (which is loud as hell as it is) and the stock DP has been found to be VERY efficient. Adding a de-cat may yield a few more horses, but I dare say the car would be too loud for me (use the car for work as you know).
The car has some sort of fancy charge cooled system, so no FMIC to change easily and the stock system is again very efficient even when running around 440bhp on a hybrid turbo. Intakes might be an option, but I want to keep the car as stock looking as possible for dealer visits and adding an intake would just raise eyebrows IMO.

May well be up for the RR day mate. Don't think I will run the BM, but will certainly come along for a catch up. Be good to see Rich again too.
 
warren_S3 said:
Wow, difference in speed between the 30-130 on the A45 and the 8V (albeit it the 45 has a Stg 1 map on greasy roads).

I don't think any of these new cars feels as fast as they are. Back in tehe 90's my Mk1 GTi 1.8 8v felt like a rabid machine of death (it did have an Audi 80 16V lump in it), but I bet it wasn't doing sub mid 7's 0-60. Over-engineering and additional heft has certainly diluted the seat of the pants feel, but then on the plus side I don't feel like I'm staring imminent death in the face every time I go for a spirited drive in the new cars. These days I get in something doing sub 5 second 0-60's I don't bat an eyelid, 20 years ago that was pure supercar territory.

Be interested to see how you find it Ben.
Click to expand...

I'm actually pretty impressed with 4.7 on a greasy road for the S3!
 
Vtec Abuser said:
I remember you well from the forum mate and you are right, the A45 doesn't 'feel' as quick as the figures suggest and I put that down the progressive power delivery, rather than having a big slab of torque which tails off in the N55 BM engine (which is what I have at the minute). Definitely no comparison with a stock Golf R. More on par with a Stage 2+ Golf R.
Anyway, the car definitely does was it says on the tin with regards figures (especially once a tuning box is added). I was sceptical myself after driving one and thought I would strap my Vbox on to see what it actually does..

Stock -




Stage 1 Box (on greasy roads) -




Did the same on a stock 8V S3 as a comparison (same road) -






Not one bit mate.. Then again, I don't get the car for another 3 weeks so watch this space.. ha
Click to expand...

I'm confused on these figures, are they from an A45 AMG or an M135i?! How did you get the figures if you've not got the A45 yet?!
 
They are from the A45 mate (and the 8v S3). The S3 was a demo for the weekend and the A45 is a friends that we tested the tuning box on that I have already bought ready for mine when it arrives (when it is nicely run in).

The S3 was tested in dry conditions (just the same road on a different day). I did manage a 4.5 on a different run, but it the other figures were slightly slower for some reason. Have also tested Rob's S3 and recored a 4.6 0-60 2up. I will bring the Vbox to the RR day this weekend if anyone is going and wants to test theirs? :sm4:
 
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Vtec Abuser said:
I remember you well from the forum mate and you are right, the A45 doesn't 'feel' as quick as the figures suggest and I put that down the progressive power delivery, rather than having a big slab of torque which tails off in the N55 BM engine (which is what I have at the minute). Definitely no comparison with a stock Golf R. More on par with a Stage 2+ Golf R.
Anyway, the car definitely does was it says on the tin with regards figures (especially once a tuning box is added). I was sceptical myself after driving one and thought I would strap my Vbox on to see what it actually does..

Stock -




Stage 1 Box (on greasy roads) -




Did the same on a stock 8V S3 as a comparison (same road) -






Not one bit mate.. Then again, I don't get the car for another 3 weeks so watch this space.. ha
Click to expand...

Hi

Who have tuned this A45 AMG ?
Name of the box?
 
The first results are stock in dry conditions, the second results are with the RENNtech Tuning box in damp greasy conditions.
 
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RobH_S3 said:
Whats the A45 potential with other bolt-ons, as in stage 2/2+ on standard turbo Ben? A lot of the standard kit looks pretty decent to begin with i.e downpipe.
Click to expand...

You'll find that the A45 is already highly tuned from the factory. It's potential past the point of adding a tuning box isn't that much, unless you want to go down the road of big mods, but then you start to lose the balance of the car.

3.8s isn't fast enough? :)
 
420 is about the limit on the standard blower it seems, but that would be more than enough for me anyway. For the power crazy nutters out there it just requires a bigger blower to take things to the next level as the engine is fully forged out the box.
 
Vtec Abuser said:
Can't see any independent testing done there.. Just looks like manufacturers figures (albeit wrong).
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I think they did. Quote (albeit in badly translated german) "Despite the power difference of 60 hp at the expense of the S3, the adversary deliver up to 200 km / h perfectly balanced duel and pass this brand in the identical time, namely 17.6 seconds" I don't think manufacturers post 0-200kph times...
 
Can someone list the names and manufactures of 8V tuning box options (and include prices and a possible running report) or would it be better for a new post?
 
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illingworth22 said:
Can someone list the names and manufactures of 8V tuning box options (and include prices and a possible running report) or would it be better for a new post?
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DTE Systems/DTUK FSR Stage 1 system 301PS - 353PS


B6040A58-5624-41C5-A667-DA3F8FAD8CA2_zpsgiumpdta.jpg



UK RRP is £549.00, but we offer ASN members an £80,00 discount
 
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Will be nice to see how impressive the next rs3 stacks up to the a45 as it is meant to be lighter with more power and vag tuning seems abit more mainstream that merc tuning

Vtech abuser search a45 armytrix exhaust on YouTube
 
lee_fr200 said:
Will be nice to see how impressive the next rs3 stacks up to the a45 as it is meant to be lighter with more power and vag tuning seems abit more mainstream that merc tuning

Vtech abuser search a45 armytrix exhaust on YouTube
Click to expand...

Saw this the other day mate.. It does sound nice, but I personally don't think it sounds 'that' much different to the AMG performance exhaust to be honest. Especially when it involves weighing out god knows how much for the full system.
Plus I wouldn't want it any louder than it is due to me using the car for work..
 
Yeah no idea on cost, but it comes with a valve to make it quiet
 
Vtec Abuser said:
Saw this the other day mate.. It does sound nice, but I personally don't think it sounds 'that' much different to the AMG performance exhaust to be honest. Especially when it involves weighing out god knows how much for the full system.
Plus I wouldn't want it any louder than it is due to me using the car for work..
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Speak to IPE Exhausts. Not sure if they're available in your country? They make switch enabled systems to control the exhaust flaps/sound. The switch sits inside the cabin. Flick it up and it sounds OEM. Flick it down and it doesn't sound OEM :)
 
What don't you like about it as I'm currently considering one
 
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wolfbane1967 said:
Sorry to higjack this thread

But im not impressed of the A45 AMG, even tho i own one my self.

Come on what is this :shrug: 414hp tuned A45AMG against tuned Golf R and S3
It must be something wrong with this A45?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLHp3u0Yw1Q&list=FLnYIGj66hoO8TSSXqVoa-3g&index=2
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It has appeared that Serg (chap who owns this A45) was running the wrong setting on the tuning box for the fuel he was running (so not running full potential). Plus the Stage 2+ Golf R is running meth (so high 300's bhp) and the Octavia is a K04 equipped TSI (again high 300's bhp). So no great shame there really.

Same A45 (when stock) against a Stage 2+ Golf R without meth..

 
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Well, I've pulled the gun on a Shark FSR+ tuning box. Should be the first person in Australia rocking one. Going on next week.

Now just waiting to hear back from Milltek and Supersprint, who both don't seem to be very responsive as to when they're releasing their systems. I emailed both two weeks ago, and never got a single response. I'm almost to the point where I'm gonna stuff both of them and go another route.
 
ConS3 said:
Well, I've pulled the gun on a Shark FSR+ tuning box. Should be the first person in Australia rocking one. Going on next week.

Now just waiting to hear back from Milltek and Supersprint, who both don't seem to be very responsive as to when they're releasing their systems. I emailed both two weeks ago, and never got a single response. I'm almost to the point where I'm gonna stuff both of them and go another route.
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Hey mate where abouts in Aus are you based? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the tuning box! Im in Brisbane and was also looking at this option. Be keen to see how you go keep me posted please.
 
audi upgrades
Thanks dude. I'm in Sydney. Will for sure keep you posted.

I need more power, and I'm impatient haha. So this is the way to go for now. I picked up the FSR+ box, so should be able to add more to it if I keep going down this path. We'll see what happens in the flash tune world.
 
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warren_S3 said:
Wow, difference in speed between the 30-130 on the A45 and the 8V (albeit it the 45 has a Stg 1 map on greasy roads).

I don't think any of these new cars feels as fast as they are. Back in tehe 90's my Mk1 GTi 1.8 8v felt like a rabid machine of death (it did have an Audi 80 16V lump in it), but I bet it wasn't doing sub mid 7's 0-60. Over-engineering and additional heft has certainly diluted the seat of the pants feel, but then on the plus side I don't feel like I'm staring imminent death in the face every time I go for a spirited drive in the new cars. These days I get in something doing sub 5 second 0-60's I don't bat an eyelid, 20 years ago that was pure supercar territory.

Be interested to see how you find it Ben.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. My 170 bhp lowered Peugeot 205 1.9 gti felt alt quicker than the s3 and I had it tested at 5.72 secs to 60

Then again it was as robust as a cornflake packet and 5 year could bend the doors in half
 
Totally agree. The S3 does not feel fast at all to be honest. Perhaps because I'm used to 1000 gigawatt FWD cars that make you hang on for your life.

I need more power!!!

On a side note, I've got a rough estimate on what it will cost to get a full TBE Milltek system down here to Oz. Let's just say it ain't gonna happen.
 
ConS3 said:
Totally agree. The S3 does not feel fast at all to be honest. Perhaps because I'm used to 1000 gigawatt FWD cars that make you hang on for your life.

I need more power!!!

On a side note, I've got a rough estimate on what it will cost to get a full TBE Milltek system down here to Oz. Let's just say it ain't gonna happen.
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It's all down to power/weight and torque.

The S3,in 8P and 8V forms,is quite a solid car in terms of weight,and whilst it's not exactly slow,the engine has a fair amount of baggage to pull around.

Even with 300bhp,it's still just around the 200bhp/tonne mark,so it isn't going to set it's tyres alight,and if as you say,you're used to a lot more power in a FWD car,it's all going to feel a bit relaxed.

The problem with the 8V is going to be getting a lot more power,until someone decrypts the ECU,as I'm not sure how the tuning boxes will get around the limits of the stock turbo etc.

What Warren said below about how far cars have progressed in 20yrs with respect to 0-60 times etc is very true,and many hatches will do those times without too much trouble.
4WD,even Haldex based,will make that easier,and it also feels almost slower into the bargain,as the traction is better.
 
hnm738 said:
Just wondering if anyone has heard of this tuning box?

Tuning Box for Audi S3 Audi S3 8V 2.0 TFSI 221 kW 300 PS

it claims 41KW increase
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Interesting. It looks (from the installation video) to be a piggy back box, as it sits inbetween the 'information feeds' between the various engine components, and so, I assume, alters the signals, post-ecu, into the turbo etc, increasing the performance.

Looks like a good company from quick check, Germany based
 
Full Milltek system ordered today, arrives April 23rd
 
Turbo back though?
To be honest if you do quite a few miles I'd probably go resonated. I drove mine on the motorway for a bit on Sunday with the wife and to be honest it's a bit boomy at a constant 80.
I don't do many motorway miles though so not bothered. I'll definitely trade that for the bangs!!
 
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