8V S3 Tuning Thread

Rogier140 said:
Well thats a good question. First i like tot tell you that the Wagner installation took about an hour or 3-4. The fittings are for the
Golf R and on the S3 they are different. The coolant/freon for the airconditioning sits in front of the adapters of the intercooler and with the Golf R they are not. So it needed some adjustment and a new filling of my airco :) ...

Performance wise ...... i had the installation done in the winter, so i don't have any reference without in the summer. I do know that the temps stayed almost constant at 25 degrees celcius, so thats a good thing. For me it is not only for better performance at higer ambiant temperatures but also for better insurance that the tune does not wreck the other components like a turbo.
Click to expand...
ok good to know...thanks for writing that up.
i might be tempted into getting a Forge one here sometime this year which I think is specifically for the new S3 but I will check now per your experiences...I will certainly find out beforehand from my mechanic anyway as he is going to do 2 on other cars here....so will let you guys know when i hear good/bad
 
aussieR said:
Ok here are my impressions after 30 min driving since collecting car. The response is AWESOME! I can hear turbo spooling from 1500rpm can even hear DV when cruising along with gear changes at 2000 rpm.

Before picking up my car I took my Tuners car for spin and that's stage 2 intake, full exhaust,DSG tune and Tune. He doesn;t have GV+, turbo pipes or Turbo muffler delete and I could instantly feel mine had better throttle response. (defintiely no need to go stage 2 now.)

I had the turbo flutter sound previously and now it's gone. I can only assume it's the GFB DV+ that's fixed this and that's obviously a massive plus!

The upgraded DSG file is much better. It holds gears longer not stupidly racing through gears, especially fixes the light/moderate throttle holding correct gear. It's much faster off mark with no hesitation at all. Race mode is actually usable now with it toned down, doesn't hold gears for eternity like before.

The only negative on them all is the Turbo outlet Piping was an absolute nightmare to install and not a good set up. My tuner/Mechanic concerned as piping closer to engine and had to move couple other things around to get it all to fit. Due to this I would say defintiely DON'T get this.

I would probably say just get throttle pipe if you feel the need. I couldn't be happier with the overall result. Car is totally awesome now. Exactly how I wanted it to be.

I would defintely recommend all the mods except for the Turbo outlet piping!
Click to expand...
yeah nice write up Aussie....I have had much the same impressions....I felt better response with DV+ and with everything done in tandem it feels more sorted....am just gonna have to wait until the APR DSG tune is available and am driving around the gearshift issues which are not that bad
 
aussieR said:
I haven't got an intercooler upgrade. Mine is on a Mk7R too. The issue was the Spulen turbo outlet pipes. It took my mechanic 4-5 hours to get it installed and he said not a good design at all. I would highly recommend staying away from them.
Click to expand...
I've had the Spulen pipes done on my S3 and apart from the brackets being different and my mechanic needing to use some ties it all went in well and no problems so far....
Not sure if anyone has been told this, but after all these mod's (Stage 1 etc) my mechanic has highly recommended that I change my oil every 5,000 km's and also let the car sit for 2 minutes with the engine running before turning it off so that the turbo doesn't cook the oil
 
aussieR said:
Ok here are my impressions after 30 min driving since collecting car. The response is AWESOME! I can hear turbo spooling from 1500rpm can even hear DV when cruising along with gear changes at 2000 rpm.

Before picking up my car I took my Tuners car for spin and that's stage 2 intake, full exhaust,DSG tune and Tune. He doesn;t have GV+, turbo pipes or Turbo muffler delete and I could instantly feel mine had better throttle response. (defintiely no need to go stage 2 now.)

I had the turbo flutter sound previously and now it's gone. I can only assume it's the GFB DV+ that's fixed this and that's obviously a massive plus!

The upgraded DSG file is much better. It holds gears longer not stupidly racing through gears, especially fixes the light/moderate throttle holding correct gear. It's much faster off mark with no hesitation at all. Race mode is actually usable now with it toned down, doesn't hold gears for eternity like before.

The only negative on them all is the Turbo outlet Piping was an absolute nightmare to install and not a good set up. My tuner/Mechanic concerned as piping closer to engine and had to move couple other things around to get it all to fit. Due to this I would say defintiely DON'T get this.

I would probably say just get throttle pipe if you feel the need. I couldn't be happier with the overall result. Car is totally awesome now. Exactly how I wanted it to be.

I would defintely recommend all the mods except for the Turbo outlet piping!
Click to expand...

Now i am very interested in the sound your car makes !
Can you make a video ?!
 
my 19" alloys

Velgen
 
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Rogier140 said:
stock
going to lower my a3 sportback g tron with 35mm eibach ... the g tron hasn't got any lowering form factory
If that works out fine maybe i will lower the S3 as well, but not to much
Click to expand...
nice...i like that...i had my wheel spacers put on recently and i think 19's will close the fender gap just nicely whilst keeping the stock set up...going fully adjustable Bilstein is not in my budget right now! very nice looking car....
 
aussieR said:
I haven't got an intercooler upgrade. Mine is on a Mk7R too. The issue was the Spulen turbo outlet pipes. It took my mechanic 4-5 hours to get it installed and he said not a good design at all. I would highly recommend staying away from them.
Click to expand...
Good to know. Thanks for the advice.
 
How are people finding Stg 1 remaps now, a little further down the line? Think I'll have a REVO at some point.
 
batch said:
How are people finding Stg 1 remaps now, a little further down the line? Think I'll have a REVO at some point.
Click to expand...
I can only speak on the APR Stage 1 and for me its well worth it....makes the car really pull and want to go places quickly when you want it to, and when you want to cruise in comfort mode its extremely pleasant. The only thing I find in comfort is when you don't push the car above 2,000 revs it changes up just below this which is a bit annoying as it jerks because the changes are much quicker....it really feels better when you rev it over 2,500 and then its smoother. You can also do a DSG tune which I think is well worth doing at the same time. Even in comfort mode when you step on the gas it goes like a raped goat!
I would recommend also doing the air intake and the diverter valve as a minimum.
 
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Spot on Panama, Stage 1 tune makes huge differnce! I'd also highly recommend intake, DSG tune and DV+. That combo wil make car super fast and responsive and sound nice.
 
Has anyone from the UK done any more tuning? Also how much are these DVs costing?
 
Hi Guys,

I have a 64 plate S3, love it to bits however needing a power upgrade. was just wondering whats the best downpipes out there and price ranges, tuning boxes/remaps for the car and air filters. I know APR do carbonio foir £410 but was wondering if there is anything else/better out there. Prices would be helpful as well so i know what i have to spend. Cheers!!!
 
ScottyDFC said:
Hi Guys,

I have a 64 plate S3, love it to bits however needing a power upgrade. was just wondering whats the best downpipes out there and price ranges, tuning boxes/remaps for the car and air filters. I know APR do carbonio foir £410 but was wondering if there is anything else/better out there. Prices would be helpful as well so i know what i have to spend. Cheers!!!
Click to expand...
Scotty,
I have 2015 S3 in Panama with the following APR bits: carbon air filter, turbo muffler delete and Stage 1 remap on 95 RON max setting. I also have the GFB DV+ (diverter valve) plus Spulen turbo inlet and outlet and throttle pipe.
No idea who has done comparisons on air filters, but the APR one performs very well and looks the nuts.
There's lots of info on tuning boxes here or on other threads....I thought about the MTM cantronic (as its easily removed) but after speaking with my Audi dealer he recommended the APR. You have to weigh up if you want to try to keep the tune undetected for warranty reasons or just say f*** it like I did....and I'm happy.
I am waiting for the APR downpipe because it is cast....not welded...which is better quality. Plus it comes with a free Stage 2 upgrade which I obviously want as I have Stage 1.
I did the air filter, diverter valve and turbo muffler delete before the 10k first service. It made the car more responsive and a little nicer sounding. Maybe it was just me, but it also felt a little more urgent when pulling....but not a massive difference.
However, Stage 1 was another story. I did this just after the 10k service. It transformed the car and honestly I had to re-learn how to drive the car because it makes the car savage. I had problems adjusting to the much faster gear changes, which I am good with now, but they just released the DSG DQ250 tune for this car....so I am going to get that now most probably to tweak the changes.
Lastly I will get the APR downpipe later this year, and I am thinking of then doing a new catback exhaust to complete the system....but I'm not sure, because the OEM exhaust is pretty good performance wise and its an expensive add for not huge power gains.
Have fun reading everyone's input and experiences on this forum as all the information you need is in here.
Cheers!
 
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PanamaS3 said:
Scotty,
I have 2015 S3 in Panama with the following APR bits: carbon air filter, turbo muffler delete and Stage 1 remap on 95 RON max setting. I also have the GFB DV+ (diverter valve) plus Spulen turbo inlet and outlet and throttle pipe.
No idea who has done comparisons on air filters, but the APR one performs very well and looks the nuts.
There's lots of info on tuning boxes here or on other threads....I thought about the MTM cantronic (as its easily removed) but after speaking with my Audi dealer he recommended the APR. You have to weigh up if you want to try to keep the tune undetected for warranty reasons or just say f*** it like I did....and I'm happy.
I am waiting for the APR downpipe because it is cast....not welded...which is better quality. Plus it comes with a free Stage 2 upgrade which I obviously want as I have Stage 1.
I did the air filter, diverter valve and turbo muffler delete before the 10k first service. It made the car more responsive and a little nicer sounding. Maybe it was just me, but it also felt a little more urgent when pulling....but not a massive difference.
However, Stage 1 was another story. I did this just after the 10k service. It transformed the car and honestly I had to re-learn how to drive the car because it makes the car savage. I had problems adjusting to the much faster gear changes, which I am good with now, but they just released the DSG DQ250 tune for this car....so I am going to get that now most probably to tweak the changes.
Lastly I will get the APR downpipe later this year, and I am thinking of then doing a new catback exhaust to complete the system....but I'm not sure, because the OEM exhaust is pretty good performance wise and its an expensive add for not huge power gains.
Have fun reading everyone's input and experiences on this forum as all the information you need is in here.
Cheers!
Click to expand...


Cheers buddy, so glad i came across this forum and thread. The S3 seems so limited from the factory and its potential is mad. Im hoping to get the APR downpipe and air filter quite soon, ive heard mixed thing regarding the DECAT (sounds ****) as to the sport cat...can you shed light on this or is it just a fussy owner not liking the sound. As for the map i dont want the D1 flagging up however i know a pal at audi who might just overlook that small issue when it goes in for servicing. Can you tell me what the diverter valve and turbo muffler delete do?? Cheers buddy and very interesting reading. Scotty.
 
ScottyDFC said:
Cheers buddy, so glad i came across this forum and thread. The S3 seems so limited from the factory and its potential is mad. Im hoping to get the APR downpipe and air filter quite soon, ive heard mixed thing regarding the DECAT (sounds ****) as to the sport cat...can you shed light on this or is it just a fussy owner not liking the sound. As for the map i dont want the D1 flagging up however i know a pal at audi who might just overlook that small issue when it goes in for servicing. Can you tell me what the diverter valve and turbo muffler delete do?? Cheers buddy and very interesting reading. Scotty.
Click to expand...
Yes I would say the sounds produced are personal choice...some like some don't....
The diverter valve is a cast aluminium replacement for a weaker OEM (plastic) part...it helps improve throttle response and holds more boost. The turbo muffler delete increases the sound from the turbo a bit and improves boost response, and its worth doing at the same time as the air filter because you will be removing all the parts needed to get to it.
If I was better at this I would post you the links to other threads in this forum to answer all your questions in more detail with other members responses....so am afraid you're gonna need to go old school and go searching! It's all here!
 
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PanamaS3 said:
Yes I would say the sounds produced are personal choice...some like some don't....
The diverter valve is a cast aluminium replacement for a weaker OEM (plastic) part...it helps improve throttle response and holds more boost. The turbo muffler delete increases the sound from the turbo a bit and improves boost response, and its worth doing at the same time as the air filter because you will be removing all the parts needed to get to it.
If I was better at this I would post you the links to other threads in this forum to answer all your questions in more detail with other members responses....so am afraid you're gonna need to go old school and go searching! It's all here!
Click to expand...


again, cheers for the information buddy. seems good. can't wait to start modding the beast and posting photos up here of progression!!
 
Just got back from my tuner. Changed intake from APR to VWR 600 ... DSG tune and new custom tune.
410 pk and 550 nm .... quicker upshift ... no need for a TTE setup anymore :)
 
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Forbzeeee said:
That's a much bigger difference than I expected!!!!!
Click to expand...

Yeah for me to, wanted 400+ the first time, but they already thought the intake was the restriction.
Currently they are making a new connection tube from intake to turbo because that is not the best connection right now.
But it wasn't availeble yesterday so i was happy with only a torque increase to +/- 540nm ...

Did 565nm but tuned back to maintain better lifetime :) .....

410 pk and 550nm .... I'm a happy camper !
 
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410 pk is much for stock turbo. Is 550nm possible with the DSG clutch? Do you have a new DSG Software?
 
pepperisback said:
410 pk is much for stock turbo. Is 550nm possible with the DSG clutch? Do you have a new DSG Software?
Click to expand...

turbo runs at 1.5 bar peak.
I have a DSG software upgrade. So higher oil pressure, quicker shifttimes, modified D (up a few 100 rpm) and S (down 1000 rpm) Launch control set at 3500 or 4000 (don't remember) and rev limit at 7000 rpm.

Unfortunaly i have no vbox, messured previously with an GPS app and recorded 3.8 sec 0-100 kmh. That was without this tune and no launch control. I think 3.5 / 3.6 is possible.

Revo messured 3.7 sec 0-60 mph with a 370 pk and 480nm car .....
 
Can you feel much difference to the stage before? I also have an s3 Sedan with 390 hp and 512nm. Car is realy quick. Can follow a C63 AMG Performance with 487 hp easily... ;)
 
pepperisback said:
Can you feel much difference to the stage before? I also have an s3 Sedan with 390 hp and 512nm. Car is realy quick. Can follow a C63 AMG Performance with 487 hp easily... ;)
Click to expand...

That's power:weight equivalence for sure as the AMG is a heavy car.
It will pull away at non legal speeds but yours will win over short runs.

Apart from Stg1 my experience of every other stage was quite a decent jump each time and I would be surprised if the 8V is much different.
 
Yes I know! A friend of mine is the owner of the AMG. He and some of my friends were laughing when I told them that it is possible to follow the AMG with a tuned 2.0 engine. A little bit later I showed them that it is possible :)
 
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I did my front conversion from s3 to rs3
revo stage 1
APR intake, muffler delete, catch can.

KakaoTalk 20150727 185918654
KakaoTalk 20150727 185919996
KakaoTalk 20150727 185923264
 

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pepperisback said:
Can you feel much difference to the stage before? I also have an s3 Sedan with 390 hp and 512nm. Car is realy quick. Can follow a C63 AMG Performance with 487 hp easily... ;)
Click to expand...

Yes it feels much quicker, almost 35 nm and 15pk is a lot.
Also the torque comes in quicker.

The DSG tune works out fine as wel. Now i can use my DSG in D or S instead of only using the flippers.
 
Rogier140 said:
Yes it feels much quicker, almost 35 nm and 15pk is a lot.
Also the torque comes in quicker.

The DSG tune works out fine as wel. Now i can use my DSG in D or S instead of only using the flippers.
Click to expand...

Would be nice if you could measure 100-200 kmh time :)
 
Rogier140 said:
will make some runs and vids next week
Click to expand...

Hey man your car is sounding like a beast ! very nice work indeed ! Also can't wait to see the vids
I have a few questions to throw out there.....

1. Have you done or considered upgraded engine mounts? There is a SuperPro Engine mount kit available that supposedly maintain OEM levels of NVH whilst increasing performance....but I have had no experience with them.

2. Have you done or considered replacing your crank pulley with a fluid damper? I read what seemed like a good review on one: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...ank-Pulley-for-Volkswagen-TSI%AE-Applications

3. Does the VWR 600 intake improve upon the performance gains of the APR carbonio intake? Or is not really necessary if you are keeping your car close to 400hp?
 
PanamaS3 said:
Hey man your car is sounding like a beast ! very nice work indeed ! Also can't wait to see the vids
I have a few questions to throw out there.....

1. Have you done or considered upgraded engine mounts? There is a SuperPro Engine mount kit available that supposedly maintain OEM levels of NVH whilst increasing performance....but I have had no experience with them.

2. Have you done or considered replacing your crank pulley with a fluid damper? I read what seemed like a good review on one: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...ank-Pulley-for-Volkswagen-TSI%AE-Applications

3. Does the VWR 600 intake improve upon the performance gains of the APR carbonio intake? Or is not really necessary if you are keeping your car close to 400hp?
Click to expand...

Hi ,both 1&2 i am not farmiliar with.
Only thing i know is that upgrading a pulley could give you some problems with e.g. power supply for other soft/hardware.
Also i doesn't appear that these tunes are done frequently and are for the MBQ cars / engines.

I don't need any more power, as it is definitly the maximum capable of the DSG and Stock turbo.
If you need more torque you need to upgrade the clutch. If you need more bhp you need to upgrade the turbo.

The VWR 600 made the change in going from 394 to 410 pk. Also i went from 513 nm to 550 nm, only because the VWR intake produces more air than the APR intake so they had more breathingroom for the new tune.

Video s will come soon. Need a additional driver in the car for shooting the video.
 
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