Facelift Ara Blue Facelift, APR tuned

[cjm999]

Hi all, just thought I'd start a thread with my journey so far with my RS3. I've owned it since April, having had 4x Golf R's previously (5 if you count R32), and can safely say the RS3 is in a different class altogether (in it's current state).

I actually found the stock RS3 to feel slower than my stage 1 Golf R (mk7.5, APR, 375bhp), and having always been a fan of APR tunes I eagerly awaited the release of the remap, so I put my name on the waiting list with CLP Automotive in Sheffield to get the tune as soon as it was released. I've now had the map on for 2 weeks, and also bought a Dragy GPS thingamabob which has proved to be rather addictive indeed! My first impressions of the map were a little underwhelming, when I had my Golf R mapped it felt like I had way more torque in high gears, definitely felt more acceleration on the motorway from 6-7th gears without needing to drop down. I'm not sure if that is due to a larger turbo causing more lag or not. But from 1st to 4th the APR map on the RS3 is ballistic, no other word for it. If you're in the high revs it seriously flies! CLP's dyno measured it at 474bhp, 477 ft/lb and at 30 degrees ambient. So pretty much on the nose for what APR quote, and on a cooler day it would definitely show higher figures I'm sure.

Going from the Golf R to the RS3, one thing that I wasn't pleased with was the handling in the Audi, I felt like it had far far more body roll, and just didn't like going round tight bends, so I also wanted to get this sorted. I still had the wheels that I had on my Golf lying around, which are Racingline R360 wheels (19", 8.5J), clad with the superb Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. So they were swapped over, along with a set of Eibach Sportline Springs plus 5mm spacers all around. My god, what a difference they all make to the handling! It feels like a completely different car now and the best handling car I've owned. Sadly I find the springs a tad too low, as I often travel down some steep country lanes for work (yes, I use it for work!) and have found it scrubbing already, so I'm getting the next spring up (Pro Kit) fitted in a few days. I hope they don't change the handling too much but I have to keep it practical. You can see photos below of how it sits on the wheels and springs, and I'll post some more next week on the Pro Kit ones.

 

[cjm999]

I've also been incredibly impressed with my 0-60 times using Dragy. My first attempts were 3.61 stock, and after the APR stage 1 map, my quickest tonight is an amazing 3.05! Wow, no other hardware mods aside from wheels and tyres, and using Tesco 99 fuel. Next step is an intercooler to hopefully break the 3 second mark.

 

[Toshers]

Your car has a great stance! I have to admit I thought the Sportline kit might be a bit too aggressive but that looks spot on

Will the Pro kit lower it enough (only -10mm from standard)?

I'm edging towards the APR kit which lowers -20mm front and rear. The MSS kits are just too expensive for what they are IMO. I know KW also do an adjustable kit but not sure if I really want an adjustable kit. Put decent springs on, re-calibrate the ride height settings, then check the geometry. That's my aim anyway, we'll see if that's how it turns out!

What do you think is the main factor to the rubbing? Wheel offset + spacers with the springs, or just the springs are too low?

 

[cjm999]

Your car has a great stance! I have to admit I thought the Sportline kit might be a bit too aggressive but that looks spot on

Will the Pro kit lower it enough (only -10mm from standard)?

I'm edging towards the APR kit which lowers -20mm front and rear. The MSS kits are just too expensive for what they are IMO. I know KW also do an adjustable kit but not sure if I really want an adjustable kit. Put decent springs on, re-calibrate the ride height settings, then check the geometry. That's my aim anyway, we'll see if that's how it turns out!

What do you think is the main factor to the rubbing? Wheel offset + spacers with the springs, or just the springs are too low?

Only get rubbing in the arches on full lock, but I've had rubbing with 1 person in the back going over speed bumps, plus had to park on a raised verge and took half of the grass with me on the underside. The Sportline lower by 25mm at the fronts and the Pro Kit 15mm, so 1cm raise. Just hope the handling doesn't take too much of a knock, otherwise I may have to revert back to the Sportlines!

 

[cjm999]

So more of a concern about bottoming out than rubbing on arches really. Still can't believe the difference in steering feel and grip that a low cost set of springs and different tyres makes to the car though, I can easily add 20mph to the same bends than before!

 

[SPIKE_]

Beautiful RS3. The stance looks spot on, and a lot more aggressive looking.

If you ever fancy selling your rotor alloys, give me a shout!

 

[jungle650]

Only get rubbing in the arches on full lock, but I've had rubbing with 1 person in the back going over speed bumps, plus had to park on a raised verge and took half of the grass with me on the underside. The Sportline lower by 25mm at the fronts and the Pro Kit 15mm, so 1cm raise. Just hope the handling doesn't take too much of a knock, otherwise I may have to revert back to the Sportlines!

See here for Pro vs Sportlines. I put Pros on mine.

Jungle

 

[Gnasher]

I'm wondering if (from a rubbing perspective) it's the spacers that are causing it, especially if it's the outer edges of the tyres that are rubbing? What ET are the wheels?

Although a different car (still MQB though) I run Eibach Sportlines on my Mk7 Golf GTI (with 19x8.5 ET46 BBS RS rims & 235/35 R19 tyres) and it's only ever rubbed on the front arches going over speed bumps a bit too quickly (fender screw mod sorted it) and the front inside edge on the arch liner at full lock (only in reverse funnily) so it's really close.

I'm probably going to stick with the BBS wheels I've already got when I (eventually) get an RS3 and go for Sportlines too so you can see why I'm interested lol.

 

[Seanix]

I've also been incredibly impressed with my 0-60 times using Dragy. My first attempts were 3.61 stock, and after the APR stage 1 map, my quickest tonight is an amazing 3.05! Wow, no other hardware mods aside from wheels and tyres, and using Tesco 99 fuel. Next step is an intercooler to hopefully break the 3 second mark.

View attachment 159531

Hello mate, great looking car.
Can I please get Ur feedback on the exhaust note after U had the APR tune done?
I've heard the exhaust note is toned down with this tune. The FL already sounds like a pussycat compared to the PFL. So muting it further would take away some of its character.

Was hoping to get Ur input.

Thank you very much.

Cheers







Current: 2018 RS3 Sedan
Past: 2016 RS3 SB

 

[billymc92]

I wonder if your rubbing in the same place as me. Outside of the tyre is just catching the inside plastic arch on full lock.

It’s only catching on one side though, the side with the same tire as you (Michelin) and the other side has the standard P-Zero which is a lot more stretched with the rim protector so doesn’t rub at all

 

[Deep penetrator]

I've also been incredibly impressed with my 0-60 times using Dragy. My first attempts were 3.61 stock, and after the APR stage 1 map, my quickest tonight is an amazing 3.05! Wow, no other hardware mods aside from wheels and tyres, and using Tesco 99 fuel. Next step is an intercooler to hopefully break the 3 second mark.

View attachment 159531

Hi mate, glad you got sorted in the end. Cat looks epic and great results too. Could you pm me how much the wheels were mate and what setup etc cheers pal.

 

[Deep penetrator]

Sorry just seen the wheel setup above lol

I’ve got the Eibach pro kit going on mine next week and I can’t wait

 

[Gnasher]

Just been on the website - looks like they're ET44, which is perfect. If it were me, I'd remove the spacers and you'll have no more rubbing issues, even lowered as much as you are.

 

[D0C]

Hello mate, great looking car.
Can I please get Ur feedback on the exhaust note after U had the APR tune done?
I've heard the exhaust note is toned down with this tune. The FL already sounds like a pussycat compared to the PFL. So muting it further would take away some of its character.

Was hoping to get Ur input.

Thank you very much.

Cheers







Current: 2018 RS3 Sedan
Past: 2016 RS3 SB

I have Revo stage 1 and if anything it has made it ever so slightly louder, presumably more boost/air etc going through.

I still have some gurgles and crackles. Add in the fact that it now absolutely takes off at seemingly any speed and I'm happy I've had it done.

 

[Deep penetrator]

I have Revo stage 1 and if anything it has made it ever so slightly louder, presumably more boost/air etc going through.

I still have some gurgles and crackles. Add in the fact that it now absolutely takes off at seemingly any speed and I'm happy I've had it done.

I fully concur lol

 

[FBF01]

Keen to see what the Pro kit is like, I have spacers front (12) and rear (15) so think I’d have difficulties with the Sportline. 10mm drop though with the Pro kit....will you even notice it?! Hmmmm

 

[Deep penetrator]

Keen to see what the Pro kit is like, I have spacers front (12) and rear (15) so think I’d have difficulties with the Sportline. 10mm drop though with the Pro kit....will you even notice it?! Hmmmm

I’ve got 12mm spacers all around so that the main reason I’ve gone with Pro kit.
I think once they settle they will be around 12mm so I’m happy with that.

 

[cjm999]

Hello mate, great looking car.
Can I please get Ur feedback on the exhaust note after U had the APR tune done?
I've heard the exhaust note is toned down with this tune. The FL already sounds like a pussycat compared to the PFL. So muting it further would take away some of its character.

Was hoping to get Ur input.

Thank you very much.

Cheers







Current: 2018 RS3 Sedan
Past: 2016 RS3 SB

No, it's not made it any quieter, but I used to get a few crackles downshifting into 2nd gear and I think they have been slightly toned down, they do still happen but just not as often.

 

[FBF01]

I’ve got 12mm spacers all around so that the main reason I’ve gone with Pro kit.
I think once they settle they will be around 12mm so I’m happy with that.

Sweet...think il opt for those then, just want it to be noticeable...as to spend 200 on springs, 240 for fitnent and alignment not to notice them would be a disaster lol

 

[Deep penetrator]

Sweet...think il opt for those then, just want it to be noticeable...as to spend 200 on springs, 240 for fitnent and alignment not to notice them would be a disaster lol

Yeah I get you but even the slightest drop I think would give it an impact especially with spacers

 

[FBF01]

Yeah I get you but even the slightest drop I think would give it an impact especially with spacers

Only issue is the front sits quite a bit higher, so I’d ideally want the front to offer a larger drop, like 15mm. Sure h and r offer 30mm drop at the front and 25 at the rear. Maybe too much with the spacers

 

[Deep penetrator]

Only issue is the front sits quite a bit higher, so I’d ideally want the front to offer a larger drop, like 15mm. Sure h and r offer 30mm drop at the front and 25 at the rear. Maybe too much with the spacers

I was told by Eibach that the pro kit will more than likely settle around 12-15mm.

Also I’ve spoken to a few tuners about spring setups etc and everyone I spoke too said don’t get H&R lol

 

[FBF01]

I was told by Eibach that the pro kit will more than likely settle around 12-15mm.

Also I’ve spoken to a few tuners about spring setups etc and everyone I spoke too said don’t get H&R lol

Ideal, il get the Eibachs ordered tonight then Needs lowered desperately. Parked up earlier and walked up to it side on...gap at the front looked ridiculous ha

 

[jungle650]

I was told by Eibach that the pro kit will more than likely settle around 12-15mm.

Also I’ve spoken to a few tuners about spring setups etc and everyone I spoke too said don’t get H&R lol

See my post above linkng a different thread. I list actual measurements.

The Pro’s lowered my fronts by more than 10-15mm. In actual fact the difference between the Pro and Sportlines drop on the front ( with mag ride ) is negligible.

Jungle

 

[jungle650]

Hi all, just thought I'd start a thread with my journey so far with my RS3. I've owned it since April, having had 4x Golf R's previously (5 if you count R32), and can safely say the RS3 is in a different class altogether (in it's current state).

I actually found the stock RS3 to feel slower than my stage 1 Golf R (mk7.5, APR, 375bhp), and having always been a fan of APR tunes I eagerly awaited the release of the remap, so I put my name on the waiting list with CLP Automotive in Sheffield to get the tune as soon as it was released. I've now had the map on for 2 weeks, and also bought a Dragy GPS thingamabob which has proved to be rather addictive indeed! My first impressions of the map were a little underwhelming, when I had my Golf R mapped it felt like I had way more torque in high gears, definitely felt more acceleration on the motorway from 6-7th gears without needing to drop down. I'm not sure if that is due to a larger turbo causing more lag or not. But from 1st to 4th the APR map on the RS3 is ballistic, no other word for it. If you're in the high revs it seriously flies! CLP's dyno measured it at 474bhp, 477 ft/lb and at 30 degrees ambient. So pretty much on the nose for what APR quote, and on a cooler day it would definitely show higher figures I'm sure.

Going from the Golf R to the RS3, one thing that I wasn't pleased with was the handling in the Audi, I felt like it had far far more body roll, and just didn't like going round tight bends, so I also wanted to get this sorted. I still had the wheels that I had on my Golf lying around, which are Racingline R360 wheels (19", 8.5J), clad with the superb Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. So they were swapped over, along with a set of Eibach Sportline Springs plus 5mm spacers all around. My god, what a difference they all make to the handling! It feels like a completely different car now and the best handling car I've owned. Sadly I find the springs a tad too low, as I often travel down some steep country lanes for work (yes, I use it for work!) and have found it scrubbing already, so I'm getting the next spring up (Pro Kit) fitted in a few days. I hope they don't change the handling too much but I have to keep it practical. You can see photos below of how it sits on the wheels and springs, and I'll post some more next week on the Pro Kit ones.

View attachment 159524 View attachment 159525 View attachment 159526 View attachment 159528

Be interested in your measurements floor to wheel arch front / back.