Facelift Taking my RS3 FL to stage 1...

[1664Hatter]

So I paid of fmy RS3 last week and now it's time to tune

I'm having a REVO Stage 1 map completed and have already decided that this is the right time to also upgrade the stock intercooler. I've chosen the Wagner Evo 1 as I really do not intend on going beyond stage 1, it maintains the OEM crash barrier and requires no modification to the car but provides 57% more cooling capacity.

Question is, is it also worth be looking at the downpipe? I understand this is also a restricting factor but will the be the case on a stage 1 tune or is it more relevant at stage 2. Final question, if I leave the downpipe for now but replace after the Stage 1 tune... would I see the same benefits?

Cheers guys!

 

[DW81]

From what I have read I don’t believe you need an inter cooler on a stage one map.
I believe it is more applicable to stage 2 and onwards

 

[Ross_T_Boss]

Don't change the downpipe unless you have a Stage 2 map to go with it. The car will run OK but you'll get a CEL as it won't pass emissions tests.

Yes it's a restriction, but by definition "Stage 1" is calibrated with that restriction in place, you won't see a significant gain by removing it without the associated map.

If you fit a downpipe in future then you need to update the map to stage 2. It will prevent the CEL and leverage the reduced backpressure with more boost/power available at the top end.

The intercooler is worthwhile, and I've seen good results for the EVO1. It is well suited to Stage 1. It's not essential as per above (you can run without it) but you will see timing pull on the stock 'cooler above about 15C ambient after the first pull on most stage 1 software.

 

[1664Hatter]

Don't change the downpipe unless you have a Stage 2 map to go with it. The car will run OK but you'll get a CEL as it won't pass emissions tests.

Yes it's a restriction, but by definition "Stage 1" is calibrated with that restriction in place, you won't see a significant gain by removing it without the associated map.

If you fit a downpipe in future then you need to update the map to stage 2. It will prevent the CEL and leverage the reduced backpressure with more boost/power available at the top end.

The intercooler is worthwhile, and I've seen good results for the EVO1. It is well suited to Stage 1. It's not essential as per above (you can run without it) but you will see timing pull on the stock 'cooler above about 15C ambient after the first pull on most stage 1 software.

Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

 

[imsiyawa]

My first tune in my rs3 was also revo and I could see above 6 degree of timing retardation under wot. This was with an ambient temp of like 10c.
I could also see some strange wg dc when I logged my car.
After switching to unitronic then everything was normal and I logged max 1 degree retardation and wg dc was normal again.
I used to have revo also on my previous a4 and the tune was much better on that car.
Perhaps revo on the rs3 is not the best way to go. But I do miss my sps for map switching.



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[seventeenapg]

So I paid of fmy RS3 last week and now it's time to tune

I'm having a REVO Stage 1 map completed and have already decided that this is the right time to also upgrade the stock intercooler. I've chosen the Wagner Evo 1 as I really do not intend on going beyond stage 1, it maintains the OEM crash barrier and requires no modification to the car but provides 57% more cooling capacity.

Question is, is it also worth be looking at the downpipe? I understand this is also a restricting factor but will the be the case on a stage 1 tune or is it more relevant at stage 2. Final question, if I leave the downpipe for now but replace after the Stage 1 tune... would I see the same benefits?

Cheers guys!

Did you get the Revo stage 1 done yet? I am also interested. I have reached out to MRC recently and they tell me that stage 1 does not require any other mods to be done . It is calibrated purely for a simple upgrade with no other things like intercoolers to be changed. They alse mentioned that they can bring back the PFL pops and crackles which make me a lot more interested.

 

[D0C]

I found the Revo stage 1 for the FL very good and very smooth. Had MRC tune my PFL and that felt more aggressive. I doubt you’d be disappointed with either. However, if you’re after the pops and bangs then perhaps MRC is the one you should pick.

 

[seventeenapg]

I found the Revo stage 1 for the FL very good and very smooth. Had MRC tune my PFL and that felt more aggressive. I doubt you’d be disappointed with either. However, if you’re after the pops and bangs then perhaps MRC is the one you should pick.

Thanks DOC. DO you know if the valves are continuously open in dynamic with stage 1 as I am about the pull the pin on ordering CETE AVR. No point in doing that if a stage 1 automatically gives this functionality.

 

[D0C]

Thanks DOC. DO you know if the valves are continuously open in dynamic with stage 1 as I am about the pull the pin on ordering CETE AVR. No point in doing that if a stage 1 automatically gives this functionality.

Revo stage 1 means valves always open in Dynamic.

 

[Holger]

I am not a huge fan of Revo Stage 1 because I had some annoying boost pumping around 4,000 rev.

 

[Ross_T_Boss]

I am not a huge fan of Revo Stage 1 because I had some annoying boost pumping around 4,000 rev.

What do you mean by 'boost pumping'? I've seen some issues with various maps around 4k rpm, where it revs a few hundred rpm quickly as the gearbox slips - then it catches, revs drop and off she goes. Is this what you mean?

If so the cure is in the TCU tune that bites harder at a lower torque, you'll feel it being harsher but it works to prevent the slip. A milder ECU tune with less torque can also work... I have no idea why so much variance, some don't even have it on Stg2 E85 but others Stg1 it occurs. For me it was an issue on E85 till I flashed a more aggressive TCU map they provided.

 

[seventeenapg]

I found the Revo stage 1 for the FL very good and very smooth. Had MRC tune my PFL and that felt more aggressive. I doubt you’d be disappointed with either. However, if you’re after the pops and bangs then perhaps MRC is the one you should pick.

So, IM guessing that there is no change to your Revo Stage 1 pops from stock then?

 

[D0C]

So, IM guessing that there is no change to your Revo Stage 1 pops from stock then?

Correct, there’s no pops on stage 1. Apparently it damages the cat on FL cars and so you should go stage 2 before having pops and bangs mapped in.

 

[RS3 FUN]

I have pops and bangs on my Fl Rs3 and they are not all the time but do sound great.

 

[1664Hatter]

Did you get the Revo stage 1 done yet? I am also interested. I have reached out to MRC recently and they tell me that stage 1 does not require any other mods to be done . It is calibrated purely for a simple upgrade with no other things like intercoolers to be changed. They alse mentioned that they can bring back the PFL pops and crackles which make me a lot more interested.

Not yet, probably going to happen end of this month. Going on the Dyno on Monday to see what it's pushing out as standard

 

[1664Hatter]

So I had the car on the rollers this morning so I can compare standard to the pending stage 1 upgrade.

It made a surprising 417hp @ the flywheel. The dyno operator has seen a number of standard RS3 and TTRS variants which normally recorded closer to the 405/395 mark said mine felt particular strong which was very pleasing to hear.

I'll post the graph up later - looking forward to going back now with the stage 1 map and intercooler fitted.

 

[1664Hatter]

Rolling road chart - completely standard apart from carbon fibre wing mirror covers and go faster valve caps

I also had fun today installing a new Wagner Evo 1 intercooler. Fairly easy to do, as expected the hardest part was removing the bumper. But it looks the part with no modifications required to either the bumper or the crash bar. Now just for stage 1 mapping either later this week or in March.

 

[seventeenapg]

Keep us updated. I'm after MRC stage 1 but don't intend doing any other mods before hand.

 

[Robin Sinclair]

Damn!!
Your standard car has more HP then mine with these upgraded parts still only 401HP
stage 2
Miltek exhaust
Wagner intercooler
Only thing the previous owner didn't do which he should of was air intake!
Have a 034 Motorsport intake to fit this week to see if it makes much difference
It's a 2015 RS3 8v
Reckoning the remap could be pants

 

[Ojawed]

Rolling road chart - completely standard apart from carbon fibre wing mirror covers and go faster valve caps

View attachment 192375

I also had fun today installing a new Wagner Evo 1 intercooler. Fairly easy to do, as expected the hardest part was removing the bumper. But it looks the part with no modifications required to either the bumper or the crash bar. Now just for stage 1 mapping either later this week or in March.

View attachment 192377 View attachment 192378 View attachment 192379 View attachment 192380

How come you opted for the wagner intercooler over the forge?

 

[Monkeychops]

How come you opted for the wagner intercooler over the forge?

Guessing as it retains the standard crash bar at the front maybe?

 

[1664Hatter]

How come you opted for the wagner intercooler over the forge?

As above, I wanted to maintain the original crash bar and keep it as stock looking as possible. I also have no ambition to go beyond a stage 1 so it seemed like the most suitable option for me. I may look at an induction kit at some point but that will be it

 

[Robin Sinclair]

Can highly recommend 034 Motorsport cone

Price doesn't come into it you get what you pay for IMHO

 

[illingworth22]

Watching this with interest, are you looking into any sort of DSG tune? I have been chatting to my local REVO dealer and they don't seem to have the DSG tune, yet, and I am not sure if it is something they are working on.
I also looked (on the old tinterweb) at APR, they have a DSG and Engine map as well as the iOS dongle for switching back and forth. Also we don't have any access to anything above 95 RON here in Ireland.

It seems difficult to get a good review on all the pros and cons to the maps.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[Ross_T_Boss]

Watching this with interest, are you looking into any sort of DSG tune? I have been chatting to my local REVO dealer and they don't seem to have the DSG tune, yet, and I am not sure if it is something they are working on.

That surprises me, I rode in a Revo Stg1 TTRS about 15 months ago that had a beta revo DSG map on it. Personally I think the car really benefits from it, I needed it to support silly torque values I'm pushing but aside from the harsher clamping pressures and eliminating slip issues rolling into the power mid-range, it is much more responsive and 'connected' when pressing on. Previously I had alot of issues with it slipping and delaying gear shifts that I just don't get any more. I'm on the Unitronic (flash @ home) map.

Regarding fuel... most should have a map for 91/95, but these engines really respond well to some octane boosting via alcohol. There are a couple of fireplace retailers around Newry that sell 5l cans of Biola/Fanola brand for £8-9 each in bulk, one of those in the tank before you brim it with 95 and you can run a 93/98 map without timing pull.

 

[Tristan]

That surprises me, I rode in a Revo Stg1 TTRS about 15 months ago that had a beta revo DSG map on it. Personally I think the car really benefits from it, I needed it to support silly torque values I'm pushing but aside from the harsher clamping pressures and eliminating slip issues rolling into the power mid-range, it is much more responsive and 'connected' when pressing on. Previously I had alot of issues with it slipping and delaying gear shifts that I just don't get any more. I'm on the Unitronic (flash @ home) map.

Regarding fuel... most should have a map for 91/95, but these engines really respond well to some octane boosting via alcohol. There are a couple of fireplace retailers around Newry that sell 5l cans of Biola/Fanola brand for £8-9 each in bulk, one of those in the tank before you brim it with 95 and you can run a 93/98 map without timing pull.

I've seen mrc cars with the relevant mapping achieve in and around 20 bhp and roughly 20nm of torque with NF 6RON octane booster. Roughly around 15 pounds for a 300 ml bottle and roughly half a bottle would suffice per tank before filling up. I definitely felt like the car was running cleaner with it on. Gains would probably be minimal without a tune

 

[1664Hatter]

So.....

Been a while since I updated on progress with the car and a fair bit has gone on. In summary, I've installed a 3inch Unitronic inlet, 034 Motorsport intake, lowered the car and fitted spacers. The car has also been mapped by Revo to Stage 1, had the Stage 1 removed and now re-mapped by MRC (DSG+Engine).

I just didnt get on with the car on the Revo map. The car just didn't respond in a consistent manor, throttle response was lethargic, I couldn't predict what the car was going when feathering the throttle and there seemed to be way more lag than standard.

The car made 455bhp & 553 Nm on the Revo stage 1 map.

Once remapped (and inlet/intake installed) the car made 505bhp and 687Nm on the MRC Stage 1 map

However, regardless of the figures the car is light and day better to drive. The response now is so much better, smooth, predictable and low down spool of the turbo just makes it so much more driveable. And the power is a bonus too

The intake also makes an awesome sound!!

Some pictures below of the inlet/intake install...

This tool (on the left) was worth it's weight in gold removing the inlet and installing the new one. One of the inlet bolts is completely hidden so you have to do it all by feel and it's very very tight!!

As you can see there isnt much clearance with the master cylinder. I had to install the 034 dog mount insert to stop it from touching, despite re-adjusting the inlet fitting twice.

I also found the MC bracket clashes, as you can see below - this has to be trimmed back.

I also had to stall a short section of flexible vacuum pipe and remove the lower section of the solid OEM tube as it created a kink when joining back to the actuator.

Onto the lovely stuff...

Really happy with the final result. Highly recommend MRC and the 034 intake. The Unitronic 3inch inlet is also a great piece of kit, but not an easy install by any means.

 

[8YARWY]

Interesting you mention the Revo crap (sorry map)
Not the first person to report their maps not making claimed figures either.
A friend went to a rolling road day a few years ago with his PFL, tuned by MRC, also at this RR was a PFL tuned by a supposed Revo ‘Dealer’.
MRC car had strong numbers as expected, Revo car didn’t even make the claimed numbers


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[Terminator x]

So.....

Been a while since I updated on progress with the car and a fair bit has gone on. In summary, I've installed a 3inch Unitronic inlet, 034 Motorsport intake, lowered the car and fitted spacers. The car has also been mapped by Revo to Stage 1, had the Stage 1 removed and now re-mapped by MRC (DSG+Engine).

I just didnt get on with the car on the Revo map. The car just didn't respond in a consistent manor, throttle response was lethargic, I couldn't predict what the car was going when feathering the throttle and there seemed to be way more lag than standard.

The car made 455bhp & 553 Nm on the Revo stage 1 map.

Once remapped (and inlet/intake installed) the car made 505bhp and 687Nm on the MRC Stage 1 map

However, regardless of the figures the car is light and day better to drive. The response now is so much better, smooth, predictable and low down spool of the turbo just makes it so much more driveable. And the power is a bonus too

View attachment 208731

The intake also makes an awesome sound!!

Some pictures below of the inlet/intake install...

View attachment 208723

This tool (on the left) was worth it's weight in gold removing the inlet and installing the new one. One of the inlet bolts is completely hidden so you have to do it all by feel and it's very very tight!!

View attachment 208724

As you can see there isnt much clearance with the master cylinder. I had to install the 034 dog mount insert to stop it from touching, despite re-adjusting the inlet fitting twice.

View attachment 208726

I also found the MC bracket clashes, as you can see below - this has to be trimmed back.

View attachment 208725

I also had to stall a short section of flexible vacuum pipe and remove the lower section of the solid OEM tube as it created a kink when joining back to the actuator.

View attachment 208730

Onto the lovely stuff...

View attachment 208727

View attachment 208728

View attachment 208729

Really happy with the final result. Highly recommend MRC and the 034 intake. The Unitronic 3inch inlet is also a great piece of kit, but not an easy install by any means.

That is one ugly engine now with the plastic cover removed! Seems to tune well though

TX.

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[8YARWY]

That is one ugly engine now with the plastic cover removed! Seems to tune well though

TX.

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Lol who cares !??!

Do you stare at the engine whilst driving it John .


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