Prepping for first 2009 A3 2.0TFSI 8P mods - Please advise

Fellow Audi-Sporters,

I am considering some of the first mods on my 2009 A3 2.0TFSI

First, I'd like to take a bit of a conservative approach as I want performance but do not want A LOT of noise.

Second, I live in Montana, USA. While my state has NO emission standards there is the chance that this car will end up back in California at some point so I have to consider an exhaust that will pass smog in all 50 states.

My local mechanic recommended a few things at first. They are listed below:

1. 034MotorSport Catch Can system $355USD
2. Billy Boat 3" downpipe with High Flow Cat $617.54USD
3. Malone Tuning Chip & Ship for Stage 1 $549USD

I was told about 6 hours for installation and no car for a week. $1500USD + $600 in labor.

I'm not scared of spending more money but I do not see folks mention Malone ECU maps nor Billy Boat pipes.

Can someone here recommend some alternatives or other things that I should consider? Would I save money taking it straight to Stage 2?

Thanks!

Keith

Thank you Alex! I don't necessarily want to stop at Stage 1, do you think that it would save me money to go straight to stage 2 as opposed to stage 1 + stage 2? I'm likely to stop there anyway.

Second part of that question might be is there that much of a performance difference between 1 and 2. I also do not have access to 93 octane fuel where I am at.