Audi A4 B7 and A3: Engine Tune Reviews

This article applies to the Audi A4 B7 and A3 (2004-2008).

Tuning the Audi A4 B7 or A3 is a way where you can customize its performance. The factory tends to manufacture those vehicles for the average driver, so tuning it allows you to alter its computer and change certain characteristics to match your preference. By adjusting the car's computer to change the internal combustion process, you can increase engine performance and allow for maximum performance, and even a better fuel consumption. Some people claim tuning doesn't change the performance; however, if you're a believer, then read on to learn how to take your Audi A4/3 to the next level.

Tuners Reviews

APR

Price – $600

Power Gains – 34 hp/71 lb-ft

Custom Tuning Available – Yes

DIY or Dealer Required – Dealer

Warranty – Limited Lifetime

This company is one of the four most commonly referred to on the forum. Many like it for its smooth power. APR comes with a six hour trial period, which allows you to run the tune for a while and see how it works for you. This tune should give your Audi a good kick in the pants. Looking at the dyno sheet, there is a great increase in mid-range torque, which should allow you to feel a large difference in the performance. Recommended for its reputation and smooth power.

GIAC

Price – $495

Power Gains – 30-60 hp/60-115 lb-ft

Custom Tuning Available – Yes

DIY or Dealer Required – DIY

Warranty – Limited

This company also comes highly recommended on the forum. The GIAC tune seems to target more power up top versus the other tunes, which mainly focus on initial surge of torque down low. GIAC also has a DIY option, which may be better for some who do not have a tuner close by. GIAC is the cheapest tune reviewed, along with the good HP/TQ gains, puts it as the best value of the four. Recommended for its horsepower and torque.

REVO

Price – $500

Power Gains – 15-35 hp/36-66 lb-ft

Custom Tuning Available – Yes

DIY or Dealer Required – Dealer

Warranty – 30 Day Money Back

Revo is the European equivalent to APR tunes. Located in the U.K., REVOtechnik is a common tuner found in Europe. It should provide the Audi A4 B7 owner as a good value for the money, but won't provide the best HP/TQ gains. It is still rated as a good tune to deal with and provides a good money back warranty on the product. It does, however, require a dealer to install it for you. Recommended for its warranty.

Unitronic

Price – $550

Power Gains – 45 hp/68 lb-ft

Custom Tuning Available – Yes

DIY or Dealer Required – DIY

Warranty – 15 Day Money Back

With only a 15 day money back on the product, it is amongst the shortest warranties covered in this review. Good HP/TQ gains can be had, with a simlar strategy to GIAC, emphasizing a wider, usable power band and good top end power versus just the brutal torque surge down low. The dyno sheet has a TQ curve that resembles the APR curve, with a spike in TQ in the mid-range, which should improve take off substantially over a stock tune. This is definitely a respectable tune and should most likely hold its own against the other three. It does provide the availability, like the GIAC, to provide for DIY, which may be what some need if dealerships are nowhere to be found. Recommended for its warranty, as well as horsepower and torque gains.

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