UnleashedGT

Hey folks,

New to Audi's in general, but not to tuning and performance mods. I have to say that I'm quite surprised at the lack of performance upgrades available to the B6 3.0 - not what I expected.
Anyway, it looks like my options to get more power without spending multiple thousands on a SC or TC with all the cascading components that would need to be hardened, is to install CAI and exhaust with a tune.
I've been looking at the available tuners and am really looking for advice from the community on whether +15hp/15tq is really worth the $500. Has anyone here installed a tune like the Unitronic stage 1 and did you really see any benefits other than single digit gains? Did it drive better, better throttle response, better gas mileage etc?

Any experiences you can share would be appreciated.

turbo510

I don't have experience with 3.0 'tunes' but I suspect that this engine is about as powerful as it can be, from the standpoint of what the ECU can do. Race-spec camshafts, if they exist for this engine, along with a modified ECU program to allow higher RPMs, etc, probably could raise HP at the expense of lower RPM torque.

UnleashedGT

Thanks for the reply 510. I bought it as a cheap commuter, but thought I'd try and have a little fun with it. Looks like it is just gonna stay the way it is - still a fun little car, feels like a go cart compared to what I'm used to driving.

W261w261

The 1.8T is the performance engine. The 3.0 is not really worth it, on many levels, imo.

turbo510

Not worth what on many levels? The 3.0 is a sweet running, great sounding engine. It's also more advanced than the 1.8T in several ways, including the four independent, hydraulically adjusting camshafts and cross-bolted Aluminum block. The OP wants a commuter car, so the stock 220 HP is usually plenty for that.

W261w261

Imo, the OP should leave it alone.

UnleashedGT

turbo510 is right, it's just my daily commuter and is a fun little car to drive as-is - I'm just looking to pep it up a bit, but from my research so far I think it's staying stock.

UnleashedGT

So while I was traversing the interwebs today came across some folks talking about a throttle body reset/realign. They were saying it's a good idea to do it every few weeks due to the nature of the ECU adjusting to driving habits.

I did it before my drive home today and I have to say that I noticed better throttle response and the car actually came alive. It's possible that the throttle was being trimmed based on its driving history.

I bought it from original 70yo owner that had meticulous service records at same dealership since new. Trying to rationalize why this thing was running like a dog (albeit smooth and comfortable), but seems to feel much better based on that single drive.