bblair98 |
02-21-2019 05:50 PM |
APR tune
I have a 2012 A3 2.0 and I've been running APR's stage one tune since last July with no problems besides some torque steer in some instances such as on inclines and breaking traction more frequently. Stage one increased power from 200bhp to 268bhp and torque from 207 lb-ft to 317 lb-ft. It drives pretty much the same as stock, just faster. The turbo spools up earlier and more quickly. It's especially noticeable on the highway between 50-60 MPH when the engine is turning at around 2500-2700 RMP. At that point I do not have to bother shifting out of 6th to pass another car. Just gradually increase throttle and you can go from 55 to about 75 with little effort. Power still drops off when approaching red-line but since your'e still making more power there over stock, not as badly. I have found my MPG has pretty much stayed the same in regular driving conditions, and seems to have gained one or two MPGs on long distance, highway trips. Overall, it has made the car much more enjoyable. The turbo as well as the throttle are more responsive, especially when negotiating a twisty back road where you are constantly on and off the throttle. I haven't heard many horror stories from people who have gone with APR. Maybe a few from guys who tuned a used car with a questionable maintenance history or got a "bad" car off the production line. While APR does charge a premium for their software over other tuning companies, they seem to do a fair amount of R&D to ensure the maximum performance possible as safely as possible regarding engine longevity. While I do not know as much about Unitronic or Stasis, neither of them seem to have any obvious advantages or blatant disadvantages over APR besides maybe price in some instances. Moral of the story is, as long as you take good care of your car, either of these tunes won't blow up your car. Also, if you do go with APR, avoid their rear badge. While it looks really nice, it's a little expensive.
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