APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade Discussion (Audi A3 2.0T Quattro)
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade Discussion (Audi A3 2.0T Quattro)
I was in the market for an Audi A3 2.0T (Quattro sedan) and wanted to discuss the ECU APR upgrade. According to the APR website, a Stage 1 ECU upgrade will go from stock 235 HP + 270 TQ to 316 HP + 381 TQ, which is a significant increase in performance. My question is has anyone upgraded their Audi A3 and if so, does the performance represent APR's reputation and has there been any issues considering the sheer power of this upgrade, perhaps straining on the engine or transmission? It is something I worry about.
AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I was in the market for an Audi A3 2.0T (Quattro sedan) and wanted to discuss the ECU APR upgrade. According to the APR website, a Stage 1 ECU upgrade will go from stock 235 HP + 270 TQ to 316 HP + 381 TQ, which is a significant increase in performance. My question is has anyone upgraded their Audi A3 and if so, does the performance represent APR's reputation and has there been any issues considering the sheer power of this upgrade, perhaps straining on the engine or transmission? It is something I worry about.
P.s. I see no difference in MPG except when really banging it around town. Can cruise at 80mph on the highway and still see 28-30mpg
Go for it!
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 1
i would get united motorsports or giac. all the blown motor threads ive seen are all associated with APR. not sure if its because its the most popular choice or what, but all i ever see with tuning issues always involves apr.
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
I have a 2016 2.0t cabriolet and got the ECU stage 1 93 octane tune which you are referring to. It made the car a whole new beast. Faster than a stock s3 and I can put the top down 😝... After getting the ECU tune I noticed considerable stress on the S Tronic and went for the TCU tune from APR. 4-5k miles later and a yearly service and emissions/inspection at my local Audi dealer and could not be happier! (I informed them of the tune, they said they don't need to tell Audi corporate anything unless looking for major warranty work and even then they try to work with me--their words)
P.s. I see no difference in MPG except when really banging it around town. Can cruise at 80mph on the highway and still see 28-30mpg
Go for it!
P.s. I see no difference in MPG except when really banging it around town. Can cruise at 80mph on the highway and still see 28-30mpg
Go for it!
AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
As for the low end torque stage 1, that is definitely
Trending Topics
AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
It was basically slippage as you suggested. It wasn't major, but when I had it auto manual mode and was manually "shifting" I could feel tension and just an overall difference...it didn't feel as buttery smooth as before. After reading into the APR tune for the trans, I was highly interested and pulled the trigger. In short, it increases clamping pressure but also optimizes temp to not overheat the clutches. Many people on forums said they almost like the trans tune more than engine tune just because of the added benefit. The S Tronic is just as smooth as before now that I had it flashed. Tune was 800 each, so around $1600 total, but totally worth it considering there are no real hardware modifications that need to be made unless continue to stage 2 and so on. If you can wait APR usually does a 15% discount on software tunes and can get that price for both down to like 1350-1400.
As for the low end torque stage 1, that is definitely
As for the low end torque stage 1, that is definitely
Either way good luck and you will enjoy regardless I'm sure! Loved my a3 before APR and love it after!
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
10 Strangest Audi Designs That Actually Made Production
Joe Kucinski
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
....sorry hit send and don't know how to edit a post 😂 but that was definitely an option and may be why I experienced the "issue" I did with the trans after ECU tune. However, again, with the TCU tune which some people say they do just on it's own, and the fact that it was more of weird feeling that feeling as if something was wrong with the trans, I'm glad I went with stage 1 93 octane and the trans TCU tune, which is one stage to cover up to like 500whp or more.
Either way good luck and you will enjoy regardless I'm sure! Loved my a3 before APR and love it after!
Either way good luck and you will enjoy regardless I'm sure! Loved my a3 before APR and love it after!
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 3
Before I upgraded to an S3, which is now ECU and TCU tuned, I drove a Stage 1 1.8 A3 and had no issues at all in 10k miles.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DDAnimalzz
A4 (B8 Platform) Discussion
27
Apr 16, 2023 05:27 PM
homer123456
Audi A5 / S5 / RS5 Coupe & Cabrio (B8)
0
Sep 27, 2009 03:18 PM