Howdy to all!
I really hadn't though about it prior, but learned today many of the gasoline/petrol engine Q7 owners are not familiar with Malone/Tunezilla's online tuning platform and catalog as being an option for tuning their gasoline engine and/or TCU (like increasing torque limit of transmission if you going Stage 3, etc.)

Granted, I was tracking on Malone Tuning primarily because I do own a TDI, and they are kind of rock-stars in the world of tuning TDI engines.

Since I discovered Malone Tuning some years back, they've now integrated themselves into the self-service, online tuning platform tunezilla.com, and in doing so greatly expanded their tuning options available, as well as the relative ease and speed of order fulfillments, in addition to catering to special tuning requests you can submit via this platform. They also sell a flashing tool at a very reasonable cost (Tunezilla Pro), which makes it a breeze to tune your car, and you can use the flashing tool on as many diff compatible vehicles as you want.

So, if you are looking for ECU or TCU tuning options, or just 'tune-curious' be sure to check out Malone/Tunezilla.

Personally, I bought their Stage 2 ECU tune and the Flashzilla Pro flashing tool, so I could DIY the tune and modify as needed in future. It's been super-easy to select/request tuning options using their online tuning portal and dedicated tuning app with the flashing tool hooked to my laptop.

Heck, they even tell you which fuses to pull before tuning the Q7 to keep the radiator fans from running full blast during the tune flashing process. I've built several 'retune' variations in my tuning portal at zero additional cost, and currently am running the Stage 1 tune, so there's a lot of additional perks available with this tuning platform.

Here's a 10% off discount code you can use on the Tunezilla site if you find something you like for your gas or Diesel engine. They sent me this to share with friends, so here ya go:

Use code below to get 10% off at https://tunezilla.com/

FD40211-3713ZQ

 

Just a reminder for all that Tunezilla is having a "SpringZilla" sale event with 15% off their tuning prices, etc.

Side note:
I've been wrenching on my son's F-150 truck (100k miles service...new plugs/coil boots replaced, etc.), and the 3.5L eco-boost V6 (dual-turbo) engine in it pumps out 375Hp and 470lb/ft torque, so after driving that truck a little I was curious how my Stage 1 TDI tune stacked up on the torque side, and turns out my '10 TDI on the Stage 1 tune kicks out 268Hp and 470lb/ft torque also, so it matches the torque number taken at the crank.

So then I'm thinking, ok, well that's stage 1, so what about the Stage 2 tune for my Gen 1 TDI motor? OOOH-la-la...it gets even better! 486 lb/ft torque on the Stage 2 tune...yippee!!! Suck-it Ford, with your janky AWD engagement systems (which is broken), leaking pinion seals front/rear, coolant leaks, oil leaks, and what's the nasty stuff inside the oil filler cap....ewww!!!! He got a really bad deal on his truck, but at least he overpaid and also bought the $4k USD extended service contract coverage...thank goodness for small miracles. The dealer has been identifying all the things wrong with it/documenting for the service contract, so it'll be going in soonish.

So then I thought, well wouldn't it be a fun 'psyche-out' on him to simply bump my TDI tune up to Stage 2, so when I trade vehicles with him in a week or so to get the (service contract purchased) work done on his F-150, he'll hit the go-pedal and be like...OMG, this Q7 launches way harder then my truck...what did he do to this thing...fill the fuel tank with crack and jet fuel?!?!

So, I did retune to Stage 2 today, and my fellow Q7 TDI (and petrol too) owners, Tunezilla's TDI (revised in 2024) Stage 2 is no joke...281 HP (it's a TDI, silly, so the HP # matters less so) with 484 lb/ft torque, and yes, it absolutely responds to that go-pedal 'with urgency' now. It is juiced up on a performance dose of Hotshot's EDT diesel fuel additive, as well, and so it's pretty spicy now. This is gonna be fun to see how he responds after swapping vehicles.

 

Should also mention Malone's is based in Surrey BC Canada and out of the EPA's reach unlike some other tuners.

 

I'm a fan of Malone tuning since Mark's early days back on TDIclub. Good company, I've run his tunes in my TDI corrado and then for my 3.6 corrado. I've hung out with Mark at SoWo back in the day.

 

NEWSFLASH!!!

About to changeover my tune from Stage 1 to Stage 2 for Summer fun-time, so I went to the Tunezilla site just to do a quick check if they have put in a TCU tune rollback or retune option for my 6spd Aisin tranny yet...nope.

However, they did add two more FREE 'retuning' options into the mix that are quite attractive to me personally, and some other free options I don't desire/have need for as yet. I encourage all with Malone/Tunezilla tunes to go check out the new/free retune options now available to you.

The first new FREE retune option is an oil pressure increase tune option, which benefits the engine for what should be obvious reasons if you are familiar with the functionality of the variable oil-flow control solenoid on these TDI motors, or have heard significant noise after the cold-start / idle, etc.

The second FREE retune option enables left foot braking that doesn't shut down the throttle pedal input, like it normally does if you happen to brush against the brake pedal or try to use the brakes on purpose while giving it throttle input.

There's some other FREE retune options in the mix of retune options to select from also, but these were on my list of desired tuning add-ons, but didn't want to pay 'extra' $$$ to get them, and now I don't have to. Did I mention they are free when you request a retune and then select your new tune configuration? Hope that message got through clearly.

So, in summary, I just requested both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 retunes including both of these additional FREE tuning options, so when I swap my tune over tomorrow, that's what I'll be loading; Stage 2 w/brake pedal mod for me, and the oil pressure mod for my engine's health. Gotta love Malone/Tunezilla for offering more tuning goodness at no extra cost post-sale, and they drastically reduce price/cost of the other tuning add-ons as well during the retune selection process, if you want something more.

Be well all and enjoy the drive!

 

I have those two adder options on my Stage 1 and the left-foot braking is sweet...but you immediately understand why our Qs can blast thru brake rotors and pads when doing this...its hard to hold back all those torques! Ha! Boost launches are wildly entertaining along with the updated TCU and revised tunes! There's also an ASV (Anti Shudder Valve) delte option for those who have no fear.

 

Thanks for the reminder. I went in and updated my 2011 Q7 TDI Stage 2 tune with the Active EGR, Increased Oil Pressure, and Left Foot Brake options for $0. Now off to the garage to re-tune...

 

Didn't see any description on that ASV no-cost option; can you describe what it does?

Still waiting patiently for them to add the TCU rollback or tune option for Aisin 6spd. Put in a ticket on that and reply was a lot of them also have the 6spd Aisin tranny and are waiting for it also. In the meantime I changed my shift logic over to the T-Regs in the TCU options via VCDS, so it's less lazy in how it shifts now, and in Sport mode it really gets after it.

I can see how the brake rotors could take a bit more abuse with the left-foot braking enabled/throttle cut-out disabled, especially if you still have the OG semi-metallic pads on your Q7s brakes.

Regarding brake wear concerns; I recently went with the new-tech, Bosch hybrid brake pads (a proprietary ceramic/semi-metallic blend), and paired them up with the stock SHW Performance rotor blanks (Germany, OE supplier), both of which sourced from FCP Euro, so lifetime parts warranty, and they are beastly strong at stopping once pads fully bedded, delivering an extremely solid pedal feel underfoot, and yet they are super gentle on the rotor contact surfaces, and with low dusting to boot. No copper in these pads (aerospace alloy used) so the brake dust is a much lighter color too...not the heavy, black sticky dust like the OG semi-metallics throw off.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the new Bosch hybrid brake pads and how they improve the braking feel and stopping power/control on my heavy Q7 TDI...they really get after it and I can now stop my Q7 on a dime and have renewed confidence in my braking system again. I replaced the OG rubber brake hoses too, as those were cracked on exterior, which no doubt improved the pedal feel as well. My brakes have never been so responsive and they no longer squeal. I don't think I'll be needing to replace brake pads or rotors again anytime soon...expect I'll get 2-3x lifespan from both rotors and pads using these Bosch, hybrid-type brake pads...and they were inexpensive compared to other brake friction and rotor options available when I shopped FCP Euro.

 

I used the wrong term It's Dynamic EGR

Dynamic EGR Features:

The solution to these downsides lies in the implementation of dynamic EGR features, a tuning advancement that addresses the limitations of traditional EGR systems.

1. Emission Control without Compromise: Dynamic EGR features provide precise control over the EGR system, allowing it to be turned off once the engine reaches optimal operating temperature. This ensures that emission reduction is achieved during cold starts when it is most critical, without compromising performance when the engine is warm.
   
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency: By dynamically adjusting the EGR system based on engine temperature, dynamic EGR features contribute to improved fuel efficiency. The system optimizes combustion conditions, enhancing overall engine performance and responsiveness.
   
3. Extended Engine Life: With the ability to reduce carbon buildup and control temperatures, dynamic EGR contributes to a cleaner and more efficient engine environment. This, in turn, can lead to extended engine life and reduced maintenance costs.
   

 

Darn, I'd sure like to have that Dynamic EGR too, but for my Gen 1 CATA TDI motor it shows up listed for $250 currently in my re-tune options. I'm sure your TDI is the Gen 2 CNRB TDI motor, so you will likely see slightly different options/pricing during re-tune based off that engine and 8spd transmission combo, which is currently supported by Tunezilla.

I looked up the ASV / Throttle Valve (off option) out of curiosity, as no description/details listed for it, and I found it relates to something I don't care to implement given the negative impacts it can, and would have on my emissions equipped TDI. Some roll-the-coal folks out there delete the throttle valve when they ditch all the rest of the EGR/emissions gear in order to maximize intake airflow, but there are also some unfortunate downsides and risks associated if you turn it off or delete it entirely too...so that one is not a 'free' tuning option I'm interested in.