Just bought a nice condition A3 1.8T MY99

[parso_rex]

Just bought a nice A3 1.8T for a short term project car, it also allows me to get rid of the other car and still function

AGU motor not even sure what ECU.
122K kms
needs new PCV hoses
needs new rotors and pads soon
has crap tyres
I'll put up some ugly photos a bit later

Can I get it fully sicked up and remapped in time for the dyno day

[Jmac]

Great stuff mate, AGU strong as an ox. Bigger small ends can take the boost no dramas. Have fun with that mate
Great platform, great car and doesnt date. And to top it reliable.
Look forward to see where u go with it and the pics
Cheers
Jmac

[parso_rex]

Thanks, I have to learn about these guys so what better way to start. I can do the remapping and all that jazz but as for the VAG specific stuff it will be a steep learning curve. I knew the AGU motor was strong
I vagcommed the thing pre purchase and found few errors so it seems alright.
I know this model's ECU or maybe it was The MY98 required a chip swap rather than a serial flash so it will be interesting to see what it actually is.

Initially it will be
Dump pipe
FMIC
might do dump valve as well
oh reflash of course

& soon after
K04
manifold
inlet

[jayjay]

nice work mark. that was pretty quick.

2 or 4 doors?

[parso_rex]

nice work mark. that was pretty quick.

2 or 4 doors?

Well I still have the search going for an S3 and now with a 3rd on on the way we will at some stage have to get a touareg (V10 of course) but I'm thinking that with the R coming I should hold off for a bit. If anything S3 prices will drop anyway.

oh yeah 4 doors, ugly blue, CD stacker sunroof leather

[h100vw]

Thanks, I have to learn about these guys so what better way to start. I can do the remapping and all that jazz but as for the VAG specific stuff it will be a steep learning curve. I knew the AGU motor was strong
I vagcommed the thing pre purchase and found few errors so it seems alright.
I know this model's ECU or maybe it was The MY98 required a chip swap rather than a serial flash so it will be interesting to see what it actually is.

Initially it will be
Dump pipe
FMIC
might do dump valve as well
oh reflash of course

& soon after
K04
manifold
inlet

You can flash the 98 ECU, that's what mine was. Part number ends in AQ.
I have files for all cable throttle ECUs.

Downpipe is a good mod even on a standard ECU, you can feel them spool earlier.

Gavin

[parso_rex]

You can flash the 98 ECU, that's what mine was. Part number ends in AQ.
I have files for all cable throttle ECUs.

Downpipe is a good mod even on a standard ECU, you can feel them spool earlier.

Gavin

Hmm I had issue with a 98 A3 before but I haven't been back to it to get at the ECU. Friends dad etc etc. I talked it over with my support guy in Italy and they said it was most likely the ECU being an earlier motronic not the later ME7. This earlier one had the diag port in the centre console Vs my cars drivers side under the steering wheel. Just looking at a log the earlier one was an AQ

This one, my one, is a 06A 906 018 CJ

All things for me to learn of course

[h100vw]

Same with my A3, port in the centre console. The ECU is ME3.8, I have bench leads for them. I don't reckon everyone has the hardware to flash them.

I have a file for the CJ, not come across one myself but with the port under the steering wheel, might even be able to flash that directly?

Gavin

[parso_rex]

Same with my A3, port in the centre console. The ECU is ME3.8, I have bench leads for them. I don't reckon everyone has the hardware to flash them.

I have a file for the CJ, not come across one myself but with the port under the steering wheel, might even be able to flash that directly?

Gavin

I'll let you know on Tuesday when I pick it up. I'm googling those ecus now and theres lots of conflicting info a couple of places do say that you can.I guess originally they were all done with a chip swap prior to the SPI so in a way its possible to do both.
I'm using a new genius and supposedly it is covered

[Jmac]

Yeah Gav i reckon that one will be a serial port jobbie mate.
Jmac

[parso_rex]

After a few beers down at the Quay tonight I've decided its going to be an Ebay build, just for a laugh. With a TFSI I don't think I could get away with it but with this one I reckon it might just work they've been around long enough... meh why not

ordering......
silicone hose kit, in black for stealth everything
Dump-pipe, still undecided which dodgy type
rear muffler, I think it will have to a be name brand for a nice sound. I can't stand crap
K04, a $350 limit here so yep that means Chinese
Exhaust headers/manifold,

investigating....
intake
dump valve
injectors
fuel pump
FMIC

Anything else worth while let me know

[parso_rex]

On the remap side of things, The more I read into it the more I think this is an ECU out job. I've found my 'genius' doesn't support the 3.8 ME and nor does any other tool I can find out there.
Could be a bit if a PIA. If thats the case I'll get a socket and a couple of chips for future revisions

[GoLfMan]

i watch with interest

budget build ftw!

[XXX-1.8T]

Good luck with it!

Maybe you should budget a new gearbox as Golf/A3 gearboxes become weak after chipping etc.

When mine blew i put in an LSD which is needed being FWD and all.

I miss my A3 it was a great fun little car!

[parso_rex]

Good luck with it!

Maybe you should budget a new gearbox as Golf/A3 gearboxes become weak after chipping etc.

When mine blew i put in an LSD which is needed being FWD and all.

I miss my A3 it was a great fun little car!

Damn, I hadn't even considered that issue. I'm thinking at this stage the maximum will be just a K04 (clone) bigger injectors exhaust and remap maybe It will last, I've always been mechanically sympathetic toward my drivetrains.
I don't intend keeping the car too long, certainly its great to have while I"m selling my STI and also good to have as a loan car if need be. The idea is this car will let me get across a few things that I need to learn with regards to tuning them (1.8T's). After this I move on to the TFSI's. I'm still undecided about an S3 or an R so this one gives me some time to think about it. I drove a few of these years ago at a couple of Audi drive days and they were pretty good, S3's were a lot better of course.

It looks like there are a few variants of the ECU used in these too. Both PSOP 44pin and the PLCC 44 pin. So theres 3 physically different ECUs used all up, thats ignoring the various ones of each type.
I wish it was just ME7, it would be so much easier.