Some questions before ECU tune

[auriga123]

Hey guys

Got a 2005 Audi A4 2.0T FSI Quatro, done my research but got some final questions:

1) The fellas at Audiforums.com say giac stage 2 tune will NOT remove CEL (*something to do with O2 sensors), however i know that APR stage 2 tune does remove the CEL....I really wanted to go with giac but now ill just go with APR if this true, so my question is can giac remove the CEL if i get the downpipe with hugh flow cats ??


2) Is there a noticeable difference between stage 2 and 2+ ? Is adding the HPFP worthwhile ? I read various Audi forums and some say its one of the best mods ever while other are like "meh"...what are your thoughts, esp people who have got a HPFP and tuners.

The HPFP provides more fuel than the stock FP, and is obviously not going to incur fuel cutting, but I figure the the stock FP is capable of handling stage 1 tune + downpipe, true or not true ?


Thanks guys

[gh172]

The stock fuel pump is capable of handling stage 2 in most cases . I got my stage 2 tune through bluefin and found that I had fuel cuts in the higher gears at high rpm. Had I contacted bluefin they may have been able to adjust the tune to sort out the fuel cuts. I just jumped straight in and bought the APR HPFP while it was on special. Feels smoother and a little stronger through the midrange, but not worth the money if your not getting the fuel cuts. Unless you plan on going with a bigger turbo down the track I'd just stick with stage 2. Another downside to the HPFP is that you have to keep a close eye on the cam follower as they wear alot faster with the higher flow.
As far as the CEL goes, just get an O2 sensor spacer from 42 Draft Designs. That'll sort out the CEL if GIAC doesn't write it into their tune.

http://www.carformance.com.au/o2-sensor-spacer.html

[Tim]

As above. Its easy to get around the CEL whether its written in the software or not. I wouldnt use that as the basis of your decision.
The hpfp allows the tuners to go more aggressive at lower RPM. Its well worth it

[gh172]

The hpfp allows the tuners to go more aggressive at lower RPM. Its well worth it

I can't speak for the APR or GIAC stage 2+ tunes, but the bluefin stage 2+ tune doesn't make that much of a difference over stage 2, especially given the cost. Having said that, I have been thinking about changing tunes, I know you sell the a GIAC tunes Tim, so if you are assuring me that GIAC makes quite a noticeable gain over stage 2 with the addition of a HPFP then I'll definitely consider it.

[Tim]

Peak power figures arent that much different but the addition of the fuel pump see's you having to modulate the throttle a lot more in 2nd gear. Car becomes a real torque monster

[gh172]

I'd agree that it's very strong in 2nd, but I'd like more in 3rd.

[Tim]

Third really should be the hero gear as boost builds better than in 2nd usually. Traction usually isnt a major problem though with a K03.
All the tuners really do vary in how they deliver power though. GIAC tends to be quite aggressive so feels quicker than some tunes by the seat of the pants. There is a lot more to it than just dyno plots.

[auriga123]

Thanks for the reply guys,


With the O2 spacers, are they a proper solution ? because from what iv read its a bit of hit and miss, it worked sometimes. --> im undecided now between giac and APR

Regarding the engine being worn out, if I don't drive like a maniac and regular servicing, im fine ? Im not the sole owner/operator of the vehicle, i share it with the family.

Tim, seeing as your a specialist tuner, would the HPFP make the car more torquey, as thats what im really interested in.


Finally, how much of would the kw/Nm increase by having a stage 2+ tune+downpipe w/ high flowing cats + HPFP...200Kw/420Nm ? (stock is 147KW/280Nm-at the flywheel ofcourse)

Thanks guys

[Tim]

The spacers work fine in my experience. Also in regards to the O2 sensor issue your best bet is to go down and have a chat to Arthur at Exoticars in Parramatta. He will be able to ID your ECU and see what GIAC have on offer for you. There may be a software solution.

The fuel pumps add grunt in the mid range right where you need it in a daily driver.
Those power estimates would probably be close at the flywheel although its best not to get caught up too much in all those numbers. All cars will vary a little.

[parso_rex]

We code out the the O2 sensor issue in even our level 1 files just in case someone wants to fit an exhaust later, not that I go around telling every one .............Your car is easy.
It will be interesting to see how our level 1 files man up against the other options stage2 and 2+ files next dyno day

M

[auriga123]

Hey Mate

How does your tune compare to giac/APR, as you can see im getting a downpipe w hiflo cats +HPFP....so with those mods in mind how would an a R2 tune fair with the big boys ?

Might pop down to the shop and have a chat

We code out the the O2 sensor issue in even our level 1 files just in case someone wants to fit an exhaust later, not that I go around telling every one .............Your car is easy.
It will be interesting to see how our level 1 files man up against the other options stage2 and 2+ files next dyno day

M

[parso_rex]

Hey Mate

How does your tune compare to giac/APR, as you can see im getting a downpipe w hiflo cats +HPFP....so with those mods in mind how would an a R2 tune fair with the big boys ?

Might pop down to the shop and have a chat

Cool. As with all our tunes it will be at least on par if not better than the others(insert pokes out tongue smiley) as we can play with your car and tweak it accordingly and we can supply a dyno run to verify the gains .
Get an Autotech pump upgrade for yours, some new plugs and then a tune which takes advantage of the additional fuel supply along with the rest of your stuff and your laughing.

[gh172]

Wish you were in Perth 😥

[DNA Tuning]

Just poking my head in here to let you know that DNA Tuning is also an option to look at. We have extended our $880 bundle with includes our SRS-II handheld flashloader/switcher unit as well as your choice of 2x tunes, ie. a Stage 1 and Stage 2/2+/3, to suit your future planned hardware mods.

Generally speaking, a HPFP upgrade is not necessary unless you are wishing to run a tune that commands maximum mid range boost which can cause fuel cuts.

As some have noted, results do vary a little from car to car, but a healthy Stage 1 car running our tunes will result in 150+kW at the wheels on Dyno Dynamics rolling roads with <30degC ambient conditions; whilst Stage 2+ cars reach around the 165kW mark. What this really translates to at the crank is debatable, but realistically this is no greater than 200kW. The strength of 2.0T K03 cars is not in peak power however but the overall powerband, and in that regard, there are very noticeable gains than the peak power figures would suggest.

[auriga123]

Thanks for the info John,

I'm planning to go speak to major tuners in Sydney, including APR,giac and recode...is DNA tuning even in Sydney ?

Looking to get downpipes/HPFP/ECU tune done at a workshop, don't have the time (or patience) to hop from one place to another and will most likely just service my car with them, if i find they do a good job.