DTUK Tuning Box - What's inside

[onerazorsharp]

Hey all,

Just throwing this up to show the unboxing of the DTUK unit. This is the newest version and has the revised v3 file and controls.





Lots of goodies in that little box.


Thought this paper was hilarious. Tells about how you can cure your depression with HP, cheeseburgers, and alcohol.
















Tuning Box and Dead Plug side by side - remove box and insert dead plug before service. NO TD1




I'm definitely impressed with the quality of the harness and the box itself. Very clear write up is included for install with pictures as well. I'll be doing a DIY write up once I install - then review.

[zzimbile]

Very interested in this thread. I would love to hear your input vs. the other input from the Neuspeed Power Module.

[onerazorsharp]

Very interested in this thread. I would love to hear your input vs. the other input from the Neuspeed Power Module.

I'll try and have my car Dyno'd when I can - hopefully there'll be a dyno day.

Do we know which type of dyno they used on the Neuspeed? I'd hate to have mine put on a mustang dyno when they did a dynopack.

Overally, I fully expect higher results than the Neuspeed unit, but we shall let the numbers do the talking.

Neuspeed Unit:
Stock Dyno Run W/ Cold air intake:
Max Power @ the wheels: 243.06
Max Torque @ the wheels: 251.79

Power Module Run W/Cold Air Intake:
Power Module Runs:
Max Power @ the wheels: 280.10
Max Torque @ the wheels: 289.89

[zzimbile]

I'll try and have my car Dyno'd when I can - hopefully there'll be a dyno day.

Do we know which type of dyno they used on the Neuspeed? I'd hate to have mine put on a mustang dyno when they did a dynopack.

Overally, I fully expect higher results than the Neuspeed unit, but we shall let the numbers do the talking.

Neuspeed Unit:
Stock Dyno Run W/ Cold air intake:
Max Power @ the wheels: 243.06
Max Torque @ the wheels: 251.79

Power Module Run W/Cold Air Intake:
Power Module Runs:
Max Power @ the wheels: 280.10
Max Torque @ the wheels: 289.89

Yea those gains are not even close, definitely expect the DTUK box to be better overall. I am not only interested in the power gains (which you pointed out), but also the difference between install, interface usability and safety. I know the DTUK can produce those numbers, just curious how they do that exactly and if its reliable. I ran a piggy back on my old car so I am not hating on the unit, just trying to be informed.

Also, can you use the DTUK box on a stock car without any other mods?

[onerazorsharp]

Yea those gains are not even close, definitely expect the DTUK box to be better overall. I am not only interested in the power gains (which you pointed out), but also the difference between install, interface usability and safety. I know the DTUK can produce those numbers, just curious how they do that exactly and if its reliable. I ran a piggy back on my old car so I am not hating on the unit, just trying to be informed.

Also, can you use the DTUK box on a stock car without any other mods?

The interface/usability will be much more dynamic with essentially 9+ settings. I say + because you can change the settings to reduce power as well. Ya know, in case you want to valet the car .

As for reliability, that was my main concern as well. I spent a lot of time on the phone and email with Andrew from DTUK. AMAZING support. This name is not big in the states, and the tuning box is already in question for this vehicle. At the same time, the concept of the tuning box has been around for some time - major distributors like MTM & ABT have been moving toward this solution - partly what gave me enough confidence to consider it (not to mention that some of the most reliable methods on BMW's are tuning boxes). They do, however, come with limited warranties whereas the DTUK does not. Hence the pricing of the MTM and ABT units.

Any case, DTE Germany has been testing these for over a year on the 8V S3. You can see the one of the pormo releases for this unit on a dyno here. They've made some revisions to the unit, particularly having to do with engine safety and usability. The unit did not previously have an interface (button) that you could change the maps with. As you can see in the pictures, the tuning box now has that. I don't believe the Neuspeed unit has variable map settings.

Right now, the version 3, has been designed for a completely stock vehicle. It's also designed for premium fuel, taking into account our shitty stuff here in the states (91+). I'm sure you could free up the airways with a TIP + intake and not have any problems, but I did hear they are working on a 4th program that will act as a stage 2. No idea what the requirements will be for that. Since it's the same unit, Andrew has stated that any revisions can be updated on the box - you'd just need to send it back. I believe he pays for 1/2 the shipping (1 way), and the shipping was insanely fast. I ordered mine on a Tuesday evening and got it on a Friday. no special shipping.

[m3brad]

A thread to follow

[coolwater]

Very nice and excited to see more piggyback options for our cars. Subscribed.

-cW

[onerazorsharp]

Since there doesn't seem to be a clean mounting position for the module, I've started to fab up a mount that will go behind the drivers side headlight. Materials arrived today - excited to get started.

Testing should start some time this weekend. Will post initial review and get some logs.

[coolwater]

Sounds like it will look proper when completed. Can't wait to see your numbers.

-cW

[onerazorsharp]

Teaser photo - mock up of a mount for tuning module.

[BayAreaS3]

What is the difference between this and the neuspeed ?

[onerazorsharp]

What is the difference between this and the neuspeed ?

I would say this module is slightly more aggressive. I'll be posting some numbers when I get it on the dyno. Also, the neuspeed module only has two ports that it plugs into from what I've seen. I'm not sure which one it doesn't have compared to the DTUK unit. Its likely that it doesn't take as many sensor reading because of this - the assumption being that more is better. I wouldn't say its any less reliable for having less ports though.

I did get the unit installed today and the first impression is wow. In program 3 +3 setting this car f'in hustles. I'll write more in the install post, but damn this car just jumped to a whole new level of fun. Very hopeful to find someone local in MN with a flash to compare.

[coolwater]

Very nice! Did you have to get under the car to plug into the boost sensor?

-cW

[onerazorsharp]

I did ya, the bottom boost sensor is down there. Very very easy though. 10 little t25 screws to take cover off and voila, it was right there. Was glad to have pics with install directions too.

[coolwater]

Kool. Yeah sounds like pretty straight forward. Will check in with you for longterm feedback.

-cW

[13B]

It appears that for spark ignited engines, such as the S3, that this unit intercepts map as well as fuel signal. But it does not intercept ignition signal?

Another question, does the S3 operate entirely in closed loop?

[WildHareMS]

Damn. If I was within a couple hours of your location, I'd run my A3 against you for comparison.

[EmmanueleDesign]

It appears that for spark ignited engines, such as the S3, that this unit intercepts map as well as fuel signal. But it does not intercept ignition signal?

Another question, does the S3 operate entirely in closed loop?

We ran this unit on our project S3 for a period. It does not intercept fuel signal, thus relying on the wideband to make adjustments. We saw some pretty dangerous lean spikes when data logging (16:1 at peak torque).

[13B]

We ran this unit on our project S3 for a period. It does not intercept fuel signal, thus relying on the wideband to make adjustments. We saw some pretty dangerous lean spikes when data logging (16:1 at peak torque).

Thanks for the info!

[coolwater]

We ran this unit on our project S3 for a period. It does not intercept fuel signal, thus relying on the wideband to make adjustments. We saw some pretty dangerous lean spikes when data logging (16:1 at peak torque).

Was that the neuspeed unit? From what I read on their site, they do adjust for fueling.
"These systems now include our Stage 2 CRD-T system which connects and controls both the fuelling and boost to give an even smoother power delivery, and a marked improvement in bhp and torque."

Interesting read from their FAQ section. http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/faqs.php

Q) Can a DTUK tuning system damage my engine or its ancillaries?
A) DTUK tuning systems are designed and manufactured by DTE Systems of Germany to exacting standards and meet with TüV approval, probably the most stringent testing standard in the world. All systems are developed to work within the confines of the vehicle manufacturers safety parameters. We have never had, to our knowledge, an incident where our unit has been responsible for any engine or engine related problem. Virtually, all incidents reported to us at DTUK can be attributed to customer misfitment. For additional peace of mind all systems are shipped with a, non-transferable, 3 year warranty Diesel Tuning UK Warranty.

-cW

[EmmanueleDesign]

Was that the neuspeed unit? From what I read on their site, they do adjust for fueling.
"These systems now include our Stage 2 CRD-T system which connects and controls both the fuelling and boost to give an even smoother power delivery, and a marked improvement in bhp and torque."

Interesting read from their FAQ section. http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/faqs.php

Q) Can a DTUK tuning system damage my engine or its ancillaries?
A) DTUK tuning systems are designed and manufactured by DTE Systems of Germany to exacting standards and meet with TüV approval, probably the most stringent testing standard in the world. All systems are developed to work within the confines of the vehicle manufacturers safety parameters. We have never had, to our knowledge, an incident where our unit has been responsible for any engine or engine related problem. Virtually, all incidents reported to us at DTUK can be attributed to customer misfitment. For additional peace of mind all systems are shipped with a, non-transferable, 3 year warranty Diesel Tuning UK Warranty.

-cW

No, it was the DTUK unit. They must have just added the fuel sensor recently, as our last conversation with Andrew was regarding this.

[coolwater]

No, it was the DTUK unit. They must have just added the fuel sensor recently, as our last conversation with Andrew was regarding this.

Yeah not sure, do the sensor taps pictured above look exactly like the unit you tested?

-cW

[EmmanueleDesign]

It was the FSR+, with inputs for both boost sensors and the camshaft sensor. I know they were working on integrating the fuel sensor, so that makes sense. Ours was purchased about 2 months ago.

[13B]

Was that the neuspeed unit? From what I read on their site, they do adjust for fueling.
"These systems now include our Stage 2 CRD-T system which connects and controls both the fuelling and boost to give an even smoother power delivery, and a marked improvement in bhp and torque."

Interesting read from their FAQ section. http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/faqs.php

Q) Can a DTUK tuning system damage my engine or its ancillaries?
A) DTUK tuning systems are designed and manufactured by DTE Systems of Germany to exacting standards and meet with TüV approval, probably the most stringent testing standard in the world. All systems are developed to work within the confines of the vehicle manufacturers safety parameters. We have never had, to our knowledge, an incident where our unit has been responsible for any engine or engine related problem. Virtually, all incidents reported to us at DTUK can be attributed to customer misfitment. For additional peace of mind all systems are shipped with a, non-transferable, 3 year warranty Diesel Tuning UK Warranty.

-cW

There does not appear to be anything within TUV with regards to actual engine operation. It appears to be a standard of quality assurance and design implementation during development and manufacture of the hardware. But that's the limit of my Holiday Inn Express expertise of it.

I've tuned various cars (near all rotary engines), and with one in particular just adjustment of boost and fuel. It worked well enough and was engine-safe, but not ideal from a complete tuning standpoint. Not taking control of ignition simply limits how much power you can attain, or how much more boost you can safely use. Ignition timing is key to detonation prevention.

I buy that with boost and fuel compensation of some sort, that this is a solution that can moderately give some engine-safe power...but I guess I'm still trying to wrap my head around exactly how this works.

Anyway, very much looking forward to any feedback that anyone is willing to share.

[coolwater]

I'm all for a proper tune. Ran GIAC before and was very happy with it.

Issue is really AOA has been better at detecting ecu tunes even when flashing back to stock. So this is a way to get some more power that so far in undetectable.

Once warranty is up, then a proper ecu flash with stage 2+ power would likely be better.

-cW

[onerazorsharp]

I'm all for a proper tune. Ran GIAC before and was very happy with it.

Issue is really AOA has been better at detecting ecu tunes even when flashing back to stock. So this is a way to get some more power that so far in undetectable.

Once warranty is up, then a proper ecu flash with stage 2+ power would likely be better.

-cW

Yup, this is exactly it. Once my warranty is up on the vehicle, or even close to it, I'll be going with a stage 2 setup and an actual flash. Like you 13B, I've done my fair share of tuning in the past, but I've almost always been an advocate of catering to each specific application. So this is new territory for me - treading on the line of comfort. APR, GIAC, MTM, I've had all of these on my old cars - and they're great. However, I would be much more interested in something like the full maestro tuning suite for this vehicle down the line. That's pretty far off right now as I understand it.

So in the mean time, I'm going to be running the tuning box. But this is not a permanent solution for me at all. I don't care to hear this "pay to play" analogy about tuning and TD1 while I have warranty. I'm not going to give this car the TD1 Audi AIDS until I know I'm going to keep it. WHETHER or not this tuning box is safe enough for a year or two on this vehicle seems to be a hotter topic than pro-choice.

Thomas has gone through a lot of work to produce some very valuable information about this Tuning Box solution, which is very much appreciated - EmmanueleDesign is a great contributor to this forum. However, to maintain an objective point of veiw, and not necessarily to disprove his summary, I'm going to run some logs as well and publish them here. Being a vendor for DTUK's competition does not make me feel the best about the review results. Not to mention, Thomas, I've not forgotten about the many times I've asked for the same logs on your GIAC testing (a/f ratios) - or the neuspeed module for that matter (both of which you sell)...

Either way, sorry for the delay in getting a review and a DIY posted - I'm putting that together soon. For the logs, I am working on getting some free time out of my Tech from Audi.

Thomas, you should post your link to page/post 155 (DTUK) on here. I can't seem to find it. I think it's important for everyone to see those logs.

[EmmanueleDesign]

Yup, this is exactly it. Once my warranty is up on the vehicle, or even close to it, I'll be going with a stage 2 setup and an actual flash. Like you 13B, I've done my fair share of tuning in the past, but I've almost always been an advocate of catering to each specific application. So this is new territory for me - treading on the line of comfort. APR, GIAC, MTM, I've had all of these on my old cars - and they're great. However, I would be much more interested in something like the full maestro tuning suite for this vehicle down the line. That's pretty far off right now as I understand it.

So in the mean time, I'm going to be running the tuning box. But this is not a permanent solution for me at all. I don't care to hear this "pay to play" analogy about tuning and TD1 while I have warranty. I'm not going to give this car the TD1 Audi AIDS until I know I'm going to keep it. WHETHER or not this tuning box is safe enough for a year or two on this vehicle seems to be a hotter topic than pro-choice.

Thomas has gone through a lot of work to produce some very valuable information about this Tuning Box solution, which is very much appreciated - EmmanueleDesign is a great contributor to this forum. However, to maintain an objective point of veiw, and not necessarily to disprove his summary, I'm going to run some logs as well and publish them here. Being a vendor for DTUK's competition does not make me feel the best about the review results. Not to mention, Thomas, I've not forgotten about the many times I've asked for the same logs on your GIAC testing (a/f ratios) - or the neuspeed module for that matter (both of which you sell)...

Either way, sorry for the delay in getting a review and a DIY posted - I'm putting that together soon. For the logs, I am working on getting some free time out of my Tech from Audi.

Thomas, you should post your link to page/post 155 (DTUK) on here. I can't seem to find it. I think it's important for everyone to see those logs.

Here you go:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10582243

[onerazorsharp]

review posted:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...TUK-FSR-Review