APR TVS1740 B7 RS4 Supercharger kit reliability discussion

**bscuit** · 05-18-2015 12:16 AM

Hi All,

I am from South Africa, I would just like to hear from owners of the APR TVS1740 Supercharger kit - what are their thoughts on the kit, and has anyone experienced problems with the engine? How many miles/kilometers done with the kit after installing. Thanks all

**Flying Tomatoes** · 05-18-2015 05:01 AM

I have had my TVS1740 blower on my car for about 11k miles now. It has been completely issue free other then one spark plug that went bad. Whether or not that is directly related is hard to say. If you have any specific concerns let me know. I know there are a few members on here with a lot more miles on theirs then mine.

**WinterRunner** · 05-18-2015 08:13 AM

FT, you need to change your signature to second-fastest now (Chuckles)

**bscuit** · 05-18-2015 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by Flying Tomatoes

I have had my TVS1740 blower on my car for about 11k miles now. It has been completely issue free other then one spark plug that went bad. Whether or not that is directly related is hard to say. If you have any specific concerns let me know. I know there are a few members on here with a lot more miles on theirs then mine.

Thanks for the response, we are busy fitting the kit on my car so I am really really excited. Did the spark plug cause any damage? Do you drive the car hard quite often? Any thing that I should be on the lookout for or not do etc..

**bscuit** · 05-18-2015 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by WinterRunner

FT, you need to change your signature to second-fastest now (Chuckles)

Who should be first?

**daytonars4** · 05-19-2015 06:12 AM

It's a good idea to do leakdown, compression, and oil analysis before you put the blower on. Last thing you would want to do is add that kind of power to a "weak" motor.

**Flying Tomatoes** · 05-19-2015 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by bscuit

Thanks for the response, we are busy fitting the kit on my car so I am really really excited. Did the spark plug cause any damage? Do you drive the car hard quite often? Any thing that I should be on the lookout for or not do etc..

No damage. The car started up with a miss fire and was smoking due to fuel dumping in that cylinder. We replaced all the plugs just to be safe and everything was back to normal. A compression and leak down test was done for good measure because the car had the blower on for about 11k miles at that point and everything came back fine. They also boroscoped it and found no issues.

I don't daily drive the car but it does get about 6-7k miles a year. Its ALWAYS driven hard though as many members her can vouch. I've done a few different track days, driving events etc and the car always performs.

Originally Posted by daytonars4

It's a good idea to do leakdown, compression, and oil analysis before you put the blower on. Last thing you would want to do is add that kind of power to a "weak" motor.

For the most part these cars are pretty stout but I think its definitely a good idea to go through these tests. Leak down and compression aren't the be all end of all ending health checks but they will give you a good bench mark to see how the motor is doing over time.

**KryptoniK** · 05-19-2015 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by daytonars4

It's a good idea to do leakdown, compression, and oil analysis before you put the blower on. Last thing you would want to do is add that kind of power to a "weak" motor.

Agreed!

In addition to what daytonars4 said... make sure to check/update the following:

- Air intake filter/MAF sensor (has the car had a K&N filter in the past? oils from the filter could alter the readings of the MAF, potential poor performance more noticeable with a supercharger application)
- Fuel system, health of high pressure/low pressure pumps, fuel filter change, health of fuel sensors.

In other words, make sure the car is up to date on oem maintenance. Sometimes the simplest thing can cause headaches.

**bluebull** · 05-19-2015 12:42 PM

The TVS1320 has been on my car for tens of thousands of miles and still running smooth.

FT - any thoughts on carbon cleaning time frames with the TVS's?

**XLR8 Craig** · 05-19-2015 12:59 PM

We have installed a few of these on regular customers cars and have never had any issues, and those cars are QUICK.

**Flying Tomatoes** · 05-19-2015 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by bluebull

The TVS1320 has been on my car for tens of thousands of miles and still running smooth.

FT - any thoughts on carbon cleaning time frames with the TVS's?

From what I have seen on multiple TVS1320 cars it has no positive affect on carbon build up. You are most likely encountering just as much carbon now as you were before the blower. However you probably don't notice the 10 missing HP as much when you have 500hp as opposed to when you have 300hp, if that makes sense, haha.

**bluebull** · 05-19-2015 04:06 PM

LOL...Figured... I just left a msg with APR to ask this, but... When the time comes, we can run stock intake gaskets?

**swesna** · 05-19-2015 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by bscuit

Thanks for the response, we are busy fitting the kit on my car so I am really really excited. Did the spark plug cause any damage? Do you drive the car hard quite often? Any thing that I should be on the lookout for or not do etc..

maybe i should ask about the reliability of a kit after i start installing...makes sense

**bscuit** · 05-19-2015 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by swesna

maybe i should ask about the reliability of a kit after i start installing...makes sense

Maybe you should read my thread on our Local Forum. I've had the kit since October last year...

http://www.audiclubsa.org.za/cgi-bin...num=1428549092

**bscuit** · 05-19-2015 10:35 PM

Thanks for everyone's input, really appreciate it. Very happy to hear that this kit is solid - I believed it was a solid kit before, just needed some reassurance after I read some misleading threads out there, I am looking forward to getting my car this week

**Sales@DriveAuto** · 05-20-2015 07:41 AM

We've installed a bunch of these (and the earlier units) - they've all been really solid. And all the cars are seriously quick, so have no fear!

**kelseysautobody** · 05-20-2015 08:36 AM

So who ended up paying for your blown motor?

**EUROSWAGR** · 05-20-2015 10:24 AM

It's funny how none of the "known" negative aspects get brought up..

- Probably not important to the OP, but this kit will not pass most stateside emission inspections
- Meem had his engine blow...hasn't been heard from since
- GRD tuning, still probably doesn't have a motor in their car
- One other member had some tuning and part throttle issues, which were supposedly fixed after he publicly announced the issues while getting the run around from APR

**daytonars4** · 05-20-2015 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by bscuit

Hi All,

I am from South Africa, I would just like to hear from owners of the APR TVS1740 Supercharger kit - what are their thoughts on the kit, and has anyone experienced problems with the engine? How many miles/kilometers done with the kit after installing. Thanks all

Did you even bother to read Ops post before responding EURO? What impact does stateside emissions have on someone living in South Africa? Meems situation played out publicly here didn't it? Where there was an issue with install/non-sc related parts from day 1? Are you saying the tune was revised and now there's no issue, but that's still an issue? And public info about GRD's shop car is about as readily available as info about the JHM Stage 2 S/C.

**Corbett** · 05-20-2015 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by EUROSWAGR

It's funny how none of the "known" negative aspects get brought up..

- Probably not important to the OP, but this kit will not pass most stateside emission inspections
- Meem had his engine blow...hasn't been heard from since
- GRD tuning, still probably doesn't have a motor in their car
- One other member had some tuning and part throttle issues, which were supposedly fixed after he publicly announced the issues while getting the run around from APR

Meanwhile, crickets on the Michigan rs4 with JHM SC that the Audi dealer diagnosed as having zero compression on one cylinder. And then was swiftly shipped to JHM from Michigan for a"built motor"

**Flying Tomatoes** · 05-20-2015 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by EUROSWAGR

It's funny how none of the "known" negative aspects get brought up..

I'd be more then happy to address these items for you.

Originally Posted by EUROSWAGR

- Probably not important to the OP, but this kit will not pass most stateside emission inspections

This issue has been discussed to death and needs to be researched by each perspective buyer as it pertains to their local municipality.

There are no other aftermarket superchargers that LEGALLY pass state emissions testing.

Not sure what emissions has to do with long term reliability?

Originally Posted by EUROSWAGR

- Meem had his engine blow...hasn't been heard from since

Meem addressed this publicly. I'll copy and paste his post for you here:

Originally Posted by Meem

Got forwarded a link to this post from a friend. I try to steer clear of Internet drama, but there comes a limit, even for me.

First, if you wanted to know what's up with my car, my email address is readily available. I don't recall seeing an email from you. Too bad, because I am more than happy to share what I know. As such, I must conclude you're just interested in stirring the pot and/or attacking people. (Personally, I can't imagine being so bored as to play what-if games with enthusiast's cars and lives.)

Second, there are a number of things wrong in your post. Let me clear up a few of the more egregious ones:

Ben did not source the wrong-size injectors. The injectors were OEM Hitachi and were correct for the car. This was checked at the time of install, and re-checked when they were removed. Moreover, numerous others have bought injectors from exactly the same source without any problems.
Based on input from several people (including Ben), I made the decision to replace the injectors during the install. My car, my decision.
The kit was not "taken apart". Further, Ben explicitly asked for my permission to measure some components of the kit, and also explicitly asked for my permission to share those measurements with AMD. These were requests I was happy to grant, as I would be for anyone on any forum. I do not regard APR's externally-visible engineering decisions as any sort of secret.

Some things you have right. He has been a real friend to me, and I am happy to stand up for him here or anywhere else. (Yes, I understand your sarcasm.)

It is also true that my car had significant problems under WOT that were eventually root-caused to defective injectors. However, again, the injectors were -- per their silkscreened labels, boxes, and overall appearance -- correct for the car. Shit happens.

As for the subsequent problems with my car, I've said little because I prefer to speak when I have facts. The problems it's been having confounded even extremely-experienced shops, and moreover it has been very difficult to tease apart which problems were inherent in APR's kit, what problems were due to damage caused from the defective injectors, and what problems were pre-existing with my car (e.g., at 90K miles -- 5K before the blower was installed -- a scored camshaft lobe led to a head being replaced. Neither APR nor Ben had anything to do with that).

The car is now up and running, and I plan to take it to 034's dyno day in a few hours (though I will be dyno'ing my supercharged M3 instead). I will be sharing more about my car there, and online once I have the time. Rest assured it will not be on this forum, but I'm confident someone will nonetheless create a dramatic post here with little clippings from other forums and whatnot. Sigh.

Off to enjoy my cars :-)
meem

Next...

Originally Posted by EUROSWAGR

- GRD tuning, still probably doesn't have a motor in their car

GRD has had their RS4 in their hands for quite some time, feel free to call them and ask about it. I don't know what this has to do with reliability?

Originally Posted by EUROSWAGR

- One other member had some tuning and part throttle issues, which were supposedly fixed after he publicly announced the issues while getting the run around from APR

The revised tune was already being worked on when he posted. IIRC he was quite pleased when he received the new revision. The version two tune for the TVS1740 is now standards flashed with all newly installed blowers. I wouldn't call that a reliability issue either?

Anything else?

**str8blst** · 05-20-2015 10:58 AM

Mechanically my car has been fine (currently around 90K total miles on car, 1320 previously installed and swapped to 1740 around 3k miles ago)... There were some issues with the tune. However recently we data logged the car and APR sent out a new tune (about 1-2 weeks ago) and the car seems to be running much better. (haven't driven the car yet myself with the new tune) Car is at my tuner/shop (Drive Auto) and Hopefully should be back in my hands in the next day or two. I will report back. Those who have followed my posts know that I did have some challenges with this kit, mostly related to the tune ... only other issue I had was my clutch slipping (not sure what it was previous owner installed it) so it was replace with JHM 5R and is now 100%....

*the car Euro was referring to was/is mine.... he's right... APR did take several months to get a revision to me. It ran better with new revision but not 100% perfect... Our recent datalog we sent to APR seems to have given them a clear picture of what's going on and the new tune I got is supposedly worlds better. When I pick up my car I will report back. Those that know me know I have nothing to hide and am honest about my experiences... good and bad.

**EUROSWAGR** · 05-20-2015 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by str8blst

Mechanically my car has been fine (currently around 90K total miles on car, 1320 previously installed and swapped to 1740 around 3k miles ago)... There were some issues with the tune. However recently we data logged the car and APR sent out a new tune (about 1-2 weeks ago) and the car seems to be running much better. (haven't driven the car yet myself with the new tune) Car is at my tuner/shop (Drive Auto) and Hopefully should be back in my hands in the next day or two. I will report back. Those who have followed my posts know that I did have some challenges with this kit, mostly related to the tune ... only other issue I had was my clutch slipping (not sure what it was previous owner installed it) so it was replace with JHM 5R and is now 100%....

*the car Euro was referring to was/is mine.... he's right... APR did take several months to get a revision to me. It ran better with new revision but not 100% perfect... Our recent datalog we sent to APR seems to have given them a clear picture of what's going on and the new tune I got is supposedly worlds better. When I pick up my car I will report back. Those that know me know I have nothing to hide and am honest about my experiences... good and bad.

I wasn't trying to get you involved in BS, but your experience should be part of this debate/thread.

I was also under the assumption this issue was fixed months ago, I thought you posted about it, but I guess they just got you the new tune. I hope it fixes your issues.

**kelseysautobody** · 05-20-2015 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Corbett

Meanwhile, crickets on the Michigan rs4 with JHM SC that the Audi dealer diagnosed as having zero compression on one cylinder. And then was swiftly shipped to JHM from Michigan for a"built motor"

What exactly does this have to do with the APR kit's reliability?

**Corbett** · 05-20-2015 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by kelseysautobody

What exactly does this have to do with the APR kit's reliability?

Nothing. It has to do with Eurogagr posting vague claims about kits he doesn't like. It's a script I have run automatically whenever he posts the word "meem"

**str8blst** · 05-20-2015 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by EUROSWAGR

I wasn't trying to get you involved in BS, but your experience should be part of this debate/thread.

I was also under the assumption this issue was fixed months ago, I thought you posted about it, but I guess they just got you the new tune. I hope it fixes your issues.

No worries Euro! I saw this post and definitely felt the need to contribute.... While the tune I got late last year did help fix a number of things (part throttle being the biggest issue) when i got the car out of storage this spring it started having misfires and a weird issue at part throttle again in 2nd gear. APR suggested data logging the car to help trouble shoot. Once they received the log they sent a revision to the tune. I am hoping that this will be the last of my "tuning" issues. The kit mechanically has had no issues. never left me stranded etc.... We even did a leak down and compression test maybe three/four weeks ago and everything came back fine.

**koolade9** · 05-20-2015 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by Corbett

It's a script I have run automatically whenever he posts the word "meem"

**Mikerpalmer** · 05-20-2015 02:28 PM

I had the the newer kit installed on my cab about 1 year ago. Have not had one mechanical issue with the kit. Looks good and all components fit nicely. I also upgraded to a new JHM clutch based on a recommendation from APR and the shop that did the work. I have only a few minor issues already listed in this tread. It will not pass St. Louis, MO inspections as several of the sensors come up in a not ready state. The tune is not perfect and shows problems at take off in first gear (a bit of hesitation but manageable) and the car has a tendency to die if you do not downshift through the gears when coming to a complete stop (only happens about 10-15% of the time and only if you coast, with the clutch in, to a stop). There is a new tune update out but am waiting to have it installed on the car when it's final as the shop I use is 4 hours away. I am not too worried as tunes are never perfect with any supercharger out the gate. Always take a few revisions to get it right based on my experience.

The power is very impressive and I highly recommend it to anyone on the fence. Always puts a smile on my face and scares the crap out of my kids and wife. :)

**bangoman** · 05-20-2015 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by Mikerpalmer

The tune is not perfect and shows problems at take off in first gear (a bit of hesitation but manageable) and the car has a tendency to die if you do not downshift through the gears when coming to a complete stop (only happens about 10-15% of the time and only if you coast, with the clutch in, to a stop). There is a new tune update out but am waiting to have it installed on the car when it's final as the shop I use is 4 hours away. I am not too worried as tunes are never perfect with any supercharger out the gate. Always take a few revisions to get it right based on my experience.

Sounds kind of lame you're having those sorts of problems. IIRC APR has home flashing. Have you looked into buying the cable for $150 and saving yourself the time and the gas money? At least then you can get those revisions no problem when they are released.

**Flying Tomatoes** · 05-20-2015 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by bangoman

Sounds kind of lame you're having those sorts of problems. IIRC APR has home flashing. Have you looked into buying the cable for $150 and saving yourself the time and the gas money? At least then you can get those revisions no problem when they are released.

Home flashing is not available on this platform.

Funny how all the most concerned parties in this thread are those who don't own this supercharger.

**bangoman** · 05-20-2015 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by Flying Tomatoes

Home flashing is not available on this platform.

Funny how all the most concerned parties in this thread are those who don't own this supercharger.

I made some assumptions derived from this (http://www.goapr.com/news/2014/09/17...t-programming/) and the fact home flashing is available to an RS4 via JHM who use APR's network and an APR designed cable (https://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catal...2v-p-1381.html).

I'm happy to admit I'm wrong and move with my life. You come after me for not owning a supercharger on my RS4? By that standard you should go after Corbett in ALL threads in this forum for not even owning a fucking RS4.

Yeah thought not.

**Corbett** · 05-20-2015 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by bangoman

By that standard you should go after Corbett in ALL threads in this forum for not even owning a fucking RS4.

Yeah thought not.

How do you know what I own and what I don't? Lol

**Flying Tomatoes** · 05-20-2015 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by bangoman

I'm happy to admit I'm wrong and move with my life. You come after me for not owning a supercharger on my RS4? By that standard you should go after Corbett in ALL threads in this forum for not even owning a fucking RS4.

Care to happily admit you are wrong again? Lol

**bangoman** · 05-20-2015 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Corbett

How do you know what I own and what I don't? Lol

Originally Posted by Flying Tomatoes

Care to happily admit you are wrong again? Lol

Please tell me more about your RS4 I'm very excited for you

**Corbett** · 05-20-2015 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by bangoman

Please tell me more about your RS4 I'm very excited for you

Don't listen to Trollmato.....

**mec** · 05-20-2015 08:54 PM

lolololol i was here

**EUROSWAGR** · 05-21-2015 04:35 AM

Wait...is this guys really playing the honest, unbiased, regular old customer review...?

Yeah this guy..

I'm sure everyone else benefitted financially from there APR supercharger purchase like FT...and he probably has a direct line to the calibrator of the kit and for sure Arin@APR. His car was used at every show after the supercharger release. APR could never let this car have an issue...and even if it did we would NEVER EVER hear about it. I'm not saying it did or didn't, but any logical person knows that FT would never disclose one issue about the kit, maybe he can't or he will have to pay APR full price.

It's obvious numerous people have had drivability issues they weren't happy with. We would be fools to believe FT never had any of these tune issues because it's the same fucking tune on all the cars. Unless of course he has a super special tune with no issues because his car was APR getting hand groomed...and if that is the case should anyone be listening to his review if he is an "extra special" customer.

Sure he owns the kit, but his input and review is about as worthless as a guy who doesn't even own an RS4.

**Mikerpalmer** · 05-21-2015 05:18 AM

IIRC APR has home flashing. Have you looked into buying the cable for $150 and saving yourself the time and the gas money? At least then you can get those revisions no problem when they are released.

I have asked but this option, but the feature came out with tunes after the release of the kit so it's not available. The guys I use are pretty awesome (House of VW) and have actual driven up to St. Louis from Joplin to pick up my car before (about 4 hours away). The few quarks in the tune are not bad at all and I can wait until the update is solid.