Fuel economy on SQ5 stage 1?

[tneconni]

My question I suppose is: how does an ecu chip to stage 1 affect gas mileage?

My concern is less from a cost perspective - the SQ5 isn't terribly fuel efficient as is - but getting gas every 5 days feels like a chore as is. My understanding of turbochargers is that chips typically improve fuel economy - but that is because they allow the engine to take advantage of waste energy more efficiently.

That said...from what I've read about the supercharger system on the 3.0T, under partial throttle it bleeds pressurized air out of the combustion system - so if that air were put into the engine perhaps fuel economy wouldn't suffer since the supercharger belt is being driven no matter what?

So what the answer? Both theoretical and real world input would be much appreciated!

[tmoe]

My question I suppose is: how does an ecu chip to stage 1 affect gas mileage?

My concern is less from a cost perspective - the SQ5 isn't terribly fuel efficient as is - but getting gas every 5 days feels like a chore as is. My understanding of turbochargers is that chips typically improve fuel economy - but that is because they allow the engine to take advantage of waste energy more efficiently.

That said...from what I've read about the supercharger system on the 3.0T, under partial throttle it bleeds pressurized air out of the combustion system - so if that air were put into the engine perhaps fuel economy wouldn't suffer since the supercharger belt is being driven no matter what?

So what the answer? Both theoretical and real world input would be much appreciated!

Stage 1 or 2 you're gas mileage won't be worse than stock. My personal experience with stg 1 and 2 on a Q5 3.0 is mileage is slightly better around town (as long as you drive for mileage) on the highway I get 27-29mpg with AC on cruise set 73-75mph which is a couple mpg higher than what I got stock. The SQ5 gearing is slightly different (geared for performance) so your mileage might be a little lower than a Q5 but I'd think not by much. It won't be a TDI but I'm quite happy with mid - high 20's on the highway.

[q5 dave]

Is this a serious question?.. Ever since I tuned my q5 several months ago I cannot keep my foot off the gas pedal! The downpipes+exhaust have only made mileage worse


If filling up every 5 days is too much of an inconvenience trade in for a TDI or hybrid. Boom, problem solved.

[tneconni]

Somehow my question of "what is the fuel economy difference" isn't really answered by "buy a TDI or hybrid."

Also - as I live in a major metropolitan area that suffers from what some refer to as "traffic," I'll only be able to experience the joys of full throttle operation on occasion. The rest of the time fuel economy is a non-trivial concern.

[Dino757]

I've had my Stage 1 tune for a month now, and I drive 600 miles a week. I've been getting over 20mpg since I got the tune, which is amazing because I drive it like I stole it. I'm getting 23 mpg ,when it's all hwy..... and I drive like a madman.... Did I already say that? Constantly downshifting two gears and running it fast... Quick runs to 90 and 100 most days.... Accelerating around exit ramps at 4,000 rpm's...... I've had plenty of fast cars, but this one crazy. Drove around with a friend who drives at VIR, watching me drive exits. He recommended that I drive outside lines, instead of insides, on curves because of the understeer in a Quattro. Holy Crap was he right. Just drive towards the outside line till you don't want to go any further and turn the wheel.

AMAZING

[rgvsq5]

My MPG with Stage 2+ is somewhere between and .

In all actuality, I have a heavy foot. Mixed hwy and city driving I average around 16-17mpg.