Stage 1 APR tune on 2001 A4

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Hey guys, long time lurker around here for small issues and finding info out about my car. I've been looking into a APR stage 1 tune for my 2001 audi a4, not sure if it is the 2001.5. I did use the search button, but can't find much on the first few pages about "tuning." Been doing a lot research the past few days and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do the directport programming flash or have to have my ecu stripped from the car and sent to the APR hq to have it done. Would anyone be able to fill me in on if the 2001 audi a4 can be DPP or if the ecu will have to be removed. If this helps it is a AMB motor, sorry I don't know much more that I can provide ahead of time so you can give me a better idea, thanks in advance!

[redline380]

An AMB motor? Either you have a B6 and are oblivious about it, you have an AWM that bent valves and the head was replaced with a used AMB head, or you have problems discerning the English language.

Considering you wrote a comprehensive paragraph, I doubt you're problems are with identifying English letters. A B6 is very difficult to mistake for a B5, so I doubt that is it.

I am guessing you have a 2001 AWM block with an AMB head. It says AMB on the flange of the head, right? I am making some assumptions here.

Okay, so here is the plan. I want a picture of your car, and a picture of why you think you have an AMB engine.

Also, APR does direct port flashing? Huh, didn't know that.

Sorry, I got side tracked. I didnt even know APR does direct port flashing on B5's. I am more concerned about this AMB in a B5 dilemma.

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I didn't think APR did a direct port flash either, but after a bit of scanning through threads and talking to my APR dealer 30 minutes away they said that it depends on which b5 I had, if it was a drive by wire, etc. Sorry I'm so confused with this because I have read a lot of different things telling me otherwise, I just didn't want to waste money to go down to try and get the direct port flash and end up them telling me they have to remove it and send it to APR and have it done, which would add up the cost when I can just remove it myself and send it to ecstuning and have it done for 500$ flat, I just didn't want to be carless for a few days and want to spend my money right. Haha no believe me it is a b5 :) and yeah it does say AMB on the flange of the head, I'll go take a picture for you right now, I'll have it up in 5-10 minutes tops.

[redline380]

As far as I know, 2001 and 2001.5 ECU's are nearly identical, AKA one will work in the other and vice versa. The VIN split should mean squat to APR as far as port flashing goes.

Okay, so to end this once and for all, either give us your VIN, or better yet, open up the ECU box and let us know if you have an M or CH box ECU.

[traplord]

Heres the the part of the engine that says AMB, I know for certain that it is the b5 :) one sec on the VIN number please and I would get into the ecu box, but its dark out and have never done so before and don't wanna mess anything up

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Vin# waudc68d01a013522

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As far as I know, 2001 and 2001.5 ECU's are nearly identical, AKA one will work in the other and vice versa. The VIN split should mean squat to APR as far as port flashing goes.

Okay, so to end this once and for all, either give us your VIN, or better yet, open up the ECU box and let us know if you have an M or CH box ECU.

When you said the VIN split should mean squat to APR as far as port flashing goes. What do you mean by that, is port flashing completely out of the picture for me?

[traplord]

Also excuse the dirty engine bay, haven't tooken it to get cleaned since i bought her "a year ago" lol, and been pretty bad weather lately in my part of the woods so haven't washed her

[chaoticdopey]

yes APR has port flashing, i was about to get my 1999.5 flashed untill they said i needed it to be chipped, as i live in SoCal also, i drove to EuroCode in Torrance and they took about an hour to chip my ECM, it actually costed less than the port flash, i dont know why but thats what they said...I was told EuroCode is the only APR dealer in California that can actually chip it instead of sending it in to APR

[AudiSport12]

Replace all of those braided vacuum lines with some nice silicone ones before you tune. Also, I would suggest getting a boost gauge first if you don't have one already.

[gmx]

id just get a tune/ecu from k0mpressed on here. Probably be 1/2 the cost but obviously limited or no support. On the other thand I don't think APR give a stuff about 15 yr old platforms either unless you're dealer is bidding.
You should really do the basic health checks and maintenance on your engine before getting a flash. That oily film all over it suggests the first point of call... PCV tract.

[traplord]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'll definitely look into replacing the vacuum lines and doing an overall health check on my car before flashing or chipping. Probably gonna clean the engine today, which I hate doing lol....

[UCFQuattroguy]

id just get a tune/ecu from k0mpressed on here. Probably be 1/2 the cost but obviously limited or no support. On the other thand I don't think APR give a stuff about 15 yr old platforms...

^^^ this. APR is in the business of selling "one size fits all" tunes. The B5 platform was never given the development to go into separate Stage 2 files to account for test pipes/exhaust (I'm not talking about the 02 code-out...K03 boost onset is more aggressive sans-cat). If I remember correctly, the revision date on my AWM tune from APR was something like 2004...so yea. Lots has been learned since then with what can be done with ME7 (think 2-step LC, Anti-lag, etc.) There are other tuners that have come to market (kompressed, Motoza, Gonzo, etc) recently that: 1. Have found a little more torque and power than the 'old guard', and 2. Still truly 'support' the 1.8T engine.

[clause$]

I would go with one from k0mpressed as well. Picked mine up on here earlier this year for like $225. Kept my stock ecu as backup. Super happy with it.

[Silver Streakin]

Your VIN comes back with a 2001 B5 A4 but that engine code is a B6.

You need to pull the ECU to determine how to tune it.

I would go with GIAC X chip if it's an M or CH box.

[Cybersombosis]

If you have an inkling of ever upgrading your turbo or a test pipe, I would highly recommend a tune that is upgradable. I started out just like you with an APR stage 1 tune then wanted more and went with Motoza +1 and will now go to a Motoza Hybrid K04 tune once I get the FT kit. Take it from someone who has been there and done that as there are many of us who have taken the same path; if you are ever looking to upgrade, go with Motoza. You can flash your car yourself in the comfort of your own parking space without having to send your ECU off or drive to your nearest dealer. Also a Motoza Stage 1 custom tune is cheaper than an APR Stage 1 off the shelf tune @ $349 and is customizable any time you upgrade a component i.e. test pipe, intercooler. Check it out.

Doug

[AudiSport12]

^^I would agree with cyber on an upgradeable tune. Motoza has been great with my setup. He maps the tune per each vehicle, not a 'one size fits all' like APR. Cant go wrong with a k0mpressed tune either. No personal experience but many on this forum run his tunes.

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I ended up ordering a preflashed ecu from k0mpresd for 280, not a bad price considering I get a whole new ecu with it