Any thorough reviews of APR stage 1 for b9 a4?

**azquattr0** · 05-31-2017 07:13 PM

Coming from a 2016 a4 (e85 compatible) with the apr stage 1, I upgraded to the 2017 a4 last month. What can I say, I was willing to give up a little power that nougat brown and tech package. Anyways I loved the tune in my b8.5 but can't seem to find a decent review nor a single video of any allroads/a4 with stage 1. Anybody got a solid review?

**Jimmy ny** · 06-01-2017 04:25 AM

I had it in my tts. It's a solid upgrade. You will fell the difference definitely. Power delivery is more noticeable at mid to top end. Did lose a little mpg though. Not a lot but some in city driving. I would do it if I were you. Just go back to your installer and flash to stock before you go to the dealer.

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**VipinLJ** · 06-01-2017 06:26 PM

Yup. There's no review out even thought here are a lot of people running an apr stage 1 tune!!! I remember asking one person who had the tune and he said he loved it and that car was very fast compared to stock. Elite Motorsport timed an apr stage1 B9 A4 and got a 0-60 time of 4.4s using vbox!!!!

**Mike@PureMS** · 06-02-2017 04:04 PM

Have had mine since day one. Runs great, pulls strong, typical APR. Anything particular you want to know about it?

**azquattr0** · 06-02-2017 05:07 PM

That's what I like to hear. Thanks fellas! Mike, nothing particularly i just wanted to see if the low end torque has the wow factor like the b8.5 w/ e85. If it's business as usual with with APR then I think I'm in good hands

**Audi / Rings** · 06-02-2017 09:20 PM

Had it since it was first released. Like Mike said, typical APR product, runs great and pulls strong. I have some 30mph pulls and up to 140mph run on my IG. I probably run a better time than Elite since I have exhaust and intake vs just a tune, who knows, I don't have any product to do actual testing.

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**Kai@EliteMS** · 06-03-2017 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by VipinLJ

Yup. There's no review out even thought here are a lot of people running an apr stage 1 tune!!! I remember asking one person who had the tune and he said he loved it and that car was very fast compared to stock. Elite Motorsport timed an apr stage1 B9 A4 and got a 0-60 time of 4.4s using vbox!!!!

Originally Posted by Audi / Rings

Had it since it was first released. Like Mike said, typical APR product, runs great and pulls strong. I have some 30mph pulls and up to 140mph run on my IG. I probably run a better time than Elite since I have exhaust and intake vs just a tune, who knows, I don't have any product to do actual testing.

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Definitely do it, Vbox run did generate 4.4 0-60MPH on our car also 13.1 @ 106

12's are definitely obtainable.

The gains are very nice.

**Spinmaster7** · 06-03-2017 06:21 AM

from ESC website about B9 APR stage1 "At this time the 2.0T ECU upgrades can only be performed with the car at ECS Tuning location in Ohio". Ahhh Im not driving to Ohio to have to flash it back to stock every time I need to bring to the dealer, then back to flash the tune again. 4yrs/50k miles is going to be a long wait.

**VipinLJ** · 06-03-2017 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Audi / Rings

Had it since it was first released. Like Mike said, typical APR product, runs great and pulls strong. I have some 30mph pulls and up to 140mph run on my IG. I probably run a better time than Elite since I have exhaust and intake vs just a tune, who knows, I don't have any product to do actual testing.

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Instagram ID please? You can PM me if you don't want it to be public.

**Audi / Rings** · 06-03-2017 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by VipinLJ

Instagram ID please? You can PM me if you don't want it to be public.

doria_jm

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**f_399** · 04-27-2018 02:02 PM

Bringing and old topic back to life but the numbers for B9 93 Stage 1 is identical to an E85 tuned B8.5

**Dais0948** · 05-04-2018 07:17 AM

I dynod that car and tracked it last week in my B9 Apr plus sedan.

Ran 13.072 @ 105.38 (only did one lass as track closed early)

Mustang dyno results - 375 wheel tq and 292 whp

Dying to see Apr plus for the S4!

**Mr. Irrelevant** · 05-05-2018 07:55 AM

I have a ‘18 A4 with Luft-Technik intake and had ECU flashed two days ago with APR stage 1. Anyone else with this tune getting compressor surge under boost?

**Four rings fan** · 05-07-2018 05:03 AM

I've been APR tuned for 18 months. No compressor surge ever. I have the stock intake.

**Mr. Irrelevant** · 05-14-2018 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Four rings fan

I've been APR tuned for 18 months. No compressor surge ever. I have the stock intake.

After having the tune a few weeks now I’ve found the following. Compressor surge is audible in two scenarios. 1. Under boost in between ~2500-3k rpms with ~50% throttle. Once you get the revs beyond this range the surge goes away due to engine demand. 2. When you let off the throttle at lower rpms you hear the bypass valve then slight compressor surge. The second scenario is pretty cool IMO, gives the car some character. I’m not sure if this will be the case with any open air intake or just my particular selection. When I called APR to make sure it was normal they said the tune does ride the surge line pretty close but shouldn’t be an issue. All in all the tune is great and easily puts my A4 at the level my B8.5 S4 was, stock. I’m seeing 0-60 in the low 4s and launch control is far more brutal given the 111ft/lb increase in torque.

**sbell008** · 05-14-2018 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Irrelevant

I have a ‘18 A4 with Luft-Technik intake and had ECU flashed two days ago with APR stage 1. Anyone else with this tune getting compressor surge under boost?

When you're talking about "compressor surge under boost", what exactly do you mean here? As in, when you quickly let off the throttle after pinning it to redline, it will flutter then, or are you saying you're hearing vibration under boost pressure?

If it's the latter, that's a bigger sign of a vacuum/boost leak, or being overboosted for the factory wastegate. If not, I'd assume you could get a recirculating BOV/Diverter to solve the problem, and for bigger boost applications if you choose to later. I'm also interested in getting the Stage 1 done, and am definitely following this thread now.

*Edit: Just read through your last post -- the typical "chatter" at the really low RPM's makes plenty of sense. The turbo is not being asked to come onto boost very much, and this is actually always happening at some level on any turbo'd vehicle in the low range, modified or not. However, I'd suggest really launching it from a slow speed to make sure you're not still getting that sound consistently at 2.5-3k (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). If so, it might be time to look into an upgraded Diverter.

**Mr. Irrelevant** · 05-14-2018 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by sbell008

When you're talking about "compressor surge under boost", what exactly do you mean here? As in, when you quickly let off the throttle after pinning it to redline, it will flutter then, or are you saying you're hearing vibration under boost pressure?

If it's the latter, that's a bigger sign of a vacuum/boost leak, or being overboosted for the factory wastegate. If not, I'd assume you could get a recirculating BOV/Diverter to solve the problem, and for bigger boost applications if you choose to later. I'm also interested in getting the Stage 1 done, and am definitely following this thread now.

*Edit: Just read through your last post -- the typical "chatter" at the really low RPM's makes plenty of sense. The turbo is not being asked to come onto boost very much, and this is actually always happening at some level on any turbo'd vehicle in the low range, modified or not. However, I'd suggest really launching it from a slow speed to make sure you're not still getting that sound consistently at 2.5-3k (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). If so, it might be time to look into an upgraded Diverter.

I looked into a new diverter/open air BOV when I read somewhere, during my initial research about compressor surge, that the factory diverter is prone to leaks. Then I read that later model EA888 with IS20 turbo, has the new redesigned diverter valve that is much more robust. I will try to get a link to some video of my car under boost at light load to give everyone a better understanding of what I’m experiencing. Since you’re interested in the tune I’ll also throw in a link to a launch control pull to 90mph.

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**sbell008** · 05-15-2018 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Irrelevant

I looked into a new diverter/open air BOV when I read somewhere, during my initial research about compressor surge, that the factory diverter is prone to leaks. Then I read that later model EA888 with IS20 turbo, has the new redesigned diverter valve that is much more robust. I will try to get a link to some video of my car under boost at light load to give everyone a better understanding of what I’m experiencing. Since you’re interested in the tune I’ll also throw in a link to a launch control pull to 90mph.

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That sounds good, I appreciate it man!

As for the surge, I'm also interested to hear the mid-range rpm pulls as well to see what it's like. Do you have any AFR or boost pressure diagnostics available to you? Might be a less popular opinion, but you could potentially ask your installer if it's possible to tweak your tune to run slightly less pressure through the RPM range you're experiencing any wastegate chatter in. I know, I know, less power is never fun, but safe, reliable power for a long time is.

**Mr. Irrelevant** · 05-16-2018 03:28 AM

Originally Posted by sbell008

That sounds good, I appreciate it man!

As for the surge, I'm also interested to hear the mid-range rpm pulls as well to see what it's like. Do you have any AFR or boost pressure diagnostics available to you? Might be a less popular opinion, but you could potentially ask your installer if it's possible to tweak your tune to run slightly less pressure through the RPM range you're experiencing any wastegate chatter in. I know, I know, less power is never fun, but safe, reliable power for a long time is.

As promised here are three video links I uploaded to YouTube. Let me know what you think.

https://youtu.be/IHkhyCpmPuE

https://youtu.be/p-_AyNP1xf4

https://youtu.be/p5U2s8tYcME

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**Mr. Irrelevant** · 05-16-2018 05:47 AM

When adding the links to the videos it simply saves the videos to the page instead of taking you to YouTube. If you search “B9 A4 APR Stage 1” in youtube, you’ll find the three videos and in the description it gives a breakdown of what each video contains.

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**sbell008** · 05-16-2018 01:05 PM

Links worked fine for me. But WOW does that make a difference! That's a quick A4 you have there Mr. Irrelevant!

Truth be told though, after hearing the fluttering under the 2.5-3k load, you might be best off having your tuner turn the boost pressure down some. From what I've read, it's common for these turbos to run out of steam right around the 22psi mark (let the internet trolls begin the hate now), so I'd venture to guess you're making just enough over that to create that back pressure under load. Unless you plan to swap out the turbo soon, I don't know how long I'd run it as is. It's not going to kill it tomorrow or anything, but it's not doing you any favors in terms of longevity.

**Mr. Irrelevant** · 05-16-2018 01:59 PM

Thanks man! Car is so much more fun to drive now. Sending it in for springs next week, which should round out the look nicely.

I’m with you on the turbo. The IS20 turbo upgrade would be to an IS38. Right now there isn’t an IS38 that attaches to the longitudinal 2.0. If I upgrade I’ll have to either wait for IHI to make one or for someone to mill out an IS20 housing to fit the IS38 wheel. God that was technical. When the car is in for springs I’ll have a chat with H&S Tuning to see if they can tweak the tune.

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**sbell008** · 05-16-2018 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Irrelevant

Thanks man! Car is so much more fun to drive now. Sending it in for springs next week, which should round out the look nicely.

I’m with you on the turbo. The IS20 turbo upgrade would be to an IS38. Right now there isn’t an IS38 that attaches to the longitudinal 2.0. If I upgrade I’ll have to either wait for IHI to make one or for someone to mill out an IS20 housing to fit the IS38 wheel. God that was technical. When the car is in for springs I’ll have a chat with H&S Tuning to see if they can tweak the tune.

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Man, I'm jealous. I want to do springs bad, but with the AutoX class I run & the potholes in Minneapolis, it makes it just a pipe dream for me. As for the larger turbo, it won't be long now until Honeywell/Garrett and the like start putting out their aftermarket stuff for this platform. But yeah, I'm sure they might look at you funny, but screwing out a little bit of boost pressure is much easier than trying to add in more power.

**sbell008** · 06-06-2018 12:36 PM

Hey, any more updates for us on this?

**Mr. Irrelevant** · 06-07-2018 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by sbell008

Hey, any more updates for us on this?

So I spoke with APR and had a tech watch the video. They did admit that other customers with open air intakes have reported the same experience with audible compressor surge, after the car is tuned. They stopped short of saying it was anything to be worried about with regard to long term stress on the turbo, so long as I keep the car out of those rev ranges at that load, when possible. Essentially saying that I should shift around that rev range or apply enough throttle to force the trans into a lower gear, thus avoiding surge. I asked if any software was in development for the transmission to allow it to shift better with the stage 1 tune. The answer was no. Right now their R&D team is focused on the new RS models.

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**Dirty_Bourbon** · 07-27-2018 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Irrelevant

So I spoke with APR and had a tech watch the video. They did admit that other customers with open air intakes have reported the same experience with audible compressor surge, after the car is tuned. They stopped short of saying it was anything to be worried about with regard to long term stress on the turbo, so long as I keep the car out of those rev ranges at that load, when possible. Essentially saying that I should shift around that rev range or apply enough throttle to force the trans into a lower gear, thus avoiding surge. I asked if any software was in development for the transmission to allow it to shift better with the stage 1 tune. The answer was no. Right now their R&D team is focused on the new RS models.

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Kind of a dart throw here... but they hint at any reasoning?

And month or so later not really long term update- but any changes?

**leonA4B8** · 07-29-2018 03:21 PM

I purchased an 18 Ultra A4 and I'm considering going this route. Has anyone tried this on an ultra edition A4?

**mihneagabriel** · 07-29-2018 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by leonA4B8

I purchased an 18 Ultra A4 and I'm considering going this route. Has anyone tried this on an ultra edition A4?

There is currently no tune for the ultra engines. They have the 2.0 liter engine but it's the 3b version, same one that the tiguan and the newer vws have. From what I understand the newer ecus are harder to crack. APR said they're working on it but it might be a while if at all

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**Dais0948** · 08-05-2018 01:57 PM

Has anyone installed the APR intercooler with APR stage 1? I asked on other forms but it doesn't look like anyone has tested it out yet.

**leonA4B8** · 08-07-2018 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by mihneagabriel

There is currently no tune for the ultra engines. They have the 2.0 liter engine but it's the 3b version, same one that the tiguan and the newer vws have. From what I understand the newer ecus are harder to crack. APR said they're working on it but it might be a while if at all

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I spoke with a representative and I don't think he completely understood what I was looking for. He said that all the software for the 2.0L engines would work regardless of it being the ultra edition.

**mihneagabriel** · 08-08-2018 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by leonA4B8

I spoke with a representative and I don't think he completely understood what I was looking for. He said that all the software for the 2.0L engines would work regardless of it being the ultra edition.

The dealer here told me they don't. I'm sure they don't because if you look at the hp and tq stock numbers on the tune on their site, they match the non ultra cars

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**Fantasiamon** · 08-12-2018 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by mihneagabriel

There is currently no tune for the ultra engines. They have the 2.0 liter engine but it's the 3b version, same one that the tiguan and the newer vws have. From what I understand the newer ecus are harder to crack. APR said they're working on it but it might be a while if at all

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All B9 Allroads are Quattro Ultra and I know for a fact that people have them tuned with APR at this point.

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**JD23** · 08-12-2018 05:28 PM

The Allroad has quattro Ultra, not Torsen-based quattro, but it has the standard 252 hp 2.0T. There is an A4 "Ultra" with a Miller-cycle 2.0T that produces only 190hp but has higher mileage.

**mihneagabriel** · 08-12-2018 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by Fantasiamon

All B9 Allroads are Quattro Ultra and I know for a fact that people have them tuned with APR at this point.

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As I specified, ultra engine, not necessarily the Quattro ultra. There was also no mention of A4 AR. Not many people have the AR. So, like I said, the ultra engine (190hp budack cycle engine) cannot be tuned with apr. From what I understand, they are working on finding a solution for those engines but the ecus are hard to crack.

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**Fantasiamon** · 08-12-2018 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by mihneagabriel

As I specified, ultra engine, not necessarily the Quattro ultra. There was also no mention of A4 AR. Not many people have the AR. So, like I said, the ultra engine (190hp budack cycle engine) cannot be tuned with apr. From what I understand, they are working on finding a solution for those engines but the ecus are hard to crack.

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Well I apparently completely misread what you said, didn’t I. Foot meet mouth. Inserted.

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**leonA4B8** · 08-14-2018 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by mihneagabriel

As I specified, ultra engine, not necessarily the Quattro ultra. There was also no mention of A4 AR. Not many people have the AR. So, like I said, the ultra engine (190hp budack cycle engine) cannot be tuned with apr. From what I understand, they are working on finding a solution for those engines but the ecus are hard to crack.

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Thanks for the information! I reallllllllly wish I would have gotten Quattro... Listening to the damn salesperson tell me that I wouldn't need it in the south and there's really no big difference between the two

**BobTX10** · 08-20-2018 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Dais0948

Has anyone installed the APR intercooler with APR stage 1? I asked on other forms but it doesn't look like anyone has tested it out yet.

I just got the intercooler along with the tune all from APR, what did you need to know?

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**Dais0948** · 08-27-2018 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by BobTX10

I just got the intercooler along with the tune all from APR, what did you need to know?

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i actually just had mine installed 2 weeks ago and i'm on a 93 tune. per draggy my quarter mile was 12.96 @103.86 and 0-60 on 4-6 seconds. have you had a chance to track or dyno your car to see your gains?

**Ejr** · 04-13-2021 02:51 AM

Reviving a not so old thread. What is the minimum 0 to 60 time with stage 1, 2, and K04 on a 2.0L a4?

**amulet1.8** · 05-10-2021 05:55 PM

Recently went APR Stage 1 on my 2018, it's a noticeable performance upgrade. Actually, it's an awesome upgrade for the money. The torque increase brings the car to life and it is so much more fun and responsive. I had a 2012 A4 before this car also with APR Stage 1, and this is a significant improvement over that one. Not to mention, I don't have to add a quart of oil every 500 miles anymore. Highly recommend it!