REVIEW- Integrated Engineering Stage 1 ECU High Torque with DSG Transmission Tune

[jon-stuver]

REVIEW- Integrated Engineering Stage 1 ECU High Torque with DSG Transmission Tune & Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake

RJK S3 Photo Shoot by Jon Stuver, on Flickr

I would like to add, and wish that I had from the start, that this is a sponsored review. I don't personally think that makes me biased because I like to think that I tell things how they are. That being said, you don't all know me personally, so you should take this for what you think it is worth.

So I just received my IE DIY Flash Tool and IE Gen 3 Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake. So the first thing I did was download the IE software and connect my flash tool to my S3. I selected the Stage 1 High Torque 93 octane option and then the DSG Transmission Tune with 4000k launch control. It took about half an hour or 45 minutes to send the flash over. Make sure you connect a battery charger while it is flashing per the IE flash tool that tells you to do so on the screen. The Flash Tool is very easy to use. Basically you just connect the tool to your computer and then to vehicle. The program walks you through everything very easily.

While the tune was being programmed, I took out the stock air box and installed the IE Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake. Very easy to install and honestly this thing fits very well. I previously owned an APR Carbon Fiber Intake and think that this intake fits a lot better. This thing sounds a lot better too, but we will get to that. The overall quality of the intake is gorgeous, it’s a very nice looking piece and looks great when you pop the hood.

IE Carbon Fiber Intake by Jon Stuver, on Flickr

At this point the ECU & TCU flashes have been done, the Intake is installed, and it’s time to go for the first test drive. I start the vehicle up and everything is working as normal. The first thing that I notice is a nicer sound from the intake upon start. The second thing was that when I put the vehicle into Drive it now shows up D1. Though it is not in manual mode it is very nice that you always know what gear you are in. Manual mode also shows you a shift light for when you should upshift to get good fuel consumption which is also nice.

C6B017C6-4F84-4854-A767-F2846B82B307 by Jon Stuver, on Flickr

The extra power is INSANE! I started off in just regular Drive and the power in Drive is a great improvement. More linear and more power all through the power band. Sport is even better! Your RPM’s are always a bit higher which makes it much more responsive. I have had tunes on multiple VW/Audi vehicles in the past and think that this is the best one I have had. That being said, this vehicle probably has the most potential out of those vehicles too. Next thing I did was try launch control. Now keep in mind I have my 20” HRE wheels on with Max Performance Summer Tires and it is in the 40 degree area. But, IT SPINS ALL FOUR TIRES! This ECU/TCU and intake have really changed the car. I got sideways last night in the rain and felt like Ken Block. It has made a relatively fun vehicle a very fun vehicle.

For people who are looking for extra power this is the way to go. The customer service from IE and the quality of all of their parts that I have seen is really impressive.

WARNING- the tune will give you the itch to want more and more power. I am already anticipating the Intercooler and a down pipe so I can go Stage 2 104 octane. STAY TUNED.

I am planning to try to get some video soon in car and possibly even outside. I will post them up here once they are complete.

RJK S3 Photo Shoot by Jon Stuver, on Flickr

[wootwoot]

Integrated Engineering is doing a great job of spamming this forum with paid product reviews as of late. What is the going rate for a write-up like this?

[PINGERS]

Integrated Engineering is doing a great job of spamming this forum with paid product reviews as of late. What is the going rate for a write-up like this?

LMFAO!! It’s beyone annoying. I don’t want someones PAID opinion. You give me a deal on your product of course I’m going to rate it 5 stars. Gone are the days of getting honest feedback.

[a4000]

Integrated Engineering is doing a great job of spamming this forum with paid product reviews as of late. What is the going rate for a write-up like this?

Exactly. Doesn't really bother me however.

[RGT03]

Deleted to not confuse OP’ thread.

[a4000]

Any idea when they are releasing the ecu and dsg tunes for the 2017+ models? I just saw that this YouTuber did an install on his 17. I’m guessing it’s not available to the gen public yet?!

https://youtu.be/jJrAdwExyfk

That was the 034 tune, not IE.

[RGT03]

Omg. Derp. I stand corrected, somebody slap me.

[RGT03]

... too go back to topic then, what made you choose IE over 034 or any of the other reputable tuning options?

[wfujay]

Exactly. Doesn't really bother me however.

Lol, good find. This is exactly why I'm opting for the UM ECU tune and TVS TCU tune. They don't do this crap and instead just provide QUALITY software. Not saying IE's software is bad, but I 100% disagree with this advertising method.

[RGT03]

I need to learn how to read. Do I get a total do over at this point. Lol

[chris164935]

I have IE's ECU/TCU tunes as well and love it... Haven't received any checks in the mail yet from them though.

[jon-stuver]

I have IE's ECU/TCU tunes as well and love it... Haven't received any checks in the mail yet from them though.

Haha, I’m waiting on said check too. I’ll keep an eye out for it.


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[hunterdenicola]

I’ve been running ie stage 1 for last few weeks and put over 1500 miles on it and am beyond satisfied. The reliability and performance you get out of IE is awesome


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[John@IE]

I have IE's ECU/TCU tunes as well and love it... Haven't received any checks in the mail yet from them though.

No one is getting paid, and everyone had an equal chance at applying.

[wootwoot]

No one is getting paid, and everyone had an equal chance at applying.

Because free tunes != getting paid. Cool story bro.

[John@IE]

Because free tunes != getting paid. Cool story bro.

u mad bro?

Guess what? He had to pay. Anyone that is approved, has to pay. Nothing was free. Clearly you're quick to assume a ton, seeing as you were the first one to comment claiming we're paying people to post on AZ. This isn't the case, sorry to burst your bubble.

[PINGERS]

u mad bro?

Guess what? He had to pay. Anyone that is approved, has to pay. Nothing was free. Clearly you're quick to assume a ton, seeing as you were the first one to comment claiming we're paying people to post on AZ. This isn't the case, sorry to burst your bubble.

My understanding on sponsorship is that Individual A will be offered a steep discount or free items or a combination of both in return for a positive review from Company B. Individual A is not getting paid cash, but is being compensated for his posting & advertisements. It may even be based off platforms. XXX number of posts over XXX forms = more incentives. Now, this isn't to say the product isn't great. It's just simply a matter of "you wash my back, I'll wash yours...." Just don't drop the soap. ;)

[wootwoot]

u mad bro?

Guess what? He had to pay. Anyone that is approved, has to pay. Nothing was free. Clearly you're quick to assume a ton, seeing as you were the first one to comment claiming we're paying people to post on AZ. This isn't the case, sorry to burst your bubble.

If anything you sound mad. IE is being exposed in this thread for paying, via discounted products, for positive reviews. Your product may be great but many here won't buy from companies that use shady tactics like these to boost sales. You've definitely lost me as a customer and I'll make it a point to telling others here and offline about your shady business practices. Best of luck to you John!

[Subasically]

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[will13k7]

sponsored reviews should have a disclaimer right up front. Is this sponsored in any form? Discounts, bj, etc... ?

[John@IE]

If anything you sound mad. IE is being exposed in this thread for paying, via discounted products, for positive reviews. Your product may be great but many here won't buy from companies that use shady tactics like these to boost sales. You've definitely lost me as a customer and I'll make it a point to telling others here and offline about your shady business practices. Best of luck to you John!

I'm cool as a cucumber. And I'm also sorry you feel so passionately about running our name through the mud. Best of luck to you as well.

[jon-stuver]

sponsored reviews should have a disclaimer right up front. Is this sponsored in any form? Discounts, bj, etc... ?

I don't disagree with this and probably should have stated it. I will go back and add it.

That being said I am surprised at the comments that you guys are making. I don't want to come off rude to any of you because I do enjoy this forum as I do all car forums. But, I am surprised to see people acting like sponsorship is something new to marketing a new company or product. It surprises me because I have been in sales for 15 years and sponsorship is a popular marketing tactic. This sort of tactic is good because it gets the word out, and in fact has been something that happens in the aftermarket car part industry for a long time.

As you can see with the other parts on my S3, if I didn't think they were a great company to begin with then I would not have their parts on my car. They are a company I have believed in ever since I had an MKIV R32 15 years ago and they were making high quality engine internal parts for those vehicles.

Again, I don't by any means wish to stir the pot with any of you guys or gals. If you have questions about anything on my car, please feel free to ask. I enjoy the forums because they are meant to help each other out as we build our vehicles.

I don't have time to be picked on or pick on others on an online venue or anywhere for that matter. I'd appreciate it if you guys kept the negativity out, but if you must then please realize that I won't be responding to it going forward.

[MadMen]

Every vendor on every platform does this in one way or another. Not sure what the big deal is?

IE makes top of the line products, with a stellar reputation. The bigger problem is with folks that use the interwebz to try and defame a company for no logical reason, just because they have an issue with the way they advertise. Here's some news - I would bet every aftermarket part on your car came from a company that uses the same marketing techniques. It's how you run a business. Using this as a way to flap your wings and think you've caught them doing something shady is pure ignorance.

[will13k7]

Some guys are being a bit over the top (it’s the internet after all), we all know marketing and sales can be a little dishonest and misleading, no one was born yesterday.

Typically the more upfront you are as a reviewer, the more creditability folks will give you and your review.

Maybe the mods can delete/cleanup this thread?

[jon-stuver]

Some guys are being a bit over the top (it’s the internet after all), we all know marketing and sales can be a little dishonest and misleading, no one was born yesterday.

Typically the more upfront you are as a reviewer, the more creditability folks will give you and your review.

Maybe the mods can delete/cleanup this thread?

Agreed I’d like to ask them to clean it up a bit.


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[Why-man5]

Every vendor on every platform does this in one way or another. Not sure what the big deal is?

IE makes top of the line products, with a stellar reputation. The bigger problem is with folks that use the interwebz to try and defame a company for no logical reason, just because they have an issue with the way they advertise. Here's some news - I would bet every aftermarket part on your car came from a company that uses the same marketing techniques. It's how you run a business. Using this as a way to flap your wings and think you've caught them doing something shady is pure ignorance.

100% agree!… some of the comments on this thread were definitely over the top...

[NYEuroTuner]

No one is getting paid, and everyone had an equal chance at applying.

It’s about time I post to set the record straight


I won’t stand by as IE continues to make bad ass products that help cars go faster and then thinks we won’t see what their really doing behind the scenes.

What I’m about to say will further expose Integrated Engineering and let everyone know the TRUTH!!!!


I purchased an IE carbon intake through Iroz MotorSport for My RS3, its an enclosed system, flowed amazingly well and we made solid gains with my big turbo setup.



Now here’s the crazy part, upon inspection of the carbon intake and tubing I found no defects with the carbon (I know crazy!!!) and nearly a year later the Carbon/intake still work well and have had no yellowing or issues.

Here’s where it gets even crazier, when we opened the intake box to inspect the filter we found this piece of paper



We soon realized it was a strategically placed bank check, Made out to us in a “large” sum specially for us to say nice things on the internet about IE. The audacity!!!

So there you have it, proof that IE tailors affiliate payments and parts so that people will post nice things and advertise for them!!!

#exposed




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[S3_Miles]

If anything you sound mad. IE is being exposed in this thread for paying, via discounted products, for positive reviews. Your product may be great but many here won't buy from companies that use shady tactics like these to boost sales. You've definitely lost me as a customer and I'll make it a point to telling others here and offline about your shady business practices. Best of luck to you John!

Honestly, all this has done for me is make me consider them more. Seeing/Hearing their products being used on quality versions of our cars (Like Stuver's) builds my trust further. It IS a free and open thread and if anyone has a problem with IE's tune or mods...they'd be able to post here as well, right?

So far, in the area of bad experiences, all im seeing is goose eggs.

[HICBUDA]

2500 miles so far on the Ecu stage 1 and it’s a damn good tune.

[mtarr07]

Can the IE DSG tune be run with a bolt on stage 2 car running JB4 for engine management?

[porkchop]

Before reading this thread, I didn’t know that IE existed. I’m planning on getting a tune on my S3, as well as a couple other bits and pieces. I was looking at a couple other well known tuning companies. Well, I’m convinced now. The bad attitude from IE in this thread means that when I do a tune, I won’t buy from IE no matter how good their product might be.

So, mission accomplished guys, now I know who IE is.

[davepjr71]

What bad attitude? Guys start ripping on their product and know nothing about it. It tends to rub people the wrong way. If anything it shows they are passionate. And, as some have stated haven't really read anything bad about them.

[obGLI]

What bad attitude? Guys start ripping on their product and know nothing about it. It tends to rub people the wrong way. If anything it shows they are passionate. And, as some have stated haven't really read anything bad about them.

Agreed. I WILL be going with their tune as I’ve seen them do amazing things for mk4, 5, & 6 VW platforms and have had some of their products on my old Mk6 and was highly impressed with the quality of work they put out. Customer service is top notch, and their tunes look right on par with the best.

Saw one bad thread about EMD Auto and watched how the owner (Thomas I believe) handled himself in response, paired with the positive reviews people give his items, and my personal liking of his products, and I’ve decided I will be purchasing some of his parts as well.

To each their own, but one bad apple doesn’t always spoil the bunch (for me lol)


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[mtarr07]

Just to touch base, since I asked the question in here, I did end up purchasing the IE TCU/ DSG tune. My mods are in my signature, also just waiting to install an APR intercooler as well. Point being, I'm full bolt ons running JB4 and am really enjoying their TCU tune. It has completely changed the car altogether. This is my DD and with it being so laggy on the stock TCU tune, I was really let down and each week, considering purchasing a RS3 more and more. After this TCU tune, all doubts have gone out the window, the car is fun to drive again and it lets all of my mods really shine/ be used to their advantage. Not saying the RS3 wouldn't be faster, but for around town daily driving, I'm as happy as can be with this setup (and will be even happier once I get the intercooler installed and heatsoak is no more!).

[wrager]

I just finished installing both, ECU and DSG tune from IE; stage 1, high torque 93 octane, no other mods (paid full price for it). I am really impressed with how much quicker it is and the shifting is perfect. My wife even loves to drive it. It's almost as quick as my GLA45 AMG with 375 HP. I'll bet the little A3 cab is close to 300 HP now.

[WC 13]

Has anyone here used EI stage 1 for sq5 in Canada?
Better yet in Western Canada....I’m asking because these tunes seem to be a flash only product out of USA.
I know that Western Canada has a difference in gas and I’m worried that if I use it I’ll get knock and (please correct me if I’m wrong) with no ability to change/rewrite maps.
So if anyone has any info or have used these tunes in Canada could you please share your experience as I’m on the fence to use or not. Probably going to get the transmission tune anyway so any experience with that would also be great.....thanks for the help all!!

[MadMen]

Has anyone here used EI stage 1 for sq5 in Canada?
Better yet in Western Canada....I’m asking because these tunes seem to be a flash only product out of USA.
I know that Western Canada has a difference in gas and I’m worried that if I use it I’ll get knock and (please correct me if I’m wrong) with no ability to change/rewrite maps.
So if anyone has any info or have used these tunes in Canada could you please share your experience as I’m on the fence to use or not. Probably going to get the transmission tune anyway so any experience with that would also be great.....thanks for the help all!!

I thought Canada gas was actually better than US gas? Isn't it 94 octane? I would just start with a 91 tune and log it. You get access to 91 and 93, so if it looks good on 91, load the 93. I run the stage 1 93 on my Q5 (US). Its awesome - although I think you'll see less of a bump on the SQ5.

Oh - and I don't think IE has a TCU tune for an SQ5.

[WC 13]

I thought Canada gas was actually better than US gas? Isn't it 94 octane? I would just start with a 91 tune and log it. You get access to 91 and 93, so if it looks good on 91, load the 93. I run the stage 1 93 on my Q5 (US). Its awesome - although I think you'll see less of a bump on the SQ5.

Oh - and I don't think IE has a TCU tune for an SQ5.

I'm not too sure that Canada's gas is better.....I've also got a stage 3+ Subaru STI using Cobb.

When I put my OTS stage 1 tune on it before going stage 2 I was told to use an ACN91 (Arizona, California, Nevada 91 octane) tune with our Chevron 94 and also my tuner told me not to use US gas (I live 2 minutes from the border and gas is sooooo much cheaper) because it would cause knock.
Now I would just go ahead and try using a US 91 tune with Canada 94 gas but the issue I have with that is I actually want to use Canadian 91 octane. The reason for this is that when I tuned my Subaru to stage 2 I originally went with Chevron 94 and noticed I got bad gas quite often due to it sitting for so long (Canadians don't use 94 due to gas prices). I know I could also just jump the line every time I need to fill up but that can be a bit of a hassle as well.

I think your right though.....just order stage 1 and try it out if your saying I get both a 91 and 93 with purchase I can always try different combinations.

As for the TCU tune....They didn't have one specific to the SQ5 but wouldn't it be the same as the S4 TCU tune for S-Tronic Transmission?

I'm relatively new to Audi so please excuse my ignorance if I'm wrong......I will double check before ordering though for sure.

Thanks for the help!!

[MadMen]

I'm not too sure that Canada's gas is better.....I've also got a stage 3+ Subaru STI using Cobb.

When I put my OTS stage 1 tune on it before going stage 2 I was told to use an ACN91 (Arizona, California, Nevada 91 octane) tune with our Chevron 94 and also my tuner told me not to use US gas (I live 2 minutes from the border and gas is sooooo much cheaper) because it would cause knock.
Now I would just go ahead and try using a US 91 tune with Canada 94 gas but the issue I have with that is I actually want to use Canadian 91 octane. The reason for this is that when I tuned my Subaru to stage 2 I originally went with Chevron 94 and noticed I got bad gas quite often due to it sitting for so long (Canadians don't use 94 due to gas prices). I know I could also just jump the line every time I need to fill up but that can be a bit of a hassle as well.

I think your right though.....just order stage 1 and try it out if your saying I get both a 91 and 93 with purchase I can always try different combinations.

As for the TCU tune....They didn't have one specific to the SQ5 but wouldn't it be the same as the S4 TCU tune for S-Tronic Transmission?

I'm relatively new to Audi so please excuse my ignorance if I'm wrong......I will double check before ordering though for sure.

Thanks for the help!!

Do you have DSG or ZF transmission? DSG would say S-tropic on the shifter.

[Kevin quattro]

I have already posted an in depth review of I.E. and how great of a company they are and how great their tune is. I find it upsetting that so many people decided to turn this into a fight. If anyone has a problem with the OP being sponsored for his post, let me assure you as a regular customer, he is posting an honest review and it shouldn't be viewed any other way. I think I raved about Integrated engineering more in my post and I paid full price for everything! I had apr on my last car and it was really good but there were a couple things I wasn't elated about. I went out on a limb and chose I.E. because of their professional website, impressive numbers, and the ability to flash at home. I own a super car now! The performance you get out of just stage 1 high torque and the tcu tune is astounding! The install was incredibly easy, customer support was fantastic, and the car is effing fast! The power is incredible yet smooth. Shifts are perfect and auto modes are so much better than stock. I love seeing what gear I'm in when in auto, although I normally drive manual. I've had no issues what so ever with any aspect of my experience.

If you're in the market, please don't let online trolls get the best of you. This is a phenomenal company with phenomenal products. Have these guys bashing I.e. never heard of an advertisement? Have they never seen a racecar with logos on it? Posting a review of a product you got discounted or free is the most honest form of advertising I can think of. I'm in sales and I ask my clients all the time to post a review and tell their friends if they had a good experience. That's how companies grow.

OP and I.E. I'm sorry you got attacked for a simple review. It's unfair. You guys are great! Now everyone calm down and lets get back to loving our tuned Audis as a community!

EDIT: I just realized the negative posts are pretty old, but I spent a lot of time typing this and I stand by every statement, so while probably irrelevant, I'm keeping it. Lol