IE stage 1 tune A3 Advice on spark plugs and coils

[gman1275]

Getting ready to tune my A3. Wondering if any one has same car and if they have OEM spark plugs and coils or are they going with aftermarket. Thanks

[aintitthelife98]

I just tuned my 2016 A3 Quattro with their Stage 1 93 Octane High Octane ECU tune and their DSG tune a week ago. Right now I'm on stock plugs and coils and everything is running just fine. I know they recommend NGK R7437-9 plugs gapped at .026" for their tunes on the 2.0T motor though. I plan to probably getting those relatively soon but everything is running fine on my stock plugs with about 20k miles on them.

[Spinnetti]

For stage I, stock plugs should be fine. Stage II, might want to tweak plugs a bit. For any stage, I've not seen any evidence that anything other than stock coil packs are required.

[gman1275]

I just tuned my 2016 A3 Quattro with their Stage 1 93 Octane High Octane ECU tune and their DSG tune a week ago. Right now I'm on stock plugs and coils and everything is running just fine. I know they recommend NGK R7437-9 plugs gapped at .026" for their tunes on the 2.0T motor though. I plan to probably getting those relatively soon but everything is running fine on my stock plugs with about 20k miles on them.

Thanks for the response. I guess we got the same tune. I ordered it about 3-4 weeks ago but they were out of the cable. I just got it last night. Again, thanks for responding.

- - - Updated - - -

For stage I, stock plugs should be fine. Stage II, might want to tweak plugs a bit. For any stage, I've not seen any evidence that anything other than stock coil packs are required.

Thanks for the advice Spinetti

[Sv2k]

Unitronic Stage 1+ which is basically IE high torque stage 1.

NGK 06K905601B (OEM) with OEM coils.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[aintitthelife98]

Thanks for the response. I guess we got the same tune. I ordered it about 3-4 weeks ago but they were out of the cable. I just got it last night. Again, thanks for responding.

- - - Updated - - -



Thanks for the advice Spinetti

Nice, you are going to love it. I lucked into buying a cable off someone here a few weeks ago so I was able to get the tune done before their cables came back into stock.

[hpclayto]

Where has IE recommended different plugs for their tunes?

[aintitthelife98]

Where has IE recommended different plugs for their tunes?

They have a facebook customer group page that has a post with recommend plug and gaps. From talking to them, OEM are fine but I think they do find their tune runs the best on these recommendations. Here is the relevant piece for our cars:

[S3NICK]

Interesting. My tuner advised me to gap down the RS7 plugs to 0.24 vs. 0.26. Anyone have any insight on this?

[AlexQS]

Interesting. My tuner advised me to gap down the RS7 plugs to 0.24 vs. 0.26. Anyone have any insight on this?

The science on this is a little over my head, so hoping someone will correct me if I’m wrong,...

As far as I understand, the air-gap in the spark plug provides electrical resistance. The coil must build enough voltage to overcome that resistance, then you get ignition.

The reason some tuners will sometimes choose a different plug, or different gap would be to
A) Because adding atmospheric pressure (increasing turbo boost) will increase electrical resistance in spark plug air gap, decreasing the air gap a little helps to ensure ignition without needing to increase available voltage.
B) Because increasing turbo boost can add heat, some tuners will choose a cooler spark plug.

What I’m not clear on is if reducing air gap may reduce dwell time, or if having a larger gap would produce a larger spark and more complete burn (provided there’s enough voltage), and I’m also not sure if any of these changes might alter the duration of spark.

That being said, I would just follow tuners advice, as they know more about it than I do.

I welcome feed back, corrections or confirmations. Helps us all to learn more in our never ending quest for knowledge.





AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

[gman1275]

They have a facebook customer group page that has a post with recommend plug and gaps. From talking to them, OEM are fine but I think they do find their tune runs the best on these recommendations. Here is the relevant piece for our cars:

That link didn't work. Can you please try and post it again. Thank you

[aintitthelife98]

That link didn't work. Can you please try and post it again. Thank you

Let's try that again



Here is a link to the Facebook group. It's a great resource for IE customers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/IE.Team.Customer.Group/

[aaronc7]

The science on this is a little over my head, so hoping someone will correct me if I’m wrong,...

As far as I understand, the air-gap in the spark plug provides electrical resistance. The coil must build enough voltage to overcome that resistance, then you get ignition.

The reason some tuners will sometimes choose a different plug, or different gap would be to
A) Because adding atmospheric pressure (increasing turbo boost) will increase electrical resistance in spark plug air gap, decreasing the air gap a little helps to ensure ignition without needing to increase available voltage.
B) Because increasing turbo boost can add heat, some tuners will choose a cooler spark plug.

What I’m not clear on is if reducing air gap may reduce dwell time, or if having a larger gap would produce a larger spark and more complete burn (provided there’s enough voltage), and I’m also not sure if any of these changes might alter the duration of spark.

That being said, I would just follow tuners advice, as they know more about it than I do.

I welcome feed back, corrections or confirmations. Helps us all to learn more in our never ending quest for knowledge.

You close the gap to ensure the spark happens. As you increase cylinder pressure/power it's harder to 'spark', so closing the gap is the easiest thing. Better coils is always an option too. All things equal, a wider gap is better as it provides a better burn, less change of a misfire etc. Most noticeable at idle. Ultimately gap comes down a compromise between WOT performance to avoid spark blowout and idle quality etc. It's not surprising we see a lot of idle quality/misfire discussions on these motors with cars running super small gaps.

Spark plug temp refers to how hot or how well insulated the center electrode is. A hotter spark plug will keep the center electrode nice and hot and burn off any deposits and last a long time. But with added power, extended WOT usage, they can basically turn into a glow plug and ignite the mixture prior to spark plug firing = spark plug or engine damage very quickly. Colder plug avoids this issue, but fouls up fast. Sometimes you see racing plugs that protrude far less into the cylinder....designed around the same lines of avoiding pre-ignition at the expense of idle quality, longevity, etc.

Fuel is also a factor. E85 has a lot higher knock resistance but apparently less resistant to pre-ignition...so even though it 'runs cooler', running proper plugs is important.

Definitely follow tuner's advice and keep in mind the rule of thumb of "1 step colder for every 100 hp increase", but keep in mind how you're driving also has an impact. If I had a stage 1 car and tuned recommended 1 step colder....going 2 steps colder for a HPDE/track day wouldn't be a bad idea IMO. But running that 2 step colder plug just driving to and from work every day like a grandpa, never going over 3k rpm it just going to result in a plug that fouls faster.

And finally... stage 1 level, 1 step colder is probably the safest route. I ran/run NKG RS7 plugs, PN 91006.

[hpclayto]

They have a facebook customer group page that has a post with recommend plug and gaps. From talking to them, OEM are fine but I think they do find their tune runs the best on these recommendations. Here is the relevant piece for our cars:

Why would that info not be on the actual website though?

[aintitthelife98]

Why would that info not be on the actual website though?

Can't answer that one for them. Just passing along what's on their Facebook group page.

[Ad615]

Why would that info not be on the actual website though?

I agree. I research the hell out of something before I buy it and this is the first I’m seeing I should be on a diff plug. You shouldn’t have to be part of a fb group to get pertinent info from a company of that size imo.

[AlexQS]

I think there’s a difference between recommended and required.

All tuners are selling an idea that for stage 1 tune, you don’t need any other modifications.

All Stage 1 tunes which increase boost could probably benefit from a better inter cooler too. Again not required. Yet I’m sure every tuner could give you a recommendation if you asked which IC you should get for your stage 1 tune.

I think it’s nice that IE has a recommendation if you wish to change your plugs.


AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

[Ad615]

I think there’s a difference between recommended and required.

All tuners are selling an idea that for stage 1 tune, you don’t need any other modifications.

All Stage 1 tunes which increase boost could probably benefit from a better inter cooler too. Again not required. Yet I’m sure every tuner could give you a recommendation if you asked which IC you should get for your stage 1 tune.

I think it’s nice that IE has a recommendation if you wish to change your plugs.


AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

The recommendations are understood, except if they can’t be seen when buying the product how does it help the consumer? I’ve had a stage 1 file for almost 10k and am just seeing that they do recommend it now via some Facebook group I’ve never heard of.

[AlexQS]

The recommendations are understood, except if they can’t be seen when buying the product how does it help the consumer? I’ve had a stage 1 file for almost 10k and am just seeing that they do recommend it now via some Facebook group I’ve never heard of.

Ya, I see your point. It gets a little muddy too, because someone tuned might change their plugs, just with stock plugs and think “wow, it runs better, I should have done this a while ago”, while another user changes their plugs with IE reccomend plugs and thinks “wow, these plugs are so much better than stock”. It makes it hard to differentiate without conducting a controlled test with measurement tools.

The bigger question in my mind is why the other tuners don’t recommend a different plug. Again, not that it would be required, but after changing ignition curve, fuel mapping, increasing boost, how could the stock plug and gap still be the “most ideal” for the tuned engine? Still the differences in performance are probably small.

How do you like your tune? Running well on stock plugs, or do you have some ignition problems, miss-fires, etc?



AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

[Ad615]

Ya, I see your point. It gets a little muddy too, because someone tuned might change their plugs, just with stock plugs and think “wow, it runs better, I should have done this a while ago”, while another user changes their plugs with IE reccomend plugs and thinks “wow, these plugs are so much better than stock”. It makes it hard to differentiate without conducting a controlled test with measurement tools.

The bigger question in my mind is why the other tuners don’t recommend a different plug. Again, not that it would be required, but after changing ignition curve, fuel mapping, increasing boost, how could the stock plug and gap still be the “most ideal” for the tuned engine? Still the differences in performance are probably small.

How do you like your tune? Running well on stock plugs, or do you have some ignition problems, miss-fires, etc?



AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

The ecu tune is actually good. The low torque file and high torque are impressive and are more of the punch in the stomach feeling vs the more linear mild feel. I haven’t run any logs but plan to. Ive also has no issues with the ecu files. Tcu tune not so much in my case. Their customer service was also pretty good to me.

[Ad615]

Ya, I see your point. It gets a little muddy too, because someone tuned might change their plugs, just with stock plugs and think “wow, it runs better, I should have done this a while ago”, while another user changes their plugs with IE reccomend plugs and thinks “wow, these plugs are so much better than stock”. It makes it hard to differentiate without conducting a controlled test with measurement tools.

The bigger question in my mind is why the other tuners don’t recommend a different plug. Again, not that it would be required, but after changing ignition curve, fuel mapping, increasing boost, how could the stock plug and gap still be the “most ideal” for the tuned engine? Still the differences in performance are probably small.

How do you like your tune? Running well on stock plugs, or do you have some ignition problems, miss-fires, etc?



AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

The ecu tune is actually good. The low torque file and high torque are impressive and are more of the punch in the stomach feeling vs the more linear mild feel. I haven’t run any logs but plan to. Ive also has no issues with the ecu files. Tcu tune not so much in my case. Their customer service was also pretty good to me.

[aintitthelife98]

The ecu tune is actually good. The low torque file and high torque are impressive and are more of the punch in the stomach feeling vs the more linear mild feel. I haven’t run any logs but plan to. Ive also has no issues with the ecu files. Tcu tune not so much in my case. Their customer service was also pretty good to me.

What issues have you had with the TCU tune? I’ve been very happy with it on my 2016 A3. It’s night and day better than the Uni TCU tune in my experiences.

[Ad615]

Constant gear hunting and would slip under certain situations. Lost a trans, put the same file back on the new trans and had the same symptoms. I’m sure it could have been ironed out but 6-8 revisions and losing a trans was enough for me tbh. Went eqt tcu and have had no issues since. Apparently a handful of dq381 guys have had issues too, most of the time they seem to get roasted when they post about it but I believe it after experiencing my own problems.

[AlexQS]

Much appreciate your insight. I too really like their customer service. Have emailed with them a couple of times pre-purchase.

Hope I’ll be okay with DQ250. I had not heard about many TCU problems.


AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

[aintitthelife98]

Much appreciate your insight. I too really like their customer service. Have emailed with them a couple of times pre-purchase.

Hope I’ll be okay with DQ250. I had not heard about many TCU problems.


AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

So far so good for me on the DQ250 TCU tune (along with Stage 1 93 octane high torque ecu). I haven't experienced any gear hunting or slipping. I was getting gear hunting on the Uni TCU tune which was the main reason I got rid of that.

[Ad615]

Much appreciate your insight. I too really like their customer service. Have emailed with them a couple of times pre-purchase.

Hope I’ll be okay with DQ250. I had not heard about many TCU problems.


AlexQS
2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium
2014 VW Passat TSI Wolfsburg

Yeah I mean I’m pretty sure what happened to me with my trans would’ve happened regardless. The ecu software is excellent though.

[gman1275]

Wow, good info thank you Aaron

[gman1275]

You close the gap to ensure the spark happens. As you increase cylinder pressure/power it's harder to 'spark', so closing the gap is the easiest thing. Better coils is always an option too. All things equal, a wider gap is better as it provides a better burn, less change of a misfire etc. Most noticeable at idle. Ultimately gap comes down a compromise between WOT performance to avoid spark blowout and idle quality etc. It's not surprising we see a lot of idle quality/misfire discussions on these motors with cars running super small gaps.

Spark plug temp refers to how hot or how well insulated the center electrode is. A hotter spark plug will keep the center electrode nice and hot and burn off any deposits and last a long time. But with added power, extended WOT usage, they can basically turn into a glow plug and ignite the mixture prior to spark plug firing = spark plug or engine damage very quickly. Colder plug avoids this issue, but fouls up fast. Sometimes you see racing plugs that protrude far less into the cylinder....designed around the same lines of avoiding pre-ignition at the expense of idle quality, longevity, etc.

Fuel is also a factor. E85 has a lot higher knock resistance but apparently less resistant to pre-ignition...so even though it 'runs cooler', running proper plugs is important.

Definitely follow tuner's advice and keep in mind the rule of thumb of "1 step colder for every 100 hp increase", but keep in mind how you're driving also has an impact. If I had a stage 1 car and tuned recommended 1 step colder....going 2 steps colder for a HPDE/track day wouldn't be a bad idea IMO. But running that 2 step colder plug just driving to and from work every day like a grandpa, never going over 3k rpm it just going to result in a plug that fouls faster.

And finally... stage 1 level, 1 step colder is probably the safest route. I ran/run NKG RS7 plugs, PN 91006.

Wow, good info Aaron

[MikTip]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post13200697

[MikTip]

I attempt to order OE spark plugs from an online Audi dearler...

06K-905-611-C Spark Plug
2.0 LITER GAS, BOSCH $13.12 each

As per their online parts matrix....

Next day dearler send me email...my parts are on the way...

06K-905-601-B Spark Plug
2.0 LITER GAS, NGK $6.70

????

I call, ask why they substitute the parts?

Parts guy said their computer said my VIN uses the B plugs

I ask him, what the difference? Ones Bosch...others NGK...he has no idea.

I go to a VW dealer online parts site...

Golf R plugs: 06K-905-601-B

I then try to find the new/upgrade version of the Beru z345...

Its a 06K905601M
or Laser Iridium NGK 91006
or SILFER8C7ES

All there numbers will yield the same plugs...

Online Audi dealer parts places has them for $14.86...

Got a set from non dealer parts for $12.35 a piece...free shipping...no tax.

[MikTip]

NGK R7437-9 $39 each at FCP...

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-...lug-ngk-r74379



I like the 601M NGK version...

[MikTip]

The 06K-905-601-M plug is officially the 2019 Audi RS3 plugs.

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...lug-06k905601m

[BecksA3]

I attempt to order OE spark plugs from an online Audi dearler...

06K-905-611-CSpark Plug
2.0 LITER GAS, BOSCH $13.12 each

As per their online parts matrix....

Next day dearler send me email...my parts are on the way...

06K-905-601-BSpark Plug
2.0 LITER GAS, NGK $6.70

????

I call, ask why they substitute the parts?

Parts guy said their computer said my VIN uses the B plugs

I ask him, what the difference? Ones Bosch...others NGK...he has no idea.

I go to a VW dealer online parts site...

Golf R plugs: 06K-905-601-B

I then try to find the new/upgrade version of the Beru z345...

Its a 06K905601M
or Laser Iridium NGK 91006
or SILFER8C7ES

All there numbers will yield the same plugs...

Online Audi dealer parts places has them for $14.86...

Got a set from non dealer parts for $12.35 a piece...free shipping...no tax.

One of the first things I added to my car was the RS ignition upgrade from ECS tuning. Got it with a gift card. It had RS3 black top coil packs and RS7 plugs. I don’t remember the part numbers but I still have the boxes if you’d like them. They work well for me, but I haven’t tuned yet.


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[MiggyS3]

Wow, good info Aaron

Definitely feel much better with my decision to run rs3 coils and rs7 plugs.
Stage 1 93oct high boost profile /TCU


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[FlatEarthFrank]

Getting ready to tune my A3. Wondering if any one has same car and if they have OEM spark plugs and coils or are they going with aftermarket. Thanks

I installed APR coils and Brisk silver plugs on my A3 1.8t after my stage one. Was recommended for tune. Got them from ECS tuning.

[MikTip]

I run RS3 coils and NGK ruthenium plugs. This combo is more lively with my tune.

[Audpor911]

Man just caught wind of what the A3s and S3s has over the A4 and S4 cars. Looking to switch to the lighter cousin.