The many stages of the RS3, from Stage 1 to IMS850
There are many things to decide with your build before starting the modding process.
I thought when I purchased the RS3, I would do all bolt ons, with a hybrid turbo and that would be it. That wasn’t the case at all. Here we are, as I write this the car is back at LOCO Exotics, getting the transmission build (DCT1200 billet clutches, and IROZ reinforced flywheel).
So what the point of this post is, is the stages and what knowledge I’ve gained along the way.
Stage 1, 1+, Stage 2 (93 or E85)
This part is fun, and easy to do, as many people have already done on here. My recommendation for parts list for this setup is the following. But before I put that down, remember- Front mount, going with a smaller unit like APR or CTS/Wagner will not be enough cooling power when you get to the Full frame territory. So first things first, buy a big IROZ or STM tuned core, so you won’t need to change this when your going to that level. Or you can, and it’ll cost more, and take time to get one when the time comes.
First set of mods :
*Uni/AWE/IE intake, all 3 do the job, all have great flow, personal preference. I went with AWE since its 4.5 inch and I knew I’d want as much air flow for future build!
The others are no brainer:
Uni 4 inch inlet, Iroz downpipe, Fuel it E85 content sensor (or P3 gauge w/ e85 add on) The downpipes and inlet will both work on a hybrid, so your good. Know when you want to go full Fram IROZ kit, these will go, and you can sell.
NGK 9 heat range spark plugs, gapped to .024-.026 is also needed when getting to this level.
Unitronic Injectors will be needed for stage 2 e85, cost is cheap, they are easy to install also.
Most certainly need a Dogbone mount- I went with ECE and it is amazing, 034 was not holding power well, it bent, as many have experienced.
Tuning- 2 of the only I’d recommend would be first Unitronic ECU and TCU tune. Or you can go with ECC, I think both have proven well, I used Unitronic from the get go. Please know, going from stage 1/2 isn’t much price difference, but stage 3 will be an additional fee of around $500.
NOW: onto the hybrid turbos, and my take on them:
TTE700, is what I ran for about 3k miles, ran perfect, was a great all around turbo. Car will run high 9’s full interior and drag radials. Gut some weight and your in the 9.7/9.75range!
I think the Pure 800 or the SRM GTX is another great option, but tuning is a little more limited. I ALWAYS suggest before going hybrid, check tuning options. IS there a file ready for the car, and is it BETA or really dialed in. For hybrid TTE700, cost is under $3k with core swap. You will make great power and don’t need to change anything to get to this step. Enjoy it, this is the LAST stop before you will start spending BIG money going over to a HUGE hybrid, that required a built engine.
HERES the fun part: Engine building/ for big hybrid OR Full frame turbo kit. I am now running an IROZ 850 full frame kit. The cost of the turbo kit is not bad, but you will now need to consider all the associated costs.
When you decide to build your motor there are tons of things to consider:
Do you want under 1000hp, or potentially more?
If under you can go with standard drop in SPORT pistons, and rods. Eurocode makes a great kit. They will need 2 things NOT included with that to do the engine build-
You need Direct Injection O rings (single use, they will leak if not replaced eventually)
Also, flywheel bolts are rated with Audi as one time use.
The NEXT thing to think about- the EC gasket/bolt kit comes with factory heads studs, I started with these and my shop checked them for straightness and such, and 4 were not in spec. Almost looked bent, another set back you don’t want have. If you staying under 1000hp, or 950ish go with the ARP 1000 studs/bolts. Cost is cheap and they are always good (used them on many cars of mine) If you have the money and don’t mind spending it for over 1k hp ARP 625 studs will be the choice. Iroz does also offer another option that is a little cheaper. The 625 head studs alone will cost around $900 I believe.
When you have your engine out, NOW is the time to think about other things you want to add. This can be for hybrid safety/more torque files etc.. or the big turbo kits.
Engine Mounts: FREE to install when engine is out at most shops. No brainer, do IT! I went with BFI engine mounts, street series, no engine vibration and amazing firm shifting without bad drivability.
DOES your tune require 4 or 5 bar map sensors? IROZ or SRM fuel pump? DO it now, easier than having to go back in later. Again check all tunes and what is available before adding these things, but when you are using Unitronic software built motor file will require their 4 bar map sensors, and the LPFP upgrade for safety. These items are $150, and $1450 I believe.
NEXT thing is…… Transmission!
If you ever plan to not destroy your flywheel, get the IROZ reinforced unit, if not you will break it eventually.. It will sound like the engine is ticking but it is the stock flywheel moving around with alot of play. For $495 after the 1k core, it is a no brainer, and your builder won’t charge much because it is already apart for the engine build… DO IT, I am now paying another 1500 to put in this, and clutch packs. (Depending how much power you want, do the DCG1200-or 1300 clutch packs as well, check with tuner if they will work with their tune. Different clamping pressure etc, can cause issues.
Cost for Clutches will be around $3200-3500, expensive but do it now or the labor cost to install will make it damn near double… Tuning will need to be done for these to work also.
For built engines: Another thing, do you want 1200 hp one day? THEN you need a sleeved block.. Get it done up front, or have to worry about it later…
Other notes on built engine before getting into turbo kit choice and such is: Injectors - Will need ID1300-1700CC’s if going to a full max effort full frame 850-1100 kit. Along with IROZ large fuel line upgrade. I did both now, but another thing to know you WILL need once heading toward Syvecs Tuning.
Next thing when engine is build, and full frame turbo kit is done, ECU tuning, SYVECS, etc.. WHAT to do:
Syvecs is proven any car over 850 kit needs to be installed in my opinion.
When you go this route, expect for the big money to be spent. 7500-8500 for the unit, tuning, and add on sensors/brackets etc..
Iroz provides a very nice turbo kit and it ROLLS out, I have 850 kit now, and likely going to 1-1100 soon once turbos are available.
Next thing with these kits, billet intake runners at least, or full billet intake manifold runners and plenum. DO NOT risk the stock manifold with the plastic flaps in them to be safe, If you get a backfire, one of those could go into your Motor. Spend the money on the runners, or the entire thing.
I am going to see what we can squeeze out of the 850 kit, and will provide data such as dyno, track times and 60-130 times. I will add to this thread.
Please ask any and all questions in regards to the build and I will do my best to answer them for any power level.
Lastly times to date at what power level are here:
TTE700 stock block Unitronic: Full interior, street tires 10.17@141mph
TTE700 stock block unitronic: Gutted, drag radials:
[email protected], 60-130 was 5.45 in negative DA, and 45 degree weather
IROZ 850 built engine (no 1/4 mile yet) 1/8th mile [email protected] times in 85% temps were 5.18, on unitronic BETA tune, This time was on a 15 inch slick also. The 9.77 pass on the tte700 was a [email protected]
With the addition of slicks, haled controller, syvecs, and billet manifold I am going for a quest of 8 second 1/4 RS3 on a 850 turbo. My current dyno on unitronic BETA tuning was 750whp/608wtrq. On dynojet. Goal now on syvecs is 830-840whp. and 4.5 60-130mph
WE will see- rock on, ask any questions I didn’t answer on here and we can use this for motor build/levels of power questions etc….
Shout outs to: Brian @ Unitronic, their tunes are great and he is very helpful. Nick/Gary @ IROZ motorsports for their quick response in recent times, trying to get parts FAST! Ken @ Loudoun County Exotics for the engine build and alot of my installs. Eurocode for a solid engine build parts kit, and TONY @ VTT for the slick setup that fucking rocks out 1.39 60ft!!!!
We will keep pushing this platform and my quest for 8's will continue!!
RS#slick.jpg
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Originally Posted by fairbird
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