Originally Posted by
JBA87
Tuning:
From a pure power perspective should I go APR vs. Unitronic or another customer tuner such as Rrhamani (what others are available). I know must tunes are basically the same, but curious for other's perspectives (is there a sticky thread of 60-130 or quarter mile times to see what others are putting down in terms of numbers).
Please note any other advantages and disadvantage of the different tuning options (for example, I believe you can toggle fuel maps in the dash with APR, whereas your can flash-tune at home with Unitronic).
Also, I see there is no longer a Stage 2 option for APR? Only a Stage 1+ ? Is Stage 1+ basically the same thing? I don't understand why the Stage 2 isn't available any longer.
What is the better TCU upgrade?
Also, if I do e85, I believe I require Injectors and new plugs? If i get the new injectors and plugs and flash back to 93, will those be compatible? Or only with e85? Kind worried about whether I upgrade the injectors and plugs that I will still be able to toggle back and forth between e85 and 93 reliably for daily use.
Inlet hose
Which is best. I was thinking of going with APR, but the Unitronic site seems to suggest that their 4" hose gets better air flow than the APR hose. What other manufacturers available? What is recommended by others?
Intercooler
Is this even necessary for initial e85? Moreover, if it is, again, which manufacturers are available? Anything recommend over something else? I see an APR intercooler and a forge (maybe) brand? What are experiences with the intercooler? Any others. Goal here is MOST performance.
Intakes?
Does this add any vlaue or just sound? It looks like on APR site airflow is reduced with joined with their intake vs. factory? Am I reading this wrong?
Downpipes
What downpipe options are available recommended? It looks like APR doesn't make downpipes anymore? Should I go IE? USP custom? Others? Moreover, can I do de-catted and use the APR Tune. I heard / read something about how a lot of tuners are no longer removing the CEL via tuning due to EPA liability concerns? So, does that mean if I get a de-catted downpipe from one brand and then, say, go with APR for tuning does that mean that I am going to have a CEL? If so what are my options? Different tuner or am I stuck with a catted setup?
Exhaust
Any recommendations?
Spacers / Coils / Suspension
Recommendations here? I hate the factory ride hide and wheel setup :(
Turbos
I will eventually upgrade turbos, so if there is anything more experienced tuners can add regarding the upgrade please advise.
Other
Anything else you'd like to add :D
Tuning
You will find that most will suggest Unitronic and from what I can tell they have offered a good product. It also sounds like they are looking to improve upon their software some more. If you are the kind of person that wants an easy flash and to basically forget it then an option like Unitronic will suit you well. You do mention going with a larger turbo though. Since, at least at this time, Unitronic only offers OTS tunes and not custom tunes you will be limited to the turbo's they have created tunes for.
A newer option, that in my opinion will be the go to tuning option for this platform once it ages a little bit, is in Beta. It is called the DS1. You will have more features than the other tuning options you mentioned. Things like rolling anti lag, on the fly adjustable launch control rpm, gauge hijacking, flex fuel, and more. You can use their stage 1 and stage 2 OTS maps while you're running the stock turbo. Once you go with a larger turbo you really should be running custom tunes. They have a stage 3 (hybrid) and stage 4 (full frame) base files for a custom tuner to build off of. Be sure to consider this when shopping for tunes.
What is the better TCU upgrade?
I haven't heard much about other companies and at this point plan to run the Unitronic TCU stage 2 flash. If you do end up going with someone like APR then I would stick to their TCU solution too as they were developed together.
if I do e85, I believe I require Injectors and new plugs?
Yes, injectors and plugs. Eventually you will need a better LPFP if you continue down the upgrade path. You can run them with E and pump just fine. For solutions like Unitronic, for now, you will need to flash at the pump. Solutions like the DS1, the tune will adapt on the fly.
Inlet
I will be going with the Unitronic 4 inch inlet. I honestly believe there is no reason that anyone should be purchasing a 3 inch inlet at this point. They have adapter rings so it will work with larger turbo's once you go that route.
Intercooler
I haven't made up my mind about intercoolers yet. Keep in mind that not all intercoolers that fit the RS3 will fit, without modification, on the TTRS. I will say I was surprised on how well the stock unit did. I am on a stage 1 tune and it is cool out now but I saw an increase of 35F over a 1/4 mile pull. I am not saying I recommend staying on the stock intercooler but this has removed some of the urgency for me to replace it. The last thing you should consider is how it will look in the front of you car. I also have an all black TTRS and my intercooler is black from the factory. I think putting an aluminum intercooler on it would take away from the front end.
Intakes
You have to decide if it financially makes sense to go with the higher end intakes. The sealed carbon fiber options have shown to add a few more horsepower. The open air intakes have been shown to sound great but not really net any power. I have personally struggled with this decision but I have decided that over $1,000 for an intake is just silly. I will probably pick up the CTS unit and wait until there are more better low cost solutions.
Downpipe
Iroz seems to be the popular choice here and is what I will plan to go with when I pick one up. A LOT of people complain about wastegate rattle which Unitronic doesn't tune out. Some other custom tuners say they have a fix for it. APR is no longer openly supporting the removal of emission systems. This means you will have a cell and they will not sell catless downpipes. I believe Dyno Spectrum (DS1) has the same stance but since they are an open platform you can go into the OTS and turn it off yourself.
Exhausts
I have no input on this.
Spacers / Coils / Suspension
I have no input on this.
Turbos
The first thing you need to decide is if you plan to build the engine or not. People have seen engine failures on the stock turbo running E85. The rods in this engine aren't strong enough the for torque everyone wants to run. If you are planning to build the engine then hybrid or full frame? From what I can tell most people like the TTE700 & TTE777 and the Iroz full frame kits. I used Pure Turbos hybrid on my last two BMWs and have had great experiences with them. I will say that someone has reported blowing their Pure 800 due to excessive exhaust gas temps. I will look more into this but would be looking at their Pure 850 option which is ball bearing.
Other
Think out what all you want out of the car. Maybe think about the performance or purpose and then look at other builds to see what need to be done to get there. Don't waste money switching tuning companies or going hybrid when you know you will want to go with a full frame kit. Think about how much money you can justify spending on this car and try to stick to that. I think the TTRS is a great car. The fact that the rods need to be upgraded to run larger turbos is a bummer. The fact that you can run 9's on the stock turbo though is pretty nuts. Congrats on your purchase and enjoy. Also post up when you're doing things to it. The TT section gets a lot less action than the RS3 section.
Get an upgrade dogbone mount, ECE is what I will go with.
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