Around 3K-4K to spend - what exact mods do you guys recommend for S3?

[bustabeans]

Hey Now -Brand new to the board, so please be easy on me.. I JUST purchased a 2015 Audi S3 and I'm flying down to pick it up this Friday. I live in SE WI, but the car is in Houston. I prefer to purchase used cars in lands where the weather is much better and they don't use salt. Anyway, back to issue at hand...

The car is bone stock right now. I'd like to make it quicker, but also make it handle much better as well. IE - I had a WRX and put a full exhaust, headers, etc, but the mod I noticed made it soooo much more fun to drive was sway bars..front and rear.

Things to consider

1. I'll be outsourcing all the labor, so that will factor in the cost
2. it's my daily driver, so dependability is a must
3. If I can save labor cost by doing things "while there in there" that's probably smart
4. I live in Lake Geneva, WI, so I'm right in the middle of Milwaukee and Chicago (anyone have a referral for a good shop?)
5. I can spend more $$ if it makes sense to do so, but 5K is my absolute top
6. I don't want it to be so low to the ground that potholes and such ruin it.
7. I don't want to attract too much attention, so I don't want it to be loud. I love a good rumble, but don't want high DB's


What Mods should I do? Anyone have a referral for a shop that is w/in 50 miles of Lake Geneva, WI?

[Eli0073]

With that budget if you shop wisely you can do a stage 2. Depending what company you choose for the TCU and DSG Tune you may be able to install it yourself with your laptop. Saving money in the process. Intake System, charge pipe, throttle pipe, turbo muffler delete, Oil Catch Can are things you can do on your own with a few tools. Again saving money in the process. Things you may ended up paying for labor downpipe, intercooler and exhaust if you fancy. All do you may want to do down pipe and cat delete and keep your oem exhaust. Here you will find guide on how to install them also in you tube. Also a OBDEleven will come in handy.

Also welcome to Audizine and hope you enjoy your S3.

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[en22]

I went APR stage 1 with an ECU and TCU tune a few months after I got the car. Definitely not the cheapest tune and they pretty much phased out stage 2 but it’s enough power for me.

I also have an APR open cold air intake in carbon fiber that I highly recommend. You can really hear the turbo noises and it looks amazing.

Also went with the CTS turbo resonator delete. It doesn’t affect performance, but adds some character to the stock exhaust (which sounds like crap). A really subtle mod if you want slightly more noise than stock but don’t want a full exhaust.

I’d recommend running the car stock for a few months. That way you get a feel for the handling, power, etc. the mods will “hit” much harder that way.

Congrats on the purchase! You’ll love every second of it.


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[spacecase]

I recommend accessport tune. DSG+ECU will cost around 1200. Get it from Stratified and it comes with a free ECU Tune. I highly recommend going EQT as they are probably the most knowledgeable about this platform and it feels great. With the accessport you can always resell after uninstalling from your car and it holds value pretty well. There is a forum post about top 10 mods that I'll share for GTI which shares the same platform as us so it still applies.

https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index...k7-mods.381660

[Sv2k]

Get your maintenance done first. Depending on the mileage and the records you have available, make sure your DSG and Haldex are serviced. I think coolant and brake fluid has to be flushed every couple of years per schedule. Check your brake pads and rotors. Obviously tires. Spark plugs. If there are no serious issues with the car, you should have enough left over for stage 1 tune & DSG tune, which is by far the biggest bang for your buck.


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[Spinnetti]

Revised on consideration. Most things are really minimal value add. I've spent over $7k just in parts, but if I had to go with most value for the money:

Maintenance - make sure all the stock stuff is up to snuff.
Lowering springs
Camber plates
Rear sway bar - As stiff as you can get (APR or maybe H&R)
Mount stiffeners - dogbone, motor mounts etc.
Stage I ecu tune by any of the usual vendors
Wheels/tires - 18" are lighter and ride better. RS3 stagger helps handing (255F/235R)
Lighter battery or move to the trunk - moving the battery to the trunk probably made the biggest difference of all my mods

[sj9ninety]

Stage 1 (Unitronic or IE)
Intake
Resonator delete
Lowering springs
Rear sway bar + end links

Stage 2
Downpipe
Wheels and tires


I would progressively go down this list in order so you can experience the benefit from each. This is pretty much where I’m at and I feel like I’ve reached a really good point for a reliable, and very quick daily.


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[Chaoscreature]

I would spend the whole budget on tires and suspension upgrades, but I care a lot more about handling than power.

[AraS3]

I recommend accessport tune. DSG+ECU will cost around 1200. Get it from Stratified and it comes with a free ECU Tune. I highly recommend going EQT as they are probably the most knowledgeable about this platform and it feels great. With the accessport you can always resell after uninstalling from your car and it holds value pretty well. There is a forum post about top 10 mods that I'll share for GTI which shares the same platform as us so it still applies.

https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index...k7-mods.381660

Get the EQT... There’s a FB group you can join. EQT is active in that group, and they have some heavy hitters in that group! Also, you’ll see guys from other tuners switch to EQT and get their feedback. I have yet to see anyone complained after switching. Also, with Cobb, you can recoup some $$ in the second-hand market...

Tons of info you’ll acquire here!!

https://m.facebook.com/groups/EQTVAG...&source=result

[AraS3]

Also, If you are concerned about the inspection or emission testing, the EQT stage 1 E30 OTS map will make the same or even more power than the stage 2 OTS map. All my Readiness Monitor are ready with my stage 1. You don’t have to worry about replacing your downpipe and deal with the O2 sensor CEL. I live in NY, and I need my Readiness Monitor to pass inspection. My next upgrade will be an E30 map and probably stay there...

[NanoG]

For more power:
Cobb Accessport, EQT Stage 2 ECU & DSG tune, downpipe, intercooler.

For better handling:
Tires, rear sway bar, coilovers or a nice set of lowering springs and shocks.

[bustabeans]

I'm really new to Audi's...and especially tuning Audi's - why is everyone saying "stage II - IF YOU CAN FIND IT"? Aren't there several companies offering products that are a stage II tune? I don't understand

[bustabeans]

Also, If you are concerned about the inspection or emission testing, the EQT stage 1 E30 OTS map will make the same or even more power than the stage 2 OTS map. All my Readiness Monitor are ready with my stage 1. You don’t have to worry about replacing your downpipe and deal with the O2 sensor CEL. I live in NY, and I need my Readiness Monitor to pass inspection. My next upgrade will be an E30 map and probably stay there...

I just moved and found out there is no emissions where I live...that's pretty awesome. That being said, I can pretty much just open up the exhaust right? Take the cats out

[bustabeans]

I would spend the whole budget on tires and suspension upgrades, but I care a lot more about handling than power.

I agree with you. While I'm going to add more power through tunes...the handling is where day to day driving is the most fun. Are there any suspension mods that can electronically change the way the car handles? Stiffer for sport, but soft sometimes

[Eli0073]

I'm really new to Audi's...and especially tuning Audi's - why is everyone saying "stage II - IF YOU CAN FIND IT"? Aren't there several companies offering products that are a stage II tune? I don't understand

I don't know to be honest. But if you want to go Stage 2...you can choose from a plethora of Tuning companies. Stage 2 usually includes intake system, inlet pipe, intercooler, downpipe and turbo muffler delete, some of us do also charge pipe and throttle pipe. I believe APR stop selling downpipes but there's plenty of other companies that does.

Before you open your wallet do consider your end goal with your car. If you go stage 1 or 2 you need to assess if that will be enough for you...or if in the future you would go to a stage 3 then you need to make sure the Tuning you choose support that. Otherwise you will fall in the trap, and then find yourself switching Tuning companies. Lots of us here had fallen into the trap myself included. LoL!!

Go to ecstuning.com or urotunning.com or uspmotorsports.com to get you started there's plenty of other sites

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[Chaoscreature]

I agree with you. While I'm going to add more power through tunes...the handling is where day to day driving is the most fun. Are there any suspension mods that can electronically change the way the car handles? Stiffer for sport, but soft sometimes

That's the dream isn't it!
If your S3 came with the electronic adjustable suspension you can get something like the KW DDC kit, Part number 39010049, but again that's gonna blow your whole budget.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-kw-suspe...n/39010049~kw/
I am sure there are other options out there, but I am not familiar with the electronic systems.
If your S3 has the standard suspension, it's hard to beat a Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit for value/performance.

Get these bushings for sure:
https://blackforestindustries.com/pr...th-ball-joints
If you want a bit more camber up front, then add these to your basket:
https://store.034motorsport.com/dyna...-ttrs-mqb.html

You will want to factor in some "While you are in there" parts when you get the suspension done. Front strut mounts / bearings are pretty much a "must" when you change the suspension. Pay for a decent alignment.
I would start with the lowering springs and bushings. You can add the sway bar afterwards if you decide you want to change the handling balance a bit.

[AraS3]

What I like about the Cobb and EQT is that you have many stages of upgrading. You can have the OTS stage 1, then stage 1 on E30. Then when you go to stage 2, Then there is a stage 2 E30 OTS map. When you are ready to join the big boys, EQT can do custom tunes when you start upgrading your turbo and fuel system.

[S3DUDE]

Stage 2 minus the intercooler, save the money. I heard the elbow makes a difference, I believe it. I had a Stage 2 (Tune and downpipes) and it was a game changer on my s3.

[NanoG]

I'm really new to Audi's...and especially tuning Audi's - why is everyone saying "stage II - IF YOU CAN FIND IT"? Aren't there several companies offering products that are a stage II tune? I don't understand

Because of the new emissions restrictions set forth by the EPA, companies like APR have ceased production of their downpipes and discontinued their Stage 2 tunes.

The good news is that there are still plenty of companies out there that still offer "stage 2" tunes and the required mods.

[Sv2k]

Because of the new emissions restrictions set forth by the EPA, companies like APR have ceased production of their downpipes and discontinued their Stage 2 tunes.

The good news is that there are still plenty of companies out there that still offer "stage 2" tunes and the required mods.

APR is the only one that did it. Unitronic, IE and everyone else is still selling software and their downpipes. The only other one that pulled back that I know of is AWE. They do not sell their downpipe for US market anymore. That downpipe is a unique product, thought, and if you have $1500+ to drop on DP, get COBB with GESI catalytic for similar performance.


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[OhDavy1]

I live in the Chicagoland area, I've worked with GRD tuning in West Chicago. They are a reputable Audi and VW performance shop. You could install everything below with basic ease with the exception of the downpipe. This requires removing multiple heat shields and moving the driveshaft to remove the downpipe so you might want a shop to install. But you can easily add 100whp with the following and have money left over for your downpipe installation.

EQT Stage 2 tune and DSG -$1300
Downpipe -$500-900
Intake - 034 induction bundle $200
Stage colder rs7 plugs $60

[NYCSuits]

Get your maintenance done first. Depending on the mileage and the records you have available, make sure your DSG and Haldex are serviced. I think coolant and brake fluid has to be flushed every couple of years per schedule. Check your brake pads and rotors. Obviously tires. Spark plugs. If there are no serious issues with the car, you should have enough left over for stage 1 tune & DSG tune, which is by far the biggest bang for your buck.


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This guy gets it.

[bustabeans]

Get your maintenance done first. Depending on the mileage and the records you have available, make sure your DSG and Haldex are serviced. I think coolant and brake fluid has to be flushed every couple of years per schedule. Check your brake pads and rotors. Obviously tires. Spark plugs. If there are no serious issues with the car, you should have enough left over for stage 1 tune & DSG tune, which is by far the biggest bang for your buck.


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Did Haldex, DSG, oil, and plugs yesterday. Just wanted to tell you you had super solid advice for the first things. Brand new (to me) car and now I feel good about it's ability to tune and be reliable.

[NYCSuits]

Did Haldex, DSG, oil, and plugs yesterday. Just wanted to tell you you had super solid advice for the first things. Brand new (to me) car and now I feel good about it's ability to tune and be reliable.

Best decision you could've made prior to diving into mods.

[jaherer1]

I had a shop do the DSG, Haldex (around 36 months regular maintenance) and Spark Plugs (after I installed stage 1 tune), so labor for that was around $400 and included the oil for the DSG and Haldex. And had the same shop install the downpipe, catback exhaust, and dogbone mount at the same time, labor was $450. I installed all the intake stuff myself and do my own oil changes.

Here is what I paid for the parts:

IE Stage 1 ECU and DSG Tune with Flash Cable - $1200
K&N Filter and ECS Silicone Intake Tube - $100
ECS Turbo Inlet Pipe - $90
NGK Spark Plugs - $100
ECS Catted Downpipe - $450
Milltek Non-Resonated Catback Exhaust w/ Black Tips- $1200
034 Dogbone Mount - $40
Stage 2 ECU Tune - $100

Labor total is $850 and Parts ~$3280

After all the above, I needed new tires, so bought a relatively new set of Neuspeed RSE10 18x8.5 with Michelin P4S (245/40/18) and 12mm spacers all around for $1300 total, and the car rides so much better than the stock 19" with summer Conti's. Also bought some used 18" Alzor wheels with winter tires for less than $500 about 2 years ago.

Have the car now for 4 years, and only things I will do in the future are:

1. Suspension once my MAG ride fails
2. Intercooler and RS-style grille, do both at the same time since I have to take off the bumper

[Quartz05]

Following this thread, because it's perfect.

I've got my '15 A3 as a CPO dealer program car when it was 6 months old with 4k miles. It's now paid for, the CPO warranty just expired and I've decided to skip a new car this time around (I also have a '17 Golf Sportwagen) and sink about $5k into this one.

I just got it back from the local body shop, which has corrected every little mark of the last 5+ years. This is my plan:

1. APR ECU and TCU tune. I was an APR customer with my old '05.5 A4 and know their work.
2. Exhaust - but struggling to find a sound that I like. I don't want it too loud, I just want a little more rumble. Contemplating a downpipe with the OEM exhaust, but just not sure.
3. H&R springs / Bilstein P8 dampers for the stiffer, 1" lower thing.
4. Intake, probably APR
5. Wheels, probably black (car is Dakota Grey)
6. Carbon Fiber add-ons like a spoiler, splitter, etc.... maybe. Wife says "don't make it embarrassing" and I'm old enough to kinda agree.

[brian23A3]

Following this thread, because it's perfect.

I've got my '15 A3 as a CPO dealer program car when it was 6 months old with 4k miles. It's now paid for, the CPO warranty just expired and I've decided to skip a new car this time around (I also have a '17 Golf Sportwagen) and sink about $5k into this one.

I just got it back from the local body shop, which has corrected every little mark of the last 5+ years. This is my plan:

1. APR ECU and TCU tune. I was an APR customer with my old '05.5 A4 and know their work.
2. Exhaust - but struggling to find a sound that I like. I don't want it too loud, I just want a little more rumble. Contemplating a downpipe with the OEM exhaust, but just not sure.
3. H&R springs / Bilstein P8 dampers for the stiffer, 1" lower thing.
4. Intake, probably APR
5. Wheels, probably black (car is Dakota Grey)
6. Carbon Fiber add-ons like a spoiler, splitter, etc.... maybe. Wife says "don't make it embarrassing" and I'm old enough to kinda agree.

You will probably want another tuner if you definitely want stage 2. You may be lucky to find an APR downpipe brand new from a dealer with the software code. I would look for that first. If not another tune is your best bet. (Unitronic, Eurodyne, etc.)

If you are concerned with exhaust sound but want performance, downpipe only is your best bet.

I like what you said in #6 lol. You'll save money as well. The carbon fiber mirror caps are ok though, a little touch without sticking out too much. If you must have. If not money saved for other mods.

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[Sv2k]

Following this thread, because it's perfect.

I've got my '15 A3 as a CPO dealer program car when it was 6 months old with 4k miles. It's now paid for, the CPO warranty just expired and I've decided to skip a new car this time around (I also have a '17 Golf Sportwagen) and sink about $5k into this one.

I just got it back from the local body shop, which has corrected every little mark of the last 5+ years. This is my plan:

1. APR ECU and TCU tune. I was an APR customer with my old '05.5 A4 and know their work.
2. Exhaust - but struggling to find a sound that I like. I don't want it too loud, I just want a little more rumble. Contemplating a downpipe with the OEM exhaust, but just not sure.
3. H&R springs / Bilstein P8 dampers for the stiffer, 1" lower thing.
4. Intake, probably APR
5. Wheels, probably black (car is Dakota Grey)
6. Carbon Fiber add-ons like a spoiler, splitter, etc.... maybe. Wife says "don't make it embarrassing" and I'm old enough to kinda agree.

Regarding #6, 8v is such a good looking and timeless design, it does not need any embellishments. Slightly lowered is all it needs, imho.

I thought of changing the grille when I was installing the IC and decided against it, because stock just looks good as is.

Save the money. Take your wife on vacation, better ROI, lol.


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[Quartz05]

Regarding #6, 8v is such a good looking and timeless design, it does not need any embellishments. Slightly lowered is all it needs, imho.

I thought of changing the grille when I was installing the IC and decided against it, because stock just looks good as is.

Save the money. Take your wife on vacation, better ROI, lol.


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All good points, thanks.

APR apparently doesn't do any exhaust components at all, anymore. I like the idea of a downpipe, but am worried about the occasional need to demonstrate emissions compliance as required by the Great State of New Jerseystan. :) I'll have to do some more investigation about how that works, i.e. can I install a downpipe and still manage to pass inspection. It seems like these days all the inspection stations do is plug into the OBD port and check for whatever codes might indicate an emissions issue.

A good VAG performance shop in NJ would be helpful, but I don't know of any. I used AP Tuning in Lebanon, PA for my old A4, but that's kind of a hike.

[brian23A3]

Where in NJ?

I'm in Southern NJ and will be dealing with inspection in June. Car is stage 2 with a hi flow cat and Eurodyne tune. I was told that having a cat it should still pass. Regardless I will err on the side of caution and flash back to stock. Also going to a local mechanic instead of an inspection station.

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[daren7]

Here's my 2 cents.. I've tuned a lot of these cars and with the IS38 I'd do a software tune (IE or APR), a 3" downpipe (leave the stock exhaust as 2k in aftermarket premium exhaust will give you noise but only about 5hp), cooler plugs for sure, an aluminum turbo intake elbow, a high-flow filter, and drive it like you stole it! You'll spend less than 2k and get 90% of all of the gains of this configuration.... expensive intakes etc.. just won't give you that much hp

[davserbic]

This thread is so fantastic.

After reading through this thread, I realized I could be spending my money a bit better. The car is up to date to factory maintenance so this list is anything beyond that. Below is a list of items purchased already vs to-do list of items to get next.

Already Purchased:

• APR CF Intake + CF Air Inlet Pipe
• MBRP Exhaust
• KW V1 Coilovers
• CF + Alcantara TTRS Steering Wheel w/ Push Start (I dunno why)

To Do

• IE Turbo Inlet Pipe
• IE Powerlink Cable + IE IS38 MQB ECU & TCU Tunes
• Momo Anzio Wheels
• Continental DWS06 Tires

[Quartz05]

Where in NJ?

I'm in Southern NJ and will be dealing with inspection in June. Car is stage 2 with a hi flow cat and Eurodyne tune. I was told that having a cat it should still pass. Regardless I will err on the side of caution and flash back to stock. Also going to a local mechanic instead of an inspection station.

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Englishtown / Manalapan.

I'm planning to check out Island Sport Works in Pt. Pleasant. It's only a 35 minute drive from me, they seem to have a loyal following and have gotten good reviews.

Right now the plan is to get it inspected then get a UniConnect with Unitronic ECU and TCU Stage 1 tunes and maybe the Unitronic downpipe, as well.

[brian23A3]

Englishtown / Manalapan.

I'm planning to check out Island Sport Works in Pt. Pleasant. It's only a 35 minute drive from me, they seem to have a loyal following and have gotten good reviews.

Right now the plan is to get it inspected then get a UniConnect with Unitronic ECU and TCU Stage 1 tunes and maybe the Unitronic downpipe, as well.

Ok cool. A bit far from me, I remember Waterfest there back in the day. That area seems to have more VW Audi guys than around here. If the locals like a shop you should be fine. Good luck with the car and Unitronic is a solid choice.

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